Dear 7th District Constituent,
I hope you all had a good 4th of July. The celebration of our national independence is the time that we all
remind ourselves of the history of our great nation and the achievements that our forefathers have fought
for us. Over the course of two centuries that we stand together as a country, we have countless times
withstood enemies, catastrophes, and obstacles. United States is one of the richest and most innovative
nation of this century, and we have our brave ancestors to thank for. Let us continue this path to make
America great for generations to come.
This week in Washington
On the legislative front, both chambers of Congress eventually passed the trade package which gives the
President the leverage to negotiate trade deal with other countries in the transpacific partnership agreement
as well as guarantees funding for programs that would aid workers at home in difficult times. Many colleagues in the democratic party who are strong opponents of the TPA agreed with me that as the last resort, when TPA has passed, we do not want to have it signed into law without any important mechanism that will safeguard our workers. TAA passed the house with 286-138 votes.
Further, Congress will pick up the debate on ESEA again after postponing it from February. Highway trust fund is still an issue we need to find a solution for. The upcoming comprehensive bill on health care, the
21st Century Cures Act, will also likely add up to the July temperature in DC.
"Early childhood education plays a large role in determining the success of a child"
Our society will be strong if we have stronger families. We have to see families as the first institution of a child, and the more we do to assist the families in child care and education, the less it will likely cost us in the long-term. With my background in teaching and early childhood development, I strongly advocate for a better outcome for both mothers, children, and families. A child's well-being depends largely on his/her family background and support from parents. Therefore, I am working on a number of legislations that will address the well-being of families by improving their access to care, alter regulations that will assist fathers to be with children longer, and expanding the tax credit to young parents.
As Congress is approaching August recess, I would like to hear your feedback on our performance. Do you find it helpful when you contact my offices? Were you able to get assistance you requested for? What else are we missing? Please share with me your thoughts and comments. You can contact me by calling my offices, filling out forms on my website, leave me a message on Facebook or Twitter, and feel free to visit me in my offices. I am more than happy to hear more of your ideas on what we can do.