September Recap: What You Might Have Missed
Crafting and passing historic legislation takes time, but I am proud of the significant progress House Democrats made this month towards advancing the president’s economic agenda. We are now on the threshold of a generational opportunity to usher in a new era of economic growth that benefits everybody, not just those at the top.
Democrats are united in our desire to deliver for the American people. We WILL pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act.
See what else I was up to in September:
Legislation Introduced
Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act
As a long-standing advocate for civics education — as a parent, an education advocate, a school board member, and now as a member of Congress — I’ve never seen a time when there was a greater need to enhance our schools’ ability to provide high-quality civic education.
Our young people need to acquire the skills to understand how our government works, become effective citizens, advocate for themselves and their communities, and navigate the masses of misinformation found on social media. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort alongside Rep. Meijer to expand and revitalize civic education and promote public service in the United States.
Protecting Our Democracy Act
As Congress did in the wake of Watergate, we must once again enact new reforms to restore the system of checks and balances between our branches of government. The Protecting Our Democracy Act will not only help prevent future abuses of executive power and strengthen accountability, but it will also protect our elections. American democracy is fragile; we must take every step possible to ensure it not only survives but is able to thrive.
Important Votes
Women’s Health Protection Act
Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
Committee Activity
House Judiciary Committee — Reviving Competition: 21st Century Antitrust Reforms and the American Worker
Without adequate competition, firms with robust power have near-total control of their employees’ job prospects, which can result in lower wages and stagnating economic mobility.
We must do everything we can to reaffirm the power of American workers.
Legislative Action to Address Racial Discrimination
Voted to pass the MORE Act and CROWN Act out of the Judiciary Committee
In recent years, states have led the way on responsibly regulating marijuana. But federal policy still lags behind. It’s time to remove federal criminal prohibitions against marijuana with the MORE Act.
Race-based hair discrimination has been happening unchecked for far too long. We need this legislation, the CROWN Act, to make it clear that discrimination based on natural hair is a form of race discrimination.
Voted to pass the EQUAL Act in the House
I gladly cast my vote in favor of the EQUAL Act to eliminate the unjust crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity. For too long, our criminal justice system has treated these offenses differently — contributing to mass incarceration and devastating communities of color.
What else you might have missed
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act included in the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force’s legislative agenda
The Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force’s 2021 legislative agenda outlines steps Congress can take to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crisis by:
- Increasing access to recovery resources.
- Ending the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.
- Building the public health infrastructure needed to address the addiction crisis.
- Creating safeguards against the flow of dangerous drugs in our communities
My Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act, which was included in the Task Force’s legislative agenda, will better support kinship caregivers who have taken over responsibility as primary caregivers for children exposed to substance abuse and trauma. The bill will ensure these families are eligible for services under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and provide support to meet the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, including exposure to substance misuse.
Met with officials from Ireland
September was a big month for the Congressional Friends of Ireland. Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense, was in D.C. and took time to meet with members of our caucus. I also got to spend time with Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S., Daniel Mulhall. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to PA-05 in October!
Observed the 20th anniversary of 9/11
As we marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11, it was my honor to stand with first responders in communities across the district to pay our respects to the fallen.
Joined representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy to celebrate a new workforce pilot program
Through partnerships with local businesses and academic institutions, the Navy’s Philadelphia Region Workforce Pilot will help our residents secure good-paying jobs in the maritime ecosystem. It was a pleasure to meet participating employers and celebrate the launch of this new program.
Celebrated Constitution Day
For Constitution Day, I got to pay a visit to Strath Haven Middle School, where I dropped off copies of our U.S. Constitution and met with educators who are committed to providing a strong civic education for our students!
Hosted a virtual town hall
It was great to connect with constituents live on Facebook to answer questions about voting rights, lowering prescription costs, the post office, Social Security, the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, and more. You can watch the town hall here.
Met with officials from Philadelphia International Airport and the U.K. to discuss the resumption of international travel
The economic importance of travel between Philadelphia International Airport and Heathrow Airpot in London cannot be overstated. Our office was able to meet with both airports to discuss planning for the safe resumption of international travel as COVID-related restrictions continue to be lifted in both the United States and United Kingdom.
Toured storm damage at Brandywine River Museum of Art
I toured Brandywine River Museum of Art to see the flood damage caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida and discuss the federal resources available. While no artwork was lost, the historic buildings were impacted. Our office will continue to support the museum as they repair this national treasure.
Met with community leaders in Southwest Philly to discuss the issues impacting their neighborhood
I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from constituents about the issues most important to their families, small businesses, and neighborhoods. When I met with leaders in Southwest Philly, the topics that rose to the top of the agenda included gun violence and the need for more jobs in the community.
Visited small businesses in Media
I got to spend time with the Media Business Authority and some local shops downtown. It’s always great to pay a visit to Everybody’s Hometown — Media, PA.
Radnor Fall Festival
There’s nothing better on a beautiful fall afternoon than enjoying the company of friends and neighbors while supporting local businesses.
Joined Main Line Health for a tour of the new behavioral health unit at Bryn Mawr Hospital
It was great to check out this new space and spend time discussing important issues like the state of mental health services in Pennsylvania.
Participated in PA State Rep. Mike Zabel and PA State Senator Tim Kearney’s senior fair
Our team had a great time connecting with our senior community about the services we offer. We are always here to help! You can reach us by phone at 610–626–2020 or send us message through our website.
Visited Stephenson Equipment, Inc.
Working people are the heart of America. I am committed to fighting for legislation that will support our communities with good-paying jobs, benefits, labor protections, and training programs. At Stephenson Equipment, I also got hear about the challenges local businesses are facing — including supply chain issues and the need for more skilled workforce training.
