Dear neighbor, 

This week, President Joe Biden came to the Capitol to deliver his second State of the Union address. The State of the Union is always an exciting day when Congress and the American public get to hear about the President’s vision for our country’s future. President Biden crushed it. He reminded us that Democrats have delivered for the American people and are now working to finish the job. As President Biden said, the state of our union is strong. 

This past Congress was one of the most productive in recent history. The Democratic Majority worked to bring lower costs, better-paying jobs, and safer communities to American families. Under President Biden, the U.S. has created a record 12 million jobs in two years—as many as any other president created in four years. The unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 1969. We’ve worked hard to make meaningful changes that impact the daily lives of Americans, from gun violence prevention legislation to lower prescription drug costs, and from investing in the climate crisis to ensuring that our veterans get the care they need. Democrats in Congress will continue to work alongside President Biden to continue delivering For The People. What did Republicans do when they took over the majority? They held a congressional hearing about…Twitter. 

President Biden’s address reminded me why America is the most incredible country in the world. We are home to the best and the brightest, and our best days are yet to come. I joined Alex Cohen on Spectrum News LA after the speech to share my thoughts. Check it out below. 

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

• Presented $2.5 million that I secured for the construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing at P-22's Celebration of Life at the Greek Theater. This project will protect other mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains and further conservation efforts in Southern California.

• Celebrated $1.5 million in federal funding that I secured for the Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center, which will support our neighbors experiencing mental health crises.  
• Applauded a $619,000 federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to support UCLA cancer research.  
• Spoke on the House floor about all that Democrats have accomplished while the new Republican majority held a hearing on—wait for it—Twitter.  

Man’s Best Friend: I was honored this week to receive a 100% on the Humane Society’s 117th Congress Scorecard, which rates Members of Congress on legislative activity related to the humane treatment of animals. Over the course of the 117th Congress, I was pleased to support numerous important policies that protect animals from cruelty and abuse. As an active member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, you can count on me to stand up for our furry friends. 

UPDATE: Our office is now accepting submissions for the Congressional Art Competition! The deadline for students to submit their artwork is February 24th. We’ll be hosting this year’s reception honoring the winners on March 18th at the Otis College of Art and Design. I hope you’ll be able to join us.  

For more on my work in Congress, please 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