After the 4th of July district work period, I am back in Washington where the House is working on important legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019. Here are some of the highlights from the week of July 8th:
Pressing for humane border conditions
Despite Congress’ recent effort to provide relief for migrants in detention centers at the border, thousands are still living in inhumane conditions. We need to take action to find long term solutions to the crisis at our border, including providing aid to the Northern Triangle countries, working cooperatively with Mexico, and working in a bipartisan fashion to achieve comprehensive reform of our immigration system. I’ve cosponsored H.R. 3239 — the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, H.R.3660 – the Accountability for Migrant Deaths Act, as well as a resolution reaffirming the benefits of U.S. support of Northern Triangle countries to take steps toward this. I will continue to fight to ensure that the men, women, and children in detention centers have access to basic human rights.
Watch my speech:
Bolstering our national defense
Every year the House works on legislation that provides almost $700 billion in funding to various programs related to our national defense. These programs are not strictly limited to military operations or procurement of weapons, but also to combat threats like climate change, disease, and natural disasters. Here are a couple of the key items I fought to include in H.R. 2500 – NDAA FY2020:
An amendment to ensure that the 144th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Fresno, and units like it, receive the resources they need to do both their tactical mission as well as their specialty mission, including firefighting, aerial spray for mosquito control, or weather reconnaissance.
An amendment to prevent the Department of Defense from consolidating their Defense Media Activity and moving hundreds of jobs out of California.
An amendment to ensure surviving military spouses receive all of their benefits.
Fighting for equal pay
In the past two decades, the U.S. Women’s National team has won three world cups in soccer. However, despite their disproportionate success, they consistently earn less than their male counterparts. Moreover, this disparity persists across industries and women continue to earn just 80 cents to every dollar a man earns. One hundred years after women have earned the right to vote, this imbalance is simply unacceptable. That’s why I was an original cosponsor of the H.R. 7 – the Paycheck Fairness Act. I will continue to fight to ensure women enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men.
Watch my speech:
Combating global hunger
Food security is a growing concern as global conflicts persist. This year, we celebrate the 65th anniversary of Food for Peace, a program that President Eisenhower signed into law in 1954 that uses American resources to help reduce chronic and acute hunger overseas. Food for Peace in the last year alone has reached approximately 76 million people in over 59 countries, providing crucial assistance in Yemen and Central America. I’ve fought to reauthorize this program in the last three Farm Bills and remain committed to supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Watch my speech:
Honoring honest reporting
After four decades of fair and honest reporting, Gene Haagenson of ABC30 News retired. His professionalism and commitment to journalistic integrity will be missed. Watch my speech, where I congratulate Gene on a successful career and a rich legacy.
Upcoming Events Across the District:
Starry Summer Nights Movies in the Park:
Come and enjoy a family friendly evening under the stars in Chowchilla.
Monsters Inc Friday, July 19th, Dusk Veterans Memorial Park
Join the CA Department of Transportation and the Madera County Transportation Authority to celebrate the groundbreaking of the widening project of Highway 99 from Avenue 12 to Avenue 17.
For the over 2 years, I’ve worked with Mayor Medellin, the City Council and the Madera County Board of Supervisors to secure state and local funding for this important work. Improving Highway 99 has been a top priority for me and I’m pleased that we can create safer roads and reduce traffic congestion through this project.
When: Friday, July 19, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Rotary Park – 930 N. Gateway Dr., Madera, CA 93637
Downtown Merced Art Hop:
Come and see what the artists around Merced have been working on and enjoy live music, interactive activities, and a lot of fun!
Sat Jul 20 2019 at 5:00 pm
Merced Art Hop, 1733 Canal St, Merced, California 95340, Merced, United States
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