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Dear friend,
Our country lived through a painful and tragic attack 19 years ago today. The attacks on September 11, 2001 cast a dark shadow on our collective memory. Today, we honor the innocent lives lost as well as the first responders who risked their lives to save others and proved our unbreakable spirit, even in the face of such a devastating event.
I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay safe and well during these difficult times. Below is some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you and everyone in the 52nd Congressional district.
Legislative Work
House committee action on Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act & STANDUP Act
On Wednesday, I joined the House Energy & Commerce Committee to amend and pass 38 bills, which included one of my bills, the STAND UP Act. This bill would require training students and school faculty to detect, intervene, and support youth at risk of death by suicide. Now reported out of the committee, this bill goes to the full House for a potential vote.
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a legislative hearing to discuss 25 comprehensive bills to address the mental health and well-being of our increasingly diverse veteran population. This includes my bill, the Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act, which would help servicemembers' loved ones understand the rigors and challenges of service, and the VA resources available to them. The committee is expected to meet next week to amend and pass this legislation.
District Work
On Tuesday, I addressed various organizations, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world as a keynote speaker during the Algae Biomass Summit's virtual conference. As the co-chair of the Congressional Algae Caucus, I spoke about my work in Congress to invest and uplift the role of algae as part of a sustainable future. Every year, this event gathers commercial algae producers, the scientific community, and algae product developers to unlock the potential of algae agriculture and provide a more sustainable source of food, feed, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and more.
Meeting with San Diego Military Family Collaborative
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On Thursday, I spoke with leaders from the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. SDMFC's work provides helpful resources and encourages collaboration within the military-connected community. The group recognized my work in Congress to support military families and veterans and presented me with their 10th anniversary challenge coin. I presented them with my personal challenge coin as well, featuring the Congressional seal, and the four pillars of the San Diego economy.
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This Week's Casework Success Story
Michael from La Jolla reached out to our office in July regarding issues about his mother's VA aid and attendance payments. Our district staff sent out an inquiry to the VA Pension Management Center and closely followed the case over the span of several weeks by asking for frequent updates. A month later, the VA notified us that $25,196 was deposited to Michael's mother's bank account for care at a skilled nursing facility. Michael's mother, who lives with dementia, will continue to receive monthly financial benefits from the VA Pension office. Michael was thankful for our office's help with this issue which, according to him, took over two years to resolve.
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