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A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN KAMLAGER-DOVE:
Dear Friend,
This week in Congress was a somber one as we watched House Republicans elect a MAGA extremist to the Speakership. I joined all of my Democratic colleagues in voting for Leader Hakeem Jeffries because he has proven time and time again that he is the type of leader our country needs. Speaker Mike Johnson, on the other hand, was the architect behind the plot to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election, a movement that led to the coup on our democracy.
Although this was yet another week marred by Republican dysfunction and extremism, I was glad to introduce additional pieces of legislation and continue my work to better meet the needs of CA-37.
HOUSE VOTE FOR SPEAKER
After more than three weeks of leaving the House paralyzed, House Republicans elected Congressman Mike Johnson as Speaker. He is stepping into the Speaker's chair at a critical time for our government and our world as we work to pass funding bills to keep the government open and support our allies abroad. In Mike Johnson, Republicans have elected a Speaker who will enable a far-right economic agenda that includes devastating cuts to the programs American families depend on to survive, like Social Security, Medicare, and nutrition assistance programs, and whose social agenda includes threatening the autonomy of women across the nation.
To read my full statement, click here.
ONGOING ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
As the conflict in Gaza continues, I am heartbroken as I continue to hear about the loss of lives and the hardship that so many innocent civilians are facing. I have continued to work with my colleagues to support humanitarian aid for Gaza and signed on to a letter led by Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and over 130 Democratic colleagues on President Biden's swift response to the terrorist attacks in Israel, the concerns that we have regarding the conflict in Gaza, and the imperative of humanitarian assistance.
To read more about resources for U.S. citizens in Israel and Gaza, click here.
$220 MILLION FOR THE LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
This week, I joined the Biden-Harris Administration in announcing more than $220 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for California. This funding will help individuals and families with low incomes pay their home heating costs this winter and their cooling bills in the summer. More than 150,000 households in California benefit from this critical program.
Everyone deserves the dignity of a warm and safe home to rest their head at night, and LIHEAP is essential in ensuring children, seniors, and other vulnerable groups are able to get the assistance they need. To read more about this announcement, click here.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED THIS WEEK
On Wednesday, I introduced the Represent America Abroad Act with our neighbor from the 36th District, Congressman Ted Lieu. This legislation will work to identify, attract, and retain mid-career professionals from diverse racial and ethnic groups into the U.S. diplomatic corps.
U.S. foreign policy cannot be effective if it is not informed and implemented by Americans with unique perspectives and experiences. Our diversity gives us a major advantage that we must recognize and utilize. To read more about this legislation, click here.
Additionally, on Thursday, I introduced the bipartisan Young African Leaders Initiative Act with Congresswoman Young Kim from California’s 40th Congressional District. This legislation would make permanent a signature State Department program to encourage the development of young leaders and entrepreneurs across the African continent. Through this initiative, young African leaders gain the skills and connections they need to accelerate their own career trajectories and contribute more robustly to their respective countries, the continent, and the world.
This is companion legislation to the Senate bill introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).
To read more about this legislation, click here.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
As always, I encourage you to contact my offices with any comments or concerns about my work in Congress, the 37th District, or any other matters. Please connect with me on Facebook, , and Instagram to stay up to date on my work in Congress. If you are experiencing issues with Social Security, passports, immigration, or another Federal agency, send in a casework request, and my staff will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
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