Washington, D.C.—California was front and center during a virtual congressional hearing last week over whether expanding federal housing vouchers could help the growing homelessness crisis. The vouchers are part of a federal program to assist low-income families, elderly and disabled residents with affording housing. “Wages for those below the median income have not kept pace...
The Washington Report
The Washington Report
South Bay congressmembers push for gun control after San Jose VTA shooting
Washington, D.C.— America has a familiar routine when it comes to mass shootings: Vigils are held, thoughts and prayers offered, money is raised to support the victims’ families and heated arguments ensue over gun control. Then comes the eventual return to the status quo, until the next mass shooting, when the cycle repeats itself. The...
South Bay leaders weigh-in on federal relief funding
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the nation, many cities and towns took a financial hit as tax revenue dried up and public health expenditures increased. But now the federal government is doling out funds to help communities recover. San Jose and Santa Clara County are receiving approximately $212 and $374 million, respectively, from the American...
San Jose receiving $212 million in federal COVID funding
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...