It’s appropriations month here in Congress and this week we’re considering important legislation to help fund the government. Here are some of the highlights for the week of June 17th:
Fighting for Valley water
Enhancing water resources for our Valley continues to be one of my top priorities. During a House Natural Resources Committee hearing last week, I highlighted the importance of making valuable water infrastructure improvements outlined in the S.A.V.E. Water Resources Act. I introduced this bill along with Rep. Harder to make significant and lasting improvements to our water infrastructure in California.
Watch my statement:
Additionally, I teamed up with Valley members Reps. Harder and Cox sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to support State Senate Bill 559 (S.B. 559) to help fund overdue repairs to the Friant-Kern canal. This 150-mile long water delivery system plays is the primary source of water for the East side of our Valley, and plays a key role in providing resources to rural communities and farmers throughout the region. If we are to address this water crisis, it’s critical that we seek funding from local, state, and federal sources.
Honoring our veterans
A soldier’s sacrifice never fades. That’s why we must honor the bravery of our veterans every chance we get. Over the weekend, we honored eight World War II Veterans for their distinguished service. We presented each with medals earned during their service and American flags that were flown over the United States Capitol building. I will continue to work to support our troops both in active duty, and when they come home.
Repairing California’s transportation networks
California’s roads have been in decline for years, and recently weakened by fires and floods, while the President repeatedly tries to cut California’s funding to rebuild. In order to block these attempts and ensure California can take advantage of federal money, I’ve become an original cosponsor of H.R. 3193 – the Transportation Emergency Relief Funds Availability Act. This legislation would repeal the current 2 year deadline to break ground on construction, and provide up to 6 years for transportation projects.
Fighting for wetlands and wildlife
Wetlands supply numerous ecological, economic and social benefits. The Department of Interior announced further North American Wetlands Conservation (NAWCA) grants, which will provide $29.4 million, and an additional $77 million in partner funds, to conserve or restore more than 205,000 acres. This includes $1 million for San Joaquin and Kern River Watershed restoration and improve critical habitat, which support a diverse population of migratory birds. I was happy to submit a letter to the appropriations committee to secure funding for these valuable programs into the future.
Additionally, the National Science Foundation recently awarded UC Merced over $80,000 for their “Safety in Ocean and Field Sciences” project. This announcement is well-timed, as June is National Ocean Month. These grants and awards are crucial to supporting programs that enhance the quality of education in the Valley.
As the House considers appropriations bills over the next few weeks, I will continue to explore more ways we can further these efforts.
Upcoming Events Across the District:
Dairy Margin Coverage Program:
On Monday, I held two district workshops at our local Farm Bureaus – in Fresno and Merced — on the new Dairy Margin Coverage Program, which started on Monday, June 17th and runs through September 20th.
Merced County Library is holding a series of workshops this summer to encourage nurturing literacy at home. They will take place at Merced County Library 2100 O St. Merced, CA 95340 in the Gracey Room at the following times:
Weekly Sessions:
June 24-30th
Monday: 10:30-11:30am $ 4:00-5:00pm
Saturday: 12:00-1:00pm & 1:30-2:30pm
To register or for more information, call: (209) 385-7391
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