02-15-19
This week President Trump declared a National Emergency to fund the border wall. President Trump’s declaration to sidestep the Constitution is short-sighted, irresponsible, and lawless. Our Founding Fathers constructed a system of checks and balances to protect the people from executive overreach. The President overstepped his constitutional authority to declare he will divert scarce taxpayer dollars to a project we all know is unnecessary and ineffective. To read my full statement click here.
Highlights of What Congress Did This Week
Voted YES on H.J.Res.31, Making further continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2019, and for other purposes
On Thursday my colleagues and I approved a bipartisan bill that will keep the government open and fund important national priorities. H.J. Res. 31 ensures the entire federal government is funded through September 30 and is a product of a bipartisan, bicameral Conference Committee.
This legislation supports effective border security while blocking an ineffective concrete border wall and includes key measures to make the immigration system in our country more humane. The bill rejects unnecessary budget cuts and invests in priorities that strengthen our families, communities, and economy.
Voted YES on H.J. Res. 37, Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress
This week the House voted to pass H.J. Res. 37, which invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973 to end unconstitutional U.S. military participation in the Saudi-led coalition’s war in Yemen.
The war in Yemen has led to the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. According to the UN, roughly 12 million people are at risk of famine, and close to 85,000 children under the age of five have died from hunger and disease. H. J. Res. 37 reasserts Congress’s constitutional role on matters of war and peace and is the first step for the U.S. to take to help end the tragedies in Yemen.
Voted YES on H.R. 995, the Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2019
The House voted to approve the SAID Act, which brings clarity and accountability to the litigation activity of federal agencies. The bill establishes a centralized, public database that contains information about settlement agreements and consent decrees entered by federal agencies. In the case of a confidential agreement, the SAID Act would require the agency to issue a public statement that justifies the nondisclosure.
There is currently no standard for recordkeeping across federal agencies. The lack of transparency leaves the American public in the dark about costs and outcomes. The SAID Act would provide transparency and accountability standards to federal settlement agreements.
Legislation I Cosponsored this Week
Trade Security Act – The bill reasserts Congressional authority over trade and tariff policy by reforming Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and would also redesignate national security threat assessment in regard to Section 232 tariffs to the Department of Defense.
American Food for American Schools Act – Strengthens the “Buy American” provisions in current federal law requiring school districts to purchase domestically sourced products for in-school meals. Under the bill, school districts would be required to obtain a waiver from USDA to purchase foreign- sourced food products funded by the National School Lunch Program.
Resolution Rejecting Trump Military Trans Ban – The resolution rejects President Donald Trump’s ban on openly transgender servicemembers urging the Department of Defense to not reinstate a blatantly discriminatory policy.
Family Act – The bill establishes a national paid leave insurance program that would help keep new parents and family caregivers in the workforce and boost their earnings and savings over time, all of which would contribute to economic productivity and growth.
The Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act – The bill updates the U.S. tax code to remove gendered language and affirms the dignity of LGBTQ married couples.
State Public Option Act – The bicameral legislation creates a Medicaid-based public health care option to strengthen the Affordable Care Act by providing Americans with a new high-quality, low-cost choice when purchasing health insurance. The bill allows states to create a Medicaid buy-in program for all their residents regardless of income, giving everyone the option within their legislature.
Policy Letters I Wrote and Cosigned
Letter to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director Ernest Conant– This week I sent a joint letter along with Senator Feinstein and Congressman Costa urging the BOR to allocate the maximum quantity of water practicable to south-of-Delta water contractors, given current water supply conditions and projections, and to revise the allocation as conditions change through the remainder of the winter and spring.
Weekly Highlights
I had the opportunity of meeting with members of the National FFA Organization. We had a great time discussing the importance of agricultural education in the Central Valley and throughout our nation.
Did you know the Library of Congress has a Surplus Books program?
If you know of any schools, libraries, or senior centers in CA-21 that are in need of books, contact my office at (202) 225-4695 or (661) 864-7736. My wife Kathy and I are excited to work with our constituents to ensure everyone has access to reading material.
It was an honor to be in Delano last weekend alongside my fellow Filipino - American brothers and sisters to pay tribute to the lives of Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Larry Itliong.
Our nation has been marked by the contributions of Filipino-Americans like Dr. Mabalan and Larry Itliong. We owe it to them to continue their legacy of perseverance and commitment to improving the lives of not only Filipino-Americans, but the lives of everyone around us.
TJ's Recommended Reading
Frequently, I read articles or see videos that I think my constituents would benefit from.
Washington Post (2/11/19) – I used to be opposed to vaccines. This is how I changed my mind.
Please, please make sure your children are up-to-date with their vaccines – they are safe and effective! My wife Kathy, an intensive care pediatric physician wanted me to highlight the importance of vaccines by sharing the above Op-Ed, which does a great job explaining the risks we put ourselves and those around us in by not getting vaccinated.
New York Times (2/14/19) – How China Brings Us Together
Many of you may know that my dad emigrated from China. He returned a few times and I remember in the early ’80s he showed me a photo of Beijing and what looked like a million bicycles.
China has come a long way since then and as stated in the NY Times Op-Ed, it’s become increasingly clear that China is a grave economic, technological and intellectual threat to the United States and the world order. If you can dig into it, I recommend also reading Senator Rubio’s report on the challenges we’re facing today and in the future. The path is clear. Either innovate and lead or let China become the dominant industrial, technological and financial leader of the future.
Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change (2018) -The 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health of nations for centuries to come
Our first Oversight and Investigations Hearing will look into climate change and how relevant data has been systematically disregarded and suppressed.
Climate Change disproportionally affects rural and disadvantaged communities such as our 21st congressional district. Attached to my newsletter is the 2018 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, a very detailed, fascinating report on public health and climate change. Lancet’s report raises great cause for concern, with the pace of climate change outweighing the urgency of the response. Despite this concerning trend, there are exciting trends in key areas for health, including the phase-out of carbon burning utilities, the deployment of healthier, cleaner modes of transport, and health system adaption. These trends give justification for cautious optimism – but we must still act now and address climate change!
Staying Informed
You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues I’m working on at cox.house.gov. I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
If you’re ever in DC, please call ahead so we can arrange tours for you and update you on upcoming events you may be interested in attending. Be sure to visit us at our office, 1728 Longworth and take the “TJ Challenge” – you get a special prize if you can tell me how many steps there are from the basement up to the 7th floor (and you’ll have to walk them to know!)
All the best,
TJ Cox
Member of Congress