Update on National Guard Bonus Payback Scandal

Last week I told you that we were working to address the disturbing revelation that more than 10,000 California Army National Guard soldiers (CalGuard), who may have received improper bonus payments, are now being forced to pay thousands of dollars back to the government with interest. I’m pleased to say we have a solid update: on Monday my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter urging the DoD to immediately halt any recoupment from CalGuard service members regarding their reenlistment bonuses and other incentive payments. Two days later, the Secretary of Defense responded favorably by ordering a halt to any current recoupment operations, which is a crucial first step. There is still much to be done on this issue, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure our CalGuard service members are fully taken care of. We are indebted to them, not the other way around. Read more here.

Urging the Secretary of Defense to do the right thing

Grace Brethren Visit

Last Tuesday I started my morning speaking with the senior class at Grace Brethren Junior/Senior High School in Simi Valley. Thanks to all the students for a great discussion.

Speaking to Seniors at Grace Brethren

Royal High School

The next stop was Royal High School, where I chatted with students in Mr. Downey’s AP Government and Politics class about government and hosted a mock debate. Thank you to Mr. Downey and all the students for inviting me.

Holding a mock debate at Royal High School

Ronald Reagan Citizen Scholar Institute Brown Bag Lunch.

After class I stuck around at Royal High School to speak at the Ronald Reagan Citizen Scholar Institute Brown Bag Lunch. I fielded some excellent questions and had a blast!

Answering questions from the Ronald Reagan Citizen Scholar Institute

Forever Found

Later on Tuesday I paid a visit to Forever Found, a nonprofit organization founded by Simi Valley residents Taylor and Shannon Sergey in 2010 that provides assistance to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Thank you for all the good work that you do.

Learning about a fantastic non-profit in Simi Valley

Pushing for a CEMEX Decision

On Wednesday we sent a letter to the Department of the Interior urging the agency to move forward as quickly as possible on a decision regarding CEMEX’s mining contracts in Soledad Canyon. The community has fought long and hard to prevent CEMEX from breaking ground in Santa Clarita and we’ve made incredible progress toward that goal. I will continue to work with local, state, and federal officials to ensure this issue reaches an expedient and satisfactory conclusion. Read more here.

American Aeronautics Forum

On October 26th I had the honor of participating in the American Aeronautics Forum, hosted by the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology at Mojave Air & Space Port in the Antelope Valley. Some of the greatest minds in American aerospace were present: Science, Space, & Technology Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21); David McBride, Director of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center; Craig Johnston, Director of Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works; and retired Air Force Major General Curtis M. Bedke, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. The forum was moderated by aerospace leader Stu Witt, who recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of Mojave Air & Space Port. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible. The success of our aeronautics programs will have a tremendous impact on America’s economy and national security far into the future. Our discussion produced several important ideas, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure they become realities. Read more here.

Discussing the future of flight in the Antelope Valley

Medal Pinning Presentation

On Friday evening I had the honor of presenting some long-overdue distinguished medals to Joseph Sonnefeld. Joseph’s father Terry and his sister Kimberly joined him, driving all the way from Sacramento and San Diego. Thank you for your service Joseph!
If you are a veteran who has not received earned medals please feel free to contact our office. We would be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your service Mr. Sonnefeld

Hits For Heroes

I had a great start to my morning on Saturday by throwing out the first pitch at the Hits For Heroes Softball Tournament in Lancaster. What a fantastic event!

Supporting military families in Lancaster