What’s Happening in Congress? Infrastructure, USPS, Vaccines, and More: A Message from Rep. Huffman

March 31, 2021

Hello,

Representing California’s Second District is a tremendous honor, and I’ve been hard at work over the past month to make progress on our priorities. Below are some highlights from the past month I’d like to share with you.  
 
Advocating for Resilient Infrastructure 
 
At the end of March, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I had the chance the question Secretary Buttigieg on the Biden administration’s plans to support disaster-impacted communities and focus on resilient infrastructure. 

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Click here to watch a recording of Rep. Huffman’s questions. 

During my line of questioning, I highlighted Last Chance Grade, the main transportation route on U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City, California. We all know how the crumbling state of this section of highway has caused massive infrastructure failures up and down this congressional district that cost our region millions of dollars, and Secretary Buttigieg said the administration is committed to investing in resilient, forward looking solutions for the country’s roads and bridges. 
 
Recognizing CA-02's Young Leaders 

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Rep. Huffman with Jordan Locke, Stefanie Iojica, Virginia (Gina) Schneider, and Isabella (Bella) Segovia in San Rafael, CA.

March is Women’s History Month, and I had the opportunity to meet with some young women in our district who are making history. 

It was a privilege to award four of my constituents with Certificates of Congressional Recognition to mark an incredible achievement: They're among the first women in the U.S. to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor of the Boy Scouts. 

Along with Jordan, Stefanie, Gina, and Bella, I was able to honor Hanna Partovi, who earned the Congressional Award Silver Medal for her remarkable community service. These young women are trail blazers who will inspire many girls to follow in their footsteps. 

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Rep. Huffman presents Hanna Partovi with the Congressional Award Silver Medal in San Rafael, CA.

Revitalizing the USPS 

Earlier this year, USPS entered into a contract to produce a new fleet of vehicles. President Biden has set a goal of electrifying 100% of our nation’s public vehicle fleets with American-made EVs – a decision that will be good for our economy, communities, and environment. However, the recent contract and Postmaster General DeJoy’s statements have raised major concerns.  
 
We have a rare opportunity to breathe life back into the USPS and transform the agency into a leader in the transition to electric vehicles. That’s why I am working to make sure questions about this contract are answered and we have the best legislation in place to fund the necessary transition to electric vehicles.  

COVID-19 Vaccines 

With the American Rescue Plan now law, we are making great strides in crushing COVID-19 and getting our economy back on track. Early in March, I toured Marin’s Civic Center vaccination pod to thank staff and learn about their operations. I’m incredibly grateful for the work these folks are doing to get vaccines to our community.  

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Rep. Huffman hears from staff at Marin Civic Center vaccination site. 

President Biden started his term with a goal of getting 100 million vaccines in the arms of folks in America in his first 100 days. Thanks to his leadership and the countless health care workers on the ground, over 100 million people were vaccinated in only 58 days, and we are well on our way to 200 million by the 100 day mark.  
 
We’re not out of the woods yet, so please keep following CDC guidelines: wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and practice good hygiene. As soon as you have the chance, get the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine that is available to you. They are safe, effective, and our best shot at getting ahead of the virus and back to normalcy! 

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. As I continue my important work for the people of California’s Second District, please don’t hesitate to contact my office for assistance if you are in need. 
 
I also invite you to subscribe to my podcast, “Off the Cuff with Rep. Huffman,” so that you can engage with our in-depth conversations about what's happening in California and in Washington, D.C. Tune in here for my latest episode with former Congressmembers Charlie Dent and Donna Edwards. We spoke about how working across the aisle affected their time in politics and what they think the future holds for the U.S. with the deepening political divide. 

Thank you, and stay well, 

Jared Huffman
Member of Congress