Keeping San Franciscans Safe and Healthy

A Telephone Townhall on Monkeypox

In San Francisco, we are seeing monkeypox inflict serious harm — taking a disproportionate toll on our LGBTQ family, friends and neighbors. But make no mistake: this virus does not discriminate, and anyone exposed to monkeypox can contract the virus. As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, we must act swiftly and decisively to combat this public health threat.

That is why, on Tuesday, I held a telephone town hall to provide an update to San Franciscans on the ongoing response to the monkeypox outbreak. Along with guests from the San Francisco Public Health Department, UCSF and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, we answered questions on monkeypox and highlighted resources available to keep you and your loved ones safe.

We also discussed efforts to increase vaccine supply, improve treatments, combat stigma and deliver culturally competent, compassionate care. Moving forward, 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.

Honoring the Promise of Social Security

Nearly nine decades ago, amid the turmoil and hardship of the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act – ensuring that, after a lifetime of hard work, seniors could enjoy the dignity of a secure retirement. For generations, Social Security has been a pillar of financial stability: bringing peace of mind to those in retirement, living with a disability or grieving a loved one. Yet, rather than safeguarding and strengthening these essential benefits, extreme MAGA Republicans are seeking to destroy Social Security as we know it. A majority of House Republicans are rallying around a budget that would hike the retirement age, slash benefits and push privatization – turning Social Security benefits over to Wall Street.

On Monday, I proudly joined local leaders at Rosa Parks Senior Center to celebrate Social Security's 87th anniversary: highlighting its impacts in San Francisco and reaffirming House Democrats' commitment to defeating these right-wing attacks. While Republicans prioritize their own power over all else, Democrats are fighting to put People Over Politics. We will never relent in safeguarding Social Security and strengthening the economic security of every family: lowering costs, creating better-paying jobs and building safer communities.

Celebrating the CHIPS and Science Act

Yesterday, I joined Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and local STEM leaders to celebrate the enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act – a monumental step toward meeting and beating the challenges of the 21st Century. From the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age, America has led the world to one breakthrough after another. This landmark legislation is carrying on that proud tradition – reinvigorating American innovation and investing in our nation's brightest minds.

The CHIPS and Science Act includes historic investments to power technological advances here in America:

• Strengthening research and development through federal science agencies, including at the Bay Area's four National Laboratories
• Expanding and diversifying our STEM workforce so that our nation's best talent is driving America forward
• Expanding access to American-made 5G technology so that everyone can participate in the 21st Century Economy
• Investing $1 billion in persistently distressed communities, creating good-paying jobs meeting local economic development needs

This legislation also invests $52 billion to help regain America's status as a global leader in semiconductor production – turbocharging American manufacturing and creating nearly 100,000 union jobs. Crucially, these federal investments come with strong guardrails, ensuring they go straight into our economy – not into corporate pockets.

With the CHIPS and Science Act, President Biden and the Democratic Congress have delivered bold action to strengthen families' financial future, boost America's research advantage and safeguard our economic and national security for generations to come. We remain laser-focused on further lowering costs, growing wages and ensuring that the 21st Century will be the American Century.

Monkeypox: What You Need to Know

Keeping Ahead of COVID in San Francisco