Weekly Update From Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT CONGRESS DID THIS WEEK Participated in a markup reauthorizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) This week, my subcommittee on Communications and Technology marked up and passed a bill to reauthorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the first time in 25 years. Two of my own bills were included in the final bill: The RESPONSE Act and the FCC Collaboration Act. The RESPONSE Act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete a proceeding requiring all Multi-Line Telephone Systems to provide first responders with the precise location of a 9-1-1 caller. When someone dials 9-1-1, every second matters. First responders have to know exactly where an individual is calling from, especially if the caller is unable to communicate to the dispatcher, or the caller simply doesn't know where they are. The FCC Collaboration Act amends the so-called ‘Sunshine' rule to allow for a bipartisan majority of commissioners to meet for collaborative discussions so long as they disclose such meetings within two business days and comply with the Office of General Counsel. This bill will help the FCC operate in a more efficient manner without sacrificing transparency. LEGISLATION ANNA CO-SPONSORED THIS WEEK The Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act Our Congressional District has been subjected to excessive aircraft noise, and this week I cosponsored legislation that would address the increasing community concerns about airplane noise and pollution by requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to sponsor an Expert Consensus Report issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on the health effects of airplanes flying over residential areas. This report would set forth the current scientific knowledge on the health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution, and would be submitted to the FAA, the Health and Human Services Department, and Congress upon completion. Today, the FAA operates without any accountability relative to any health effects caused by aircrafts flying over residential areas. POLICY LETTERS ANNA WROTE AND COSIGNED THIS WEEK Letter to Conferees of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to Recognize Climate Change as a National Security Issue House and Senate Leaders from the Armed Services Committee are meeting to produce the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act and I joined colleagues in a letter urging the conferees to include a section in the legislation that recognizes climate change as a national security issue. The Pentagon's top military and civilian officials have stated publicly that climate change is a direct threat to U.S. national security and to global security. Secretary of Defense Mattis has stated: "the effects of a changing climate…will impact our security situation." It's critical that the Department of Defense is prepared to address the effects of climate change and has all the necessary tools to mitigate the threat. KEY STATEMENTS Eshoo Statement on the President's Withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan (October 11th) "The Trump Administration's decision to begin the formal repeal of the Clean Power Plan is a monumental attack on the health of the American people. It will increase the output of carbon pollution in the air and do nothing to help the coal miners the President vowed to defend. The Clean Power Plan is a job creation plan, an economic policy and a climate policy. It represents a critical step to protecting our planet for our children and grandchildren, and without it, the U.S. cannot reach the goals established by the Paris Accords." To read the full press release, CLICK HERE. Eshoo Statement Following Trump Administration's Refusal to Certify the JCPOA (Iran Deal) (October 14th) "When the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran Deal, formally took effect on ‘Adoption Day' two years ago, the world was only 90 days away from Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. The JCPOA halted Iran's pursuit to becoming a nuclear state. It brought unprecedented concessions from the Iranians, together with the most rigorous inspections, restrictions and verifications ever negotiated. Since its implementation in January 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has certified Iran's compliance with the agreement eight times and the Trump Administration has already certified Iran's compliance twice." To read the full press release, CLICK HERE. IN MY CONSTITUENTS' WORDS Every week hundreds of my constituents call and write to me to express their concerns, share their passions and ask questions regarding legislation and policies. I actually read every communication and every constituent receives a personal response to their specific questions and comments. Here are some of the issues constituents wrote and called me about this week: · 155 constituents expressed their opposition to the Trump Administration's threats to take away protections for national monuments · 144 constituents wrote to me to express their support for H.R. 3771, legislation that prevents President Trump from firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller · 166 constituents wrote to me to express their support for disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Maria ANNA'S RECOMMENDED READING Frequently I read articles or see videos that I think my constituents would benefit from. The New York Times- "Mr. Trump Nails Shut the Coffin on Climate Relief" (October 10th) When the Trump Administration formally proposed on Tuesday to roll back the Clean Power Plan, launching an attack on the health of the American people, the New York Times published a powerful editorial. In their piece, they outline in depth the empty promises of the Trump Administration and the real benefits of the Clean Power Plan. STAYING INFORMED You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues at my website, eshoo.house.gov. And please visit YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for more ways to stay informed. Sincerely, 
Anna G. Eshoo | 