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Dear friend,
Please protect yourself and those around you as the highly contagious COVID-19 variant, Delta, spreads rapidly across the country. The County of San Diego is following the CDC's updated guidance on the use of masks. Face coverings are recommended for everyone in indoor public settings, whether you're vaccinated or not. Click here for additional details.
This week, I continued my work from Washington, D.C. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Anthony, a small business owner in Point Loma, contacted my office in March to request assistance with the IRS. He needed help with his personal tax refund and his business taxes so he could apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) with the Small Business Administration. My staff worked with Anthony to gather necessary documents and after months of waiting, both returns were processed. He received a $3,361 refund and proceeded to finally submit his EIDL application.
Legislative Work
Investing in San Diego Priorities: Funding Bills for FY 2022
This week, the House of Representatives passed nine funding bills for federal agencies and programs for Fiscal Year 2022. They cover funding for a wide range of categories including: energy and water, interior and environment, military construction and veterans' affairs, labor, education, and transportation among others. The bills will now head to the Senate.
It is my honor to fight for the people of the 52nd district in Congress. These bills advance and invest in major priorities of the communities I represent. Learn more about provisions for which I advocated including funds for clean energy and the environment, servicemembers and veterans, health, opportunity and prosperity, as well as specific funding for local community projects and programs.
Energy & Commerce Committee hearing: "The Changing Energy Landscape: Oversight of FERC"
On Tuesday, I attended the Energy Subcommittee hearing on regulation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). I discussed critical elements from a bill I introduced earlier this year, the POWER On Act, and asked FERC Chairman Richard Glick what stands in the way of building interstate high voltage transmission. Chairman Glick listed siting, planning, and cost allocation as the three major challenges to the development of additional transmissions to the grid. He went on to say that my legislation, which can help deliver clean, reliable, and low-cost energy to more consumers, addresses these issues head-on. Click here to watch our full exchange.
Staff Work in the District
On Monday, two members of my district staff received a briefing by San Diego Sector Border Patrol leadership followed by a tour of various sensitive sites. Officials discussed the impacts of pollution from the Tijuana River Valley on the health of agents and the surrounding communities, as well as ongoing concerns related to drug tunnels and existing infrastructure. My staff also heard how Congress can continue to support various strategic initiatives developed to secure our borders.
Grants Workshop with Rep. Sara Jacobs
Next week, I'll be holding a virtual workshop with Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53) to discuss federal grants, how to apply for them, and helpful resources for grant seekers. This event will be helpful for those who are new to applying for federal grants and for those seeking funding opportunities for nonprofits.
The following experts will join us next Tuesday (8/3) from 3-4 P.M.:
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:
The limited in-person attendance at the Tokyo Olympics distinguishes the global event from those in the past. Have you been watching despite the lack of crowds and fan excitement that usually define the Olympic games?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms.
Last week's question was: "An increasing number of high-profile executives including Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson are visiting space and encouraging more outer space exploration. Do you believe the government should invest more funds and resources beyond NASA to expand space tourism and recreation?"
Here are the results:
328 Responses: 42.7% No; this would be a waste of taxpayer money. 34.1% I don't consider space tourism a priority nor an interest for the U.S. 6.7% Yes; this could create exciting opportunities for the future. 16.5% 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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