October 2021
Good afternoon. I would like to provide you with a few updates about recent developments in Congress and share some important information.
Working with the President to Pass the Build Back Better Agenda
Congress has made tremendous progress toward advancing what is perhaps the most transformational social safety net legislation since FDR's New Deal.
Over the past month, I have been fortunate to meet twice with President Biden and my progressive colleagues on how to ensure the most robust vision possible of the President's Build Back Better Agenda advances into law. During these meetings, the president outlined an inspiring framework for the bill that includes critical programs to support working families like universal pre-K, climate action, and an extension of the Child Tax Credit, which is poised to halve the child poverty rate. Meanwhile, the infrastructure bill will make much needed investments in roads, bridges, railroads, airports, and dramatically expanding broadband access across the country.
I am hopeful that the House will swiftly pass both the infrastructure package and the Build Back Better Act and send them to the President's desk so we can deliver this win for the American people. The well-being of millions of Americans is at stake and the world is watching. I remain hopeful that a deal can be made soon so that we make good on our promises.
Holding the Fossil Fuel Industry Accountable
I, along with Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, held a hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Reform to examine the fossil fuel industry's long-running, industry-wide involvement in spreading disinformation about the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change. For the first time in history, executives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, the American Petroleum Institute, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce testified under oath about the role their companies have played in spreading and funding climate disinformation.
The fossil fuel industry had scientific evidence about the dangers of climate change as early as the 1970's. Yet for decades, the industry spread denial and doubt about the harm of its products—undermining the science and preventing meaningful action on climate change even as the global climate crisis became increasingly dire, and its deadly impact on Americans increased.
During the hearing, I questioned the executives and they repeatedly dodged my questions, refused to take responsibility for their companies' actions, and declined to commit to stop funding disinformation campaigns about climate change.
Big Oil can no longer hide its multibillion-dollar spending on climate disinformation. That is why we announced subpoenas for the documents that our witnesses refused to provide. There will be accountability.
Investigating Civilian Harm, Condolences, and Evacuations
I recently partnered with Senator Elizabeth Warren to send a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III regarding the August 29th, 2021 drone airstrike that killed ten civilians in Afghanistan, including an aid worker and seven children. In the letter, we urge Secretary Austin to use this latest tragedy to investigate and ensure accountability for the military's history of accidentally killing civilians in airstrikes.
We also asked the Pentagon to swiftly fulfill their commitment to help evacuate the family of the drone victims and provide generous condolence payments. During my questioning of Secretary Austin before the House Armed Services Committee, he made the Pentagon's first public commitment to not only evacuate the families, but also other aid workers targeted by militants for their connection with the United States.
Updated in the District
Our district office has seen a surge in federal casework in recent months. Prior to COVID, we would normally have around 200 active cases. We now have over 350. I know that our team is working hard to serve you and I appreciate your patience as we push to facilitate action by multiple federal agencies. Feel free to reach out if you think we might be able to help you.
Facebook Live Town Halls
Thank you to all who participated in October's Facebook Live town hall. In November, I will host a town hall on Friday, November 5th at noon Pacific. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RepRoKhanna.
Debt Ceiling Update
Earlier this month, the House passed a rule to temporarily extend our country's debt limit through December 3rd.
I was glad to vote to extend the debt limit and ensure that the U.S. continues to pay its bills. We must consider what would happen if the U.S. defaulted on its debt. Every aspect of federal spending would be upended from funding for schools and affordable housing to social security payments and Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. There is no doubt that working families would bear the brunt of a default, and that is why we cannot allow that to happen. The American people rely on this funding and I hope that come December we treat this like the bipartisan responsibility that it is.
Congregate Care Facilities Reform
I held a press conference with Paris Hilton, along with, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28) to discuss our upcoming legislation to reform congregate care facilities across the United States.
Each year, thousands of children and adolescents are sent to congregate care facilities to address behavioral concerns or receive psychiatric support. While they are advertised as a solution for troubled teens, abuse at these facilities is far too common. Systemic maltreatment of the youth at these facilities has included sexual assault, physical and medical neglect, and bodily assault that resulted in civil rights violations, hospitalizations, and death.
To address this, Congress must pass comprehensive legislation to crack down on the physical and emotional abuse for all children in these facilities. Our legislation will establish a bill of rights for youth placed in these facilities and a comprehensive and transparent reporting system.
Videos
A Strong Federal Cybersecurity Workforce
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, my staff is ready to help. Visit my website for more information.