Work to do in Washington

Dear John,

The past few weeks have witnessed significant events in the United States and around the world. Given the unfolding developments, I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts and provide some insights into recent events.

For a three-week period, an entire branch of our government was at a standstill due to the chaos of a vacant Speaker's chair, along with the inability of those in the majority to select a new leader. Congress has urgent work to do to fully fund our government before a shutdown in 8 days.

Meanwhile, in the Middle East, our close ally Israel faced a violent and horrific attack by the terrorist organization Hamas. As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I stand firmly with Israel and its right to defend its sovereignty. Additionally, we have a moral obligation to provide humanitarian aid to innocent Israeli, Palestinian, and Ukrainian civilians who are in harm's way.

I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts on these matters. For more updates on what my office has been doing in Washington, DC and Sacramento County, check out more updates below.

Be well,

Ami Bera M.D.

UPDATES FROM REP. BERA

Israel-Hamas War

As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have monitored this situation closely. I have also taken time to speak with both Israeli and Palestinian constituents and recently released the following statement which can also be found on my website:

When I spoke with one of my Palestinian constituents, I could hear the pain, anguish, despair, and anger in his voice over his personal loss of friends and family in Gaza. These sentiments mirrored the deep grief I heard in the voices of my Jewish constituents after their own tragic losses on October 7. While I firmly believe Israel has the right to exist and to defend itself, so do innocent Palestinians have a right to a life of peace and dignity.

I hope that one day Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace. I don’t know if that is an impossible dream. But I do know it will never be accomplished if innocent Israelis and Palestinians are killed. We need an immediate pause in order to get needed humanitarian aid, food, water, and medicine to struggling civilians. Then we need to find a different path forward.

President Biden has sent an urgent funding request to Congress that includes crucial humanitarian support for Gaza and aid for Palestinians in the West Bank and surrounding areas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a dire humanitarian situation, with over two million people urgently needing assistance. The President’s request includes food assistance, critical medical supplies, and safe drinking water for Palestinians affected by the ongoing war.

That’s why I co-led a letter to Congressional leadership, supported by more than 90 Members of Congress, urging the rapid passage of humanitarian aid to help civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza. The United States, in collaboration with the United Nations and other humanitarian partners, must support efforts to provide essential supplies to the region. Urgent action and funding are crucial to upholding the United States’ tradition of commitment to international humanitarian assistance.

Cluster Mailbox Security

I recently discussed the increase in theft and vandalism of cluster mailboxes in our region with KCRA 3.

Residents in Sacramento County deserve secure and timely mail delivery. That's why I'm urging the United States Postal Service to improve security measures for local cluster mailboxes to tackle the growing problems of theft and vandalism.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW

8th Annual Brain Health Forum

As a doctor and former Chief Medical Officer of Sacramento County, I have witnessed the emotional strain, financial hardship, and impact that Alzheimer's has on families and loved ones.

That's why I am proud to have hosted my office's 8th Annual Brain Health Forum to provide Sacramento County residents with information on the latest Alzheimer's research and community resources to assist caregivers and persons living with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE!

Enrollment season through CoveredCA is now OPEN!

Learn more about how you and your family can access affordable health coverage by CLICKING HERE.

Whether we agree on every issue or not, my office is here to serve you. Since entering Congress, my team has successfully resolved over 26,500 constituent cases and recovered over $16 million in owed benefits for Sacramento County taxpayers.

Should you require assistance or wish to learn more, please reach out to my office at (916) 635-0505 or visit my website.

For my latest updates, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Be well,

Ami Bera, M.D.
Member of Congress