Dear neighbor, 

These days, many of our household objects are connected to the internet. From baby monitors to smart refrigerators, internet devices are everywhere. These devices have made life easier but can also pose risks. That’s why I was pleased to speak this week at the launch of the White House’s U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Program, a new cybersecurity labeling initiative for consumer technology. Through this program, consumer products that meet specific cybersecurity requirements will be labeled with the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark shield, like the safety markings of many other household products.

Since 2017, I have been working with Senator Ed Markey to improve the cybersecurity of devices connected to the internet. Our Cyber Shield Act would establish an advisory committee of cybersecurity experts, consumer advocates, and the government to create a safety benchmark for cyber devices. Companies that meet these benchmarks would then be granted a voluntary cyber safety label. This label would provide peace of mind to consumers that products they purchase will be able to withstand cyberattacks. 

I am thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration has run with this idea and created the Cyber Trust Mark, which will allow Americans to easily identify household products that are less vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a recovering computer science major, I was honored to deliver remarks at the launch of this important program at the White House. Check it out below. 

HONORING OUR PACT: Last year, I was pleased to have championed the PACT Act, legislation that provides over $350 million in funding for critical improvements at the West LA VA to expand veteran housing opportunities and better serve our veterans. In addition to this critical funding, the PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during their service. This law provides veterans with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. 

Next month is one year since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, and the VA has delivered more than $1.4 billion in PACT Act benefits to veterans. Additionally, more than 665,000 veterans have applied for PACT Act-related benefits, more than 3.9 million veterans have received new toxic exposure screenings, and more than 287,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care. If you or a loved one were exposed to toxic substances during military service, you may be entitled to additional VA benefits. Veterans who file for additional benefits before August 9 will also receive one year's worth of retroactive benefits. To determine eligibility and apply for extra benefits, please visit VA.gov/PACT.  

Here’s what else I’ve been working on in Washington: 

• Delivered a speech on the House Floor about Speaker McCarthy's recent comments about the Department of Justice's investigation of former President Trump. Just like every other American, Donald Trump is not above the law. 
• Led 76 of my colleagues in urging the CEOs of major American airlines to better inform passengers of eligibility and passport regulations for international travel. My office has processed a record number of passport requests this year, and I hope this partnership might relieve the backlog and reduce the number of passengers who miss international flights because their passport is expired.
• Attended Israeli President Herzog's address to Congress. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a staunch advocate for Israel and remain committed to strengthening the special partnership between our nations. 
• Sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young to urge the Biden-Harris Administration to require federal agencies to adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI Risk Management Framework. AI continues to develop at an incredible pace, and our government must do its best to keep up.

CALLING ALL CODERS: The Congressional App Challenge is back! Students in middle and high school can now submit original computer programs or apps for consideration. Applications will remain open until November 1st. Winners will be selected by community judges, with winning apps or programs eligible to be displayed in the United States Capitol building, on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website! Students of all coding skill levels are encouraged to apply. For more information, please click here.   

PAGING INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS: 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 renewed. Please reach out to my Los Angeles office if you or your family need assistance with passport renewal. The State Department HIGHLY RECOMMENDS that you check your passport and ensure that it is current, or renew it before you plan an international trip. 

Due to a higher volume of requests across the country, the State Department’s standard passport processing times are now 10 to 13 weeks, while expedited processing time is 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.   

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