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Friends,
As we close out 2023, I wanted to highlight some of the work and the wins our team achieved over the past year.
Gold Star Families Public Forum
On August 8th, I held the first-ever congressional forum for the Gold Star Families of the 13 servicemembers lost in 2021 during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. Read more about the forum here.
Taking on the Fentanyl Crisis
In March, I was joined by Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41), Joe Neguse (CO-2), and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) to form the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus to combat the nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings. Learn more about the caucus here.
At a December press conference in Temecula, I introduced Alexandra’s Law – the federal solution to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers and give law enforcement the tools they need to turn the tide in this fight that we must win. Read more about the bill here.
Combating Biden’s Open Border
President Biden’s failure to secure our southern border has resulted in an estimated seven million illegals crossing into our country, unprecedented child and human trafficking, and the deadliest drug crisis in our history. Representing a district with over 80 miles of border, I have continued traveling to the border to go alongside the brave Border Patrol agents and see firsthand the crisis that is unfolding. Read more here.
Stopping the White House’s Enriching and Enabling of Iran
Following Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israel on October 7, I introduced the No Funds for Iran-Backed Terror Act, the most comprehensive legislation in Congress to fundamentally alter the direction of U.S. policy toward Iran. Read more here.
Leading Congressional Delegation to Middle East During Hamas Attacks
On October 7th, I was leading a congressional delegation fact-finding tour of the Middle East as Hamas launched its deadly terror attack on Israel. Our delegation was in missile range of the conflict and witnessed firsthand how the region reacted following the initial attacks. Read more on this experience here.
Correcting the Record and Safeguarding the Truth for Female Combat Veterans
In March, I introduced the Jax Act, legislation to accurately amend the military records of female combat veterans and allow them the opportunity to have their medical claims reassessed at the VA. Read more here.
Protecting Communities from Sexually Violent Predators
In response to the state-enforced placement of sexually violent predators into our local California neighborhoods, I introduced the Stopping Sexually Violent Predators Act to stop these dangerous criminals from residing in our communities near children, families, and schools. More on this legislation here.
Reforming the Voice of America
In response to internal guidance from the Voice of America barring its journalists from accurately referring to Hamas as terrorists, I imposed great pressure on the network to reverse the policy. Following a meeting with VOA leadership earlier this month, the network officially rescinded the guidance. Learn more about this oversight here.
Most Comprehensive Passport Legislation in History
Earlier this month, I introduced the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act to modernize the passport process, bolster processing capabilities, and prevent future backlogs. Learn more about this bill here.
Preserving Tribal Lands
On July 28, the Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act was signed into law, incorporating 720 acres of ancestral land into the Pala Band of Mission Indians’ reservation, and preserving Pala Tribe lands for generations to come. Read about this legislation here.
Additionally, I introduced similar legislation to place 172 acres of land in East County, San Diego into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village. Read about this bill here.
Protecting the Rights of Creators in Music and the Performing Arts
As chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Copyright, I convened a special field hearing in Nashville, TN to hear from key music industry stakeholders on the effectiveness of the Music Licensing Collective and the policies needed to better protect the rights of American creative minds. Read more here.
As always, it is my honor to serve as your representative in Congress. For more information on constituent services, current legislation, and regular updates, please visit my website at www.issa.house.gov.
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