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Dear friend,
Elevated COVID-19 case rates in San Diego, California and throughout the country show the danger of the highly contagious Delta variant. Getting the vaccine could make the difference between life and death. As misinformation spreads on social media and by word of mouth, please inform yourself responsibly. If you haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, there's still a chance to protect yourself and those around you. Click here to view sites and appointments in San Diego.
This week, I continued my work here in the district. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
Energy & Commerce Committee "Keeping Us Safe and Secure: Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission" Hearing
On Wednesday, I participated in a joint hearing held by the Subcommittees on Energy and Environment and Climate Change on nuclear regulations. I asked Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Christopher T. Hanson about the risks associated with the storage of spent nuclear fuel at decommissioned facilities, such as the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and how the Commission is providing oversight for the storage of spent fuel. I also asked if there are there ways to improve oversight and if this an ideal place for long-term spent fuel storage. If you missed this hearing, you can watch it here.
District Work
Closing of Emergency Intake Site at Convention Center
On Thursday, I joined my fellow members of Congress and County Supervisors Nora Vargas and Nathan Fletcher for the official closing of the emergency intake site for unaccompanied minors within the convention center. Federal and local officials set up this site in March to respond to the growing number of children and teenagers at our border. During these months, over 2,400 asylum seekers were released to sponsors. Thank you to the local staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to provide comfort and safety for these unaccompanied minors.
We also fulfilled the commitment we made to fully reopen the convention center to revive San Diego's tourism sector. It now returns to its role as a major economic engine that supports tens of thousands of jobs in San Diego. Let's get back to business!
Reception with Mr. Taranjit Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the United States
Later on Thursday, I joined a reception celebrating the visit of the Ambassador of India to the U.S., Mr. Taranjit Sandhu, to San Diego. He accepted the first delivery of MH60R helicopters on behalf of the Indian Navy. Last year, the Indian government approved a $2.6 billion deal to purchase 24 Seahawks from American manufacturers. This event aboard the Star of India, along with my peers Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Rep. Darrel Issa (CA-50), reaffirms our strong relationship with India and the continued work our countries will do together.
Meeting with Smart Border Coalition Board of Directors
I also spoke to the board of directors of the Smart Border Coalition this week. This coalition uplifts the importance of our binational region and works to facilitate travel between San Diego and Tijuana. The group recently developed ways to better track border wait times in partnership with UC San Diego. We discussed building a smart border by leveraging local high-tech companies, cleaning up the Tijuana River valley, and improving the flow of goods and people.
Other attendees included Mayor Todd Gloria, Tijuana Mayor Karla Ruiz McFarland, Consul General of United States in Tijuana Sue Saarnio, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego Carlos González Gutiérrez, and Rep. Darrell Issa.
Tour of USNS John Lewis
Earlier today, I toured USNS John Lewis ahead of its Christening Ceremony tomorrow. Speaker Nancy Pelosi led the congressional delegation (pictured above) for today's tour and will deliver the ceremonial principal address at the ceremony.
This ship is first in its class and will be operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command. John Lewis-class oilers will be named for other prominent civil rights leaders and are part of the Navy's Combat Logistics Force. San Diego's General Dynamics NASSCO proudly built this oiler after the Navy awarded a $3.2 billion contract in 2016 for its design and construction.
This christening will mark one year since the death of John Lewis, a man whose legacy is defined by public service and his fight for civil rights. We know all future Sailors aboard this ship will be inspired by Lewis' legacy. We wish them fair winds and following seas.
Participate in Our Weekly Poll!
This section in our e-newsletter allows readers to weigh in on current events. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
As the economy continues to stabilize, we're seeing how inflation increases the price of goods and services. Have your spending habits or plans changed due to this recent inflation?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms.
Last week's question was: Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools. It states that fully vaccinated students and teachers do not need to wear masks in school. Do you think this is an appropriate update? Or, should schools open more slowly because of the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant and the presence of a large unvaccinated population?
Here are the results:
330 Responses: 40.9% I think kids should be able to return to in-person learning, but I'm concerned about interactions between vaccinated and unvaccinated people at schools. 36.7% Yes; kids should be able to return to in-person school without masks. 9.4% No, remote learning or stricter mask requirements should remain in place. 13% Other
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need assistance with a federal agency, reach out to us through our website or by calling the district office at 858-455-5550.
To stay updated on my work throughout the week, you can also follow my social media accounts by clicking on the icons below.
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