Five days after I called for the investigation of Albert Kelly, his departure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is welcome news considering he lacked the expertise and integrity to manage the Superfund, which is responsible for cleaning up some of our most contaminated sites and responding to environmental emergencies and natural disasters. As a former environmental lawyer, I know how vital this fund is to protecting our environment, which is why I raised concern with Kelly’s position when Secretary Pruitt testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee. I will continue to hold the administration accountable to the laws that protect our air, our water, and our public lands.

Today, I helped pass the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which reauthorizes and funds the federal aviation program for the next five years, including NextGen, FAA’s program to modernize aircraft technology nationwide. The update includes several programs to address airplane noise and include community input. For years, I’ve been working to get answers on how we can reduce ambient airplane noise by serving as a liaison between the FAA, Airport Authority, and San Diego communities. The updates we passed today specifically address the needs of the Southern California Metroplex region, including neighborhoods that feel flight path changes affect them more other regions. Today is another step forward in retaining the quality of life we have here in San Diego.

Scott Pruitt put Albert Kelly in charge of the Superfund—the program responsible for cleaning up some of the most toxic and contaminated land in the country—even though he had no relevant experience and a history with Pruitt that suggests a conflict of interest. I know the dangers posed by toxic sites and their harmful effects on the environment and public health, given my time as an environmental lawyer. It’s clear Pruitt is more concerned with his personal interests than ensuring the health of our environment and communities.

Ryan from Clairemont contacted our office for help with tourist visas so his in-laws could attend his wedding to their daughter. Our office sent an official letter to the local embassy to certify the reason for their visit, which in turn, helped the State Department validate the application during the interview. If you need help with a travel visa, our office may be able to help. Visit our website for more information.

It’s always an honor to help a San Diego hero get the recognition they earned. Lt. Philip H. Sauer was a Marine, whose bravery in the Vietnam War saved his patrol from an attack and won him a Purple Heart. This week, he will also be awarded a Silver Star—one of our nation’s highest awards for valor in combat—to honor his sacrifice and his family’s service to our great nation. My office is able to help San Diego veterans and their families obtain records, replacement medals, and their benefits. Contact our San Diego office to learn more.

Happy Earth Day, San Diego. Today celebrates our planet and reminds us the importance of keeping our air and water clean. Over the past year, I’ve worked to curb climate change and protect our planet—everything from defending energy research at an Energy and Commerce Hearing with Secretary Perry to joining Governor Brown and Pope Francis at a global climate summit at the Vatican. It’s more important than ever for us to ensure we leave the next generation with a clean and sustainable plant. I’ll continue fighting to protect San Diego’s beautiful beaches, bays, canyons, and trails.

8 years ago, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill unleashed 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico causing the largest marine oil spill in history. The disaster also killed 11 people and injured another 17. Despite the risks and dangers highlighted by Deepwater Horizon, the Trump Administration wants to open our coasts to drilling. I opposed this proposal because it puts San Diego’s beautiful beaches, coastal communities, and businesses at risk. It also ignores the majority of Americans and scientific leaders who know drilling hurts our environment and our economy. We can't afford another devastating spill and I hope the White House will look at the lessons of Deepwater Horizon and reconsider. #ProtectOurCoasts

19 years ago, 13 people were killed during the #Columbine shooting, which was the deadliest high school shooting at the time. For almost two decades, we've witnessed tragedies across the country, but after each one, Congress has done nothing. It’s past time to strengthen background checks and ban bump stocks, high-capacity magazines, and assault weapons. I’m urging my Republican colleagues to act before it’s once again too late and I hope the generation of young Americans standing up and speaking out can help convince them to do something.

San Diego’s life science industry is creating innovative therapies, medical devices, and cures that have the potential to improve and save lives. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to support this dynamic sector that makes game-changing discoveries, grows our economy, and creates jobs in our region. It’s an honor to receive the Innovator in Biotechnology Award from organizations that help support the growth and development of biotechnology in San Diego and across the country.

All veterans who answer the call to serve deserve their full benefits and our full support, regardless of when and where they are deployed. I introduced the Reserve Component Vocational Rehabilitation Parity Act with Rep. Jack Bergman to ensure career and academic services at the Department of Veterans Affairs are available to reservists and guardsmen, who are called to serve involuntarily during times of war or national emergency and cannot accrue service time to become eligible for all benefits. Guardsmen and reservists earned the same benefits as every other veteran, including support as they transition to civilian life.

Today, I helped pass a series of reforms to the Internal Revenue Service to help taxpayers. These bills modernize the tax system to better protect against identity theft of adults and children, publicize tax assistance center availability, and encourage more electronic filing. Tax season can be confusing, but these reforms will make it easier for San Diego families and businesses to complete their filing and keep more money in their pockets.

We need to invest in programs that are developing energy technologies of the future. I asked Secretary Perry how the U.S. Department of Energy budget is going to ensure new programs that address grid resiliency are implemented and tested properly. San Diego is leading in energy efficiency and smart grid technology and this innovation is key to a more sustainable energy supply.