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Dear friend,
Earlier today, President Biden signed a bill that avoided a federal government shutdown and extends government funding until mid-February. While we are encouraged about this temporary relief, Congress is still working on many pressing issues for the American people. These issues include passing the National Defense Authorization Act, tackling the debt ceiling, and pushing the Build Back Better Act past the finish line. Much work is left to do before the end of 2021, but we are confident that we can deliver what our country needs in a bipartisan and timely fashion.
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
Celebrating Over $7M in Constituent Savings!
This newsletter highlights casework successes every week to show how hard my staff and I work for the people I represent. Since taking office in 2013, we update the dollar amount of earned benefits recovered for San Diegans.
This week, I proudly announced that my office has secured a total of $7,327,908 in earned benefits for my constituents.
Our office works year-round to assist San Diegans with federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Small Business Administration. We often assist with passport renewals, small business loans, COVID-19 emergency relief, and access to the benefits owed to veterans and active-duty military and their families. These services are provided at no cost.
I owe this milestone to the relentless efforts of my staff who ensure the people I represent receive the funds and benefits they have earned with their service to our nation, through lifetimes of hard work and paying taxes, or through their commitment to higher education.
If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my office at 858-455-5550 or visit my website at scottpeters.house.gov for more information.
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Energy and Climate
On Wednesday, my staff attended a ceremony held by the Navy and the State of California. Through a memorandum of understanding, they reaffirmed their joint commitment to work together on energy issues and to address climate change. Admiral Barnett, General Woodworth, Col Bedell, Commissioner Hochschild, and the Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger attended this event.
Speakers at this ceremony discussed shared goals related to energy partnerships energy projects, climate change, grid security, and greenhouse gas emissions. During her remarks, Assistant Secretary Berger mentioned that this memorandum emphasizes that our state will continue working hand in hand with the Navy to accomplish our climate and energy goals. On behalf of San Diego, this partnership is vital for the interests of America and the globe.
Highlighting Climate and Trade with the Atlantic Council
On Thursday, I delivered keynote remarks at a virtual forum hosted by the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center. I spoke about my recent trip to Europe to discuss international climate policy and the encouraging commitments that came out of COP26 including those focused on reducing methane pollution and deforestation, among other priorities. I also highlighted key climate elements in the bipartisan infrastructure law and spoke about the FAIR Transition and Competition Act I introduced with Sen. Chris Coons (D-CT) earlier this year. My staff also joined the event and contributed to the panel discussion. Thank you to the Atlantic Council for including us in this discussion. Together, we must find practical solutions to the climate crisis that consider interrelated challenges including working conditions, national security, and human health as part of a comprehensive strategy.
Discussing Supply Chain Disruptions with White House Task Force
Also on Thursday, my staff joined a virtual meeting of the Democratic Manufacturing Working Group (DMWG) with the White House Supply Chain Disruption Task Force. Administration officials updated members and staff on immediate and long -term strategies to minimize scarcity issues, stabilize prices, and strengthen all parts of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) Town Hall
Photo Courtesy: San Diego Military Advisory Council
Last week, I spoke at SDMAC's year-end town hall event. I provided an update on the latest in Congress and answered questions about inflation, ongoing negotiations over the National Defense Authorization Act, the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the impacts of partisanship on a functioning government. I also highlighted future investments in our local infrastructure made possible by the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I thank Col Bedell, CO of MCAS Miramar and Mark Balmert, CEO of SDMAC for your leadership and invitation to this event.
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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