An Update on My Recent Work for You
Dear Neighbor,
The past few weeks have been quite busy in Congress. I’m grateful that House Democrats helped pass a short-term funding bill that keeps the government open and services running into March. I voted for that bill because it would be irresponsible to shut down our government. I hope that Congress can work together to pass a long-term spending bill that will fund the government for the rest of 2024 so we can focus on legislating on the issues that matter to you.
Here’s an update on my recent work for you.
Tackling Veteran Food Insecurity
Veterans should never struggle to feed themselves or their families. I introduced the Veteran Hunger Coordination Act with my colleague, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), to combat food insecurity among veterans. Our bill would require the Government Accountability Office to submit a report on how states are working with Veterans Health Administration facilities and veteran service organizations to ensure veterans participate in programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read more about this bill here.
Oceanside Special Shoreline Study
Last week, I testified to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee about the need to complete the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study to mitigate erosion along Oceanside’s coastline and ensure its long-term resilience.
Across our district, climate change has exacerbated the erosion of our beaches and bluffs, threatening vital infrastructure such as the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, as well as economic and recreational opportunities for residents. Read my full written testimony here.
Health Insurance Premium Fairness Act
When Ted DeBont of Encinitas enrolled in Medicare from his Affordable Care Act health insurance plan in fall of 2021, he and his wife Carla saw their premiums increase from $300 to $600 per month due to a loophole in the ACA. To close this loophole, I introduced the Health Insurance Premium Fairness Act with fellow Californian Rep. Linda Sanchez. Our bill would ensure that premiums don’t skyrocket when one spouse ages into Medicare while the other spouse stays on an ACA marketplace plan. This bill will save countless Americans like Ted and Carla thousands of dollars per year on healthcare premium costs and bills. This bill reaffirms my belief that everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care. Read more about the bill here.
Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program
During my time in Congress, I’ve fought to make sure students have access to healthy meals during school breaks. I proposed the creation of a permanent Summer EBT program, which was signed into law in December 2022. This month, the Department of Agriculture announced that 35 states, including California, will be participating in this program, ensuring that over 21 million children nationwide have access to nutritious foods this summer. This program will provide each child a $120 EBT card that will last the entire summer. While I’m disappointed that some governors have refused to implement this essential program, I’m proud to see it come to fruition, and I will keep fighting to expand the program and increase the benefit amount to ensure no child goes hungry when school is out.
Contact My Office
If you have questions about my work or need help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. My team and I are here to assist. You can send me an email through my website, call my Oceanside office at (760) 599-5000, or call my Dana Point office at (949) 281-2449. For updates on my work on behalf of our communities, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Threads at @RepMikeLevin.
Sincerely,
Mike Levin
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Member of Congress