Combating the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic

Last week I spoke on the floor about the legislative package that will address the opioid crisis that continues to take thousands of lives in districts across the country. In my 18 years as a police officer, I saw firsthand the damage that opiates and other drugs can inflict on families and communities. This is our opportunity to fight back before it is too late. The House passed H.R. 4641, a bill that would establish a Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force to review, modify, and update medical best practices for properly prescribing pain management drugs. Watch here.

Realtors Come to the Capitol

Local representatives from the National Association of Realtors stopped by my office last Wednesday for an excellent meeting regarding upcoming legislation and its potential impacts on our communities. Thank you all for stopping by, it was great catching up!

Realtors from California in my Capitol office

Small Business Innovation in the Military

On May 18th I had the honor of speaking at the 16th Annual Forum for SBIR/STTR Transition at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo in Washington, D.C. This was an opportunity to discuss the role of small business innovation in our defense acquisition process and the economy, and how the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Transition Program is helping to accomplish this goal.

Speaking about small businesses innovation

On Defense

On Thursday morning I stood with my colleagues as we underscored the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which passed the House this week. This bill supports the men and women who risk everything to protect our country and our way of life, and I am proud to support it.

Highlighting the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act

Supporting Troops and Veterans

Yesterday I voted in support of H.R. 4974: the  Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017, referred to as the MilCon/VA Appropriations Bill. This bill would provide $81.6 billion in funds toward military construction and to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a two percent increase from the previous year. Part of this would go toward addressing issues at the VA, including management problems and health care shortages, and to increase the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of its services to veterans. For too long, mismanagement and indifference at the VA has negatively impacted our men and women in uniform who are transitioning from the military- this is shameful and we must fix it. H.R. 4974 would help alleviate some of these issues by implementing oversight measures such as reporting on bid savings, limiting changes in the scope of construction projects, and restricting the agency from taking certain spending actions without notifying Congress. Additionally, the bill would provide $52.5 billion in funds for veterans medical services, including mental health care services, suicide prevention activities, brain injury treatment, and treatment for homeless veterans.

Simi Valley Street Fair Last weekend Lily and I attended the Simi Valley Street Fair. We had an excellent time talking with members of the community, supporting local businesses, and taking in the live music! A view of last Saturday’s Street Fair in Simi Valley State of the County My staff attended Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich’s last State of the County in Santa Clarita on Wednesday. We would like to thank him for his continued dedication and service to LA County’s 5th Supervisorial District. Excellent work, Supervisor Antonovich Well-Deserved Recognition This week my office presented a certificate to Patti Sprinkle from Desert Haven Enterprises in Lancaster in recognition of their 30 years of service. Thank you to Patti and the entire Desert Haven team for everything you do for our community. Thank you for your service and dedication! Looking for Interns in Simi Valley My Simi Valley District Office is now accepting applications for interns! If you know an outstanding young person in the area who is interested in building their professional skills and learning about public service, send them our way! More info here.