| Hello, I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.
I want to share with you three significant developments since I last wrote.
Championing Gun Safety and Passing the COMPETEs Act
Following Gun Violence Survivors Week and ahead of the anniversary of the Parkland shooting, I became an original co-sponsor of two gun safety measures introduced in the House. The first, introduced by Congressman Andy Levin (D, MI-09), is the Protect Children Through Safe Gun Ownership Act, which will reduce the number of preventable firearm tragedies among children and teens. You can watch a press conference announcing the introduction of the bill HERE. I also became an original co-sponsor of the Trafficking Reduction and Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Act, led by Congressman Mike Quigley (D, IL-05). This bill will help the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reduce illegal firearms trafficking and make it harder for criminals to obtain deadly weapons.
In addition to advocating for gun safety, the House of Representatives passed the America COMPETES Act of 2022, a generational investment in our economy, and our young and growing workforce. This legislation will build resilient supply chains, drive worker productivity by investing in research and development, and reinforce US global leadership in science and technology. I introduced a series of amendments to America COMPETES, all of which have passed as part of the bill. These amendments counteract vaccine disinformation from the Chinese Communist Party. They boost production of vaccine components to strengthen America's vaccine diplomacy, which I have advocated for and led on over the last year. And they contribute to economic development and humanitarian relief in Afghanistan, where we have a special responsibility to the Afghan people. You can hear more about my amendments HERE.
Recent Developments in Ukraine
Amid recent developments in Ukraine, I released a statement ahead of President Biden's meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Schol. Great nations keep their word. We must stand behind our promise to Ukraine to support its security as a sovereign nation. As the Administration continues to pursue a resolution through diplomacy, I remain committed in Congress to supporting democracies and standing with our NATO allies. This is a pivotal moment that requires a united front, or we risk the beginning of an era rife with conflict and tyranny. We must work towards a resolution that ensures our allies' safety, sovereignty, and democratic longevity.
At home in the district, I was able to host a listening session with Olga Lisovskaya, Vsevolod Petriv, Andrew Nynka, Tymish Holowinsky, Anna Lyczmanenko, Orest Hrabowych, and Walter Shuludko, local residents from the Ukrainian community who shared with me their thoughts on the issues facing Ukraine. I also participated in a press conference on Capitol Hill following a classified briefing with Administration officials. I will continue to engage on this issue as the situation develops. You can watch my latest interview on Ukraine - a conversation with Jim Braude on Greater Boston HERE.
Recent Stops in the District
I recently visited HUB Folding Box Company and CMT - Engineered Syntactic Systems, two 4th District businesses that represent some of the best of American manufacturing and innovation. We discussed the recently passed COMPETES Act and how making transformational investments in American manufacturing, research, and innovation will ensure that the next creators and innovators have the tools they need to succeed.
I also had the pleasure of attending a Lunar New Year celebration at Newton's New Art Center, with New Art Executive Director Emily O'Neil, before heading to the Brookline Library to pick up a Lunar Year craft kit to take home to my family. During my visit, I spoke with state Rep. Tommy Vitolo, Brookline Select Board Chair Heather Hamilton, and library trustee Michael Burstein.
Finally, I wanted to leave you with a video of my recent floor speech celebrating the career of Tom Brady, who brought pride and six Super Bowl victories to our district and to the fans of New England.
To stay up to date on the state of play in Congress, please make sure to like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss
Member of Congress |
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