Newsletter: March 10th

Statement

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my Washington Update, an e-newsletter for the constituents of California's 28th Congressional District. This e-newsletter provides a way for you to keep me informed of your views and interests. You can do this by clicking on the survey question, which appears on the right. In addition to participating in the survey, I would encourage you to send any more detailed thoughts by email.

After Urging by Schiff, President Obama Includes $5 Million for Earthquake Early Warning System in Budget

Last month, President Obama released his budget proposal to Congress for FY16 and for the first time, he included $3.5 million in funding specifically for the West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System, in addition to $1.5 million dollars in base funding for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). A limited version of the system developed by Caltech, UC Berkeley, and the University of Washington in affiliation with the USGS has proven its effectiveness among test users. Similar systems are already in use in earthquake-prone countries like Mexico and Japan. Rep. Schiff and Senator Feinstein, along with a number of their colleagues, had urged Obama earlier this year to include the vital funding.

"A fully-built out West Coast earthquake early warning system is critical to saving lives and protecting infrastructure by giving us a heads up before the next "big one' hits," said Rep. Schiff. "By including an additional $5 million in funding from last year's initial federal investment, President Obama is acknowledging that this is something that cannot wait any longer. We couldn't agree more. Through the appropriations process, we will work to make sure that we secure this additional funding, so residents have a critical advanced warning to seek cover, automatically slow or stop trains, pause surgeries and more."

Rep. Schiff Pushes for Debate and Vote after President Obama Sends Up Draft ISIL War Authorization

Last month, President Obama submitted a draft war authorization against ISIL to Congress, something Rep. Schiff has been advocating for since the beginning of bombing runs against the terrorist group. Earlier this year, Schiff proposed draft legislation to Congress authorizing narrowly-tailored use of military force against ISIL. His proposal would limit the size and scope of the nearly six month long ongoing American military campaign against ISIL. Key aspects of the legislation include a three-year limit authorization for the use of force as well as a prohibition on the use of ground troops. The bill also immediately repeals the 2002 AUMF and sunsets the 2001 AUMF in three years, both of which have been used to legitimize the President's use of force more than a decade later.

The President's authorization was much broader, and Schiff is pushing to narrow it by including strict limits on ground troops, geographical limits, and a sunset on the 2001 authorization. After the President released his draft, Schiff stated: "With the receipt of specific language from the President, Congress has run out of excuses for any further delay of a debate and vote on a new authorization."

Rep. Schiff Brings Astronaut to Local Schools to Inspire Children to Pursue STEM Education

Last month, Glenfeliz Boulevard Elementary, Franklin Avenue Elementary School, and Micheltorena Street Elementary schools had a very special visit from NASA astronaut Dr. Andrew Feustel. Rep. Schiff attended the discussion which focused on Feustel's two trips into outer-space as well as what inspired him to become an astronaut. He also spoke on the importance of continued space exploration both in America and around the world. Feustel is the ninth astronaut to be invited by Rep. Schiff to speak to local elementary schools.

"As Members of Congress, we must do our part to advance scientific knowledge and exploration as core values of our society. One important way we can engender a sense of excitement about math and science is by bringing America's astronauts into the classroom," said Schiff. "I hope that the students we visit with will seriously consider careers in math and science, especially at NASA-affiliated institutions like JPL and Caltech, right in our backyard."

Rep. Schiff Introduces "Vaccines Save Lives" Resolution

The recent outbreak of measles in Southern California prompted a national debate on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and whether parents should vaccinate their children. Rep. Schiff introduced a House Resolution in February on the topic, which included over 90 cosponsors from members on both sides of the aisle. This bill highlights the effectiveness and progress of vaccinations world-wide as well as the critical importance vaccines have in preventing the spread of contagious and life-threatening diseases.

In introducing the resolution, Schiff said: "There's no question that vaccines are safe, effective and critical to saving lives and creating a shared immunity in our communities and across the world. With the latest measles outbreak in California and elsewhere, it's more important than ever that children are vaccinated to prevent the spread of preventable and dangerous diseases -- including those that were previously eradicated. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the importance and scientific necessity of this life-saving medicine."

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