Combating the Spread of Monkeypox

August 8, 2022

Declaring Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency

The Biden Administration's declaration of a public health emergency is a crucial step to stop the spread of monkeypox. This action, which follows the lead of San Francisco and California, is welcome news: unlocking critical tools to strengthen our fight against this accelerating and painful public health threat.

In San Francisco, we are already seeing monkeypox inflict serious harm — particularly, taking a disproportionate toll on our LGBTQ family, friends and neighbors. As we learned from the COVID crisis, we must act swiftly and decisively to get ahead and stay ahead of this virus.

It is encouraging that the Biden Administration is making nearly 800,000 doses of the vaccine available, with 40 percent already reaching our communities — and more must be done to ensure quick distribution to areas with the greatest need. We must also ensure that communities have the ability to track, trace and treat monkeypox, while removing barriers to access these tools, offering culturally competent and compassionate care, and combating stigma. The Congress will continue to closely monitor the spread of monkeypox and consider legislative responses to ensure our nation is well prepared to defeat this virus.

Preserving Democracy and Security in the Indo-Pacific
This week, I led a Congressional delegation to Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The trip focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance, as we further our mission to build a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our delegation held high-level meetings to discuss how we could further advance our shared interests and values.

In Singapore, we met with key government leaders to discuss how our nations can continue working together on security and stability, economic growth and trade, and values-based governance. During meetings with Malaysian officials, we extended appreciation for Malaysia's vote at the United Nations on Russia's aggression and their leadership in ASEAN on repudiating Burma for its deadly crackdown on dissent.

In Taipei, we highlighted Taiwan's many successes on these key priorities. On security: we reaffirmed Congress' ongoing commitment to helping Taiwan defend its freedom in the face of aggression. On economy: we conveyed how our CHIPS and Science Act will go a long way to strengthening both our economies, as well as expressed our support for a 21st Century trade framework. On governance: we congratulated them on their robust response to the pandemic, one of the most successful in the world.

Following this, in South Korea, we underscored our dedication to the U.S.-Korea alliance to advance security, strengthen our supply chains, and increase trade and investments that are beneficial to both our nations. Lastly, we reaffirmed our nations' shared commitment to advancing security, building prosperity and defending democracy with our cornerstone alliance in the region.

As a whole, our Congressional delegation's trip to the Indo-Pacific reaffirmed America's strong and unshakeable commitment to our allies and friends in the region. Under the strong leadership of President Biden, America is firmly committed to smart, strategic engagement in the region, understanding that a free and flourishing Indo-Pacific is crucial to prosperity in our nation and around the globe.

Why I Led A Congressional Delegation to Taiwan

Below is an excerpt from my Washington Post Op-Ed discussing my visit to Taiwan:

"In the face of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) accelerating aggression, our Congressional delegation's visit should be seen as an unequivocal statement that America stands with Taiwan, our democratic partner, as it defends itself and its freedom. Our visit — one of several congressional delegations to the island — in no way contradicts the long-standing one-China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the U.S.-China Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances. The United States continues to oppose unilateral efforts to change the status quo."

Please click here to read the piece in its entirety.

Responding to Drought and Heat Risk

In San Francisco, we know the perils of drought and extreme heat – and these events will only increase in number and intensity due to the climate crisis. This week, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission released new water conservation resources – from personalized consultations to advice on limiting water waste. The Commission also offers tips, rebates, incentives and services to help you save water and money. Additionally, the Biden Administration recently launched Heat.gov, a new one-stop hub on heat and health that offers maps, data and other information to help individuals and communities stay safe this summer.

Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

CDC About Monkeypox	San Francisco Monkeypox Case Count
CDC Monkeypox Symptoms	San Francisco Monkeypox Vaccine Information
California Public Health Q & A	San Francisco City Testing (SF City Clinic or Strut)

Keeping Ahead of COVID in San Francisco

COVID.gov	Free at-home COVID-19 Tests
COVID-19 testing options in San Francisco	Over-the-counter tests through Medicare
FDA COVID-19 Vaccine News and Updates	Schedule your COVID-19 Booster Shot

A constituent contacted my office to request assistance in expediting their passport renewal appointment because they needed to accommodate an elderly parent on a trip. After my office reached out the San Francisco Passport Agency, the request to expedite approval was granted.

Caseworkers in my San Francisco office work to address any problems or concerns you may have with a federal government agency. To submit a Casework Authorization Form, please visit my website.