Dear Friends,
This week has shown us that our vigilance is crucial not only in holding Congress accountable but also the President. Earlier this week, President Biden signed an executive order that effectively shuts down the southern border. This move starkly lacks the humanity and compassion our immigration policies desperately need. Criminalizing asylum seekers only fuels a cycle of fear and dehumanization that we must stop. Instead of punitive actions, we need humane and fair immigration policies that honor the dignity and rights of every individual, as laid out in my human-centered immigration platform.

With this pressing issue in focus, let’s dive into what happened in Congress this week and how it affects our community.

Farm Bill
As I mentioned last week, the House recently marked up the Farm Bill, which passed out of committee on a split vote. The current draft includes a $30 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a lifeline for millions of Americans. SNAP provides crucial food assistance to low-income individuals and families, helping to reduce hunger and improve nutrition. These cuts are unacceptable, and would hurt the most vulnerable in our society. And they reflect Congress’s repeated failure to steward your tax dollars in a way that improves your life. Jimmy Gomez voted to send virtually the same amount of money to Israel in just its latest shipment of weapons as it would cost to fund SNAP fully. This kind of decision making does not align with my values or our district’s.

Additionally, the bill removes climate safeguards, undermining efforts to promote sustainable agriculture. We need a Farm Bill that supports both food security and environmental stewardship. I urge my colleagues to oppose these harmful provisions, and push for a bill that truly serves the needs of all Americans.
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Congressional Education Note: When a bill is introduced, the first step to it becoming a law is being amended by a committee (also know as amended marked up). Once the committee has amended the bill, they decide whether or not the bill should be debated and voted on by the entire House, this is known as “being passed out of committee.”

Being passed out of committee is the final hurdle for a bill before it is voted on by Congress. If you agree, or disagree, with this bill, call your Representative and let them know.
 

Bipartisan Tax Agreement:

The Senate continues to discuss the House-passed tax package, which includes provisions agreed upon by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden. However, many Senate Republicans, led by Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo, are unhappy with the agreement on the Child Tax Credit and other provisions. Expanding the Child Tax Credit is one of the most effective ways to reduce child poverty and support working families. The Child Tax Credit puts more money directly into the pockets of families, helping them cover essential expenses and invest in their children’s futures. This should be a no-brainer.

Unfortunately, this crucial measure is facing stiff opposition . The Child Tax Credit puts more money directly into the pockets of families, helping them cover essential expenses and invest in their children’s futures. This should be a no-brainer. Yet, corporate interests and those prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy. We need tax policies that prioritize the needs of everyday Americans over the interests of big corporations and the wealthy elite. I will continue to advocate for fair tax reform that supports our families and communities, and promotes economic justice.
 

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):

The ACP, established by the Federal Communications Commission to provide subsidies for monthly internet access, expired at the end of May. If not extended, many Americans could lose access to affordable internet, which is essential for education, work, and everyday life. Currently, several bills are under consideration to extend the ACP with reforms intended to garner bipartisan support. The continuation of this program is crucial to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Americans, especially those in underserved communities, have reliable internet access.