03-18-19
On Monday, I had the honor to serve as the House Speaker pro tempore. As I was presiding over the House proceedings, we received President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget to Congress. What we received was, to say the least, eye-opening. The President’s slashing of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, critical healthcare funds and assistance to farmers and working families reflects his priorities and values, which clearly are not to benefit the lives of the American people. I’m committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle to advance an agenda and budget for working Americans, not an agenda that undermines them. Click here to read my opinion piece in the Fresno Bee on the President’s budget.
Highlights of What Congress Did This Week
Voted YES on H.Con.Res. 24, Expressing the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Mueller should be made available to the public and to Congress
Despite reports of polarization between the two parties and ideological tribalism, I’m happy to report that quite a bit of bi-partisan, commonsense legislation is working its way through our Congress. This week, my colleagues and I unanimously voted to pass a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that any report delivered to the Attorney General from Special Counsel Mueller be released to the public and to Congress.
Now more than ever it’s important that as members of Congress we stand up for the principle of transparency. The passage of this important resolution sends a clear message to the American people and Department of Justice that our Congress believes transparency is a fundamental principle necessary for the future of our Democracy, and transparency ensures our government remains accountable to the people.
Voted YES on H.R. 1122, Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019
This week the House passed the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2019 – a bill that seeks to break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income Americans who need better access to available employment opportunities.
The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create a demonstration program under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program that encourages families receiving voucher benefits to move to lower-poverty areas, enabling them to have access to areas of greater opportunity. We know that a key predictor of one’s health and future success is simply the zip code in which they live.
Voted YES on H.R. 758, Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch Act of 2019
The House also overwhelmingly approved legislation that strengthens the partnership between financial institutions and law enforcement. The Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch Act of 2019 provides protections for financial institutions against regulatory agency backlash due to cooperation with a federal or state law enforcement agency.
Under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering regulations, banks face strict rules for managing accounts and they cannot facilitate money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illegal activities. Often, banks receive notices from law enforcement agencies, known as “keep open” letters, requesting them to keep an account open to track payments and monitor criminals. This legislation allows banks to keep accounts open that are involved in criminal investigations in order to help combat crimes and provides them with protections against regulatory backlash.
Voted YES on H.R. 596, Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act
The House voted to pass the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, bipartisan legislation that prohibits federal agencies from taking any action that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea. The bill states that it is U.S. policy to not recognize the Russian Federations claim of sovereignty over Crimea, it’s airspace, or its territorial waters.
Putin’s forcible and illegal annexation of Crimea undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and threatens the stability of European borders. The U.S. has longstanding policy that does not allow it to recognize territorial changes elected by force, as dictated by the Stimson Doctrine, which was established in 1932 by Republican Secretary of State, Henry Stimson. Additionally, Fiscal Year 2016 – Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Acts already include similar language, prohibiting Department of Defense Funds from being used on any action that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
Legislation I Cosponsored this Week
Insurance Fairness for First Responders Act of 2019 - The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations that would prevent life insurers from denying applications or raising premiums for first responders and medical professionals who have accessed naloxone through a standing order. The Insurance Fairness for First Responders Act of 2019 gives the Secretary and chief law enforcement officers of any state the authority to enforce the regulations and would supplement state laws regulating life insurance.
Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund – Oftentimes, I will run into groups in the halls or elevators of the House office buildings and I like to say hello and introduce myself. You never know who you may meet or where they’re from, but it’s always interesting. A few weeks ago, I met a group of firefighters and first-responders from New York waiting in the lobby and found out they were in DC advocating for a permanent authorization of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.
I’m happy to report to them and to you that I am now a co-sponsor of this important legislation, which fully funds the Victims Compensation fund, reverses cuts to sick or injured 9/11 responders and survivors, while also extending the funds life. The 9/11 Fund is running out of money and was scheduled to shut down in 2020. This bill extends the authorization to 2090, a move that will match the authorization for the World Trade Center Health Program.
Equal Pay Day Resolution – The resolution recognizes the significance of equal pay and the disparities between wages paid to men and women – and symbolizes how far into 2019 women must work to earn what men were paid in 2018 alone. Ten years after the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was signed into law, women still make, on average $0.80 to every dollar that men make. Equal pay for equal work isn’t a partisan issue or a woman’s issue. Equal pay for equal work is an American value.
Policy Letters I Cosigned
Letter to Department of Interior Acting Secretary David Bernhardt – I sent a letter alongside Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) and Oversight and Reform Chair Elijah Cummings (MD-07) pressing for information on recently announced changes to the Department of Interior’s (DOI) handling of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and requesting a list of pertinent documentation to help better understand how the DOI’s proposals were crafted. Click here to read a full copy of the letter.
Letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue – I joined my Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Perdue urging USDA to withdraw its proposed rule on work requirements for certain SNAP beneficiaries. This Administration seems to have forgotten there are already work requirements. The proposed rules are punitive and take an approach that anyone utilizing public assistance is a free-loader. Their rationale is that a broader application of the statutory able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) work requirements would foster greater self-sufficiency. Unfortunately, if implemented, this rule would impact and harm veterans, former foster youth, and vulnerable adults, worsening hunger and poverty for adults looking for work.
Letter to U.S. Trade Representative Secretary Robert E. Lighthizer – I joined my colleagues across the aisle in sending a letter to Secretary Lighthizer urging him to insist on the inclusion of agricultural products in upcoming trade negotiations with the European Union (EU). As a Representative of the top agricultural district in the top agricultural state – I’m committed to ensuring the agricultural community has a seat at the table when it comes to trade negotiations with foreign countries.
Weekly Highlights
House Floor Speech
This week I spoke on the House Floor in support of the Equality Act. LBTQ people are still denied opportunities in housing, employment, and healthcare access – and that is simply not okay. The Equality Act would amend existing civil rights laws such as the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Jury Selection and Services Act to explicitly include sexual orientation as a protected class.
I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of the Equality Act – legislation that finally offers protection against discrimination for LGBTQ people across America. While there is still a long way to go, these are good steps in the right direction and I will continue fighting for the rights of the LBTQ community throughout our nation. Click here to watch my House Floor speech.
Meetings & Events
I was proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues and some of the many activists from across the country who have made the Dream Act possible. Dreamers make our country stronger – they are business owners, academics, teachers, nurses, and neighbors. They came to this country as children, and they are 100% American. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 6, a bill that will protect Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. I will always have their back. Click here to read my press release on the Dream and Promise Act of 2019.
It was a pleasure meeting with the American Pizza Community in my D.C. office this week. Small businesses are the backbone of our American economy and I’m proud to represent APC members in the 21st Congressional District. I look forward to celebrating National Small Business Week making some pizza in Hanford!
If you come by our DC office, we’ve got a great view of the Capitol from an outside balcony – but you have to climb through a window to get outside. No problem though for the Kern County Firefighters! I was delighted they swung by my office this week and took on the challenge of the rooftop adventure. Their dedication and service to the County and communities of Kern is to be commended. I look forwarded to visiting the stations and visiting our hard-working first-responders out in Kern soon.
Town Hall
I hope you can join me on Saturday, March 23, 2019 for my first public town hall meeting at Hanford West High School. I’m interested in hearing about the issues that matter to you and to let you know how I’ve been working towards translating those concerns into real action with material results.
Please let my team and I know if you will be joining by registering here. The Hanford West High School cafeteria seats approximately 150 people, and attendees will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Expressing interest through the registration form does not guarantee entry.
What: Congressman TJ Cox Town Hall
When: March 23, 2019
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Where: Hanford West High School
1150 West Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230
If you have questions you would like to ask at the town hall, please send them to CA21TC.Townhall@mail.house.gov.
TJ’s Recommended Reading
Frequently, I read articles or see videos that I think my constituents would benefit from.
New York Times (4/25/18) – For Thousands of ‘Dreamers,’ It Has Been a Wild Ride. And It’s Not Over Yet.
With the recent introduction of the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 – it’s important to reflect on the trials and tribulations and false hopes our undocumented youth have experienced in their quest for citizenship in the only country they’ve ever known as home. The New York Times article highlights the start of the “Dream” in 2010 and takes us on a journey on the aftermath, struggles, and failures we’ve seen occur as advocacy groups and Members of Congress fight for comprehensive immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship for our Dreamers.
Forbes (3/17/19) – Three Goals to Conquer During Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, I wanted to include this Forbes opinion piece that emphasizes the importance of closing the pay gap, eliminating sexual harassment, and ensuring the equal treatment and opportunity in the workforce for women. We all know that everyone benefits when women succeed and work in a culture that promotes unity rather than divisiveness. I’m committed to doing my part to ensure all women have every opportunity for success.
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!)
In your service,
TJ Cox
Member of Congress