Dear neighbor,

A lot has happened in Washington this week.

As you know, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade today. I am deeply distraught by this decision. Abortion is a deeply personal and complicated decision. That is exactly why it is wrong for the government to unilaterally make a decision that should rest with the woman, her doctor, her God and her family. The criminalization of abortion is an attack on bodily autonomy and an attack on an individual’s right to make choices about their own future. Read my full statement here.

While many across America react to the Supreme Court ruling today, millions of Americans are also calling for action on an issue that impacts every community in our country: gun violence. I’m pleased that Congress was able to come together this week to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a commonsense, bipartisan gun safety bill to reduce the threat of gun violence and save lives. While much more action is still needed to address gun violence in America, this bipartisan bill is a step in the right direction. As we send this important legislation to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law, we are thinking of all victims of gun violence and their families. Democrats will never stop fighting for a future free from gun violence.

Here's a look at what else I’ve been working on this week:

• Welcomed Joseph, an amazing former foster youth, to shadow me for National Foster Youth Shadow Day. It was an honor to learn about his experience in foster care and to discuss ways Congress can improve child welfare policy. He has overcome many obstacles, and I’m confident he will do great things in the future.

• Led a bicameral resolution with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Menendez reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to promote the welfare of refugees and displaced persons worldwide.
• Introduced a House resolution with Rep. Adam Kinzinger to reaffirm Congress’s support of Ukraine and demand that Russia treat Ukrainian Prisoners of War humanely and in accordance with international law.
• Voted in support of a bipartisan bill to strengthen access to care for Californians grappling with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Spoke on the House floor about the importance of defending reproductive freedom and the right to choose.
• Introduced a bill with Rep. Don Beyer to block law enforcement from using facial recognition technology with police-worn body camera footage.  
• Voted in favor of legislation to ensure LGBTQI+ people are counted in federal surveys, giving us more insight on how to better serve the LGTBQI+ community.

Important COVID-19 Update: Children over 6 months can now get vaccinated against COVID-19! The CDC is now officially recommending that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. Please check with your child’s healthcare provider to see if they offer COVID vaccines. If not, you can visit VaccinateLACounty.com to find a vaccine location near you.

Reminder: Are you planning to travel abroad any time soon? Please make sure your passport is up-to-date! Current processing times for passport renewals are 8-11 weeks, and 5-7 weeks for expedited renewals. Don’t wait! Renew today at travel.state.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our Los Angeles district office at (323) 651-1040.

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. To receive updates from me each week, please subscribe to my weekly e-newsletter here.

I look forward to writing again soon.

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress