This week’s 25th Congressional District update from U.S. Rep. Steve Knight:

NASA Aeronautics
Last week I spoke at a Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing about the need to properly fund NASA’s aeronautics programs, which are essential to the future of American space exploration. Watch here.

Preventing Future Gas Leaks
On February 2 was proud to introduce H.R. 4429, the Natural Gas Leak Prevention Act. This legislation, which would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue adequate safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities, is the product of a long fact gathering effort that included many conversations with officials from state and federal agencies, tours of natural gas facilities, and more. More information here.

Gathering information on natural gas storage facilities

Touting Tours
Thank you to the Koplin family for stopping by my DC office during their visit to the Capitol! For more information about how my office can help with tours and tickets in Washington, D.C., please visit my website.

Welcome to D.C. Koplin Family!

Future of Flight
This week I introduced H.R. 4489, the FAA Leadership In Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development Act (FLIGHT R&D Act). This bill would authorize the Federal Aviation Administration to study and utilize improvements in aerospace technology with the goal of advancing aviation safety, security, and economic competitiveness. Research and development in aerospace means more jobs and more opportunities for our small businesses to flourish. More information here.

Rep. Knight doing his own aviation research in Simi Valley

Looking for Answers on Porter Ranch
In response to the gas leak at Aliso Canyon in Porter Ranch I requested the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railways, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials to hold a hearing on the gas leak and preventative measures that we can put in place. Now that the relief process for the leak is coming to an end, it is time we begin the process of recovery and prevention. This hearing will be a great first step in that. More information here.

Testifying at a California State Assembly hearing on Aliso Canyon

Budget
Yesterday the President released a budget for the next fiscal year, and I have to say that I noticed a few issues with it that cause me great concern. For one, this $4.1 trillion plan, would add to our already staggering national deficit, which is one of the biggest threats to our economic viability and national security. Additionally, the President’s proposal to create an unprecedented tax hike on oil is out of touch with reality – especially for Californians who are currently struggling to shoulder the highest gas prices in the nation. Finally, the President has chosen to ignore the American people’s call to strengthen our national security, and instead, he is playing politics rather than asking for appropriate spending on defense. So far I am extremely disappointed and will fight to ensure that America has a responsible budget that balances and meets their needs. I will continue to post updates as I process more about this budget and acceptable alternatives.

Pushing Back on Government Overreach
On Tuesday I sent a letter to Secretary of Labor urging the Department of Labor to reconsider a proposed rule that would hurt American workers and the businesses that employ them. The rule, which would alter the way salaried employees are compensated, is another example of Washington bureaucrats burdening our small businesses with one-size-fits-all regulations that hurt more workers than they help. More information here.

Signing a letter regarding the DOL’s controversial overtime rul

Update on Porter Ranch Gas Leak There is progress to report on the gas leak at the Aliso Canyon storage facility near Porter Ranch. The gas company’s drilling of a relief well is within 20 feet of intercepting the leaking well, and if successful the leak will be stopped within the next two weeks. As a resolution on the leak approaches, it is time to move forward on understanding what failed at Aliso Canyon and pass comprehensive legislation to prevent another incident from happening in our communities ever again.  That is why I introduced H.R. 4429, the Natural Gas Leak Prevention Act, and called for a legislative hearing to examine the causes of the leak. More information on those initiatives can be found in the ‘Around the Capitol’ section above, or on my website.Simi Valley Veterans Meet and Greet Last month I hosted a Meet & Greet for veterans in Simi Valley, where my office partnered with local organizations to provide service members with assistance on VA benefits and other veteran’s programs. Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a success. If you were unable to attend and need assistance with the VA, Social Security, or any federal agency- visit my website to learn how my office can help. Learning about VA benefits Zika Virus Information Concerned about Zika Virus? For some useful information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment, please visit my website. Information about the Zika Virus can be found on Rep. Knight’s website Military Academy Nominations Over the weekend I learned that another one of our excellent students has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy. Congratulations to Tyler Schatz from Paraclete High School! For information on Military Academy nominations, visit my website here. Congratulations to Tyler and all of our Academy nominees! Welcome to Bombertown It was a pleasure speaking with Northrop Grumman employees at Monday’s Long Range Strike Bomber event in Palmdale. I look forward to the thousands of quality jobs that this aircraft will bring to our communities. Speaking to Northrop Grumman employees about the LRS-B Skip for Jack this Saturday Join Jack’s Angels and me this Saturday at the annual ‘Skip for Jack!’ event and the Santa Colorita 5k Run to raise awareness and funds for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) research. Thank you to Jack’s Angels for everything that you do! Together we can bring an end to childhood cancer once and for all!  More information on current efforts to research and end DIPG here. Speaking at last year’s Skip For Jack event