It’s appropriations month here in Congress, which means that we worked on more important legislation to help fund the government before heading home for the 4th of July District Work Period. Here are some of the highlights for the week of June 24th:
Promoting global human rights
The state of human rights around the globe is under threat. The House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to advance a package of bills to promote global human rights. I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 3252 – the Global Respect Act, which would impose sanctions on those responsible for violations of internationally recognized human rights, and H.Res.395 – the World Refugee Day Resolution to renew our commitment to protecting and supporting those around the world who are forced to flee their homes. As global leaders, the U.S. must continue to exercise our influence and work to ensure everyone can enjoy basic human rights.
Watch my statement:
Controlling pest population growth
Nutria present significant issues for our way of life in the Valley. This invasive species from South America plague our waterways by destroying levees and canals, which in turn cause flooding that can have devastating effects for our farmers. That’s why I co-sponsored H.R.3399, legislation with fellow Valley members to reauthorize funding to eradicate and control the population growth of nutria in California.
Watch my Statement:
The navel orangeworm, a type of moth that feeds on both citrus fruits and a variety of nuts—most prominently pistachios, has had a devastating impact on the agriculture industry in California. It has been reported that farmers can lose up to 20% of their crop yield, costing more than $1,700 per acre if the pest is not properly managed. I was pleased that the Appropriations committee granted my request to increase funding for research and development of a pilot program to address the issue in this year’s appropriations bill (H.R. 3164).
Recognizing contributions of Portuguese Americans
As leaders in agriculture, business, and at all levels of government, Portuguese Americans have significantly influenced the growth of our nation. Rep. TJ Cox and I introduced H.Res.457, a resolution recognizing the substantial contributions that Portuguese Americans have made to American society and culture. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Portuguese American Caucus and a second-generation Portuguese immigrant, I believe it’s important that we formally acknowledge the achievements of Portuguese Americans.
Watch my speech:
Celebrating our hardworking interns
Every summer we are joined by a team of terrific interns that help us in our mission to serve the people of California’s 16th District. They come to us from various programs, most notably the Costa Scholars Legislative Intern Program through the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute in partnership with the Valley’s public universities. The program places high-performing students in Valley Congressional offices here in Washington, the State Capitol building in Sacramento, and at local district offices throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into the legislative process to develop a passion for public service. I had the pleasure of taking our DC interns to the White House Congressional Picnic and the Marine Barracks Parade. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work.
Protecting the environment
Preservation of our public lands and resources is crucial to supporting a sustainable environment. Earlier this year, Congress had the opportunity to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund through S. 47, John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation Management, and Recreation Act. In the House Natural Resources Committee, I had the chance to support legislation which permanently authorizes that funding:the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act, which I cosponsored. This bill fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund at the authorized level of $900 million annually.
Valley lands big dollars
Federal grant money coming into our Valley is critical to funding projects that enhance our way of life. The Department of Transportation announced that the Federal Aviation Administration will award Fresno Yosemite International Airport almost $2.5 million to modify one of its terminal buildings. I was happy to support funding for these grants in H.R.267 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.
Merced PRIDE 2019 will be on July 5th, 6th, and 7th. Come celebrate for the fourth annual Merced PRIDE celebration, brought to you by the Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance.
Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340, USA
Madera Movies in the Park – Lego Movie 2:
The City of Madera’s Parks & Community Services Department is proud to partner with key sponsor, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to host an 8 week Movies in the Park series during the summer at Lions Town and Country Park. Guests are treated to old fashioned summer evenings with movies under the stars. This program is free to attend, making it a great opportunity for the whole family.
When: Friday, July 12, 2019 (Movies begin at dusk – approximately 8:45 p.m.)
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