June 2018
Good afternoon. I would like to provide a few updates about recent developments in Congress and share some important information.
Family Separations at the Southern Border
Like so many of you who I spoke to in person or contacted my office, I share your and shock and horror in response to the photos, recordings, and stories of the immigrant detention centers and the devastating and completely unnecessary family separations that came to light at our southern border. Thousands of children as young as three-months old have been effectively kidnapped with no indication of when they will be reunited with their parents. The Trump Administration's zero tolerance policy towards Mexican and Central American immigrants was an exercise in cruel and unjust punishment. A resounding call to action by Americans like many of you brought about an end to these family separations.
I wrote an op-ed in The Mercury News with my good friend, Representative Keith Ellison, on why we need family-focused immigration policy. I am also proud to be an original cosponsor of the Keep Families Together Act. This bill prohibits the government from continuing the cruel and unjust separation of young children from their families. We must put a permanent stop to the criminalization of immigration as this bill proposes.
Taking on Airplane Noise
I was proud to join six of my colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Aviation Impacted Communities Act introduced in the House last week. I have heard from so many of you affected by airplane noise over your homes since the FAA implemented "NextGen" satellite control of aircraft in 2015. This bill would make the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) more accountable for airplane noise by requiring direct communication with residents and locally nominated leaders on issues of aviation noise and environmental impacts.
I also wrote a letter to the FAA with Representatives Eshoo and Panetta supporting the establishment of a permanent roundtable group composed of South Bay Area cities to discuss the impacts of airport operations on their communities. The Santa Clara Cities Association overwhelmingly approved our request, and the cities are each deciding whether they wish to participate. Once constituted, that group will assemble to elevate the voices of those in our community who have been affected by these FAA and airport policies.
Town hall
It was great to see so many of you and to answer your questions at my June town hall meeting in Fremont as well as my Pride town hall meeting in Santa Clara. I hope to see you at my next town hall starting at 12:30 PM on Saturday, July 21st at the Multipurpose Room at Miller Middle School in San Jose. If you can't make it, you can watch on Facebook Live. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RepRoKhanna.
Ro
Finally Giving the Middle Class the Pay Raise They Deserve
As the wealthiest continue to prosper in this economy, we must ensure that middle class is not left behind. Between 2005 and 2014, 81 percent of U.S. households saw their wages remain flat or decline. In that same time, the top one percent has seen their share of wealth skyrocket. Read my op-ed in the Boston Globe on how we can lift all Americans up and drive an economy that works for those that work.
Congress Must Act to Stop US Involvement in the Yemen War
At this exact moment, eight million Yemeni civilians are fighting famine and cholera outbreak, while living in daily fear of airstrikes from a hostile Saudi-led coalition. These deadly bombings are being aided by bomber refueling and targeting assistance from the U.S. military. Read my op-ed in The Nation on why Congress must act to reclaim our constitutional war powers and put an end to our complicity in this humanitarian crisis.
Videos
We Must Ensure that Sexual Assault Victims are Treated Fairly
Constituent Services
Case workers in my Santa Clara office are available to help Silicon Valley residents navigate through the bureaucracy of federal agencies. My staff can assist with immigration or visa issues, Social Security payments and VA paperwork, among other areas. Visit my website for more information.