Standing up for Sacramento County in Washington

Since the start of the 119th Congress, I’ve co-led more than 25 bills and co-sponsored over 150 pieces of legislation focused on delivering results for Sacramento County families.

That includes efforts to lower health care costs, expand access to education, support economic mobility, and protect essential public services. While many of these priorities have faced opposition from Republican leadership, I’ve continued working to build consensus and move meaningful legislation forward.

Health care remains a top concern. I voted against House Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill which was signed into law by President Trump despite strong opposition from the entire Democratic caucus. The bill made major cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and put health coverage at risk for millions of Americans. 

The Big Ugly Bill also included a provision blocking Medicaid patients from accessing care at Planned Parenthood. I joined the Democratic Doctors Caucus and national health leaders to speak out against this attack on health care. In many communities, these health centers are the only place where people can receive primary and preventive care like cancer screenings, STI treatment, and chronic disease management. Eliminating that care threatens the health and well-being of patients with nowhere else to turn.

Additionally, I’ve been sounding the alarm for months about the need to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. These subsidies help over 20 million Americans afford health insurance –– including 28,000 people in our district. These subsidies are set to expire tomorrow, but the fight to save them is not over. I have signed a discharge petition to extend these subsidies by three years and stand ready to work with anyone willing to advance durable solutions that lower health care costs and ensure every American has access to affordable, quality health care.

Showing Up and Listening to You

In 2025, my team and I held more than 340 meetings with constituents and local organizations and attended over 75 community events across Sacramento County. I also held five telephone and in-person town halls, with tens of thousands of you participating to ask questions and share your ideas and concerns.

My office responded to more than 34,800 messages from constituents this year, reflecting the depth and breadth of engagement across our district. I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to reach out, attend an event, or write in. Your input continues to guide my work and helps ensure Sacramento County’s priorities are represented in Washington.

Delivering for Our Communities 

I was proud to break ground on two new groundwater wells in Citrus Heights, supported by over $2 million in federal funding I helped secure. These investments will strengthen our long-term water supply and improve regional drought resiliency. I look forward to continuing to support the Citrus Heights Water District's efforts to deliver reliable and sustainable water supply for families and businesses in Citrus Heights and beyond. 

I joined the Fair Oaks community to celebrate the completion of several renovation projects across Fair Oaks Village, including the Community Clubhouse and Amphitheater.

I was proud to help secure over $560,000 in federal funding for the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District to support accessibility upgrades at the Community Clubhouse, including a new ADA-accessible ramp and a lift for the facilities stage. These updates ensure the building can be enjoyed by everyone in our community.

Defending Public Education

Public schools are the backbone of our communities. I believe every student should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, well-supported environment. 

When the Trump administration moved to dismantle the Department of Education and slash federal funding for our public schools, I joined Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David Gordon to speak out about the harm these actions could cause in our local classrooms and communities. Federal support plays a vital role in helping districts serve students with disabilities, English learners, and children from low-income families. Disruptions at the federal level put that work at risk.

I’ll keep fighting in Congress to defend public education and ensure every student in Sacramento County has access to a world-class education.

Taking Action During the Shutdown

When the federal government shut down for over 40 days, I returned home from D.C. and met with community members impacted by the shutdown.

My team and I volunteered at the Rancho Cordova Food Locker, packing meals for families affected by the lapse in SNAP benefits—which support 270,000 residents across Sacramento County, including nearly 90,000 children.

I also rallied with TSA agents and air traffic controllers at Sacramento International Airport who worked without pay throughout the shutdown to keep our skies and the traveling public safe. I believe that every single federal employee deserves respect and fair treatment from their government. I’ll continue to stand with our federal employees and push for a government that honors their service. 

Hosting the 10th Annual Brain Health Forum

My office hosted our 10th Annual Brain Health Forum in Carmichael. In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, this annual event brings together experts, caregivers, and residents to share updates on Alzheimer’s research and access support services. Attendees left with valuable information, tools, and resources to better support loved ones facing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Congress in the Classroom

As a former professor, I enjoy returning to the classroom and meeting with local high school students to talk about civic engagement, the legislative process, and how young people can shape the future. The students came prepared with some tough questions and their energy continues to inspire my work. I look forward to doing more of these visits in 2026! 

Supporting Our First Responders

At this year’s California State Fair, my office hosted the inaugural HERO Act Chili Cook Off!

This event brought together firefighters from across our state for a friendly competition to see who makes the best chili and to help raise awareness of the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act — a bill I wrote to support the mental health and well-being of our first responders.

My bill would establish federal grant programs to provide mental health resources, training, and support for our nation’s first responders and health care workers. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually on first responder suicide rates and to develop best practices for preventing and treating post-traumatic stress.

I later visited Metro Fire Station 26 to congratulate Captain Huckaby and Firefighter Edwards, who took home top honors. The HERO Act has passed out of the House of Representatives in previous Congresses and I remain committed to getting this bill across the finish line and signed into law.

Speaking Out Against ICE Raids 

I believe in strong border security and immigration laws that protect public safety. But immigration enforcement must focus on individuals who pose legitimate threats, not those who are working hard, following the law, and contributing to their communities.

That’s not what we’ve seen from this Administration. We’ve seen undocumented immigrants in our community detained without probable cause and held in local facilities in conditions that were described to me as “abhorrent.”

I will continue to advocate for accountability and oversight of ICE and press for immigration policies that are fair, lawful, and reflect our values as a nation of immigrants. 

Protecting Your Mail

After hearing from residents across Sacramento County about ongoing mail theft, I formally requested an audit of local USPS operations. When the Office of Inspector General released its findings this spring, I held a press conference with local leaders to share the results and demand action.

The audit revealed serious security failures, including mismanagement of arrow keys and a lack of basic oversight at several local facilities. In the months since, I’ve continued working with community partners to ensure USPS follows through on the Inspector General’s recommendations and restores secure, reliable mail service for our region.

I’ll keep pushing for stronger safeguards and accountability to ensure that everyone receives their mail safely and on time. 

Defending Public Health 

As a doctor, I took an oath to do no harm. That is why I’ve been so alarmed by what RFK Jr. is doing as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Despite pledging to follow the science, he has sidelined medical experts, spread dangerous misinformation about vaccines, and weakened our ability to respond to public health threats. From canceling critical mRNA vaccine research to removing trusted professionals from CDC advisory panels, his actions have made our country less prepared and less safe.

I joined my colleagues in the Democratic Doctors Caucus this year in calling for his resignation. I’ll continue fighting to restore the integrity of our public health institutions and ensure that public health decisions are made by experienced and qualified public health professionals. 

WATCH MY VIDEO DEMANDING RFK JR.'s RESIGNATION

Defending American Values Abroad 

As a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I’ve continued working to strengthen America’s global leadership, defend democratic values, and keep our nation safe.

This year, I’ve raised serious concerns about the Trump administration’s actions that erode American credibility on the world stage — from gutting diplomacy and global health funding to undermining key alliances and sidelining the experienced public servants who carry out American foreign policy.

In response, I authored 11 amendments that were included in this year’s State Department reauthorization bills that advance our strategic interests, promote democratic governance, and enhance congressional oversight across a range of global priorities. 

At a time of growing global instability and rising authoritarianism, the United States must lead with strength, clarity, and purpose. I’ll continue using my role on these committees to push back against short-sighted cuts, defend our values, and work to strengthen and prepare our national security and diplomatic institutions for the challenges we face.

STAY CONNECTED! 

Thank you for taking the time to read my year in review. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my Sacramento District Office at (916) 635-0505 or visit bera.house.gov/get-help to learn more about how we may be able to assist.

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