October 2015 E-News Report
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Dear Friends,
From Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, to leadership changes in the majority party, and narrowly avoiding the second government shutdown in two years, it was a busy September in Washington. As Congress continues to navigate short-term issues, I remain focused on long-term solutions to our country’s biggest challenges. Whether funding a new highway transportation bill, finding a way out of looming sequestration cuts, or continuing to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, I will continue to push for policies that benefit the 53rd District.
As Congress works through these difficult issues, I wanted to let you know what I’ve been working on back at home and in DC. You can always contact me to let me know your opinion on federal issues and, if you are a constituent, request assistance with a federal agency.
Warm Regards,
Funding the Government Through December 11
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 719, legislation providing for government funding through December 11, 2015. The short-term measure, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), extends current Fiscal Year 2015 funding at $1.017 trillion, a level consistent with sequestration caps set by the Budget Control Act. While the CR funds nearly all programs at current spending levels, the measure does include an additional $700 million for emergency wildfires that could be used in case of an emergency in San Diego County. It also continues funding for critical women’s health programs.
While I am pleased that the House majority did not shutdown the government as in 2013, I remain very concerned about the use of short-term funding measures and their impact on the economy. As we have seen in the past, this type of approach hurts companies and organizations who work with the federal government and makes it difficult for our federal workers to do their jobs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find a long-term solution for FY2016 that funds the government through the end of the next fiscal year and addresses sequestration.
Pope Francis Visits Washington, D.C.
His Holiness Pope Francis spoke before Congress last week as part of his visit to the United States. Each Congressional office was given 50 tickets to gather outside on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol to view the telecast of the Pope’s address to the Joint Meeting of Congress, which he made from inside the House Chamber on September 24. As I have done in the past for presidential inaugurations, I held a random drawing to distribute tickets to attend this event in Washington. The constituents who received tickets were given standing room only positions outside to view the telecast from the West Front Lawn of the Capitol. I also held a send off social for the ticket holders in San Diego prior to leaving for DC (pictured above). Sign up for my E-Newsletter,follow me on Twitter, or Like my Facebook page for future special opportunities!
Supporting the Iran Nuclear Agreement
After careful consideration and exhaustive discussions with stakeholders about what the agreement means for U.S. national security and the security of the Middle East, I concluded that this agreement provides us the best chance to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. As someone who has lived in Israel and who has returned many times since, I understand the concern Israelis and Americans with close ties to Israel have with the agreement and that the Iranian threat is very real to them. It is very real to me too. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am under no illusions that this deal will end Iran’s destructive behavior, but I do believe that if the U.S. and the international community remain focused on rigorous enforcement of this agreement, we will have a better chance at containing and mitigating the risk posed by Iran than if Congress had rejected this agreement.
Military Service Academy Nominations
One of the greatest privileges a Member of Congress has is to nominate worthy candidates to attend one of our nation's great service academies. For those interested students who live in the 53rd District and will be applying to the academies for the Class of 2020, applications for a congressional nomination through my office must be received by 5:30 pm on Friday, October 30, 2015. Students may mail or deliver the completed application to my office at 2700 Adams Avenue, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92116. The application is available on my website. Any questions may be directed to Daniel Hazard in my San Diego office at (619) 280-5353.
Grants Workshop for the Arts and Humanities
During the August District Work Period, Congressman Scott Peters and I joined together to host a workshop for local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations on how to maximize their potential for acquiring federally-funded grants. The event, held at The Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park, had more than 220 attendees and featured representatives from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the CA Arts Council, the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the New Children’s Museum.
The federal grants process can often be confusing and competitive, especially for grants in the arts and humanities community, but it shouldn’t stifle great, creative ideas. That’s why Congressman Peters and I brought together experts in the grant writing process. Their goal was to give the creative minds in our region the tools they need to realize their visions and to bring more grant dollars to arts and humanities programs in San Diego. The program included a question and answer session between the participants and the panelists, with subjects ranging from how to apply for federal grants to how a Congressional office can serve as a resource for nonprofit organizations seeking funding opportunities. To receive additional information about federal grants, please visit my website or go to www.grants.gov.
Retirement Security Forum
I recently had the pleasure of inviting retirement security experts to the 53rd District from the Social Security Administration and the Alliance for Retired Americans for a retirement planning forum. Over 150 county residents filled the San Diego Indoor Sports Club in Bankers Hill to learn more about the best ways to take advantage of federal retirement benefits. In addition to the information presented, participants were encouraged to sign up for a Social Security Statement to better understand their own Social Security benefits. Even if you missed the event, I would still like to encourage you to create a personal “my Social Security” account online. You can start by creating an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
REBOOT Workshop Graduation
National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) dedicated to assisting veterans in adjusting to civilian life and securing meaningful employment by combining best-practice performance social solutions and techniques. I was proud to take part in the graduation ceremony for their REBOOT Workshop, which helps our veterans transition into civilian life.
Smart Border Coalition
One of my top priorities in Congress is to fully fund critical infrastructure programs that efficiently manage the flow of people and goods across the border. Our bi-national region is fortunate to have many people on both sides of the border working on these issues. I joined civic and business leaders at the Smart Border Coalition meeting recently to discuss the importance of expanding cooperation with Mexico and Canada and to welcome the new U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, William Ostick, to the region.
San Diego REALTORS Roundtable
Last month, I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Pacific Southwest and the Greater San Diego Associations of REALTORS to discuss important legislative issues affecting the real estate industry (pictured here with two members). In addition to touching on home affordability and access, our conversation focused on issues ranging from keeping 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges that would help the real estate investor sector manage their real estate portfolios to upcoming new regulations with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Interested in an Internship?
Interns gain valuable legislative and public service experience by assisting with constituent inquiries, public events, casework, and other special projects. Internships require a minimum of 10 hours per week and qualify for credit at some schools. If you are interested in interning in the San Diego office, please submit a resume and cover letter toCA53DOInternapp@mail.house.gov. If you are interested in an internship in my Washington office, please submit a resume and cover letter to CA53DCInternapp@mail.house.gov.
Introducing Andres Perez – Education Fellow
As a former school board member and member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I have a strong focus on education policy. For these reasons, I am happy to announce that Mr. Andres Perez has recently started in my Washington office as an education fellow. He is a graduate of Valhalla High and is originally from El Cajon. He recently taught 10th and 11th grade English in Arkansas for two years, so he is joining my staff with fresh experience in the classroom. Andres looks forward to working on legislation that increases teacher diversity, advances social and emotional learning, and innovates educational approaches to help San Diego County students succeed.
Website | Contact
U.S. House of Representatives
1214 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515, United States
Phone: (202) 225-2040
Fax: (202) 225-2948 2700 Adams Avenue
Suite 102
San Diego, California 92116, United States
Phone: (619) 280-5353
Fax: (619) 280-5311
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