The House of Representatives adjourned for August recess on Wednesday, meaning the first part of the legislative session is over. And despite all the odds, Congress was actually very productive. Over the next month I will devote a section of Knight Vision to give you an update of many accomplishments in the House of Representatives since January, and how they affect our communities.

Putting America Back to Work

A revitalized America means a revitalized economy, and making that a reality has been one of my top goals since becoming a Member of Congress. To do this, I believe we need to take a multifaceted approach and improve several sectors that contribute to a strong economy.

Education is essential to having an outstanding workforce in the future. This year the House passed H.R. 5, the Student Success Act; H.R. 529, the Improving Expanding College Savings Plans Act; H.R. 1806, America COMPETES Act; and H.R. 1020, the STEM Education Act. All of these bills will ensure our children have the resources and support they need in order to be successful in the 21st century economy.

Speaking to a high school class in the community

The backbone of our economy is our small business community. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses create seven out of every ten new jobs and they employ just over half of the country’s private sector workforce. Unfortunately, federal regulations make it very hard for these engines of job creation to keep their costs down and their doors open.That’s why the House passed H.R. 636, the America’s Small Business Tax Relief Act; H.R. 30, the Save American Workers Act; and H.R. 427, the REINS Act. By fighting to roll back our government’s red tape, we are fostering job growth from the bottom up.

Helping Small Businesses like the 42nd Street Gastropub thrive

Of course, the key to strengthening our nation’s economy is ensuring that it is made up of families that are healthy and financially stable. While the federal government should not be dictating any family’s medical or fiscal decisions, it should put in place policies that remove barriers to realizing the American dream. That’s why I was proud to support H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act; H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act; H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act; H.R. 685, Mortgage Choice Act; H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act. These commonsense bills will make access to responsible housing, genuinely affordable healthcare, and lower energy costs a reality.

St. Francis Dam Memorial Act I’m very excited to announce that last week I introduced H.R. 3153, the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and Castaic Wilderness Act. This legislation would create a national memorial to honor the victims of the Saint Francis Dam disaster of March 12, 1928. Feel free to download and read the text of the bill here . Memorializing the victims of the St. Francis Dam Disaster Fighting Against High Gas Prices In the past few weeks gas prices in our community have climbed to almost unbearable levels. That’s why I took part in a Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing regarding the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard, which contributes to these high prices. Discussing the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Law Makers from Law Enforcement Yesterday I spoke at a Press Conference to announce that a few of my colleagues and I are forming a Congressional Law Enforcement Task Force. I look forward to using my experience as a veteran police officer to help find ways to improve the relations between law enforcement and communities they serve while ensuring that law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Law Enforcement Task Force Press Conference