Did you see the news? Congress is trying to strip the voting rights of marginalized communities, and legal protections of pregnant people and LGBTQ people on college campuses.

Dear Friends,

While Congressional leaders were back in their districts last week, touting the Fourth of July as a celebration of freedom, now that they’re back in Washington, they’re working hard to undermine those very liberties. This week, we delve into the troubling measures being pushed forward that threaten to make some of us significantly less free
 

What’s Happening In Congress?

H.R.8281 - Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act)

The SAVE Act, which is a nationwide attack on voting rights, would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It also allows private citizens to sue election officials who register individuals to vote without verifying their citizenship.

Let’s call this bill what it truly is: an assault on our democratic principles. Nonpartisan voting rights experts overwhelmingly agree that incidents of voter fraud are very rare. This “solution” to a non-existent problem is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to disenfranchise marginalized communities by creating obstacles for minority, elderly, and low-income voters, who already face significant barriers in our electoral system.

Requiring proof of citizenship disproportionately impacts those who struggle to obtain the necessary documentation, effectively silencing their voices. This tactic is eerily reminiscent of the Jim Crow era, when literacy tests and other ID checks were used to disenfranchise Black voters. Our focus should be on making voting more accessible, not on erecting new barriers that undermine the very foundation of our democracy. History has shown us the dangerous path these measures can lead to, and we must refuse to go backward.

H.J.Res.165 - Congressional Disapproval of the Department of Education’s Title IX Rule

This joint resolution seeks to gut protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment, as well as pregnant and LGBTQ+ students, by reversing the Department of Education’s expanded protections against discrimination. If passed, this resolution would roll back protections for students facing sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination based on pregnancy and LGBTQ+ status in educational settings.

As a gay man, I find this blatant attack on student safety and dignity just misguided, but outright despicable. Title IX was expanded to protect those who are most vulnerable in our educational institutions. Rolling back these protections sends a chilling message that discrimination, harassment, and abuse are somehow acceptable. 

Title IX became law as a  result of activists and academics coming together to fiercely protect the right of every student to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Now we must band together again to ensure these protections are not taken away. This fight is deeply personal.We will not be pushed back into the shadows.
 

Appropriations? What’s That?

In addition to passing legislation that compromises the rights and protections of marginalized communities, the House also voted on the Legislative Branch Appropriations package – which is just a fancy way to say Congress voted on the budget for Congress. While the bill did not reflect an increase in funding for Member salaries, it did increase the U.S. Capitol Police budget by 5 percent, to account for the increased security concerns Members of Congress have faced in recent years.

Last week we broke down three other appropriations bills making their way through the Congress, making this week’s bill the 4th appropriations package to make its way through the House. I know it’s a lot, so  let's take a step back and examine the appropriations process as a whole, breakdown how it functions, and discuss what you can anticipate in the coming months as Congress works to finalize and pass the government’s budget.

At the heart of our government's functionality lies the appropriations process, a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of legislative activity. Appropriations determine how federal funds are allocated to various government programs and initiatives. Think of it like your own household budget, but for the entire nation. Here’s a breakdown of the process from start to finish, and why it matters:

  1. The Budget Proposal: The process begins with the President’s budget proposal, typically submitted in February. This proposal outlines the administration’s funding priorities for the coming fiscal year.

  2. Budget Resolutions: Congress responds with budget resolutions, which set overall spending limits but do not allocate funds to specific programs. These resolutions guide the appropriations committees in both the House and Senate.

  3. Appropriations Committees: These committees are divided into subcommittees, each responsible for different areas of the federal government (e.g., defense, education, health). These subcommittees draft appropriations bills that specify funding levels for each program within their jurisdiction.

  4. Markups and Hearings: During the drafting process, subcommittees hold hearings and markups. Hearings allow members to gather information and testimony from government officials and experts. Markups involve debating, amending, and voting on the appropriations bills.

  5. House and Senate Approval: Once subcommittees approve their bills, they move to the full appropriations committees, and then to the floors of the House and Senate for further debate and votes. Differences between the House and Senate versions are resolved in conference committees.

  6. Presidential Signature: After both chambers of Congress pass the final versions of the appropriations bills, they are sent to the President for signature. Once signed, the bills become law, and funds are allocated accordingly.

As Congress drafts and debates the budget, I will be here every step of the way, to keep you updated and informed. This budget isn't just a bunch of numbers on a page—it's a clear reflection of our priorities and values. We must ensure that our budget reflects inclusivity, equality, prosperity, and justice for all. By staying engaged and fighting together, we can make sure that the values of the working people, not the billionaires, are at the heart of our nation's budget. 
 

What’s Next?

As these bills move through the legislative process, it’s crucial for us to stay informed and engaged. Each of these measures has significant implications for our democracy, our institutions, and our communities. Your voice and your vote matter in shaping the policies that govern our nation. I urge you to call your Senators and make sure the SAVE Act and the Title IX resolution are not passed. Remember, both chambers of Congress must pass a bill or resolution before it can go into effect. Let’s make our voices heard and protect our rights.

How To Contact Your Representatives:

For Residents of CA-34: Please call Congressman Jimmy Gomez's office:

  • Washington D.C. Office: (202) 225-6235

  • District Office: (213) 481-1425

Call our California Senators and ask them to stand against this injustice:

  • Senator Laphonza Butler's Office: (202) 224-3841

  • Senator Alex Padilla's Office: (202) 224-3553

Not in CA-34?: You can find and contact your Representative’s and/or Senator’s information HERE.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. Together, we can make a difference and advocate for a future rooted in justice, freedom, and equality.

It’s time for us,
David Kim