September Updates from DC and the District by Congressman Ro Khanna

I would like to provide you with a few updates about recent developments in Congress and share some important information.

Averting A Government Shutdown

Last month, House Democrats were able to successfully pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown and prevent millions from going without pay and families from going hungry. While the CR will only keep our government funded until November 17th and lacked critical funding to support Ukraine, I am glad the House was able to pass this bill on a bipartisan basis, and avoid the devastating effects of a government shutdown.

Federal Funding for Our Airports

I joined other Bay Area Reps. Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in announcing that the Federal Aviation Administration will distribute $3,334,533 to the San José Mineta International Airport for zero emission vehicles under the Airport Improvement Program. Investing in clean transportation allows us to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and achieve our climate goals. I’m grateful to SJC Airport Director John Aitkenfor his commitment to sustainability and serving our community in Santa Clara County.

Winning the Democracy Award for Best Workplace in Congress

I received the Democracy Award by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) for outstanding achievement for the category of “Life in Congress”-Workplace Environment. It’s an honor to receive this award for best workplace environment in Congress. I want to congratulate my incredible staff for working alongside me to create a positive and inclusive work environment. As a strong supporter of workers’ rights, it’s important to me to live my values and ensure that all employees in my office have fair wages and benefits and are treated with dignity and respect.

Funding Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

I was glad to announce that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will distribute $1,000,000 to Santa Clara and San Benito counties to develop and improve climate mitigation efforts. Climate change is already impacting our communities and will worsen if we do not act. I will continue to support robust investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to protect our communities.

Leading a Congressional Delegation to India

I led a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to India alongside my co-chair of the India Caucus, Rep. Michael Waltz (FL-R). This trip marked a moment where history came full circle for me. My grandfather Amarnath Vidyalankar was an Indian freedom fighter who spent four years in jail in Gandhi’s independence movement and later was part of India’s first parliament. Visiting on India’s Independence Day was a truly gratifying and humbling moment. I believe that the U.S. India relationship will be a defining one of the 21st century. We must continue to strive to make progress and build our partnership based on our shared founding values of democracy, freedom of the press and assembly, and human rights. This delegation is a historic opportunity to drive further collaboration and advance shared aims.

Videos

Discussing Congress averting a government shutdown

Delivering a speech on the House floor on my five-point political reform plan

Discussing my childcare roundtable with parents and providers in Santa Clara

Updates in the District

At my September town hall meeting in Newark, I celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and recognized the great work of several constituents who have contributed so much to our community.

My October Town Hall will be at Mission College in Santa Clara on October 14th. Hope to see you there!

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. To get started, casework inquiries should be submitted online at Help with a Federal Agency. If you have questions, please call my office at (408) 436-2720 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday. Your call will be promptly answered by my staff. For non-casework inquiries, you can also contact me online at any time at Khanna.house.gov/contact.