Chu splits vote concerning Iran crisis and war
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) this week split on two resolution votes concerning Iran – voting in favor of putting an immediate stop to President Trumps war with Iran because he did not get Congressional approval (H. Con. Res.38), while voting for a resolution (H. Con. Res. 1099) reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
“Today, I voted for the War Powers Resolution to put an immediate stop to President Trump’s unlawful war with Iran,” said Rep. Chu of the failed to pass House vote. “Despite no imminent threat to the United States, no long-term strategy, no support from the American public, and no authorization from Congress, the President launched a war in Iran. That is a direct challenge to the constitutional guardrails that have protected our democracy for generations. It is Congress’s responsibility to stand up to this lawlessness and stop Trump’s war, and I’m incredibly disappointed that nearly every Republican failed to uphold this constitutional responsibility.
“It has already caused gas prices to rise by 11 cents a gallon as Americans face an affordability crisis. The American people have long made their position clear: no more forever wars. I cast my vote for this War Powers Resolution to stand with them.”
Chu said she voted for ‘Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism’ resolution, which passed the House, because it is true that the Iranian regime brutally oppresses its own people and spreads terror and violence throughout the world.
“Those facts, however, do not justify President Trump’s decision to launch a foreign war with no authorization and no plan, a decision that has already cost the lives of six American servicemembers and countless civilians,” said Chu.
Dove leads for fed transit initiative funds ahead of LA28 Olympics
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA) led the Los Angeles Congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, in a letter Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging him to support the inclusion of $2 billion in the President’s FY27 Budget Request for mobility initiatives ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The lead time needed to plan for an event of the scale and scope of the 2028 Games means that the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request will likely be the final opportunity to ensure that federal transportation funding can be made available in a timely manner in advance of the Games,” wrote the lawmakers.
“These Games will be the largest and most spectacular sporting event in American history, providing an unparalleled opportunity to showcase America to the world. Like you, we collectively want to ensure that we have a safe, secure, efficient, and accessible transportation network in the Los Angeles mega-region for this global sporting event.
“We are convinced that delivering on this goal will require the full support of the Federal Government…Working together, we are convinced that Metro and our regional partners can implement a safe, secure, efficient, and accessible transportation plan for the 2028 Games that will make America the envy of the world,” the lawmakers concluded.
The full letter can be viewed here.
Bass slashes Griffith Observatory filming fees, reopens library to filming
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced yesterday that the City is slashing filming fees at the Griffith Observatory from $100,000 to $30,000, reverting to 2008 levels. She also announced that after more than 10 years, the L.A. Central Library is now open to film production.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian and industry leaders representing the entertainment industry, along with their associated unions, joined Bass in the announcement.
“Working hand-in-hand with the industry, today we are making filming easier and more affordable in Los Angeles – the entertainment capital of the world,” said Bass. “The Griffith Observatory and L.A. Central Library have been the backdrop for some of the most iconic stories ever told. Today, we are continuing that legacy for the next generation of storytellers. City Hall will continue to champion key industry needs and work to create good-paying, union jobs and spur economic opportunity across our region in the process.”
“Yesterday, the City Council voted to streamline the permitting process and revitalize filming in Los Angeles,” said Nazarian, author of the Keep Hollywood Home motions adopted by the Council on Tuesday. “We’ve made it clear that Los Angeles is serious about competing in a global marketplace, that we believe the industry that built this city is worth fighting for. Making locations like Griffith Observatory and our beautiful Central Library available for filming sends a message, not just to the L.A. film community but to filmmakers around the world. We’re extending an invitation. Come to L.A. We’ve got stories to tell and fantastic locations like this to film them in.”
Sherman honored for animal welfare leadership
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) this week was once again honored by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) in recognition of his continued leadership on animal welfare issues and his consistently perfect voting record in Congress supporting policies that ensure animals are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.
For 21 consecutive years, Sherman has earned a 100% rating from Humane World for Animals, and he has received the organization’s Humane Champion Award 12 times in recognition of his ongoing efforts to protect animals from cruel practices.
“As Mahatma Gandhi observed, ‘the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ I am honored to receive this recognition once again from Humane World for Animals,” said Sherman. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to strengthen protections for animals and ensure that our laws reflect the basic principle that cruelty has no place in a humane society. I will continue fighting for policies that safeguard animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
Since coming to Congress in 1997, Sherman has been a steadfast advocate for animals, working to ensure they are not subjected to unnecessary cruelty or suffering. As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Sherman has led efforts on a wide range of animal protection issues, including strengthening oversight of puppy mills, protecting endangered and exotic species, ending harmful experimentation on chimpanzees, preventing the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and cracking down on the brutal practice of dog fighting by holding both organizers and spectators accountable.
