E-Newsletter: Vets, Infrastructure, and San Diego Events

Statement

Dear Friend,

While Congress was out of session last month I took advantage of an extended time in San Diego to visit local businesses and veterans facilities, meet with constituents like you, and continue the dialogue on how to get Congress functioning successfully again.

Supporting Military families

Often forgotten amidst discussions of military operations and deployments are the spouses and children that our servicemembers leave at home when they serve our country. Military families can be found in every one of our communities. I recently learned that on average a military child moves and changes school 6-9 times between Kindergarten and High School graduation.

I had the honor of talking with students at Serra High School in Tierrasanta, many of whom come from military families, to hear their perspectives. I also helped present grant funding to the San Diego Unified School District to help get these students into more Advanced Placement courses as they prepare for college.

Working with my Colleagues

For the first time in a long time, San Diego's entire Congressional delegation is working together to promote our regional economic interests. My four colleagues and I attended the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual forum to discuss our efforts to fund the San Ysidro Port of Entry project, which will expand the local economy and reduce wait times.

I also did an interview with former Mayor Jerry Sanders and Rep. Duncan Hunter on NBC 7's 'Politically Speaking' about supporting our local innovation economy and my fight to support scientific research funding that is critical to local jobs and our national competitiveness. Click the image below to watch or click HERE.

Securing Constituent Medals

One of my constituents had been trying to get the military medals he had been awarded but not yet received. After his tragic death, his wife continued the effort and contacted my office for help. It was an honor to present her, and her family, with the medals.

Funding Infrastructure and Fixing Potholes

Given the focus in San Diego on fixing our roads and filling the potholes, it's no surprise that upgrading our nation's infrastructure is necessary for growing the economy and creating jobs. I welcomed my colleague Rep. John Delaney from Maryland to talk about our effort to fund infrastructure programs at no cost to taxpayers and the need for comprehensive tax reform.

Improving Healthcare for our Veterans

Wireless technologies have the potential to change the way healthcare is delivered for millions of Americans. Many San Diego companies are at the forefront of developing these new devices and applications, which will help deliver better and potentially less-costly care.

I visited the Aspire Center in Old Town that is working with veterans in their rehabilitation efforts, including through the use of telemedicine services.

In a stop on KUSI's morning show I discussed the Aspire Center and my two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing the use of wireless technologies in healthcare in Medicare, Tricare, and the Veterans Administration.

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