Why I introduced a bill to combat veteran hunger

Dear Friend,

It’s been a busy week in Washington, D.C. – from introducing new legislation to combat veteran hunger to standing up for religious freedom by fighting for reproductive rights to celebrating the historic Inflation Reduction Act at the White House.

Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been up to:

Ending Veteran Hunger

Our veterans sacrifice so much for our freedom, safety, and security – and the very least we can do is ensure they have enough to eat when they return home. It’s shameful that the wealthiest nation in the world – with the most powerful military force – is also home to over a million veterans who struggle to put food on the table.

That’s why I was proud to introduce the End Veteran Hunger Act this week to boost outreach, education, and enrollment of veterans in proven federal food and nutrition programs. As a representative of San Diego’s vibrant and diverse military and veteran community, I will continue to work to ensure that we fulfill the promises made to our service members and veterans.

Celebrating the Inflation Reduction Act at the White House

I was so excited to join the White House celebration of the Inflation Reduction Act this week. At a time when hope can be in short supply, I’m so glad we passed a law that will deliver for working families and that shows we can actually get big things done! This law tackles inflation head-on, reduces our deficit, lowers the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and makes the largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.

Deadline Extended! Apply for a Military Service Academy Nomination

Every year, I have the honor of nominating high school seniors from my district to attend the military service academies. And my office just extended the deadline for applications! You now have until next Friday, September 23rd to apply and you can find more information here.

Team Congress Won!

It was so fun to be a pinch runner on the Women’s Congressional Softball Team – and to celebrate our big win (the first in seven years)! We play the game every year to raise money and awareness for those fighting breast cancer, and this year, Team Congress beat a team of reporters 6-5 in our first win since 2015. I can’t wait to keep the streak going next year!

Standing for Religious Freedom by Fighting for Reproductive Rights

No one religion or belief system should be able to supersede others and dictate policy for a diverse nation. But that’s unfortunately what happened when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and took away our constitutional right to abortion access.

Jewish law dictates that human life begins at your first breath. Protecting existing life is one of our most sacred and important principles, meaning the health, well-being, and life of the pregnant person is the most important consideration.

That’s why the Supreme Court’s decision was a huge blow to my religious freedoms as a Jewish woman. And it’s why I joined the National Council of Jewish Women and local rabbis to show that reproductive freedom is crucial to our religious beliefs and we must do everything we can to regain our reproductive rights.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with the HOPE Leadership Institute

I really loved kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month — a time when we recognize the Latino community’s many contributions to our community and our country — by celebrating the HOPE Leadership Institute Class of 2022. I met so many amazing Latinas from California (and a few from San Diego!) who are already incredible leaders in our communities and will be able to make an even bigger impact now with the leadership skills and tools they gained through this program.