Dear neighbor, 

This week is National Law Enforcement Week, an opportunity to honor our dedicated law enforcement personnel who protect and serve our communities. House Democrats have done more than just talk about our support for law enforcement officers. We’ve backed it up with meaningful legislation like the American Rescue Plan (ARP). This historic investment in our communities delivered over $10 billion in funding for public safety measures across the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARP funds went to state and local jurisdictions to keep law enforcement officers from being laid off and supported the hiring and training of new officers. Over $2 billion in ARP funds were allocated to prevent crime through community violence intervention programs, crisis rapid response teams, and substance use and mental health services. These critical investments supported first responders and law enforcement officers, resulting in safer communities and peace of mind for families. 

TALKING THE TALK: While they claim to “back the blue,” extreme MAGA Republicans voted for the Default on America Act which would cut thousands of law enforcement positions. This disastrous proposal would cut nearly $17 billion in funding for federal law enforcement and courts that support public safety. These cuts include clawing back $150 million from programs created by the Violence Against Women Act, $1 billion in grants for state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, and $1 billion from the FBI that would otherwise allow the agency to conduct background checks, solve violent crimes, and combat terrorism. Troublingly, many extreme MAGA Republicans have also refused to hold the perpetrators of the January 6 attack on the Capitol accountable. The frontrunner for the Republican nomination for President recently praised these criminals and even called January 6 “a beautiful day." I spoke more about Republicans’ record on law enforcement at this week’s Democratic Caucus Leadership press conference. You can watch my full remarks below. 

NOT WALKING THE WALK: For all their talk about supporting police and first responders, extreme MAGA Republicans don’t seem to mind sharing the House Floor with an admitted criminal and serial liar. The Republican Congressman purportedly known as George Santos was recently indicted by law enforcement officers on 13 federal counts including theft of public funds and money laundering. This week, he also admitted to theft and identity fraud in a court in Brazil. Fraudsters like this have no place in our government. That’s why I proudly supported my friend and colleague Congressman Robert Garcia’s (D-CA) resolution to expel George Santos from Congress. If extreme MAGA Republicans truly supported law enforcement, they would take note of the actions by federal law enforcement officers in New York in this case and vote to expel George Santos. 

Congressman Lieu speaks at a press conference in support of Congressman Robert Garcia’s (far right) resolution to expel George Santos. He is joined by Congresswoman Becca Balint (D-VT), Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY), and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL). 

Here’s what else I got up to this week in Washington: 

• Joined my colleagues Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in reintroducing the Medicare for All Act to ensure that all Americans have access to health care, regardless of employment status or income. Health care is a human right.  
• ...Ready For It? I attended a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing about artificial intelligence and copyright law, especially as it impacts the music industry. In the words of Taylor Swift, we can’t let AI create any Bad Blood, I know that All Too Well. Check out my full exchange with a copyright expert here.  
• Supported the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s passage of the bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act, which I proudly coauthored. Taiwan should be included in international organizations, and the United States should help ensure that.  
• Met with the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission to the Moon! These astronauts’ courage and service will allow us to get even closer to going to Mars.  

Congressman Lieu joins other Members of the House and the crew of the Artemis II. 

JETTING OFF? If you’re planning international travel, don’t forget to check your passport’s expiration date! Passports that will expire within a year should be updated. Please reach out to my Los Angeles office if you or your family need assistance with passport renewal. 

My office has been responding to an increased number of requests for passport assistance. Due to a higher volume of requests across the country, standard passport processing times are now 10 to 13 weeks, while expedited processing time has risen to seven to nine weeks. If you need to apply for a new passport in person, please click here. If you have a passport that will expire within six months and need to renew it via mail, or if you need to correct or change your current passport, please click here. If you’ve already applied for a new or renewed passport and would like to check the status of your request, please click here.  

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATIONS OPEN: Applications for our 2023-2024 Youth Advisory Council are now open, and I encourage all high school students interested in policy, government, or public service to apply! This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet with their peers and discuss solutions to the most pressing issues facing the next generation. Our district is home to so many bright young people, and I look forward to welcoming a new group of them to the Youth Advisory Council soon. Applications are due July 7. To learn more information and submit an application, please click here.  

For more information on my work in Congress, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have any questions or concerns, please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-3976 or my Los Angeles district office at (323) 651-1040.   

I look forward to updating you again soon.  

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu

Member of Congress