Issa Challenges Newsom to Remake State’s Flawed Vaccine Scheduling

On February 23,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA–50) sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom to urgently address California’s needlessly complex and inefficient appointment system for obtaining a COVID vaccine.

Issa said, “The Governor and I can surely agree on this: If you are eligible to get a COVID vaccine, it should not be next to impossible to schedule an appointment. California owes its citizens far better than they’ve been getting so far.”

Multiple media organizations have reported that Californians are struggling to schedule an appointment for a COVID vaccine. In some cases, individuals are logging on day after day without success. Entire extended families have been forced to operate as a team just to make a single appointment for an eligible relative. The process has also not been well-coordinated between state, county and local officials, leading to significant confusion. In his letter, Issa requested immediate corrective actions and asked the Governor to work with public and private entities to streamline the process – in addition to the recent contracting with insurance companies to take over this responsibility from the state.

Read the full letter here.

Issa Calls for End to Prolonged U.S. Capitol Militarization

Says Capitol complex should be open to the public “immediately”

On February 24, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) called on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to immediately remove the militarized presence, barbed wire barriers and pedestrian restrictions currently preventing all public access to the U.S. Capitol. Issa stated:

“The U.S. Capitol is not a fortress off limits to the public and ringed by an excessive show of force. It exists on behalf of the American people. If the majority is unable to provide justification for preventing even a visit by health care heroes, World War II veterans or a church choir to its steps, then all the doors we have closed to them must be reopened today.

Issa also stated that “On February 12, I wrote regarding the unprecedented security posture that remains at the U.S. Capitol and I requested a briefing for all Members of Congress so we too can access the intelligence underlying the shutdown to all visitors that has endured for more than a month. Two weeks have now passed, and insufficient details have been provided.”

Read full letter here.

Read original letter requesting a security briefing.

Ranking Member Issa Discusses Need for Bipartisan Solution to Shortfall of Lower Court Judgeships

On February 24 Ranking Member Darrell Issa (CA-50), attended today’s Judiciary Committee Subcommittee hearing: “The Need for New Lower Court Judgeships, 30 Years in the Making.” He also addressed the need for more lower court judges.

Issa stated, “More than 425,000 cases were filed in federal district courts and courts of appeals last year. These cases include civil rights claims, criminal prosecutions, environmental and consumer protection litigation, discrimination claims, challenges to government power, and holding corporations accountable for misconduct.

“When there are insufficient judges to handle the workload, cases are delayed – and justice right along with it. A case that takes two years is unacceptable to any litigant. And that timeframe is occurring too regularly.

While a discussion of new judgeships is overdue, it is very important they are created in a fair and non-partisan manner. When Republicans were in the majority in the 115th Congress, I introduced the Judiciary ROOM Act, where we worked with our Democratic colleagues to craft legislation that allows for bipartisan cooperation on a critical issue for our justice system.”

Issa also invited testimony from Judge Larry Burns, Senior U.S. District Court Judge of the Southern District of California, who amplified an overview of trends in that District’s caseload statistics, which reflect an increasing demand on courts and judges since 2003. Judge Burns said: “In 2019, the Southern District’s weighted caseload was 634 cases per judge – well above the national average of 535 cases per judge. The effects of the increase in our caseload have been profound and have inexorably led to delay in the handling of cases – particularly civil cases. In most federal districts, it takes about 2 years on average to adjudicate a civil case from filing to final judgment. But in the Southern District of California, the median time is 37 months, which is too long.”

Congressman Issa’s Statement on the Equality Act

February 25,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) made the following statement regarding the House passage of H.R. 5, the Equality Act:

“Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. In fact, our nation has never been more accepting of people’s uniqueness. H.R. 5, however, is an extreme measure that abandons basic protections for conscience and neglects to protect the health and safety of our children.

H.R. 5 would radically change the definition of “sex” under the law. It would strip away federal civil rights protections designed to ensure women and girls have equal opportunities to men and boys, including in education and sports. This legislation could force houses of worship and religiously affiliated schools, hospitals, non-profits and other entities to go against their beliefs. This is not equality, this is nonsensible.

By any measure, young children are not mature enough to make life-altering health decisions about their gender. In addition, Title IX protections for our girls should not be abandoned, and our fellow Americans should be not forced to violate their deeply held religious beliefs.

Previous attempts to revise the most extreme provisions of this bill have been unilaterally rejected, and this year, the Democrat Majority completely bypassed the Judiciary Committee’s oversight work on this bill in order to rush it to the House Floor. This is the opposite of the consensus-building approach that this kind of legislation truly needs.”

Issa Challenges Biden Administration to End Mask Mandates, Social Distancing for Vaccinated Americans

On February 26,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) called on the Biden Administration to clarify guidance on the post-vaccination return to normalcy, stating in a letter:

“Insisting that Americans continue to socially distance, wear masks, avoid restaurants and even forego gathering with family following vaccination is nothing less than demoralizing to the nation.

Dr. Fauci is in the near-daily practice of issuing public statements across numerous media and broadcast outlets that amount to little more than unfocused guesswork and rank speculation. I do not believe that Dr. Fauci is any longer an effective public representative of the clear messaging that is needed.

It is essential that government officials speak with a consistent voice when it comes to offering Americans hope and return to normalcy as soon as possible.”

Issa also called on Congress to lead by example by displaying a return to normalcy in its daily operations.

Read the full letter here.

Issa Opposes House COVID Bill That Doesn’t Reopen Schools, Help Americans Get Back to Work

On February 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released the following statement regarding his opposition to the Biden-Pelosi-Schumer COVID plan:

“As a fundamental matter, there is extraordinarily broad consensus in Congress for sensible and bipartisan COVID relief.

There was consensus for relief last year as well, although mistakes were made. Many who needed aid the most were shut out. Preferred special interests were allowed to keep operating, while thousands of small businesses with no connections had their doors shut. Many will never reopen. This is unacceptable.

This year is an opportunity to get it right. But that did not happen here. The partisan Biden-Pelosi-Schumer “Relief Package” the House approved today is more package than relief.

The $1.9 trillion bill is no doubt too big and too expensive, but that is not the worst of it. This bill contains no coherent commitment to open up our economy, get our fellow Americans back to work and get our kids back in school where they belong.

That’s the most disturbing part of all. As it stands right now, all this money and all these pages won’t reopen our economy and schools any sooner. This is because there isn’t any real sense of urgency in the bill. It is not intended to help our kids catch up in 2021, or even 2022.

How do we know? Because the vast majority of funds that the Biden Administration has earmarked for schools is to be spent three and four years from now. This week, they even admitted that from the White House podium. I’ve come to expect inefficiency and excess when it comes to government spending. But this is so much worse than that. Desperate families will think relief is on the way. It isn’t.

I cannot support this legislation in this form. It won’t deliver on its promises and I am concerned that it may even do more harm than good. This bill doesn’t just contain wasteful spending — it cements a waste of time so many Americans don’t have.

COVID relief should be focused on helping people get vaccinated this year, get back to work this year and get back to school this year. We could pass such a measure, in a bipartisan way.”

Reps. Issa and Calvert Request HHS to Provide Additional Vaccine Allocations to Riverside County

On March 1, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging direct allocation of COVID-19 vaccination doses to the Riverside County Health System, and released the following statements:

“Riverside County has received a disproportionately low allotment of COVID-19 vaccinations to date,” said Rep. Issa.  “I thank my friend, Rep. Calvert, for working together to advocate for Riverside to be included in the federal HRSA program that will help our communities receive their fair share of vaccine doses.”

“We must address the fact that the demand for vaccines in Riverside County among eligible populations continues to outpace supply,” said Rep. Calvert. “Rep. Issa and I share the concerns expressed by Riverside County officials about the vaccine allocations they are receiving from the state. Getting vaccination doses directly from the federal government would help our underserved residents while the county attempts to receive a more equitable allocation from the state.”

Background

Riverside County Health System was recently notified by HHS that it was included in a group of 250 health centers being considered to participate in the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Vaccination Program. The program would directly allocate vaccines from the federal government to identified eligible entities.

HRSA will make its final determination after examining the health centers’ interest in participation, a review of their ability to readily receive doses, and staffing capabilities for distribution of vaccines. If a center has met all qualifications, they will be notified of their ability to make an order.

Read more about the program here and read the joint letter here.

Issa Opposes One-Sided and Partisan Election Legislation

Declares H.R. 1 “Most Misleading Political Bill in History”

On March 3, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released the following statement in opposition to H.R. 1:

“States made sweeping changes to election practices leading up to Election Day 2020, even circumventing state legislatures in favor of executive decrees and court-ordered variations. There is no dispute some of these changes were done in violation of state constitutions and state law.

“Mistrust of election integrity is at an all-time high. Rather than tackling the flaws in the system that we know exist, H.R. 1 is an end-run around common sense laws and a full sprint to give Democrats an unfair and illegal advantage. If signed into law, this strictly partisan legislation will only ensure that tens of millions of Americans will lose even more confidence that our elections are as fair as they are said to be free.”

H.R. 1 cements some of the worst election practices of California, including its pandemic response and other troubling components including:

-Banning state voter ID requirements

-Creating a FEC “Speech Czar”

- Forcing states to automatically register convicted felons upon release from prison,

- Mandates states automatically register 16- and 17-year-olds despite federal law requirements that voters be 18 years of age.

-Removing bipartisan makeup of the FEC

-Giving taxpayer dollars to political candidates, even if the taxpayer does not support a candidate

-Mandating states to allow ballot harvesting

-Weaponizing the IRS to investigate the political beliefs of organizations seeking non-profit status.

“H.R. 1 is a federal power grab that only benefits politicians. It mandates unconstitutional changes that are designed to ensure that one political party has overwhelming advantages in all future elections. Congress must turn away from something as destructive as H.R. 1 and instead work to restore trust in our elections by ensuring the sanctity of one man, one vote, one time.”

Congressman Issa Headline On March 3, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released the following statement regarding the House’s consideration of H.R. 1280. “The men and women of law enforcement are fearless public servants that put their lives on the line, answer our calls for help and keep our communities safe. The police officers I am privileged to know run toward danger, not away from it. They protect the innocent, confront violence and keep the peace every day without regard for their own well-being. “I oppose painting the serious wrongdoing of a few as representative of all. This false narrative has led directly to the destructive movement of defunding the police and the misleading denunciations that undermine law enforcement’s effectiveness. There are ways we can work together and ensure law enforcement professionals have the tools, training, and resources they need. We can extend transparency rules and increase accountability. We can work across the aisle to craft thoughtful, long-term solutions.” That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of the JUSTICE Act. This bill would guarantee transparency, ensure law enforcement agencies and officers are able to be held accountable, and provide continuing education for officers to perform their duties. These are not empty promises – they include banning chokeholds and developing accessible disciplinary records systems. The American people deserve to see their representatives united on this issue. “Unfortunately, H.R. 1280 is a strictly partisan proposal that will do lasting harm to not only those who wear the badge, but those they are sworn to serve and protect.

Congressman Issa Visits El Cajon Cosmetology School, Discusses Impact of State Licensure Backlog

Continues Call for Governor Newsom to Act

On March 6, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) visited El Cajon’s Bellus Academy, a beauty and wellness educational facility, to meet with students about the personal hardship created by the State of California’s failure to offer cosmetology license testing.

Issa stated, “The students I met with today said they are ready to get to work. They invested in their education, made a commitment to learn the trade, and are now prepared for their final state exam. But, the State of California has failed them. The state shut down cosmetology testing due to COVID, and then sat on their hands instead of developing temporary solutions.

I am calling on Governor Newsom to exhibit leadership and fix this problem right away. Other states have developed solutions — so there are a variety of successful models to potentially replicate. 7,000 students await an answer and the ability to earn the living they have trained for.”

On March 4, Congressman Issa requested immediate action by Governor Gavin Newsom. Read the full letter here.

The Bellus Academy of El Cajon provides training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and make-up artistry. Currently, 484 of its graduates are currently awaiting an opportunity to take the state licensing test. It is one of three cosmetology schools in the 50th Congressional District.

The state ended in-person licensing exams in March 2020. Throughout the course of the state’s COVID lockdown, students were promised that tests would resume. There is now a backlog of 7,000 graduates waiting for exams that are now being offered at half capacity at several locations in the State.

Issa Opposes Extreme Labor Law Bill; Says PRO Act “Absolute Job-Killer”

On March 9,  announcing his opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2021, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released the following statement:

“I am opposing the PRO Act, an extreme and inflexible bill that will diminish the rights of workers and employers while rewriting the nation’s labor laws in favor of union special interests.

This bill overturns 27 state right-to-work laws, eliminates employees’ rights to a secret ballot election and allows unions to boycott and protest nearly every business in America whether they are subject to a union vote or not. It will also devastate Privacy rights by forcing employers to hand over workers’ personal information to union organizers, including home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Thousands of small businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat could be bankrupted by this legislation. Employers could face more than $47 billion in new annual costs if the PRO Act is enacted, further jeopardizing the economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.

Finally, the PRO Act would bring to every state the worst of California’s AB 5, which destroyed millions of jobs by denying the ability to work as an independent contractor. To take one of the most reckless job killers in recent memory and extend it across America is to make one state’s mistake the entire nation’s crisis. That’s why I authored an amendment to eliminate the AB5 provision.

At a time when so many have lost so much, and we are rebuilding our economy so we can emerge from the devastating effects of the pandemic and government shutdowns, the PRO Act will threaten our economic recovery and extinguish opportunity for millions.”

Congressman Issa Opposes Partisan Package Insufficiently Focused on COVID Relief

On March10,  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) released the following statement regarding the final passage of the Biden-Pelosi-Schumer COVID relief plan:

“Combatting COVID-19 is a national imperative that must include allowing access to the vaccine to all Americans who choose to receive it, rebuilding our economy and reopening our schools right away.

Even though all five previous COVID spending bills of 2020 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, the new Democratic majority abandoned this positive approach and instead used a special process specifically designed to avoid consensus. Still, Republicans offered more than 600 amendments to the bill, but their goodwill participation was comprehensively rejected.

This divisive approach leaves the country with a package that the White House touts as ‘the most progressive domestic legislation in a generation.’ What is not touted is the fact that in no way is this focused on COVID. Only one percent of the bill relates to vaccinations, less than nine percent for related public health programs and five percent to reopen K-12 schools in 2021. Worst of all, the bill contains no coherent commitment to fully opening our economy, getting Americans back to work and our kids back in school.

Thankfully, the vaccines are here, and they are safe and effective. It is time to reopen the country and our policy choices should focus on that goal.”

Congressman Issa Introduces Bill to Streamline Hiring of Federal Firefighters

On March 10, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) introduced the Direct Hire to Fight Fire legislation to assist Southern California in addressing the region’s annual wildfire danger. Issa stated:

“The threat of annual and devastating wildfires is a deadly challenge that can only be faced with all available tools. Because California contains hundreds of thousands of acres of federally managed land – including the 50th Congressional District’s Cleveland National Forest – our federal agencies need more than equipment. We need to bring on new personnel to properly prepare for and fight the fires we know are coming.

The Direct Hire to Fight Fire bill is a straightforward solution that will streamline the federal hiring process used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior for key fire and fire support positions operating on federal lands. This highly targeted hiring tool will also allow skilled candidates to be quickly and efficiently recruited and hired so that positions that we need are not left unfilled.”

Currently, the federal government uses Direct Hire authority for severe shortages and emergency hiring for other roles, including the existing authority to hire Scientific, Technical, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) positions. The 2018 Farm Bill also created Direct Hire Authority for intern positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Personnel Management often grants short-term direct hire authority for critical needs.

Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-1) joined as an original cosponsor.

Read the full bill text here.

Congressman Issa Introduces Bill to Streamline Hiring of Federal Firefighters

On March 10, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) introduced the Direct Hire to Fight Fire legislation to assist Southern California in addressing the region’s annual wildfire danger. Issa stated:

“The threat of annual and devastating wildfires is a deadly challenge that can only be faced with all available tools. Because California contains hundreds of thousands of acres of federally managed land – including the 50th Congressional District’s Cleveland National Forest – our federal agencies need more than equipment. We need to bring on new personnel to properly prepare for and fight the fires we know are coming.

The Direct Hire to Fight Fire bill is a straightforward solution that will streamline the federal hiring process used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior for key fire and fire support positions operating on federal lands. This highly targeted hiring tool will also allow skilled candidates to be quickly and efficiently recruited and hired so that positions that we need are not left unfilled.”

Currently, the federal government uses Direct Hire authority for severe shortages and emergency hiring for other roles, including the existing authority to hire Scientific, Technical, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) positions. The 2018 Farm Bill also created Direct Hire Authority for intern positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Personnel Management often grants short-term direct hire authority for critical needs.

Northern California Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-1) joined as an original cosponsor.

Read the full bill text here.

Issa Opposes Efforts to Restrict Second Amendment Rights

On March 11, Congressman Darrell Issa released the following statement in opposition of H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446:

“The people’s right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment is a bedrock freedom of every American – and it must not be abridged. I oppose H.R. 8, H.R. 1446 and similar measures that would unduly restrict the legal exercise of this right.

It is simply not true that communities plagued by crime will be made safer by imposing new restrictions on law abiding citizens. In fact, some of the cities with the strictest laws of this type are also beset by the highest crime rates.

Rather, radical moves to defund police, enact zero cost bail, impose lax sentences, eliminate ICE, and create “no arrest” policies for certain crimes have the most dangerous consequences. If legislators want to reduce crime and make communities safer, our time would be better spent working to end each of these ill-advised measures – and prevent their destructive results.”

Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County; including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.