What’s Happening in Congress? A Message from Rep. Huffman

March 01, 2022

Hello,

It is incredibly heartbreaking and troubling to witness Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified war break out in Ukraine. One thing is clear: Russia alone is responsible for the destruction and catastrophic loss of life this war will bring. Russia has violated the core principles that uphold global peace and security, seeking to change the borders of a sovereign country by force.  

Along with our allies, we have and will continue to impose severe measures that will isolate Russia from the world and leave it weakened strategically, economically, and diplomatically. This includes sweeping financial sanctions and export controls that will significantly impact Russia’s economy, financial system, and access to cutting-edge technology. President Biden has been clear that he will not send American soldiers to fight in Ukraine, but we will stand alongside our NATO allies and defend democracy worldwide. The free world is united in condemning Putin’s war against the people, freedom, and sovereignty of Ukraine. 

Ukraine

Supreme Court Nomination: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

We had some incredibly exciting news this month – President Biden has formally nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Jackson is an exceptionally qualified nominee who will undoubtedly uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of everyone in America. Judge Jackson is making history as the first Black woman nominated to serve on the High Court, helping SCOTUS better reflect the people of America. She is one of our nation’s brightest legal minds, a dedicated public servant, and accomplished lawyer. I am urging the Senate to consider her nomination without delay and to give her the thorough and fair consideration she deserves.  

 What Else We’re Working On

point arena

Rep. Huffman's virtual town hall with Point Arena High School

  • I’m always so impressed with the students I get to meet during town halls at schools throughout our district. In the past month I was able to meet with students from Point Arena High School for an engaging discussion on everything from electric vehicles to protecting our natural resources to wildfires.  
  • The U.S. has always been a leader in forging innovations in science and technology and at-home manufacturing, but we’re falling behind. That’s why I voted for the America COMPETES Act, which reinvigorates our innovation and global competitiveness, improves our economic strength, and invests in American workers. I’m pleased to share that my bipartisan bill on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing was included in this comprehensive legislation. Supporting sustainable seafood supply chains is a critical part of America’s economy and global competitiveness. 
  • I also voted for the Postal Service Reform Act, a comprehensive bill that will put the USPS on stronger financial footing so Americans can continue to rely on its services. This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will implement critical reforms to save the Postal Service $1.5 billion.
  • Since I first came to Congress, I have led the charge to electrify the USPS’ vehicle fleet. I’m disappointed with the Postal Service’s decision to move forward with a plan to replace its mail-truck fleet with nearly all gasoline-powered vehicles, and I’ll continue to advocate for the modernization and electrification of its dilapidated fleet. 
  • This month I introduced the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to restore full funding for educational and early-intervention services for children with disabilities. All students deserve the resources necessary to succeed at all stages of education.
  • My KELP Act passed out of the Natural Resources Committee. Coastal communities, wildlife, and the climate rely on healthy kelp forests, but California’s have collapsed. My bill will give local partners the support they need to restore these critical ecosystems and uplift local communities. 

Highlighting Local Heroes

In honor of Black History Month, I wanted to take some time to highlight a few of the inspirational Black community members that have made a difference in California’s Second Congressional District. Click here to take a look at the amazing local heroes dedicated to serving our community.   

Serving You

As always, my staff is hard at work serving you. Whether it’s assistance working with a federal agency or providing information about legislation and policy – we're here to help. I’d like to share one of our recent success stories. 

“After trying for many months to get SBA funding for my businesses in Hopland, I contacted Congressman Huffman's office. I had been working with several different SBA loan officers, but it seemed I was getting nowhere. With the help of Huffman's office, I was able to get all of my applications assigned to one SBA loan officer, and soon thereafter, three of my loans were approved, providing a combined total of $900k for our Stockfarm Inn, Stockfarm Restaurant, and Campovida Winery. These loans were much needed to help stabilize our business and assure continued employment for our staff during these difficult times.” – Gary, Hopland

This is just one example of how my office can help you. You can submit a Casework Authorization Form on my website if you need assistance.  

If you would like to keep up with the work I am doing as your representative, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   
 
I hope you are staying safe and healthy,  
 
Jared Huffman  
Member of Congress