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Dear Neighbors,
I was proud to be back home in the Inland Empire meeting with students, veterans, educators, and community leaders across CA-35 during the district work period. I returned to Washington to continue fighting for safer communities, lower costs for working families, and accountability in government. From securing local investments that improve quality of life to advancing bipartisan legislation that cracks down on organized crime, I remain focused on delivering results for our district both at home and in Congress. |
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Fighting Organized Retail Crime and Lowering Costs for Families
I co-sponsored and voted for the passage of the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 to strengthen federal efforts against organized retail theft, cargo theft, and supply chain crime. Organized retail crime costs California billions every year, driving up prices for families, hurting small businesses, and threatening workers across our communities.
This new legislation gives law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on coordinated criminal networks by increasing penalties for repeat offenders, targeting money laundering tied to retail theft, and improving coordination between federal and local agencies. Los Angeles was recently ranked the top city in the nation for retail crime, making this fight especially important for communities across Southern California. Families in the Inland Empire are already struggling with high costs, and they should not have to pay more because of organized criminal activity. I will continue working to keep our neighborhoods safe and lower costs for working people. |
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Standing Up Against Taxpayer-Funded Perks for Traffickers
As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I introduced an amendment to stop taxpayer dollars from being used to provide special treatment to convicted narcotics and child traffickers. The amendment came after reports that convicted narcotrafficker Juan Orlando Hernández received preferential treatment following a presidential pardon, including government-funded transportation, lifted immigration holds, and additional taxpayer-funded accommodations.
After spending 17 years working in public safety, I know how hard law enforcement officers work to bring dangerous traffickers to justice. Taxpayer dollars should never be used to reward convicted criminals with special treatment because of political connections. While Republicans rejected this common-sense amendment, I will continue fighting for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. |
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Celebrating Student Leadership at San Antonio High School
 I was inspired by the incredible students at San Antonio High School who designed, raised money, and built a “Kindness Den” at Sumner Elementary School to support students in need with food, hygiene products, and school supplies.
These students worked alongside teachers, school leaders, and community partners to turn compassion into action and create a lasting resource for their community. Their leadership is proof that young people across our district are stepping up and making a real difference in the lives of others. The future of our communities is brighter because of students like these.
Reopening the Ganesha Park Stairs in Pomona
 I joined local leaders and residents to celebrate the reopening of the Ganesha Park stairs in Pomona, a project made possible through $3 million in federal Community Project Funding that I secured for our district.
These improvements will help make the park safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for families and visitors throughout the community. Investments like these strengthen neighborhoods, improve quality of life, and ensure federal dollars are coming back home to benefit the Inland Empire.
Honoring Veterans at the Cal Poly Veterans Resource Center Graduation
 It was a privilege to serve as keynote speaker at the Cal Poly Pomona Veterans Resource Center Graduation Celebration and recognize the accomplishments of veterans who have served our country and are continuing their educational journeys.
Supporting veterans has always been a priority for me, from expanding access to educational resources through the GIVE Act to continuing efforts to increase GI Bill support for books and supplies. Our veterans deserve every opportunity to succeed after their service, and I will continue fighting to ensure they receive the support they have earned. Celebrating Claremont High School’s Artemis II Challenge Winners
 Congratulations to the Claremont High School Yearbook class for winning my Artemis II Launch Party Challenge! Their creativity and enthusiasm helped show the Artemis II crew that students across CA-35 are cheering them on as America continues pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific achievement.
Moments like these remind us how important it is to continue investing in science, technology, education, and the next generation of innovators. |
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Sincerely,
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