Tacking Action: The Western Wildfire Crisis, Climate, Vets & More

Dear Neighbor, This week began with tragedy, as two mass shootings claimed the lives of victims in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California. We will continue to send our sincerest condolences to these communities and to the families who lost loved ones at the hands of this senseless violence. Please remember the #BoulderStrong Resource Center is a safe space for those continuing to heal from a similar tragedy in our community. 
 
On Tuesday, I made my way back to Washington D.C., ready to make progress for the hard-working people of Colorado’s Second Congressional District. And I am proud to announce that this week, I introduced my first legislative package of the 118th Congress —  a series of bipartisan bills all aimed at increasing investments to tackle wildfires and fund resiliency and mitigation projects for communities impacted by the recent rise in Western wildfires. The package includes the Wildfire Recovery Act, Wildfire Smoke Relief Act, and the Western Wildfire Support Act. Learn more about these bills HERE.
 
Also this week, I introduced the Veterans Jobs Training Act and the Land Restoration and Resiliency Act. Learn more about these bills below: 

• The Vets Jobs Training Act increases funding for the highly successful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), which works to expand job training and placement services for our nation’s veterans. 

• The Land Restoration and Resiliency Act works to support community investments in restoration and resiliency projects and protect against the threat of climate change, including investing in efforts to respond to threats posed by extreme weather disasters. 

My colleagues and I remain focused on delivering for everyday American families, and will continue to be unified in our efforts to do what’s right! More to come…

WHAT ELSE HAVE WE BEEN WORKING ON?

• I’m leading an effort to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks: This week I cosponsored the TRUST in Congress Act, a bill to effectively ban Members of Congress from trading stocks while in office — a legislative effort I have helped lead for the last several years. Members of Congress are elected to represent the interests of the people they serve, not the stock portfolios they hold, and I’ll continue to push for decisive action to stop these practices. 

• It’s time to Test Your Nest! January is Radon Action Month, and the EPA advises taking steps to ensure your family stays safe. The easiest way to take action is to purchase a low-cost radon test. If you would like to learn more about radon, please visit the EPA website. 

• I was appointed to serve as a member of the House Rules Committee. I am grateful to House Democratic Leader Jeffries and Ranking Member Jim McGovern for selecting me to serve as one of four members on this distinguished and important committee, and look forward to shaping effective legislation.

Should you need any assistance from our office, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Please stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful!