Dear neighbor, 

It was a busy week on Capitol Hill. Last week, I introduced two bills – the PROTECT Military Families Act and the Duty Status Reform Act. I called out the Trump Administration’s reckless use of military action in Venezuela without the approval of Congress. In a committee hearing, I questioned the SBA Office of Advocacy Chief Counsel on allowing the Office of Advocacy’s hotline to receive and report information on tariffs affecting small businesses. I joined my colleagues to reflect on the devastating fires last year and to demand disaster aid for the neighborhoods who had to rebuild everything. I also voted to extend the ACA tax credits that millions of Americans rely on to access healthcare.

When I worked at the Pentagon, I learned the complexity of the current Reserve Component system and how it hurts our servicemembers and force readiness. The current Reserve Component system is failing to meet the needs of our National Guard and Reserves servicemembers. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Rep. Jack Bergman that will directly address some of the current discrepancies and promote equity in member pay and benefits.

Our Armed Forces deserve to keep their families together and feel safe in their communities. That’s why I introduced bicameral legislation with Rep. Carbajal and Senator Tammy Duckworth that will protect military families from deportations and separations that harm our servicemembers and jeopardize mission readiness. 

Earlier last week, it became evident that the Secretary of State lied to Congress when he told us that they would not seek military action in Venezuela without the approval of Congress. Their actions were not a law enforcement operation like they have claimed. It was about grabbing oil and trying to get their hands on Venezuelan resources. I joined my colleagues twice last week to speak out on these outrageous and unconstitutional actions by this administration.

Gabby Giffords is a friend and one of the fiercest, most resilient people I know. Last week, we took a moment of silence on the House floor to remember the horrific tragedy 15 years ago that she survived and that took the lives of six other people. Now, her leadership and advocacy for gun safety inspire all of us. Gabby, it’s a privilege to fight beside you.

Small business concerns should be heard by the SBA Office of Advocacy, including on tariffs. A letter to Congress shared submissions on tariffs are not tracked. My bill to expand the Office of Advocacy’s hotline to receive and report information on tariffs ensures small businesses are not ignored. Last week, I questioned the Office of Advocacy Chief Counsel on allowing the hotline to do so.

A year after the devastating fires, our communities continue to rebuild as the battle for federal aid goes on. I joined my colleagues in Congress to reflect on the devastation and demand disaster aid to support our neighbors that lost everything. Thank you to the firefighters and emergency responders who protected our communities, and the residents and community leaders who stepped up to help their neighbors out.

Last week, I proudly voted yes on the clean bill to restore the ACA tax credits. Now, it will go to the Senate and I urge my Republican colleagues to vote yes to help save affordable healthcare. Without the ACA tax credits, people in CA-31 would see their healthcare premiums rise by up to $13,783 and an estimated 44,360 would lose their coverage altogether. In CA-31, there were 31% fewer new enrollees compared to a year ago and most enrollees switching coverage tiers are moving to plans with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. We need the ACA tax credits in our district and across the country – because our communities deserve access to quality and affordable care. While the fight to lower healthcare costs continues, the vote last week was a step in the right direction.

Read the full article here.

This year, the state of California launched a new program to protect your data and privacy. The Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) is a free and quick method to reduce spam and tell data brokers to delete and not sell your personal information. Read more information about it here.

If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

Contact us at (626) 646-0369 or complete the form on our website.

As your Congressman, my favorite part of the job is connecting with the people of CA-31. Stay in contact with me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Bluesky for more updates.

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Until next week,

Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr.
Member of Congress
California’s 31st District

Contact Me

Washington D.C. Office

2463 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Covina Office

100 S. Citrus Ave.
Suite 204

Covina, CA 91723