|
Dear neighbor,
This week marked the second anniversary of the horrific mass shooting in Atlanta, where eight people working in Asian-owned spas lost their lives. We know that this shooting was motivated by racism and bigotry. This incident sadly is not isolated. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate and violence against the AAPI community has risen. I was proud to introduce the Stop Hate Crimes Act in the 117th Congress, with the goal of ensuring all perpetrators of hate crimes are held accountable. My heart is with the families of the victims in Atlanta, as well as those impacted by other acts of AAPI hate. I’m glad that President Biden visited Monterey Park this week to honor the memories of those lost to a tragic mass shooting that took place there earlier this year. President Biden and House Democrats are committed to rooting out all forms of hate, bigotry, and violence.
I joined Wolf Blitzer following the attack two years ago to talk about the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community and the importance of speaking out against racism. Check it out below.
BON VOYAGE: Are you planning an international summer vacation? Traveling for work? Going to visit family overseas? Please make sure that your passport is up to date! Many countries require that your passport not expire for six months after your departure date, regardless of how long your trip is. My office has been hard at work assisting our neighbors who need their passports updated, and we’re ready to help you too.
When you’re making travel plans, please check your passport’s expiration date before booking your tickets. Processing times for passport renewals have increased recently due to normal seasonal demand. Standard processing times are now eight to eleven weeks, while expedited processing time has risen to five to seven weeks. If you need to apply for a new passport in person, please click here. If you have a passport that will expire within six months and need to renew it via mail, or if you need to correct or change your current passport, please click here. If you’ve already applied for a new or renewed passport and would like to check the status of your request, please click here.
It’s never too early to think about renewing your passport. I encourage you to check your passport’s expiration, and if it has around six months of validity, to visit the State Department’s website or reach out to my district office at 323-651-1040. Check your passport before traveling for smooth skies!
Here’s what else I want to share with you this week:
- The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in climate efforts ever, and it can help you and your family save money on energy and other utility costs. To learn more about the IRA and tax credits for clean energy investments in your home, please click here.
- Los Angeles Metro is hosting a virtual community townhall! Representatives from Metro will share information about construction on the Purple Line Westwood/VA Hospital station and other community updates. The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, March 29, at 12PM. To tune in, click here.
- A third drug manufacturer has announced that they will begin capping the cost of insulin for everyone. This is great news! Democrats continue to put people over politics and bring down the cost of prescription drugs for Americans.
- This week a federal judge in Texas is presiding over a case that could force a drug used in safe, effective medical abortions off the market. I’m closely monitoring the situation and will always defend people’s right to make their own health care decisions. House Democrats and President Biden are committed to reproductive freedom for all Americans.
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
|
