News from Congressman Mike Levin

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Dear Neighbor,

I’m back in Washington, D.C., working to protect healthcare and food for families, lower energy costs, defend our freedoms, and uphold our democracy. These are uncertain times, but I remain focused on delivering real results for our community and making sure government works for you.

Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been doing to serve our district.

The Republican budget bill includes sweeping cuts that would take healthcare away from up to 16 million Americans, slash Medicaid and Medicare, and gut food assistance programs like SNAP. These aren’t just numbers—they’re real consequences for families, seniors, and children who rely on these programs to survive. I’ve been fighting back against these cruel proposals at every step. I believe protecting access to care and putting food on the table should never be up for debate. While others push an agenda that would raise costs and take away basic support, I’ll keep standing up for the people who need a voice in Washington.

As part of my efforts to lower everyday costs, I introduced an amendment to the Republican budget bill to prevent it from raising monthly utility bills. Independent analysis suggests the bill could increase household energy costs by as much as $415 a year. My amendment simply required independent verification before any policy change that could raise energy costs could take effect. Unfortunately, House Republicans refused to even consider it. But I won’t stop fighting to protect working families and lower energy costs for everyone.

Read more about my amendment here.

I’m closely monitoring the conflict in Iran and hopeful the ceasefire holds. A nuclear-armed Iran would be a grave threat to global security, and preventing that outcome must remain a top priority. I’m grateful to our brave service members for their courage and professionalism. But no president—Republican or Democrat—can take this country to war alone. President Trump ordered strikes without briefing Congress or seeking authorization. That’s why I’m supporting a War Powers Resolution to ensure Congress reclaims its role in critical national security decisions.

Read my full statement here.

Growing up in Southern California, I remember days when smog choked the sky and the mountains disappeared behind a brown haze. After decades of bipartisan work, California became a national leader in clean air. But now, President Trump wants to strip away our state’s authority to set strong vehicle emissions standards. I’m fighting to stop this rollback and preserve the progress that’s kept our air cleaner and our communities healthier.

The Constitution is clear—Congress alone controls federal spending. But when I introduced an amendment simply affirming that basic fact, not a single Republican on the House Appropriations Committee supported it. That’s not how democracy is supposed to work. While others give away Congress’s authority, I’ll keep fighting to make sure your voice—and your vote—still matter in Washington.

President Trump’s decision to send active-duty Marines into Los Angeles—against the wishes of our governor—was an overreach that risks politicizing the military. The armed forces exist to defend our nation, not to police our streets. I’ve demanded answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and will do all I can to block this misuse of military force in our communities.

Earlier this month, Senator Alex Padilla—a decent and honorable public servant—was tackled and handcuffed while doing his job: seeking answers and accountability on behalf of the people he represents. If this can happen to a sitting U.S. Senator, it can happen to anyone. I stand with him and will continue fighting for transparency, justice, and the rule of law.

If you have questions about my work or need help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. You can send me an email through my website, call my Carlsbad office at (760) 599-5000, or call my Dana Point office at (949) 281-2449. For updates on my work on behalf of our communities, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and Substack at @RepMikeLevin.

Sincerely,

Mike Levin

Member of Congress