January 2022
Good afternoon. I would like to provide you with a few updates about recent developments in Congress and share some important information.
Fighting for Voting Rights
On January 13th, I voted to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. The bill would establish federal standards for voting access such as allowing for same-day voter registration, establishing Election Day as a public holiday, requiring states to allow a minimum number of days for early voting, and allowing people to vote absentee by mail for any reason. The bill would also restore a provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that requires states with a track record of voting rights violations to obtain clearance from the Justice Department before implementing new election laws.
Unfortunately, just days later, the Senate failed to pass the bill. The filibuster was used to block passage of the voting rights legislation, despite an important but unsuccessful attempt by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to pass the legislation by altering the rules.
I can assure you that the fight is far from over. I will continue to push for expanding and protecting voting rights, and the best way to do that is to abolish the filibuster. Legislation like voting rights only needs a simple majority according to the constitution, but the Senate rules allow for one senator to hold things up. We must change this rule, and I'll continue fighting to do so.
Masks for All Act
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and I, with more than 50 of our colleagues in the Senate and House, reintroduced the Masks for All Act. As the world enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with Omicron cases skyrocketing, this legislation will increase production and distribution of highly protective N95 masks.
Specifically, our bill will provide every person in the U.S. with a free package of three N95 respirator masks. This includes individuals who are experiencing homelessness or living in group settings such as prisons, shelters, college dorms, and assisted living facilities. Also, anyone working in a healthcare setting will receive free masks, including everyone from administrative and janitorial staff to food service, doctors, and nurses.
Studies show that widespread use of face masks could prevent tens of thousands of COVID-19 deaths, while other studies show universal mask wearing could save the U.S. economy $1 trillion. Today, the benefits of widespread N95 use would be even greater. According to recent data, an N95 respirator mask provides at least 2.5 hours of protection against an unmasked person infected with the Omicron variant, compared to just 20 minutes of protection if they are wearing a cloth mask or 30 minutes if they are wearing a surgical mask.
President Biden endorsed our efforts by announcing that his Administration will provide over 400 million free masks to the public to address the latest surge in COVID cases. This is a crisis, and our response must meet the moment. If we can afford a $778 billion defense budget, we can afford to send N95 masks to every American to keep them safe from COVID.
Supporting Small Business
The health of a community relies heavily on having a vibrant Main Street and cultural center with small stores and restaurants, which is why I introduced the "Brick and Mortar" Small Business Tax Credit bill to help small businesses compete with powerful retailers that are shutting out competition. This bill would provide a tax credit to help level the playing field for small brick-and-mortar businesses.
In this legislation, "Brick and Mortar" small businesses are defined as stores who make 50% or more of their sales at physical locations and earn $2 million or less a year in revenue. These businesses employ close to half of American workers and are essential to the success of our country's economy. However, competition from large corporations combined with the pandemic has forced many to close their doors.
To ensure fair competition against giant online companies that can largely avoid sales taxes, the legislation would provide small businesses with a 5% tax credit to offset a portion of state and local sales taxes. Additionally, it would direct the Small Business Administration to work the IRS to develop a public awareness campaign and leverage agency resources to inform eligible businesses of the tax credit.
Corporate consolidation means higher prices for consumers, fewer employment options and lower wages for workers that hurt surrounding communities. This bill is a way to lower costs for small businesses, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.
Updates in the District
While the surge of Omicron COVID cases has limited our capacity for in-person community outreach this month, I will continue to do what I can to stay connected virtually. In addition to my monthly Facebook Town Hall meeting, I also hosted an online town hall focused on COVID-19 with guest Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County Public Health Director. Look for similar issue-focused events in the coming months.
Facebook Live Town Halls
Thank you to all who participated in this month's Facebook Live town hall. In February, I will host a town hall on Monday, February 28th at 6pm Pacific. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RepRoKhanna.
Overhauling U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
I sent a letter with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) plus nine other Senators and thirty-eight House members to President Biden expressing concern about the United States' targeting criteria for drone strikes, which has led to thousands of civilian deaths with little accountability. In the letter, we call on the President to overhaul U.S. counterterrorism policy to focus on human rights and the protection of civilians. Thankfully, Secretary Austin has heard our concerns and recently announced a new effort to prevent civilian harm from U.S. airstrikes.
Expanding Access to COVID-19 Testing
I partnered with Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and more than 40 members of the House and Senate to send a letter to President Joe Biden calling on him to expand access to COVID-19 testing. Specifically, we ask the President to substantially increase the supply of rapid tests and remove financial and logistical barriers for the duration of the pandemic. These measures would ensure the United States is mobilizing a more comprehensive public health response as the country enters a new phase of the pandemic.
Videos
Progressive Policies are Popular
Reforming Defense Policy, Voting Rights, and Passing Build Back Better
January 6th Committee Investigating Thoroughly
Constituent Services
Caseworkers in my Santa Clara office are available to help Silicon Valley residents navigate the bureaucracy of federal agencies and any other concerns during the COVID-19 crisis. My staff can help you solve problems with immigration, visas, Social Security payments and VA paperwork, among other areas. Please call my office at (408) 436-2720 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday if you need assistance. Your call will be promptly answered (remotely) by my staff. You can also contact me online at any time at Khanna.house.gov/contact. While we are unable to meet in-person at this time due to the pandemic, my staff is ready to help. Visit my website for more information.