Mike Levin

The environment is at the top of Mike’s agenda and not just because he represents a SoCal district heavily impacted by the changes in climate. Much of his background is actually in energy as a former environmental attorney and he founded a clean energy association. Mike congratulated Biden’s executive order to combat the climate crisis, protect public lands, and foster clean energy job creation. Many bills Mike introduced in the 116th Congress were aligned with this mission, as are some of the bills he plans on reintroducing like the Restoring Community Input and Public Protection in Oil and Gas Leasing Act. He also introduced the Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Act during the 116th Congress to facilitate nationwide adoption of zero-emission vehicles, and the Green Spaces, Green Vehicles Act to fund the installation of ZEV charging infrastructure. Environmental bills galore!

Right before the breach of the Capitol, an important veterans’ benefits bill that Mike introduced was signed into law by then-President Trump. The bill widens the range of services provided to benefits and authorizes officials to collaborate with outside groups to operate shelters for homeless veterans among several other points dealing with housing insecurity and veteran health benefits. It also helps reduce barriers to women who are seeking access to Veterans Administration services. While this news was overshadowed by the wild week that followed, it’s important to be reminded that things worked once and a while too.

While the Capitol was stormed and members of Congress sheltered in their offices for safety, Mike decided to put pen to paper and take a written stand for posterity. In penning an op-ed literally while hiding in place, he professed his commitment to seeing this election certification to completion because of the oath he took just three days prior to “defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Since it’s publication the following day, Mike has vocally come out in support of Trump’s immediate removal and voted for his unprecedented impeachment yesterday.

Congress is expected to pass two bills before the end of the year that will bring millions to Mike’s region for local construction priorities. The Water Resources Development Act is a “critical piece of legislation” for the 49th District because it includes an authorization for a flood protection project in Oceanside and for a Del Mar bluffs shoreline project. As well, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2021, includes $152.5 million for construction projects on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Not only did Mike get some much-needed federal funds for his district, but he also introduced legislation to strengthen and expand services for veterans which include VA health care services, supporting women veterans, increasing VA oversight, and more.

Unless you’re an avid viewer of C-SPAN it’s unlikely you hear many members of Congress speak on a daily basis, though they are… all the time. Last week, Mike stood up and gave remarks urging both parties to come together and provide COVID relief immediately. While his sentiments are echoed by many in both his own party and in the GOP (though they still can’t seem to agree on how to proceed), one poignant phrase stood out – “The enemy is not our neighbors or our political opponents, the enemy is this virus.” It’s simple, but seems to embody the frustrating difficulties our nation is having in addressing what should be viewed as, above all, an overarching threat.

Mike joined his Republican colleague Dave Schweikert of Arizona to introduce the Solar Jobs Preservation Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening jobs in the Solar Industry through the solar Investment Tax Credit. The ITC was created in 2006 and has helped create hundreds of thousands of jobs as well as billions in investment. But facing rising difficulties due to Covid, the ITC is wearing thin, so Mike’s bill looks to extend investment credit eligibility for any new projects breaking ground through 2021, thereby incentivizing new investments and thus creating more jobs when we sure do need them. Anyone living in the Southwest sure knows the power of solar, so let’s get this turbine spinnin’ shall we?

Mike won his second term with 53% of the vote against his Republican opponent, Brian Maryott. Once considered a safe GOP seat, Mike flipped the district two years ago to Democrat. Levin also had a significant funding advantage and has passed a number of bipartisan bills during his first term. Mike is looking forward to working on issues such as protecting immigrant communities, addressing the climate crisis and fighting for universal healthcare.

If you’ve ridden a train in America recently, you were probably unimpressed. Many U.S. rail systems need a serious makeover, and the trains in San Diego, CA are no different. Thankfully, Mike just announced that his district and the surrounding areas will receive $10 million in federal funding to revamp the railways after he wrote to the Federal Railroad Administration earlier this year. The current equipment goes all the way back to the 80s – eek.

How would you feel about swimming at a beach littered with spent nuclear fuel? Not great, probably, which is why Mike introduced legislation that passed the House addressing nuclear cleanup at San Onofre State Beach in his California district. The larger legislation also included additions by Mike to deal with California’s wildfires more effectively and increasing renewable energy production on public lands. The bill at large was approved by most Democrats and most (though not all) Republicans opposed it. Do you think aggressive, environmental legislation like this will make it through the Senate?