September 18, 2021

Weekly Wrap Up

(September 18)

This week, Congressman Correa celebrated the commencement off of Hispanic Heritage Month and participated in the House by the Judiciary Committee markup to include immigration in the budget reconciliation—a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Univision’s Al Punto interviewed Congressman Correa to highlight the importance of immigration reform in budget reconciliation. Dreamers, TPS Holders, farmworkers, and essential workers are vital to strengthen our economy as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

To kick off the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County, Congressman Correa attended the grand opening of a local taco restaurant that serves Mexican-style food from Zacatecas, Mexico.  Rep. Correa, a fellow Titan, also attended his alma-mater California State University Fullerton (CSUF) event honoring Latino community leaders and celebrating Hispanic Serving Institution week.

The Weekly Rundown

This week, markups continued in House committees for the budget reconciliation. On Monday, Congressman Correa and his colleagues wrapped up the House Agriculture Committee's portion of the budget reconciliation. The committee passed $7.75 billion in agriculture research and infrastructure, including more than $1 billion for Minority Serving Institutions (MSI); over $18 billion in rural job-promoting investments to ensure those living in rural America, on tribal lands, and our insular areas have access to clean water and reliable and efficient renewable energy; and $40 billion in investments in forestry program to help combat forest fires and contribute to healthy, resilient forests. 

Following the House Agriculture Committee markup, the House Judiciary Committee held a 12-hour markup to pass immigration reform and funding for community violence intervention programs. The bill passed out of the Judiciary Committee would strengthen our economy by investing funds to provide a path to permanent residence for America's Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and essential workers. The Judiciary Committee also provided $2.5 billion for the Department of Justice to fund evidence-informed strategies to reduce community violence and fund community intervention programs that address the cycles of violence in communities, thereby saving taxpayer dollars.

On Tuesday, Congressman Correa participated in the House Homeland Security Committee markup, where members passed a cybersecurity bill to provide $865 million for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Among other investments, the bill provides $100 million over the next ten years in CISA's cybersecurity workforce development and education efforts. The Congressman voted to pass an amendment to clarify that the resources in the fund also invest in existing partnerships with HBCUs, MSIs, and community colleges – which will help colleges in the Rancho Santiago Community College District and North Orange County Community College District.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Congressman Correa was proud to cosponsor a resolution to recognize National Latino Small Business Day to raise awareness, promote support for Latino-owned small businesses, and nurture the exchange of strong business networks to empower those looking to start a business. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes this day as an opportunity to celebrate Latino entrepreneurs' many contributions and success stories in the community and across the country.

On Friday, Congressman Correa cosigned Rep. Mike Thompson and the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce's amicus brief supporting New York's Conceal Carry law which is being challenged in the Supreme Court. The New York law requires an individual who wishes to carry a firearm with ammunition in public first to establish that they have "proper cause. If this law is overturned, it would set a dangerous precedent that would jeopardize common sense and longstanding gun violence laws across the country.

Congressman Correa joined House and Senate members in signing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which involves a Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

To end the week, Congressman Correa joined Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Congresswoman González Colón in sending a letter to Congressional leadership to extend the increased cash voucher for fruits and vegetables under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the forthcoming Continuing Resolution. The short-term WIC benefit increase passed in the American Rescue Plan helped over 4.7 million children, pregnant women, and postpartum women receive access to nutritious foods. Without the extension, these families would see the benefits drop to only $2.25 per week at the end of the month.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

  • NYT | According to Census statistics, the American Rescue Plan and other Democratic-backed COVID relief measures helped the U.S. achieve a 9.1% poverty rate––the lowest in the U.S. since 1967.
  • Census statistics say the American Rescue Plan and other Democratic-backed COVID relief measures helped the U.S. achieve a 9.1% poverty rate––the lowest in the U.S. since 1967.
  • OC Register | In a move to increase affordable housing, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bills 9 and 10, which allow for the development of up to 4 residential units on single-family lots and the streamlining of new, multi-family housing projects across California.
  • The Hill | The Freedom to Vote Act––Democrats’ new voting rights legislation unveiled in the Senate this week––would mandate 15 days of early voting, make Election Day a federal holiday, and institute same-day voter registration nationwide. 

Looking Ahead

Congressman Correa returns to DC next week to work on the Defense Bill to help Afghan refugees and ensuring our country is secure 20 years after September 11th.