Dear neighbor,

I, like so many in our community, am outraged by reports that young students around the country, including in our community, are being detained by ICE. Rounding up children runs counter to the Administration’s purported goals of targeting criminals for deportation, and I find this trend to be deeply concerning.

As a reminder, I am here to help. Please visit my website for more information on how my office can assist with issues you may have with a federal agency, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This week we saw more Republican chaos and confusion. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump are fighting. A House Republican admitted to not reading what was in the Big Ugly Bill before voting for it. A Republican Senator callously told constituents worried about Medicaid cuts that “we’re all going to die.” This would all be funny if they weren’t kicking millions of Americans off of their health care.

Call me old fashion, but I don’t think the goal of government is to hasten the deaths of Americans. It is to make the lives of Americans better. Clearly, this Big Ugly Bill that Republicans are pushing for is not going to do that.

Here’s more of my thoughts at this week’s press conference:

CUTS TO WIC BENEFITS: In Trump’s budget for next year, he outlined how he wants to make massive cuts to WIC’s fruit and vegetable assistance to low-income mothers and young children. His proposal reduces monthly benefits from $52 to $13 for breastfeeding mothers, and $26 to $10 for young children. This will take away healthy foods from families already struggling with the high cost of living – it's unconscionable. I’m proud to have been recognized as a WIC Champion by the California WIC Association this year. I will continue to fight for this vital program and the women and children that rely on it.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH: No matter who you are or who you love, every American has the right to live as their authentic selves. This June, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equality. Happy Pride!

FALL 2025 INTERNSHIPS: My Washington, DC and Los Angeles offices are both accepting applications for our fall 2025 internship program. Applications will be open until June 27, 2025, at 5 PM ET for my Washington office and until June 20, 2025, at 5 PM PT for my LA office. We’re beginning to review applications on a rolling basis, so apply soon! Learn more here.

REBUILDING AFTER WILDFIRES: LA County has launched a webpage to help navigate the complex rebuilding process and to identify the necessary steps for rebuilding your property. Check it out here.

I understand that we’re living in stressful and confusing times, especially as it relates to navigating issues involving federal agencies. If you need help, please reach out to my LA office at (323) 651-1040 to see if we can be of assistance. 

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted