Washington, D.C.—San Jose and Santa Clara County are set to receive approximately $212 and $374 million, respectively, through the American Rescue Plan to help offset the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. “I think if you talk to the residents who won’t lose their business or their homes, they’ll think this is a pretty big...
Silicon Valley congressman tackles Black maternal mortalities
Washington, D.C.—Charles Johnson said he quickly notified hospital staff when his wife’s catheter turned pink with blood. His wife, Kira Johnson, had just given birth to their second son during a scheduled cesarean section at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Staff examined his wife and ordered a CT scan, he said, but hours passed...
San Jose legislator, locals, weigh in on gun control bills in Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Zoe Lofgren remembers feeling a pang of anger when she first learned a mass shooting had terrorized her district more than two years ago. The 2019 massacre at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which left three dead and more than a dozen injured, strengthened the San Jose Democrat’s commitment to gun control....
Khanna questions DOJ official on ‘zero tolerance’ immigration policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During a recent congressional hearing, Rep. Ro Khanna asked Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz if the Trump administration’s zero tolerance immigration policy ultimately harmed national security. “That’s certainly what the marshals expressed concern about, precisely that issue,” Horowitz replied. The Inspector General’s office issued a report last month examining the Trump...
‘We’re in a race against death’: South Bay legislator backs COVID-19 relief bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Calling it a “moral and economic duty,” a South Bay lawmaker is urging Congress to support an emergency legislation package that would provide $160 billion for public health efforts to fight against COVID-19. Among other provisions, the American Rescue Plan would direct $10 billion to expand the domestic manufacturing of personal protective...
Silicon Valley legislator blames social media for role in U.S. Capitol attack
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Finger pointing began before the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol even ended. Many faulted then-President Donald Trump for riling up the mob and making baseless claims about election fraud. Some criticized security officials for failing to secure the Capitol, or accused the media of divisive reporting that pushed Trump supporters...
San Jose AAPI leaders decry lack of representation in Biden’s Cabinet picks
President Joe Biden’s administration has already broken barriers: Biden brings with him the first Black and Asian American vice president and a host of other firsts in his Cabinet. But for the first time in more than 20 years, the incoming president — one who promised the most diverse Cabinet in history — will not...
Historic, somber and hopeful: Joe Biden sworn in as 46th president
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was an inauguration like no other in history. No massive cheering crowds packed onto the National Mall. No groups could gather inside bars or restaurants to party and pop champagne. A sense of uncertainty, not celebration, initially hung in the air — but the nation’s capital seemed to breathe a collective...
Silicon Valley congressional delegation votes to impeach president
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Moments before voting to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time, Rep. Zoe Lofgren explained there was no need for a long investigation into whether the president had incited an insurrection. The San Jose Democrat, who spoke Wednesday from the House floor, said the president blatantly motivated right-wing terrorists to attack...
San Jose congressmember recounts terrifying attack on Capitol
WASHINGTON, D.C — Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren first realized lawmakers could be in danger as she watched security at the U.S. Capitol whisk House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to safety on Wednesday afternoon. It was no surprise thousands of Trump supporters had descended on Washington D.C. in the hopes of overturning the presidential election. They had discussed...