Working to Reduce Underage Drinking:

My Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act was reauthorized for five years as part of the 21st Century Cures Act.  In the years since my STOP Act was first passed in 2006, it has become clear that the Act has been vital to supporting federal, family, and community efforts to curb underage alcohol use.  However, while STOP has helped reduce underage drinking, our work is not yet done.  Underage alcohol consumption in the United States remains a widespread and persistent public health and safety problem, killing 4,300 youth under age 21 each year.  By reauthorizing STOP for five more years, I hope we can stay on track to eradicate this public health menace.  Watch my video about the STOP Act's reauthorization.


Leading the Fight to Protect Our DREAMers:

Addressing a press conference urging President Obama to protect DREAMers with a pardon.

I helped lead a letter from 64 House Democrats urging President Obama to pardon DREAMers and protect them from fear of immediate deportation.  We clearly understand that such a pardon will not grant legal status, and that was not the intent of our request.  We simply asked the president to protect DACA recipients, who are terrified that the next administration will rescind their DACA agreement.  We have a moral obligation to protect these DREAMers who grew up in our communities and know no other home.  Watch my statement from our press conference on the letter.


Advocating for Southern California's Water Needs and LA River Revitalization:

I voted for the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which took an important step forward in addressing the water needs of Southern California by reauthorizing infrastructure projects nationwide to reduce flood damage, replenish our water supply, and restore our ecosystem.  While the bill was not perfect, it included many bright spots.  Following the efforts of myself and Congressmen Xavier Becerra and Adam Schiff, this bill reflected a strong commitment to the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration project.  The project will rejuvenate Los Angeles park space and wetlands, build new public spaces, create recreational opportunities, and boost the regional economy, creating a healthier, revitalized Los Angeles River.  I was also heartened that this bill contained significant improvements for local water suppliers to complete water reuse and recycling projects, and authorized long-overdue aid to combat the Flint water crisis.


Speaking Out for the Humane Treatment of Animals:

Accepting an inaugural Congressional Waste Warrior Award from the White Coat Waste Project.

Thanks to the White Coat Waste Project for presenting me with an inaugural Congressional Waste Warrior Award, in recognition of my work to prevent cruel and wasteful taxpayer-funded experiments on animals!  

In a letter with several of my fellow congressmembers, I asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine federal agencies' use of animals in research.  I hope that the GAO will make more information publicly available about what this research entails, how much it costs, and how many animals are used.


Urging an Investigation of the Mexican Repatriation:

I was disappointed that the 114th Congress ended without the House considering my bill to create a commission to investigate the 1930s Mexican Repatriation.  During the repatriation, individuals of Mexican ancestry -- including as many as 1.2 million United States citizens -- were forcibly removed from the U.S. by government and private entities.  As the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress, it has been my honor to call for the first-ever official inquiry into this dark time in our nation's history, and I look forward to reintroducing my bill in this new Congress.


Supporting and Saluting Those Who Have Served:

Writing holiday cards to U.S. service members.

At an American Red Cross "Holiday Mail for Heroes" event on Capitol Hill, I took some time to write holiday greeting messages to some of the many courageous U.S. service members stationed around the world.

I am committed to ensuring our national security, and to supporting the brave service members who defend our land of liberty.  That is why I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference bill, which authorized strong investments in our national security and provided for our troops and their families.  I was especially glad that the bill directed the Pentagon to complete a review of all California National Guard members who were impacted by the California Guard bonus issue, and created tools to alleviate any financial hardship for California Guardsmen who were unaware they were erroneously paid bonuses from 2004 to 2010.

President Obama signed a bill honoring the dedicated and valiant service of Filipinos who served alongside the United States’ Armed Forces in the Far East during the Second World War by awarding them with Congress’s highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions: the Congressional Gold Medal.  I was proud to recognize the outstanding dedication and sacrifice made by Filipino veterans of World War II by supporting this bill when it came before the House of Representatives.


Calling for Sensible Spending Bills:

Rather than passing an Omnibus budget, the Republican leadership has consistently passed Continuing Resolutions, frustrating the normal budget process and creating uncertainty for all government employees, government contractors, and the American people.  In December, I voted for a short-term Continuing Resolution in order to avoid the chaos of a government shutdown.  However, I will keep urging Republican leadership to pass a responsible budget which helps us plan for our nation’s future and reflects the priorities that our constituents want us to fight for.