AGRICULTURE

The central coast of California is home to a bountiful and beautiful agriculture industry. Our district alone produces over 100 different kinds of specialty crops, earning us the title of the “Salad Bowl of the World.”

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee as well as the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the growers, shippers, and farm workers of the Central Coast who help contribute to this $5 billion economic engine. Serving on both the Agriculture and Ways and Means committees allows me to advocate for Central Coast farmers through trade, biotech innovations, and more.

Through my appointment to the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research subcommittee I will work to ensure that producers, both conventional and organic, are supported by investments in plant breeding, pest management, and resource conservation. Our U.S. Department of Agriculture research station in Salinas is critical to this mission, working to develop solutions for the unique challenges faced by specialty crop producers, organic growers, and rural communities.

As a member of the Nutrition subcommittee to help expand access to the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in our district. The programs under this subcommittee’s jurisdiction are expansive, ranging from the meals our children eat at school to the availability of farmers markets in our communities.  With so much agriculture production in our district, I want to ensure than the products we grow are accessible by all.

I also serve member of the Convervation and Forestry subcommittee.  As a member of this subcommittee, my colleagues and I develop solutions to keep communities safe from wildfire and ensure the health of our federal forests, including the Los Padres National Forest in my district, and expand access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's conservation programs, to help farmers be part of the climate solution. This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over resource conservation, forestry, and all forests under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.

Although the Agriculture Committee and Ways and Means Committee do not handle immigration reform, I realize that our nation’s immigration policy greatly affects our agriculture, especially on the Central Coast. That is why I advocate for bipartisan immigration reform every chance possible. Despite the rhetoric, declarations, and Executive Orders coming out of the Administration, I will work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues, especially those on the Agriculture Committee, to craft an effective farm labor solution that provides certainty for both our growers and farmworkers.

EDUCATION

I firmly believe that education is the incubator of American innovation, prosperity, and economic equality. I have consistently advocated for programs such as Title I, Head Start, migrant education, and tutoring and mentoring for first-year college students.

Americans hold $1.6 trillion in student debt. I’m one of them.  I am a cosponsor of the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive overhaul of higher education that lowers the cost of college, improves the quality of higher education, and expands opportunity for students from all backgrounds.

I also cosponsored the Basic Assistance for Students In College (BASIC) Act, legislation to ensure that college students—particularly those receiving Pell Grants or attending a community college or minority-serving institution—are able to afford basic, day-to-day necessities.

I will continue to support year-round Pell, streamlined student loan repayment processes, and student loan forgiveness for public service.

Understanding the significant challenges servicemembers face when they transition out of the military, I introduced legislation to help establish Veterans Resource Centers at public institutions of higher education. I want to ensure our veterans feel empowered and confident when they are trying to advance their careers through education, and these Veterans Resource Centers will be another booster for veterans.  These centers will offer veterans a place to share ideas and advice, as well as professionally and personally network to lay a powerful foundation for their civilian careers.

Additionally, I am working closely with a number of Members from House Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees to better service our men and women in uniform. Through accurate and actionable legislative work we can reduce the barriers to our military members from progressing in their higher education.

ENVIRONMENT

The central coast of California is home to irreplaceable, pristine public lands and unspoiled coastline and waters. Travelers from around the world visit our district to explore Pinnacles National Park, Fort Ord National Monument, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ventana Wilderness, Los Padres National Forest, and part of the California Coastal National Monument, which spans along the California coastline.

We must remain committed to protecting our environment for future generations by confronting and attempting to reverse the effects of climate change to support the health of our community, country, and planet.

As your Member of Congress, I am working to deliver thoughtful and innovative action on climate change to protect public health, and clean air and clean water; advance our economy and global preeminence in green technology; defend our national security; and to pass on a healthy and sustainable future for our children.

I have authored, introduced, and cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation that block oil drilling in our oceans and public lands, cut carbon emissions, and protect our pristine environment on the Central Coast.

This year, the House has held over 80 hearings on the climate crisis, examining how to combat climate change, build a more resilient infrastructure, and boost the clean energy sector and creation of jobs. These were the first climate change hearings in over ten years. I support the Congressional Select Committee on Climate Crisis, which has been tasked with holding numerous hearings in which all stakeholders can properly address the dangerous cost of reversing environmental policies and ignoring climate change. The Committee will also investigate the cost of implementing long-term solutions to fight against climate change.

America, and our home state of California, has been a leader in combatting climate change. I believe that we must rejoin our global partners in tackling the threat of climate change and commit to substantial reductions in carbon pollution, meaningful investments in clean energy, and policies that strengthen our communities and prioritize the health and safety of current and future generations.

I will continue to fight to advance legislation and policies to effectively address the climate crisis. Climate change is real, it is urgent, and it demands action. 

EQUALITY & CIVIL RIGHTS

I believe that our federal government must work to provide and protect basic civil liberties to all Americans. As a member of Congress, I will keep fighting every day to make sure that people of color and LGBT+ people are ensured equal protection under the law.

Commission to Study Reparations

I am a cosponsor of the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act, H.R. 40 to study the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African Americans resulting directly and indirectly from slavery to segregation to the desegregation process and the present day.

Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act

I am a cosponsor of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, H.R. 1636, to establish a bipartisan commission that will be housed within the United States Commission on Civil Rights’ office tasked with examining the social disparities that disproportionately affect black men and boys in America.

Efforts for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Act

I am a cosponsor of the United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Act, H.Res. 100, to examine the effects of slavery, institutional racism, and discrimination against people of color, and how our history impacts laws and policies today.

LGBT Caucus

As a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I work with my colleagues in the House to address some of our country’s most pressing equality issues, including fighting anti-LGBT+ appropriations amendments, and advocating for education and aging protections.

Equality Act

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, a bipartisan, comprehensive nondiscrimination bill to extend civil rights protections to LGBT+ Americans.

Equal Rights Amendment

I am a proud cosponsor of H.J.Res.79 to remove the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). A vote for the ERA is a vote for equality. We must ratify this crucial amendment to enshrine women’s equality in our Constitution and under the law.

Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019​

I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, to restore the Voting Rights Act’s power to combat the resurgence of partisan voter suppression across the nation.

HEALTH

I am committed to working towards continued access to health care and improving, not repealing, the Affordable Care Act. I will advocate for the central coast’s health care concerns as Congress continues to debate health care reform. Our seniors, veterans, students, families, and everyone in between deserve to feel secure in their health care future. 

HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

Local, state, and federal leaders are working to address this issue and ensure Californians have a safe and affordable place to call home. In Congress:

• I secured funding for affordable housing programs, and brough in over $41 million grants for low-middle income, veterans,and homeless community members.
• I support tax deductions for renters and affordable housing near public transit.
• The President signed into law legislation that included my bill, the Better Military Housing Act, to create a tenant bill of rights for residents of privatized military housing, prohibit retaliation against military tenants, and create a housing advocate for servicemembers. It is our duty to make sure that those who serve and sacrifice, including servicemembers and their family members, have safe, clean and well-maintained housing.
• I am a strong supporter of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, HR 3077, to expand and strengthen the Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC)to incentivize building more affordable housing and better support underserved communities. The legislation would increase the number of allocated tax credits by 50 percent and increase the number of units built by over 500,000 units over the next decade.  In addition to increasing the number of credits available, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act creates more veteran-specific housing options and further serve extremely-low income communities.  The legislation will better protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by ensuring Violence Against Women Act standards are applied to properties built using the AHTC. Importantly, for our agricultural communities, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act includes provisions that help build more affordable housing in rural areas. It allows for more credits to go into rural properties, and it standardizes rural income limits for Housing Credit and Housing Bond properties.

I will continue to create and implement solutions to tackle the housing crisis.

IMMIGRATION

As the grandson of immigrants who realized the American dream of freedom, prosperity, and equality, I firmly believe that diversity within our country must be valued, not belittled.

We must never forget that being American means that we bear the burden to serve one another and welcome people of all religions and nationalities who are willing to come here and share in that responsibility.

I have made bipartisan immigration reform one of my top priorities in Congress. I will readily accept the chance to work across the aisle to develop an effective solution for immigrant families and individuals who call our district home. 

My office is here to help with any questions you may have regarding documentation and current laws. Regardless of your immigration status, you have certain rights:

YOU HAVE RIGHTS

1. You have the right to ask for an attorney before answering any questions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other law enforcement.
2. Make sure you fully understand the question you are answering and any documents you may be signing.
3. ICE must have a warrant to enter your home. If an ICE agent does not show you a warrant, you may refuse entry. A valid warrant must state your correct name and address on it.

No importa su estatus migratorio, usted tiene derechos legales.

1. Usted tiene el derecho de solicitar un abogado antes de responder cualquier pregunta del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE: por sus siglas en inglés) de los EEUU, o cualquier otra aplicación de la ley.
2. Asegúrese que entiende completamente la pregunda que está respondiendo y cualquier documento que pueda estar firmando.
3. ICE debe tener una orden para ingresar a su hogar. Si un agente de ICE no le muestra una orden judicial, puede rechazar la entrada. Una orden de registro válida debe indicar su nombre y dirección correctos.

HAVE A SAFETY PLAN

1. If you have a valid work permit or Green Card, always carry it with you for identification purposes.
2. Make sure you know the phone number of a family member, friend or attorney who can help you.
3. Keep important documents like your birth certificate, immigration documents and alien registration number somewhere where a family member or friend can access them if necessary.
4. Make sure your friends and family can find you if you are detained by ICE. They can use the ICE online detainee locator.

Tenga un plan de seguridad:

1. Si tiene un permiso de trabajo válido o tarjeta verde, llévelo siempre con para verificar su identificación.
2. Asegúrese que sabe el número de teléfono de un familiar, amigo o abogado quien puede.
3. Guarde documentos importantes como su certificado de nacimiento, documentos de inmigración y número de registro de extranjero en algún lugar donde un familiar o amigo pueda accederlos si es necesario.
4. Asegúrese que sus amigos y familiares puedan encontrarlo si está detenido por ICE. Pueden usar el localizador de detenidos en línea de ICE. https://locator.ice.gov/odls/

LAW ENFORCEMENT REFORM

As your federal representative, I am working on and evaluating numerous pieces of legislation to correct past injustices and reform our legal system.  The horrific killing of George Floyd, and others, at the hands of police officers entrusted to do what’s right, validates and accentuates what's wrong within our criminal justice system.  While we are seeing protests in the streets, it is past the time for Congress to officially acknowledge the past wrongs, account for the present issues, and act on real reform for the future of our legal system. 

I am original cosponsor of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Although no single bill will erase systemic racism, it is past time for Congress to create structural changes within our law enforcement system with meaningful legislation.  Led by the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus, this bill is expected to soon be considered by the House Judiciary Committee under the guidance of Chairman Jerry Nadler (NY-10) for a markup and then go to the full House of Representatives for a vote on passage.  

Full text of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 is available here.

I am also a cosponsor of the Police Training and Independent Review Act. This legislation provides federal funding to states that require law enforcement academies to provide sensitivity training on ethics and racial bias, cultural diversity, and police interaction with the disabled, mentally ill, and new immigrants This bill also incentivizes states to adopt laws requiring independent investigations and prosecutions of law enforcement officers in cases where one or more of the alleged offenses involves an officer's use of deadly force in the course of carrying out his or her official duties.

NATIONAL SECURITY

The central coast of California is home to more than a dozen military installations that teach foreign languages to our armed forces, research and develop cybersecurity and technology used on and off the battlefield, and educate and foster leadership skills of our men and women in uniform.  As a former intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan, I experienced and understand how important those skills and qualities are to bolstering our national security.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I work to maintain the military installations on the Central Coast, promote their educational training and technological innovation, and protect their nearly 15,000 good paying jobs that impact the economy of our communities and the safety of our country.  I also work to ensure that our men and women in uniform have the tools, resources, and training they need to accomplish their mission and return home.  Strong Congressional oversight – focused on smarter military spending, clearly defined authorizations for the use of military force, and care for our military families – is the best way for Congress to support our troops and keep our country safe.

VETERANS

As a veteran myself, I recognize the sacrifices that our military men and women make every day, both during and after their service. I intend to honor them through my work, and fight for them every chance I get.  

During the 115th and 116th Congresses, I am proud to have authored and introduced bipartisan bills to support our student veterans on college campuses.  The Veterans Resource Center Act would authorize grants for Veterans Resource Centers to advise, assist, and support military-connected students and encourage priority registration for veterans.  I co-introduced the GI Bill Transfer Extension Act, legislation that will increase flexibility for service members seeking to transfer their GI Bill education benefits.  I will continue to work to support veterans and their families in their pursuit of higher education.

Military families face challenges that not every American family encounters, from frequent moves and service member absences at family events during their training and deployments, to certain restrictions they face living on military installations as well as overseas.  My staff and I will continue to lead efforts in legislative work for all matters that:

• coordinate with communities and organizations to provide a welcoming environment to our veterans in order to ease their transition and make them feel accepted;
• facilitate service members transition into the civilian sector by reducing barriers and providing the resources they need to navigate this process;
• preserve and honor the memory of those service members who sacrificed everything for their country;
• protects benefits of military members and their families;
• promotes educational opportunities and advances career paths of military members and their families;
• and, ensures mental, health, and dental resources remain easily accessible for military members and their families.