The second day of Governor Gavin Newsom’s visit to the capitol focused on efforts to protect all Californians from gun violence, wildfires, and Republican efforts to restrict reproductive rights.
Governor Newsom meets with Senator Chris Murphy.
The Governor’s second day in Washington, DC, began on Capitol Hill where he met with Senators to discuss important subjects including reproductive rights and gun safety.
- In a meeting with Connecticut senator Chris Murphy, the two explored ways that Congress and California might cooperate to protect families from gun violence.
- Why it’s important: With sensible gun safety laws that have reduced gun fatalities in half since the 1980s, California has taken the lead in the country in decreasing gun violence. Senator Murphy has been a strong proponent of national, all-encompassing gun restrictions that will protect both children and communities.
- The topic of discussion during the Governor’s next meeting with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) was reproductive rights and the way ahead after Roe. The Governor and Senator Warren addressed how California can support efforts at the federal level to do the same. California is now leading the nation in efforts to safeguard and expand access to abortion care.
- Before leaving Capitol Hill, Governor Newsom spoke with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). Their discussion covered topics including reproductive rights and restrictions on gun ownership, both of which Senator Klobuchar has helped to shape the national dialogue on.
Governor Newsom meets with California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, as well as Defense Department officials.
The Governor’s attention turned to efforts to keep all Californians safe from wildfires during his visit to Capitol Hill.
- In order to get ready for this year’s climate-driven wildfire season, the Governor met with California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla as well as the Defense Department. The group met at the White House to discuss ways to respond to wildfires more effectively, such as simplifying the National Guard’s capabilities for fighting flames and improving the Department of Defense’s coordination with local firefighters.
- In their words:“As the climate crisis exacerbates the ongoing threat of wildfire in California, we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Defense officials to ensure that the federal government is providing the necessary resources to support California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities,” said Newsom, Feinstein, and Padilla. “Close coordination between state and federal partners is key to effectively prepare for and actively combat the increasing scale of wildfires.”
- What they asked for:
- Increased access to advanced technology to keep Californians safe from wildfires
- Improving fire agency access to excess military aircraft for firefighting efforts
Governor Newsom concluded the day by meeting with Ambassador Susan Rice at the White House to discuss a number of problems, including homelessness, reproductive rights, and aiding immigrants and refugees, where California supports President Biden’s agenda.
- Why it’s important: Ambassador Rice is a pioneer in carrying out the President’s ambitious agenda in her role as Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden. The priorities of California are similar to those of the White House: increasing access to behavioural health care, increasing opportunities for childcare and early education, combating the dangerous effects of fentanyl smuggling on the communities, and increasing opportunities for higher education for more people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.