Dear neighbor:

This was a busy week in Washington and I have a lot to update you on.

The global pandemic and Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine are driving up prices all over the world, and families across America are suffering. That’s why I’m pleased the House passed multiple bipartisan bills this week to bring down costs for gas, food, and other necessities. Among the bills we passed is the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, which would reduce the price of fertilizer for American farmers, thereby reducing food prices in grocery stores. The legislation would also lower prices at the gas pump by making a cheaper and cleaner fuel option more available. In addition, the House passed the bipartisan, Senate-passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act to crack down on exorbitant shipping fees charged by international shipping companies that have made goods more expensive for American consumers. Fighting inflation and lowering costs for American families are Democrats’ top priorities.

Another priority of ours is reducing the gun violence epidemic plaguing our nation. I’m pleased that the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a framework for gun violence prevention. While I would’ve liked to see a stronger proposal – like the one House Democrats passed and I supported – this is progress. I’m particularly pleased that their proposal provides more funding for states to implement red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, imposes new penalties on gun trafficking and straw purchasing, and enhances background checks for 18 to 21-year-olds. My hope is that the Senate will move swiftly to advance this legislation. 

While we were passing important legislation, my colleagues were also hard at work continuing their investigation into the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol and attempts to subvert our free and fair elections. As you may know, the January 6th Committee began public hearings this week to present their findings to the American people. I commend the members of the committee for presenting the truth in a compelling, understandable manner. January 6th was an attack on our democracy and the Constitution, and the American people deserve answers about what led to the violence of that day. To learn more and watch the hearings, visit january6th.house.gov. 

Here's a look at what else I've been up to this week: 

• Joined President Biden, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, and some of my colleagues at the White House as President Biden signed Rep. Grace Meng’s bill to study the creation of a national Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Museum into law. It was an honor to coauthor this legislation and to see it become law. 

• Commended President Biden for signing an Executive Order advancing equality for LGBTQI+ individuals, including by protecting LGBTQI+ youth from so-called ‘conversion therapy,’ a harmful practice I’ve been working to ban on the federal level.
• Issued a statement in support of the U.S. State Department’s announcement of new initiatives to support and facilitate city diplomacy.  
• Served as the floor manager for a bill to extend police protection to the family members of Supreme Court justices, which passed on a bipartisan basis.
• Testified in the House Natural Resources Committee in support of my bill to rename the Encinal Trailhead in the Santa Monica Mountains after the late former California Congressman Tony Beilenson. Congressman Beilenson was deeply dedicated to environmental protection issues and helped create the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Reminder: The time to prepare for wildfires is now! Make sure you’re prepared by creating defensible space around your home, assembling an emergency kit, and making an action plan with your family. To learn more, visit readyforwildfire.org.

For more information on my work in Congress, you can visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our D.C. office at (202) 225-3976 or our Los Angeles district office at (323) 651-1040.

I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress