The House has adjourned for the August district work period and during this time I will be meeting with community leaders and constituents from across the district to hear about their priorities and discuss the important work we’ve been doing in Washington on their behalf. Here are some highlights from the week of July 29:
Ensuring humanitarian living conditions
Despite Congress’ recent effort to provide funding relief for detainees at the border, poor conditions persist. The House passed H.R. 32329 – the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act last week, which establishes minimum basic care standards for detainees, such as nutrition and mandatory health screenings. I supported this legislation because it would preserve asylum seekers’ dignity while also providing access to basic services they should already be receiving. As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I will not let the Administration’s failed anti-immigrant agenda stop us from protecting vulnerable children and families and honoring our values as a nation of immigrants.
Protecting working-class Americans
Last week, I voted to pass H.R.397 – the Rehabilitation of Multiemployer Pensions Act of 2019 to address the problem of failing multiemployer pension plans that provide retirement benefits to blue collar Americans, including truckers, miners, and iron and autoworkers. This bipartisan legislation helps restore security for the 1.3 million working-class Americans who have paid into pension plans their entire careers. Should these plans fail, the results would be catastrophic for both our economy and our workforce. I will continue to fight to ensure that workers across all industries receive the benefits they have earned.
Working for you
From protecting our democracy to working to lower healthcare costs, it’s been a busy 200 days of progress in the House. I’ve been working hard to address the issues facing our communities and our country. Here are some of the key achievements of the first 6 months:
Passed 10 bills to reduce the price of healthcare, lower prescription drug costs, and strengthen protections for people with preexisitng conditions.
Advanced the Equality Act to ensure that every American enjoys the same rights and is protected equally under the law
Fought to improve our Water Infrastructure to address the strain on this precious resource posed by drought and climate change.
Worked to implement the 2018 Farm Bill, leading education and outreach on Farm Bill programs to help farmers and improve our water sustainability
Passed funding bills to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis at our border and advanced legislation to secure a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants and our DREAMers currently living in the United States.
I’m committed to reaching across the aisle over the next 18 months to secure a better standard of living for all.
Watch my statement:
Valley Lands Big Dollars
Two months ago, the EPA announced recipients of their Brownsfield grants, which assist in improving public health and the environment by transforming contaminated sites around the country into community assets. The city of Fresno received $600,000 that will be put toward redevelopment projects to help create jobs and boost the economy. I had the opportunity to tour possible sites around Fresno that could benefit from this funding, including Downtown, Chinatown, and Southwest Fresno. I was happy to support the city’s effort by urging the EPA to consider Fresno for this important grant, and I’m excited to see the improvements it brings.
Promoting the well-being of our communities
Last week, my staff presented a certificate for the grand opening and expansion of the Living Well Center, a new mental health clinic for the Hmong and South East Asian Community. Addressing the mental health needs of the Hmong community, and particularly Hmong veterans, poses some cultural challenges. This three to five-year expansion of the center will aim to provide individuals with culturally-aligned treatment for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, some of the most common diagnoses. I’m proud of the great work the city is doing to promote the well-being of all members of our community.
Upcoming Events Across the District:
E-Waste Recycling:
Join the Fresno Grizzlies this weekend to get rid of your unwanted electronics in a safe, responsible and convenient way. Click here for more information.
When: Sat, August 3, 2019
Where: Chukchansi Park – 1800 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721
14th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk and Celebration:
Take part in the 14th Annual Awareness Walk and Celebration. Free t-shirts, prizes, snacks, and children’s activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The first step to a healthy life is community. Please register here.
When: Sat, August 3, 2019
Where: Woodward Park – Mountain View Shelter – 7775 N Friant Rd. Fresno, CA
Clicking Caravan at Fresno County Historical Museum:
The Fresno County Historical Museum invites you to expand your photography skills to capture the unique photo opportunities. Please register here.
When: Sat, August 3, 2019
Where: Woodward Park – Mountain View Shelter – 7775 N Friant Rd. Fresno, CA
Yosemite Veterans Education and Leadership 2019 Seminar:
Sixteen veterans will share their expertise in veterans and educational programs. Develop a new support team you can communicate with in achieving educational and career goals. Apply by July 26, 2019 for priority consideration. Applications close August 7, 2019. Apply online.
7th Annual VA Central California Mental Health Summit:
The purpose of the Mental Health Summit is to bring together key stakeholders in the community with the goal of enhancing access to mental health services and to address the mental healthcare needs of Veterans and their family members residing in Central California. Please register here.
When: Wed, August 21, 2019
Where: Clovis veterans Memorial District 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612
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