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Hello,
As some of you may know, there was a glitch in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process that prevented students from completing their forms if their parents don’t have Social Security numbers. I know what a huge barrier and burden this posed for students – so I immediately got to work to fix it. I’m happy to share that following my outreach to the Department of Education, they developed new guidelines for a temporary workaround that allows students to meet critical aid deadlines.
While I’m relieved that this particular situation has been temporarily addressed, there is still work to do. This month, the Department of Education will release updates to complete the financial aid process. The Department needs to find durable solutions to stop these types of problems from occurring. Equitable access to higher education often requires financial aid. I’ll continue to be an outspoken advocate for all students and work to ensure that everybody, especially the most vulnerable populations, can pursue their educational goals.
Other Priorities I’m Working On:
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Rep. Huffman tours storm damage on the Bolinas-Fairfax Road.
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- On the Road in CA-02: Over the last couple of weeks, I met with many folks on the North Coast to learn more about their work in the community and discuss the ways I can help on the federal level. I toured serious storm damage and slides along the Bolinas-Fairfax Road, a critical road for residents, emergency response, and water treatment and supply. It was good to see federal funds in action, and I will continue to work with local government partners to secure additional federal funds to repair and restore the road. I also stopped by Ukiah’s School of Performing Arts and Cultural Education (SPACE) and presented them with a congressional certificate, and I met with local fishermen to discuss climate change impacts on their industry and local fishing infrastructure needs. I wrapped up my time by congratulating our Congressional App Challenge winner, Jayden Patel, for his app that helps folks with food allergies while traveling abroad by translating their needs into over 15 languages. Congrats, Jayden!
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Rep. Huffman meets with App Challenge winner, Jayden Patel.
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- Major Win for the Klamath River: I’m pleased to share that I got a new investment for our district: $72 million is heading to the Klamath River for restoration projects and agriculture infrastructure from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. It’s wonderful to be a part of the collective efforts to restore and heal the Klamath Basin.
- Standing Up to Christian Nationalism: As co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus (CFC), I’ve been sounding the alarm over Speaker Mike Johnson’s troubling connections to White Christian Nationalism, and there is no shortage of abuses to address. I recently led a letter to the House Chaplain regarding Speaker Johnson inviting pastor Jack Hibbs, a radical Christian Nationalist, to deliver the opening prayer on the House Floor. I support everyone’s right to practice their own beliefs, but the House of Representatives simply cannot be used as a platform for a dangerous ideology that threatens the very democracy we’ve sworn to protect.
- Keeping the Government Funded: Once again, we’re on a government shutdown rollercoaster created by House Republicans. This week’s deadline has been extended, but we now have two new looming budget deadlines that could result in a partial or full government shutdown. My Democratic colleagues and I are ready and waiting for House Republicans to accept our help to pass responsible funding bills and provide much-needed emergency national security funding. It’s time for House Republicans to acknowledge that they need Democrats to get any funding deal over the finish line and stop their relentless pursuit of extreme funding cuts and radical, unpopular policies.
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Rep. Huffman meets with Bodega Bay fishermen.
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Helping You
Whether it’s help working with a federal agency, or providing information about legislation and policy, don’t forget – my staff and I are here to help. Below is an example of some of the work my office has done to help our constituents.
“I appreciate Rep. Huffman’s leadership and quick action in elevating the concerns of students, parents and educators about the problems we’ve been facing with the new version of the online federal student financial aid application. Rep. Huffman’s leadership helped to encourage immediate action, and now there is a temporary solution in place. We greatly appreciate Rep. Huffman’s continued efforts to make sure there is a permanent solution!”
- Nicole H. Glentzer, Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools
If you're in need of assistance, you can submit a Casework Authorization Form on my website. To keep up with the work I am doing as your representative, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Twitter/ X,Instagram, and Threads.
Thank you, and stay well,
Jared Huffman
Member of Congress
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