Dear neighbor, 

First, I'm wishing all of those observing Yom Kippur in coastal Los Angeles County a meaningful holiday. May this be a time of reflection and renewal for all. G'mar Chatima Tovah.

This week my prayers are with all those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the southeastern United States. As communities grapple with rebuilding in the wake of these devastating storms, I am grateful for the brave first responders and local officials who have stepped in to support their neighbors. 

I stand ready alongside my House Democratic colleagues to ensure that the impacted areas have the resources they need. I am thankful for President Biden and Vice President Harris’s steady leadership throughout these challenging times. 

LAND MOVEMENT UPDATE: I was pleased to see that the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council recently allocated nearly $3 million in direct relief for households impacted by land movement across the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This funding comes from a $5 million grant from Los Angeles County to support relief efforts in Rancho Palos Verdes.  

My staff and I are engaged in ongoing conversations with impacted residents, city, county and state officials, and our federal partners to ensure that the Rancho Palos Verdes community has access to all possible resources. I remain ready to support any requests by the State of California for federal assistance in responding to this emergency. For updates, please check out Rancho Palos Verdes’ Land Movement information hub.   

CALIFORNIA CLEAN ENERGY REBATES: California is rolling out its first federal Home Energy Rebates Program to enable savings on energy efficient improvements for homeowners! This program is made possible thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Biden.   

These new rebates will support California’s existing energy efficiency programs, giving Californians more opportunities to save. Click here to see if you’re eligible for energy savings! 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: It’s been four years since hundreds of tons of dangerous chemicals were discovered dumped into the ocean off the coast of Los Angeles. Already, researchers have found those chemicals to be present in organisms throughout the ocean food chain, from tiny zooplankton to marine mammals and birds.  

This contamination poses real health risks to our families, including increased likelihood of cancer, immune system issues and reproductive health problems. We must respond to this crisis to prevent further devastating impacts. I recently wrote about the urgent need to clean up and protect our oceans for Newsweek. Read the full piece here. 

JUMPSTARTING AI DEVELOPMENT: While Congress is in the midst of our October district work period, I am working with my colleagues to address issues facing our communities and our nation. I recently joined House Artificial Intelligence Task Force Chair Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) to introduce the AI Grand Challenges Act. This bill would direct the National Science Foundation to plan and administer a series of prize competitions to inspire AI research and innovation across the country. 

As Co-Chair of the House Artificial Intelligence Task Force, I am committed to ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in AI development while protecting Americans from potential harms associated with this technology.  

Congressman Lieu and Congressman Obernolte (right) talk AI policy earlier this year at an event hosted by UCLA’s Blueprint magazine.

I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Warmly, 

Ted