Building Safer Communities

Banning Weapons of War

Over the last two decades, our nation has watched in unspeakable horror as assault weapons have been used in massacre after massacre, in communities across the country. And disturbingly, so many of these mass shootings have targeted our precious children: in their schools, at the movies, at the malls and throughout our communities.

That is why the House voted to pass the Assault Weapons Ban Act, a long overdue step to get deadly weapons of war off our streets. Make no mistake: we know that an assault weapons ban can work – because it has worked before. For ten years – from 1994 to 2004 – our families were protected by a strong assault weapons ban, resulting in a 40 percent decline in this type of gun crime. Similarly, this bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons – as well as high-capacity magazines. It requires safe storage for lawfully owned assault weapons already in our communities. And proudly, this legislation builds on Democrats' determined leadership to end the gun violence crisis with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

All those who have the privilege of serving in these hallowed halls take a sacred oath to the American people. At the heart of that oath is our duty to "protect and defend." And with this legislation, we honor this foremost responsibility: putting People Over Politics by building safer communities.

Advancing American Competitiveness

The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and technology in the world. Yet, decades of neglect and underinvestment now threaten America's position as a global leader in research and innovation. That is why Congress passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which will make historic investments to lower costs for families here at home while reigniting American competitiveness on the global stage.

This legislation will bolster our nation's production of semiconductor chips through $52 billion in new funding – reinvigorating American manufacturing and creating nearly 100,000 good-paying, union jobs. Crucially, these federal investments come with strong guardrails, ensuring they go straight into our economy – not into corporate pockets.

This package also includes numerous victories in science and technology for American consumers and workers, including:

• Strengthening research and development through federal agencies dealing with science, which will power America's preeminence in both basic research and next-generation technologies
• Advancing regional technology hubs to ensure that communities across the country can participate in research and development
• Diversifying our STEM workforce to be inclusive so that our nation's brightest minds are helping drive American innovation
• Expanding access to American-made 5G technology so everyone can participate in the 21st Century Economy
• $1 billion RECOMPETES grant program for persistently distressed communities, creating good-paying jobs meeting local economic development needs

Through passing the CHIPS and Science Act, Congress has taken a key step toward enacting transformative investments to strengthen families' financial future, boost America's research advantage and safeguard our economic and national security for generations to come. With this bill, we have an opportunity to show China and the rest of the world that the 21st Century will be the American Century – forged by the ingenuity and hard work of our innovators, workers and businesses.

A Framework on Combating Price Increases

This week, Senate Democrats announced a breakthrough in their negotiations on a reconciliation bill containing many of President Biden's proposals. This addresses the problems of today – inflation, health care costs and the climate crisis – while ensuring no new taxes on families making less than $400,000 and no new taxes on small businesses.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions to:

• reduce the cost of health care for millions by extending ACA subsidies for three more years;
• allow Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs;
• combat the climate crisis by reducing carbon pollution by roughly 40 percent by 2030; and
• lower energy costs and advances energy security.

Importantly, this agreement would reduce the deficit and help fight inflation by allocating an historic $300 billion for deficit reduction. It is also fully paid for by:

• implementing a 15 percent corporate minimum tax; and
• strengthening IRS enforcement.

The Inflation Reduction Act is a victory for America's families and for protecting our planet. House Democrats will continue to fight for priorities not contained in this legislation — because more must be done on behalf of America's working families and to save the planet. Next week, the full Senate will consider this legislation, and then the House will move forward. We will deliver for America's families – because Democrats put People Over Politics.

Funding Wildfire Prevention
In California, we know the perils of wildfire and drought all too well. Each summer, fires ravage every corner of our state: beloved homes destroyed; precious belongings incinerated; treasured memories erased. Tragically, the climate crisis has only exacerbated these catastrophes. In the last five years alone, California has seen 8 of the 10 largest wildfires in history as well as its worst drought in over four centuries.

That is why, today, the House today to pass H.R. 5118, the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act – a legislative package that will advance a robust, dynamic strategy to mitigate disaster before it strikes, respond with every tool in our arsenal & fortify communities for the future. This legislation does this in four major ways:

• Supporting a 10-Year Strategy to address wildfire risk by recruiting and retaining more federal firefighters and securing additional resources like fire training
• Providing meaningful drought relief through funding to stop key reservoirs from depleting, investing in drought-proof water infrastructure and harnessing new technologies to maximize water supply
• Advancing a whole-of-government approach by creating a new National Disaster Safety Board and establishing a National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program
• Committing to environmental justice through grant and training programs that give communities the tools to counter discriminatory impacts of federal policy

As the climate crisis accelerates, we are seeing the damage of extreme weather around here at home, posing an existential threat to our children, to our security, to our health and to our planet. With this this legislation, we take a strong, scientific step to keep our families safe in the face of extreme weather disasters. Let us forge ahead with a spirit of courage, creativity and collaboration to conquer this crisis and serve as faithful stewards of the Earth for generations to come.

This Thursday, the Democratic women of the House gathered in the halls of Congress to say loud and clear: we are not going back! If you would like to share your story about women's reproductive health care, please leave a message using this link.

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