Op-Eds
THE LEVIN LETTER: This Deportation Exposes Flaws in Immigration System
For the past 35 years, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez lived in our community and made it their home. Laguna Niguel residents, they raised three daughters and recently welcomed their first grandchild. Nelson worked as a phlebotomist, and Gladys was a stay-at-home mom. They went to church, paid their taxes, and never had a criminal record, not even a traffic ticket. But on Feb. 21, they were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in appointment. … Continue Reading
April 10, 2025
THE LEVIN LETTER: Hands Off Our Social Security
If you’ve worked hard, paid taxes, and played by the rules, you should be able to count on Social Security when you retire. That’s been the American promise for the last 90 years. Social Security isn’t a luxury—it’s a contract between government and the people. Today, that contract is under threat—not from some distant crisis, but from deliberate choices being made right now in Washington, D.C. Some are happening out in the open. Others are being pushed quietly. But all of them point to the … Continue Reading
March 13, 2025
THE LEVIN LETTER: The Truth About Musk’s Destruction of Government
I want to be clear: I strongly believe we need to get our debt and deficits under control. But the only responsible way to do that is through a balanced approach—one that looks at both spending and revenue while protecting programs that seniors, veterans, and working families rely on. That’s why, for example, I’ve supported plans to keep Social Security solvent for decades by ensuring the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share of payroll taxes—just like middle-class workers already … Continue Reading
February 13, 2025
THE LEVIN LETTER: We Can’t Abandon Checks and Balances
My job as your representative is to serve our entire district, to listen, and to fight for what’s best for our communities. I am proud to represent you—whether you voted for me or not. Since entering Congress in 2019, I’ve worked across the aisle to get things done. I believe in finding common ground where possible and standing firm on principle where necessary. That approach has led to real results: I’ve passed 34 bipartisan laws—16 signed by President Trump and 18 signed by President Biden. … Continue Reading
January 16, 2025
THE LEVIN LETTER: We’re in a Stronger Position Than Ever to Invest in Our Community
Earlier this month, I was proudly sworn in for my fourth term in Congress. As the 119th Congress begins, there are many challenges facing our district, including the cost of living, homelessness, border security, and climate change. I’m more committed than ever to working on a bipartisan basis for the good of our communities. As always, I’ll be focused on finding common ground and delivering results—regardless of the party in power. Also this month, I was greatly honored to be appointed to … Continue Reading
October 10, 2024
THE LEVIN LETTER: Delivering Federal Funds to Build Stronger Communities
As the old saying goes, “All politics is local.” While heated debates and partisan battles often dominate headlines, some of Congress’ most impactful work happens quietly behind the scenes when members secure federal funding for local projects that strengthen their communities. These investments may not always make the front page, but they are the backbone of my work. The community projects supported by federal funds ensure that we have access to critical resources like quality health care, … Continue Reading
September 12, 2024
THE LEVIN LETTER: One Veteran Without a Home Is One Too Many
There are currently more than 35,000 homeless veterans in the United States. While this number is less than half of the 76,000 U.S. homeless veterans in 2010, it is still far too high. Roughly 10% of the current homeless veteran population is in California. In Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, you don’t need to look far to find veterans living in tents and on sidewalks. It’s simply unacceptable. No veteran should ever be without a home after selflessly serving our nation with … Continue Reading
August 15, 2024
THE LEVIN LETTER: Social Security’s Viability Demands Bold Action
This week we celebrate the 89th anniversary of the enactment of the Social Security Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, which established the critical safety net program that millions of seniors rely upon to make ends meet. Social Security, formed out of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” ensures that seniors can live their golden years with dignity and with an important financial cushion to pay rent, buy groceries, and fill their prescriptions. At a … Continue Reading
July 18, 2024
THE LEVIN LETTER: Political Violence Has No Place in Our Great Nation
The horrific attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump underscores what many of us have been saying for quite some time: we need to tone down the rhetoric, diminish political divisions, and determine a path forward with civility and respect. We are in perilous times. Our nation’s political discourse has grown increasingly violent; many Americans do not feel comfortable or safe sharing their views, and political affiliation can mark you as an enemy. It is dangerous, … Continue Reading
June 13, 2024
THE LEVIN LETTER: Biden’s Border Executive Actions Are a Step Forward, But More Must Be Done
Last month, I visited with our Border Patrol agents at the Campo Station and Jacumba in East County San Diego. While this was the most recent of several visits I’ve made to our Southern border, I’ve never seen circumstances more difficult for our agents. Conditions on the ground have been untenable. Having seen the situation in person, it is clear that our asylum and immigration systems have been broken for some time. That’s why I joined a group of my House colleagues to call on the President … Continue Reading
May 19, 2024
Want to fix the border crisis? Stop playing politics and start working together.
Last week, I visited our Border Patrol agents at the Campo station in East County San Diego. This was the most recent of my regular visits to our Southern border, and there is no question the situation on the ground has changed for the worse in the last couple of years and is untenable. The men and women of the Border Patrol are doing their job as best they can under extremely difficult circumstances. It is clear to me that they are overwhelmed. Our asylum system is broken. The numbers of … Continue Reading
May 03, 2024
The Time for Maritime Border Security Is Now
Recently, a video went viral of an unidentified boat crashing onto the coastal shores in our district. After landing, a group of people hopped out of the boat and into cars, completely disregarding our maritime border security measures and evading law enforcement. We have no idea who these people were or where they came from.This wasn’t a one-off offense. Our district has seen these types of incidents in the past.Over the years, unidentified vessels have used our coastal waters to come into … Continue Reading
April 21, 2024
Orange County Register: Nuclear fuel removal has come a long way, but there’s still work to do
Residents of Southern California and drivers on the 5 are very familiar with the sight of the two domes that distinguish the now-decommissioning San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The plant has been a permanent fixture along the coast for several decades. While no longer active, the plant’s roughly 3.55 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel pose potential environmental and health threats, especially given SONGS’ location near an active fault and on the beach as sea levels rise. … Continue Reading
April 12, 2024
Picket Fence Media: Congress Can Still Accomplish Great Things When We Work Together!
At the beginning of the year, I shared my 2024 policy and district priorities for our communities. One of those priorities was to deliver the federal resources our district deserves for projects that would improve quality of life, strengthen public safety, and benefit all residents.Now, I’m excited to share an update on that goal.Last month, Congress passed its long-overdue government funding bills. In them, I secured $17.7 million for 15 projects throughout our district. These projects … Continue Reading
March 18, 2024
Orange County Register: Bipartisan compromise is key to solving border and immigration challenges
There is no denying that we have a broken immigration system and real problems at our southwest border that demand Republicans and Democrats come together to deliver pragmatic solutions. Unfortunately, far too many in Congress prefer to politicize this issue during an election year rather than find common ground. There is too much finger pointing and too little action. Recently, a bipartisan Senate border security bill was tanked by Speaker Mike Johnson, presumably to appease former President … Continue Reading
March 15, 2024
Picket Fence Media: The Levin Letter To Understand the Future of Nuclear Energy, Consider Past Mistakes
A short distance from our South Orange County cities, three and a half million pounds of spent nuclear fuel is stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). While SONGS is no longer operational, its spent fuel sits within 50 miles of 9 million people, on top of an active fault line, just feet from the Pacific Ocean. The spent fuel that remains at SONGS is a symptom of a far bigger problem. There are currently more than 80 sites in 36 states where spent nuclear fuel is being … Continue Reading
February 08, 2024
Picket Fence Media: Lowering Healthcare Costs for All Americans
Most every week, I hear from residents who are stressed about the cost of health care. For some, this means choosing between paying the rent or paying for a medical procedure. Just about everyone has seen their fair share of high health care costs. The path to lower health care costs has been a complicated one, and Congress has debated how to address these concerns for years. However, over the last few years we have made significant progress. I proudly helped pass legislation to lower … Continue Reading
January 22, 2024
Picket Fence Media: Levin’s Letter Looking Back at Our Achievements & Making Progress in 2024
The beginning of a new year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the previous one and set new goals that build on our successes and prepare for the future. For me, it gives renewed energy and allows me to look back at the work we’ve done to improve our district and set priorities for the year ahead. Last year was a challenging one for Congress. We faced complicated issues, both at home and abroad, that continue to demand action and will shape the course of 2024. I know that many of my … Continue Reading
December 08, 2023
Picket Fence Media: Want to See Congress at Work? Look No Further Than San Clemente
Over the past several decades, coastal erosion has been slowly wearing away at California’s beaches, and San Clemente is no exception. This erosion has threatened our beaches, impacted our coastal bluffs and endangered the LOSSAN Corridor—the second-busiest rail corridor in the country. The need to replenish our beaches with sand is undeniable. Despite the clear need to address the shrinking beaches, there was no recent movement from the federal government to address the issue. That’s why, … Continue Reading
November 03, 2023
Picket Fence Media: Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform Is Long Overdue. We Have Begun a New Conversation
You wouldn’t know it from my last name, but I’m the grandson of Mexican immigrants on my mom’s side and a proud member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. A century ago, my mom’s parents came to the United States from Mexico as children. They didn’t have much money, a formal education or English fluency. What they did have was an incredible work ethic and the desire to make a better life in America for themselves and their children. While neither graduated from high school, they started a … Continue Reading