Dear neighbor,

Wednesday night, I voted against the Republican funding bill that failed to meet the moment and address the devastating Republican healthcare cuts and the crushing cost of living.

Let me explain.

Trump and Republicans have waged an all-out assault on American healthcare by cutting the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare. I have been hearing nonstop from constituents who are worried about how they’re going to afford to go to the doctor, especially while paying exorbitant prices for groceries and other goods thanks to Trumpflation. The Republican funding bill failed to address rising healthcare costs or rising costs in general. That is unacceptable.

Do you know what else is unacceptable? The inclusion of a blatantly corrupt provision in the bill that would provide millions of dollars to eight Republican Senators and personally enrich them at taxpayers’ expense. That is unconscionable.

Week after week, House Democrats showed up in Washington to do our jobs and demand Republicans work with us to make life more affordable for all Americans. Instead, House Republicans were on a paid vacation for 54 days. During this time, Republican leadership refused to swear in Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, who would be the final signature needed to force a floor vote to release the Epstein files. This week, she was finally sworn in, and we can now expect a vote in the coming weeks.

I will continue to fight for healthcare and for accountability. Americans can see with their own eyes who is fighting for them, and who is working on behalf of the rich and powerful. House Democrats will not give up, and we will not yield.

CONVERSATIONS WITH VETERANS: This week in honor of Veterans Day, I hosted our annual Conversations with Veterans event to hear directly from veterans in our community. I was honored to hear their stories and to work every day for those who’ve served our country. You can watch the full conversation here.

RAINSTORM AWARENESS: Rain is forecasted to possibly continue through the weekend. Due to the past fires, there is increased potential for debris flows, rockslides, mudslides, and flooding. Areas of particular concern include the Bethany, Bridge, Canyon, Eaton, Franklin, Hurst, Kenneth, Lidia, Palisades, and Sunset burn areas. As needed, this Incident Response page will be updated with official information. LA County is encouraging residents to learn more about storm prep resources at ready.lacounty.gov and to sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov. 

Federal agencies are beginning to resume normal operations now that the federal government has reopened. SNAP (CalFresh) benefits should resume this coming week, and federal workers should expect to receive backpay soon. 

Response times may still vary, but if you need assistance with a federal agency, my LA office is available at (323) 651-1040, or you can visit our webpage here.

I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Warmly,

Ted