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July 17, 2020
Dear Friend,
I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during these challenging times. Below is some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you and everyone in 52nd Congressional district.
Energy and Commerce Hearing with DOE Secretary
On Tuesday, I spoke with Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Dan Brouillette during an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing about the DOE's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. During this hearing, I asked what the agency's priorities are for the upcoming year and asked Secretary Brouillette about moving spent nuclear fuel away from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station to protect military operations, the environment, and civilians in our region. It's crucial for Congress and the DOE to work together to invest in interim storage and permanent disposal solutions for the safe relocation of nuclear waste.
We also touched on the need to upgrade our electric grid and outdated infrastructure to optimize our transmission of renewable and clean energy.
Watch my exchange with Sec. Brouillette, HERE.
Committee Markup of 30 bills to help San Diegans
On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to debate and amend 30 bills that included measures to strengthen America's energy, health care, and telecommunications sectors.
Watch my opening remarks, HERE.
Healthcare Leadership Council Meeting
On Thursday, I met with local members of the Healthcare Leadership Council to discuss different ways in which we can respond and prepare our communities for future pandemics. We also spoke about my support for H.R. 6788, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, and the important work being done by local healthcare companies.
Congressional Art Competition Virtual Reception
Also on Thursday, we held a virtual reception for the 2020 Congressional Art Competition. Every year, high school students from our district submit original art pieces for a chance to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Kathryn Kanjo from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego joined me to announce the winner and fan favorite.
Discussion with student leaders of SAGE
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting with leaders of the Student Advocates for Graduate Education (SAGE) coalition. SAGE recognized my work earlier this year with their "2020 Legislator of the Year" award.
We discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect graduate students across the country this fall, how universities are responding to the public health crisis, and the recent challenges experienced by international students to continue their education in America.
I'm headed to Washington D.C. next week to keep working with my colleagues in Congress on important legislation for San Diego. I want to thank you for engaging with my staff and counting on us for assistance and support.
The backdrop of our daily lives continues to be the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to stay safe by practicing social distancing, avoiding unnecessary and/or large gatherings, frequently washing your hands, and wearing a mask when leaving your home. We are in this together.
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