Hello friends,
This week marked our return to Washington as we continued organizing our caucuses and committees for the 118th Congress. I was proud to, once again, be appointed to the exclusive House Energy and Commerce Committee where I'll be able to work on everything from our supply chains to our workforce. I will also serve on the following three subcommittees: Health; Energy, Climate, and Grid Security; and Innovation, Data, and Commerce.
Legislation
The House voted on H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act, that would prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until it expands oil and gas drilling on federal lands. This legislation would limit the powers of any administration to be able to lower gas prices in an emergency situation.
I offered an amendment to this bill to ensure we meet our goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. We need legislation that doesn’t force us backward but instead propels us forward toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable planet.
While I voted no, the bill passed 221-205. However, it is unlikely to pass in the Senate or be signed by the President.
If you’re interested to learn more about other measures voted on in the House, please visit my website.
Flying High with Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance (PSAM)
I visited the Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance (PSAM) in Dover, a brand new program that will offer aviation technology training and certification classes as well as apprenticeship programs in general aviation and aviation maintenance. This program is one of the only programs of its kind on the East Coast and these jobs are in high demand. Their classes are open to students and adult learners seeking to elevate their skills and become skilled aviation maintenance technicians. As the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Future of Work Caucus, it’s important to me that we are able to prepare Delawareans for not only the jobs of today but jobs of the future as well. I’m proud of the work that PSAM is embarking on that will help Delawareans gain valuable skills and secure good-paying jobs at the same time.
Roe v. Wade Anniversary
While in Delaware, I joined Planned Parenthood’s Clergy for Choice on Sunday to commemorate what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The Dobbs decision in June of last year overturned Roe, rolling back reproductive rights for millions and restricting abortion services across the country. We know that this disproportionately impacts the poor, people of color, people from rural areas, and young people. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for the codification of Roe.
Tax Filing Season is Here!
Tax filing season is here! Remember that this year’s tax filing deadline falls on April 18, 2023 for most people. To speed up the process, remember to file online as early as possible and opt for direct deposit. Go to IRS.gov/file to get started. And stay tuned for more updates from my office about an upcoming tax filing event!
The “most famous Delawarean” — actor and comedian Aubrey Plaza — got her turn at hosting the late-night comedy show, Saturday Night Live, this past weekend. Aubrey is a Delaware native who has made her mark on Hollywood through great performances in projects such as Parks and Rec and most recently, The White Lotus. And her long-awaited appearance on SNL was complimented with an appearance from another famous Delawarean, President Joe Biden. If you have some time this weekend, check out her episode. Congratulations Aubrey – keep making Delaware proud!
Thank you for reaching out to my office with your questions and concerns. We need to hear your input. It helps my staff and I to understand how to prioritize action and how to build consensus. And remember that if you ever need assistance with federal agencies, my team can help with a wide range of issues including (but not limited to):
- United States Postal Service
- Social Security Administration
- Veterans Affairs benefits and services
- Passport and visa processing
- Citizenship and naturalization
Yours in service,
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Member of Congress
