September 10, 2021

Weekly Wrap Up

(September 10)

This week, Rep. Correa was back home in Orange County to celebrate Labor Day and in New York City to observe the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

On Monday, Congressman Correa commemorated Labor Day by honoring local Anaheim farmworkers. He delivered them breakfast to show his gratitude for their work that has kept the economy strong, and their continued agricultural labor that has provided our country with food during the pandemic.

Additionally, Congressman Correa, a member part of the House Homeland Security Committee, attended a roundtable in New York City in observance of the 20th anniversary of September 11. The roundtable provided first responder insights and their families’ experiences and hardships since the attacks. The roundtable allowed Homeland Security Committee members to gain further insights into the need to strengthen existing infrastructure to protect our national security. Rep. Correa also honored the many lives lost by touring the World Trade Center.

The Weekly Rundown

As a father of four, Congressman Correa understands the economic barriers that students and their families face in pursuing higher education, which is why he cosponsored Congresswoman Torres' Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act. This bill would establish a $1 billion competitive grant program for institutions of higher education. The funding could be used for planning, subsidized food, secure sleeping arrangements, temporary housing, child care access, or other basic student needs. 

On the anniversary of September 11, Congressman Correa also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Secretary to award a one-time grant of up to $10 million for the operation, security, and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This grant will help address the economic hardships the Memorial and Museum has been experiencing because of COVID. Congressman Correa also cosponsored Rep. Nadler's resolution to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of September 11.

Congressman Correa also joined Rep. Napolitano in cosponsoring the Immigrants' Mental Health Act to direct Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to take steps to address and identify mental health issues among immigrants and CBP agents.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many families in our community, and many food pantries and families rely on the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). This federal program helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. This week, Congressman Correa joined his House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting that he update the USDA's plans to incorporate more kosher and halal food in TEFAP and encourage the USDA to seek input from Muslim and Jewish communities on culturally and religiously sensitive dietary options.

On Friday, Congressman Correa cosponsored Rep. Peters’ Reduced Costs and Continued Cures Act to lower prescription drug prices while preserving innovation from pharmaceutical companies. This legislation also holds the pharmaceutical industry accountable for its price hike practices and allows negotiation in Medicare Part B, where products no longer have an exclusivity period and lack competition.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

  • WSJ | The Biden Administration is providing Covid-19 relief funds for hospitals that have been financially affected due to the surge in cases.
  • NYT | President Biden has called for states to implement vaccine requirements for all school employees and require regular testing as Covid-19 cases are surging.
  • The Hill | Local officials throughout the country are calling for a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, Dreamers, and TPS beneficiaries and their families to be included in the budget reconciliation bill.

Looking Ahead

Congressman Correa will be in a Committee Work Week. Stay tuned as Rep. Correa celebrates the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, and markups continue in the House Committee on the Judiciary for an immigration reform to be included in the budget reconciliation.