May 15, 2024

Recent Updates on My Work for You

Recent Updates Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

With all the news coming out of Washington, D.C., recently, I wanted to take a moment to share the work I’ve been doing for you.

Visit to the Border

Last week, I visited the U.S. Border Patrol’s Campo Station near the U.S.-Mexico Border. While there, I toured the facility in Jacumba Hot Springs and spoke with Border Patrol officials to learn more about the challenges we face at the border and how I can continue my work to help fix them.

There’s no question that the immigration system is broken. The situation demands that Congress work together to improve things. Sadly, some in Washington would rather see the crisis continue so they can use it as a partisan wedge instead of working on a bipartisan basis to address the issue.

Congress needs to ensure there are safe, legal options for people to immigrate to the U.S. while also making it harder to come here illegally, and Congress needs to provide a pathway to citizenship for those who meet certain qualifications.

Congress also needs to provide additional resources to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Over the past several years, the number of encounters at the border has increased, but the number of Border Patrol personnel has stayed the same.

Check out my interviews with NPR and NewsNation to learn more about my visit.

Delivering Sand in Encinitas and Solana Beach

Rep. Mike Levin Surveying the Completed Sand Replenishment Project in Encinitas

This week, I celebrated the completion of the Encinitas-Solana Beach Sand Replenishment Project.

Over the years, our beaches have lost tremendous amounts of sand due to the loss of natural sand sources, climate change, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and severe weather events.

That’s why when I entered office, I made funding sand replenishment projects in the district a top priority.

In 2022, I secured over $30 million dollars in federal funding for the Encinitas-Solana Beach sand replenishment project.

Two years later, we have successfully pumped 700,000 cubic yards of sand onto the shores of Solana Beach and 340,000 cubic yards onto the shores of Encinitas.

With more sand on the beach, we’ll see greater recreation opportunities for residents; more visitors to our local businesses; further benefits to our environment; and increased safety and stability of the coastal bluffs to protect the LOSSAN Corridor.

This project is the result of partnerships between my office, the cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state and local officials. I’m grateful for all their work to make the project possible, and I look forward to enjoying our new, sandy beaches.

Read the press release.

Watch this story on CBS to learn more.

Fighting to Ban Offshore Drilling

We in Southern California have too much experience with the negative consequences an oil spill can have on our economy and environment.

That’s why last week I offered an amendment on the House floor that would have banned offshore drilling in Southern California. My amendment would protect our climate and our local ecosystems from harmful pollution. Disappointingly, but unsurprisingly, my amendment wasn’t even considered for a vote on the floor because conservatives opposed it.

I’m not done with this fight. I’ll keep working to ensure fresh air, clean water, and a healthy climate for everyone.

Tackling Veteran Homelessness

Rep. Mike Levin Speaking on His Work to Combat Veteran Homelessness

As part of my work to ensure every veteran has a place to call home, I recently participated in a press conference with the Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Mark Takano, Mayor Karen Bass, and mayors from across the U.S. to draw more attention to the issue of veteran homelessness.

As a nation, we have a commitment to take care of those who are willing to sacrifice everything for our country.

Over the past year and a half, I have been working to address the issue of homeless disabled veterans being deemed ineligible for affordable housing because of a loophole in the system.

It is crucial that we redouble our efforts to build more affordable housing and make it easier to access it. I am committed to ending veteran homelessness not just in our district, but across the country.

Maritime Border Security

A few weeks ago, I called on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring a maritime border security bill to the House floor.

I’m glad to share that last week, the House voted on this maritime border security bill, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

This bill will extend U.S. customs waters from 12 to 24 nautical miles. But more importantly, it will allow CBP to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats in our waters, such as suspect vessels.

Although this bill passage is one positive step forward in addressing our border and immigration challenges, ultimately, we need comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that tackle the complexities we are facing.

Learn more here.

Oceanside Pier

And finally, I’m pleased that 80% of the Oceanside Pier has reopened after the fire several weeks ago.

I’m grateful to the Oceanside Fire Department and all the first responders who helped save the Pier and ensured there were no injuries.

The Pier is a landmark in our community, and I’m committed to delivering whatever resources are necessary to rebuild.