Where I Stand: It’s an honor to serve
By Congressman Kevin Kiley
Kevin KileyIt’s an honor to be your new representative in Congress. I was born and raised in the communities of California’s 3rd district, graduating from local public schools. This is my home, and I will fight in every way I can to protect our quality of life.
My job, simply put, is to serve you. That means working with both sides of the aisle to forge constructive compromises and delivering concrete results for our district. As soon as I was sworn in, this approach was immediately put to the test with the arrival of devasting storms.
I sought out partners in both parties to strengthen California’s response, ensuring the greatest measure of federal assistance was provided. My office sent a letter to President Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration, a necessary condition for federal aid. I am grateful that the President fulfilled that request; my office is now assisting constituents in applying for the aid that became available as a result.
I also toured storm damage in Folsom, distributed food and emergency kits in Georgetown, and met with FEMA to discuss the storm response in Sacramento. After residents alerted my office to a deterioration of service at the South Lake Tahoe Post Office, I drove there to speak with folks affected by the failure to deliver mail and worked with the USPS to return service to the region.
The following week I was back in Washington, D.C., and met with President Biden at the White House. The topic was another disaster that struck our region: the 2021 Caldor Fire. I reminded the President that his promise to assist those who lost their homes has not been kept. The next day, I recounted my conversation with the President in a speech on the House Floor. My office is working with the White House to finally secure the relief that was promised.
As we’ve worked to address these pressing matters, I am also partnering with colleagues to introduce solutions to California’s mounting crises. I joined Rep. Valadao and other California representatives to co-sponsor legislation to increase water storage capacity. We must finally end the absurdity of California simultaneously enduring a severe drought and significant flooding. This bill will go a long way towards a stable, reliable, and sustainable water supply.
I also spoke on the House Floor to support policies to mitigate the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires, and to reform our education system. As a former high school English teacher and now member of the Education Committee, I will work to protect the rights of parents and ensure every child receives a quality education.
Over the next few months, my top priorities are to rein in inflation, promote choice in education, bring accountability to the federal government, and assist constituents in any way I can. If you need help with a federal agency, scheduling a D.C. tour, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, my office is here to assist. You can get in touch with me by calling (202) 225-2523 or visiting Kiley.House.gov