Dear neighbor, 

This week we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act! In just a year, this historic bill has successfully lowered prescription drug costs, brought down energy prices for families, and created jobs to boost the economy—all without a penny in new taxes for Americans making under $400,000. I was pleased to vote in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act when it passed the House last August, and I am even more pleased as it continues to deliver for our community.  

Thanks to House Democrats, last Congress was monumental. The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest action Congress has ever taken on climate. Provisions of the bill have created tens of thousands of new clean energy jobs and bolstered climate and clean energy infrastructure around the country. Not only are we tackling the climate crisis, Democrats and President Biden are committed to building an economy that works for all Americans. In our congressional district in Los Angeles County, Democratic policies have created 42,100 jobs since President Biden took office. In that same period, 25,700 new businesses have started up in our district. While we celebrate this incredible progress, House Democrats will continue our work to build the economy from the bottom up and middle out.  

LOOKING GOOD AT 88: This week also marked the 88th anniversary of Social Security! Social Security is an intergenerational promise to all Americans that you can retire with dignity after a lifetime of meaningful work. I’ve been a longtime advocate of keeping Social Security solvent for generations to come. I am a proud cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, introduced by Congressman John Larson (D-CT) earlier this year, which would protect this vital program, provide meaningful benefit increases, and ensure benefits keep pace with seniors’ daily expenses.  

As extreme MAGA Republicans propose disastrous plans that would gut Social Security and rob seniors of this lifeline, House Democrats are committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security to support our nation’s seniors for generations to come. In our community, over 174,000 Social Security beneficiaries rely on their monthly benefits to make ends meet. I remain committed to ensuring all our neighbors receive the benefits they have earned over decades of work. 

Here’s what else I’ve been working on this week:

• Joined my colleagues in urging the Department of Justice to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas’s alleged violations of the Ethics of Government Act following new reports that he accepted millions of dollars’ worth of gifts and failed to disclose it. These alleged actions are not just shocking—they are illegal. Justice Thomas should resign. 
• Celebrated the announcement that UCLA has received a research grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to explore the transition away from fossil fuels in underserved and Tribal communities. 
• Cheered on the El Segundo Little League team as they advanced to the Little League World Series! I’ll be rooting for the team as they represent our community in Williamsport! 
• Visited the Beverly Hills Rotary Club to share updates on my work in Washington and discuss local issues. 

WEST COAST, BEST COAST: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced $240 million in federal grants is now available for transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act! Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments. If you’re interested in learning more, visit NOAA’s Funding Opportunities portal. 

PASSPORT UPDATE! 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: Recently 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 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