David from University City contacted my office seeking assistance with an application for spousal benefits. When David’s late wife retired from her job as a teacher, he became eligible for additional benefits thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act. David submitted his application, but he struggled with the details of his eligibility. My staff worked with David, the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, and the regional processing center to get clarity. Last month, my office confirmed that David’s case was adjudicated in his favor and he began receiving his updated benefits. 

“I contacted Rep. Peters’ office after I experienced delays with my social security spousal benefit application. I was especially concerned that threats of layoffs at SSA would delay my application further. After the congressional office got involved, I received an approved notice from SSA. I’m grateful for everyone’s help with my benefit.” 

On Wednesday, I brought together housing service providers, case managers, and veterans to discuss the encouraging results of this year’s Point-in-Time Count. We emphasized the need to protect the investments and the federal jobs that help get veterans off the street and into safe, stable housing. Hearing from William, a veteran and PATH program participant who struggled with homelessness after being laid off during the pandemic was a powerful reminder of what these funds mean. Investments at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) aren’t just lines in a budget. They provide Americans with dignity, opportunity, and hope.  

You can watch a livestream of the event here.  

On Thursday, I joined Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to welcome Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to San Diego and discuss the Tijuana River Valley sewage catastrophe. We’ve worked for years to secure funds to repair the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBITWP) and increase the International Boundary and Water Commission’s (IBWC) annual operating budget. Now that we have enough to double the capacity of the SBIWTP and data from multiple studies to help tell this story, we must focus on solutions to ensure the long-term health and well-being of our region. I thank Senator Booker for visiting South San Diego County to learn more about the public health and environmental crisis our region is facing.  

This week, I met with organizations and people doing important work in CA50. I met with innovative digital technology and medical device companies, visited San Diego Family Health Center which serves women and children, toured Scripps Memorial Hospital’s new addition, spoke at the San Diego Foundation’s 50th Anniversary celebration, and discussed Head Start and early childhood development with Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC).

And my personal favorite from the week: I met with Girl Scout Troop #2745. These girls are 4th and 5th graders working on their democracy badge and learning about the 19th Amendment. We talked about what it’s like to work in Congress, how I prioritize what’s important to San Diego, and the Revolutionary War, which led to a sing along of their favorite Hamilton song.