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Dear friend,
Thanks to decreasing COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates, we are able to gather once again to celebrate our country's independence this year. While not all fireworks displays will take place, there will be several celebrations across the county. Please stay safe and enjoy this year's Fourth of July!
This week, I continued my work in Washington, D.C. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
Resolution to Curb Methane Emissions Becomes Law
On Wednesday, I joined President Biden at the White House as he signed a resolution I co-led with Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Rep. Conor Lamb (PA-17) to reinstate methane regulations for oil and gas operations into law.
This is one of the most important actions we've ever taken to combat the climate crisis.
In 2020, the Trump administration rescinded critical methane capture rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration. The reversal weakened, and in some cases eliminated, requirements that oil and natural gas companies limit methane from their operations.
I joined a group of my colleagues and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for a bill enrollment ceremony one day before our resolution got signed into law by the president.
There is more work to be done, but Republicans and Democrats united behind this important action because climate change is real and requires real solutions.
Discussion on POWER On Act during Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing
On Tuesday, I discussed the Prevent Outages with Energy Resiliency Options Nationwide (POWER ON) Act during an Energy Subcommittee hearing. I authored this bill to boost grid reliability, help decarbonize the power sector, adapt the grid to withstand the effects of climate change, and lower electricity costs for consumers.
Patricia Hoffman, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Electricity of the
U.S. Department of Energy served as a witness during this hearing. I asked her if the Biden Administration can reach its goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 without authorizing backstop authority for the federal government to ensure the construction of interregional transmission projects.
Ms. Hoffman responded that the Department of Energy can do a lot with existing authorities and continued collaboration with states. She also agreed that we have a national interest in interstate transmission, a need to move clean energy from remote areas to demand centers, and the need to support a strong power grid that will withstand emergency events.
Military Transition Assistance Pathway Caucus
This week, I proudly agreed to serve as the Democratic co-chair of the Military Transition Assistance Pathway (MTAP) Caucus. This bipartisan caucus will support and advocate on behalf of military servicemembers who return to civilian life, advance policies that improve services and resources for them, address gaps of care, and honor the service of our nation's servicemembers and their families. As representative of a military town like San Diego, I'm well aware that a return to civilian life presents unique challenges. It's an honor to support this community and I look forward to continuing to serve on their behalf.
Meeting with Poway High School Students
On Wednesday, I met with students from Poway High School. We discussed the importance of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field for students, especially those in underserved communities. We also discussed the need for STEM funding to engage students and promote the expansion of and access to these programs.
Naturalization Ceremony at USS Midway Museum
Today, I spoke at a military naturalization ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum, during which 20 active duty servicemembers became citizens of the United States, making me among the first to address them as "my fellow Americans." I'm grateful for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. Congratulations to them on their new citizenship on this Independence Day weekend!
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:
This week, President Biden met with governors from western states, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, to discuss wildfire prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts. Given the increasing intensity and danger of wildfires in recent years, what is your level of concern as temperatures rise?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. Last week's question was: Today, Vice President Harris visited the southern border in El Paso, Texas for the first time since taking office and being tasked with leading diplomatic efforts to stem the flow of migrants. How do you feel about her visit to the border?
Here are the results:
353 Responses: 28% The timing was right; she needed to visit now. 38% The timing was too late; she should have visited sooner. 6.5% There was no need for a border visit; we have other priorities. 27.5% 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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