Representative Scott Peters

Dear [salutation],

This week in Washington, Republicans pushed multiple pieces of legislation that I strongly opposed. The federal government should be working to make life easier and more affordable for the people we represent. That’s why I introduced legislation and took action to actually solve problems this week.

Yet Another Continuing Resolution

On Tuesday, I voted against a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend government funding at current levels through December 4, 2026. I opposed it because we need a more regular budgeting process that actually cuts wasteful spending, instead of just punting the fight down the road. This Republican majority keeps passing continuing resolution after continuing resolution instead of trying to work with Democrats on a bipartisan appropriations process built on the standard 12 individual funding bills.

We also need to restrict the Administration from directing appropriated funds to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol and enact proper guardrails that end the bloodshed on our streets. ICE and the Border Patrol currently have about $220 billion in unspent funds—a stockpile larger than the U.S. Marines and FBI combined—and have unjustifiably killed American citizens and people who were not the intended targets of enforcement operations. I offered my Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act as an amendment during negotiations, but Republicans rejected it. I’ll continue to push to restore fiscal sanity in our appropriations process and make sure families in San Diego and across the country stop living in fear because of CBP and ICE's poor training and non-existent standards.

More Money for Trump’s War

On Wednesday, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, which would arm the Department of Defense with $1.15 trillion. Just this week, Secretary Hegseth said that we've spent over $37 billion on President Trump's war-of-choice in Iran. But I’d say it’s cost us more than that: Seventeen U.S. service members have died, negotiations have collapsed, and economies are rattled here and around the world. The President and his Administration never sought Congressional approval for this war—a power given to Congress under Article I of the Constitution. They want more money from Congress, but they don’t get my vote.

It's genuinely a shame it came to this. This bill includes priorities that matter to San Diego's military community, such as a pay raise for our service members and real investment in our military bases and shipbuilding infrastructure. But I've heard directly from military families in my district about what this war could cost them, and I couldn't in good conscience fund this Department further.

Reconciliation 3.0 on the Floor

I voted against the reckless reconciliation spending bill in the Budget Committee last week and on Wednesday, I voted against it on the full floor. Republicans rammed it through in record time even though it's projected to add $100 billion to the national debt.

Republicans used to be the party of fiscal responsibility. But given the choice between governing responsibly and passing another bill that makes the debt worse, it seems like they’ve made the wrong decision yet again. Putting billions more on the national credit card for the President’s illegal, reckless war in Iran and “election security” is irresponsible and hurts people in CA50 and across the country who already struggle to afford basic necessities. We need to get our national debt under control and address the affordability crisis. This “America Last” budget reconciliation package does the opposite.

More Housing for Those Who Need It

Instead of advancing bills that fund more violence abroad and on our own streets, I’m focused on solutions to the problems San Diegans face every day. This week, I introduced the Affordable Housing Incentives Act. San Diego’s housing crisis is urgent and undeniable. Average rents here are 44% above the national average, and only 13% of county households can afford to purchase a median-priced home. We need more housing that people can afford.

My bipartisan bill would incentivize property owners to sell to affordable housing and homeless service providers such as nonprofits and local governments to boost the supply of affordable housing. This would make it easier for organizations dedicated to serving our community to provide homes for those who need them most.

Trump Must Renew USMCA to Address Sewage Crisis

Cross-border sewage pollution has plagued our region for far too long. The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) has played a pivotal role in addressing this crisis since 2019. President Trump’s recent decision to not renew the Agreement risks undoing hard-won progress and leaves San Diego exposed to more pollution and economic setbacks. That’s why I led my colleagues, Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) in a letter to Ambassador Jamieson Greer to highlight the continued urgency and need for cooperation with Mexico to address the Tijuana River Valley environmental crisis.

The renegotiation of the USMCA must move forward and be utilized as an opportunity to secure additional funding and bi-national commitments to prevent further health and environmental impacts from cross-border sewage pollution the Tijuana River Valley. We must develop enforceable environmental standards and a rapid response mechanism for violations of the minute treaties and wastewater spills that can and should be avoided with every possible measure available.

Scott’s Reads

A good listen: The Daily breaks down how President Trump’s cruel immigration agenda also hurts our housing crisis and drives up the cost of housing. For even more on how immigration impacts our economy, listen to part one and part two of my conversation with FWD.us President, Todd Schulte, on 72 and Sunny.
Times of San Diego wrote about the Trump Administration’s careless, politicized approach to cutting critical funding at our UC research institutions.

Catch up on the first season of 72 and Sunny!

Click here for a comprehensive list of the actions I've taken to push back on the Trump Administration and protect San Diego.

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Thanks, and take care.