The second session of the 115^th Congress is underway with a full legislative agenda.  January is off to a busy start for Members of Congress, as several urgent issues are approaching deadlines.  Please see my newsletter below to get more information about what is happening in Washington and at home in San Diego.

Warm regards,

Congress will have to reach a deal to pass an omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2018 or risk another government shutdown.  Last year’s attempts to reach a deal ended with Members passing two stopgap measures to keep the government open.  Congress must end the stopgap spending bills and pass an omnibus bill to adequately fund the government through 2018. A continuing resolution is currently being discussed in the Senate to avoid a shutdown of the government.  

Additionally, Congress will have to address long-term reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  There is bipartisan support for CHIP reauthorization, but disagreement over how to fund it.  Putting children’s health at risk is inexcusable.  I am urging my colleagues to pass a long-term reauthorization bill.

Lastly, additional disaster relief for victims of wildfires in California and hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will need to be reconsidered.  The House passed an $81 billion relief package last month, but the measure stalled in the Senate before the holidays.  Stalling this crucial aid package will further harm victims, so swift action is needed from Congress.

During a marathon 14-hour committee hearing to renew this bill, I put forth legislative language that would strengthen access to higher education opportunities and protect students.

I was disheartened to see that the PROSPER Act proposal would make college even less attainable for middle class students.  That’s why I introduced several amendments to improve the bill.

These included:

• The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act as an amendment which would improve the purchasing power of Pell grants, permanently index the maximum grant to inflation, and expand eligibility for DREAMers and students who have been defrauded by predatory schools.

• An amendment to keep apprenticeship quality while maintaining flexibility for other earn-and-learn programs.

• A move to strike damaging language from the bill which would weaken efforts to report sexual assaults and interfere with the ability of colleges and universities to investigate sexual assault.

The rate of identity theft has hit a record all-time high during the last two years. As we look forward to a prosperous and exciting new year, we must continue to be vigilant as identity thieves and scammers never rest.  Below are some helpful tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the San Diego Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) on how to spot an imposter: 

Online shopping:

• Check with your carrier about call-blocking services. Many carriers now offer services that block unwanted calls for wireless phones.
• Try a call-blocking app. These apps use blacklists to weed out or flag unwanted calls and give you options about how to handle the calls.
• National Do Not Call Registry.  If you do not wish to receive calls from telemarketers, you may register your phone number at www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Tech Support Scams:

If someone is calling out of the blue claiming to be able to “fix” your computer, it may be a scammer. Never give out your personal information or have someone take control of your computer.

• Regularly update the computer security software (anti-virus, firewall and anti-malware) on your computers.  Make sure to use only software from trusted sources. 
• Do not open e-mails and attachments from individuals or organizations that you do not know and trust.
• Be cautious when using wireless internet and make sure that the wireless network you are using is password- protected. Scammers can hack into wireless Internet networks and can view what you are viewing, such as bank account information.

If you have questions about identity theft, you may contact Susan’s office or visit the Federal Trade Commission consumer information website at www.consumer.ftc.gov or call 1-888- 382-1222.

My offices in Washington, DC and San Diego are currently accepting applications for the spring and summer terms.  There is no deadline to apply, but prospective interns are encouraged to apply early as the application process is competitive.  Stipends are available for internship participants.