Dear neighbor, 

As we wrap up another busy work week in Washington, I’m reflecting on the success of President Biden and House Democrats in building an economy that works for all Americans. Last Congress, Democrats put People Over Politics to pass laws that are moving the American family forward. As a result, we’ve achieved record low unemployment, seen 13.2 million jobs created since President Biden took office, and driven down inflation. This week Morgan Stanley revised their GDP projections to four times higher than originally projected thanks to the work of President Biden and Democrats. We are laser-focused on investing in America.  

What are extreme MAGA Republicans focused on? Banning abortions nationwide. Using extreme government funding bills, they’re attempting to advance their radical agenda against reproductive care. MAGA Republicans are attaching harmful amendments to must-pass appropriations bills that would rob women of their right to comprehensive healthcare. These amendments include abortion and contraception restrictions that will directly impact servicemembers, veterans, low-income individuals, and other vulnerable groups. The American people deserve better. Our nation's budget should reflect the priorities of American families, not rob them of their freedoms.  

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: At this week’s House Democratic Caucus leadership press conference, I was glad to be joined by Chairman Pete Aguilar, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chairman Joe Neguse, and Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee Grace Meng. Together, we’re working to finish the job and move the American family forward.  

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

• Introduced a bipartisan bill to designate space as critical infrastructure along with my colleagues Congressmen Ken Calvert (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The Space Infrastructure Act would designate space systems, services and technology as a sector of critical infrastructure to ensure the industry receives the attention and resources it needs. 
• Attended the Judiciary Committee’s hearing with Secretary Mayorkas, who testified that southern border crossings have come down under the Biden Administration.  
• Led a bicameral letter with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation into whether Shell and ExxonMobil violated federal law when they lied to the public about their products fueling the climate crisis in order to protect their profits.  
• Spoke on the House floor to support the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, which would require the State Department to report any attempts by the government of the People’s Republic of China to undermine Taiwan’s status within the global community. 
• Delivered a floor speech about President Biden and House Democrats’ work to grow our economy from the bottom up and middle out. GDP growth is up, consumer confidence is up, and inflation is down. It’s no accident—that's Bidenomics in action. 

GETTING HOT IN HERE: As August approaches, Los Angeles County is preparing for excessive heat. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for hot weather by visiting LA Public Health’s Healthy in the Heat page here! If you’re planning to beat the heat by visiting the beach, check out beach water quality advisories here to make sure it’s safe to swim.

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.   

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT! 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.   

ICYMI: Last week I led 76 of my colleagues in urging the CEOs of major American airlines to better communicate with passengers about eligibility and passport regulations for international travel. By sharing additional relevant information during the international flight booking process, either through emails, popups, or directed links, airlines could reduce the number of passengers who miss their flights due to an expired passport. Read my full letter 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