Sherman pushes bill to formally end the Korean War
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D – Sherman Oaks, Encino, Woodland Hills, Northridge, San Fernando Valley) joined fellow members of Congress, Korean American community leaders, and advocates at a Capitol Hill press conference last week to highlight his Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, legislation aimed at formally ending the Korean War.
Los Angeles County is home to the largest Korean American population outside Korea itself, concentrated heavily in Koreatown.
“The American people understand that diplomacy and peace are preferable to an endless state of conflict,” said Sherman. “I’m encouraged by the broad support this legislation continues to receive from my colleagues in Congress and from Korean Americans across the country. Together, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to reducing tensions, strengthening regional security, and pursuing a more stable and peaceful future on the Korean Peninsula.”
Active fighting on the peninsula ceased with the 1953 Armistice Agreement, but a formal peace treaty was never signed, leaving the United States technically at war with North Korea for more than seven decades.
Sherman’s bill would direct the Secretary of State to pursue diplomatic engagement with both North and South Korea toward a binding peace agreement, building on a 2018 declaration by the two Korean leaders committing to end the war.
Because the war was never formally concluded, the U.S. maintains no formal relations with North Korea — a status that has produced strict travel restrictions affecting Korean American families separated by the conflict.
Sherman’s bill requires the Secretary of State to review those restrictions and report the findings to Congress.
Allen: FEMA housing aid extension a “critical lifeline” for fire survivors
State Sen. Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the South Bay) last week praised the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval extending housing assistance for Los Angeles fire survivors through July 2027, even as he pressed the federal government to release billions more in long-term recovery funding.
Since the 2025 Los Angeles fires displaced tens of thousands of families, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has already provided more than $177 million to 35,000 households.
Citing ongoing insurance disputes, housing shortages and labor constraints facing survivors, FEMA approved California’s request to extend that assistance — homeowners can now receive support through July 9, 2027, and renters through October 9, 2026.
“This is a critical lifeline for the thousands of families across Los Angeles who are still recovering from the devastating fires last year,” said Allen. “Rebuilding from a disaster of this magnitude takes time and resources, and survivors continue to need housing and financial assistance for their effort to return home. I’m grateful Governor Newsom has continued to prioritize this recovery and thank FEMA for recognizing the support wildfire survivors still need across our communities. I would additionally encourage the federal government to release the requested $15.5 billion in long-term recovery funding — support that has historically been provided to states in the immediate aftermath of disasters of this scale.”
The $15.5 billion figure represents funding California has formally requested but not yet received.
“We’re continuing to work hand-in-hand across all levels of government to ensure the community has the resources needed for a full recovery,” said Allen. “This issue is not going away.”
Barragán targets cleaner ports with $1B-a-year shipping tech bill
U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Bellflower, Carson, San Pedro, Wilmington) reintroduced the Next Generation Shipping Act last week, legislation that would create a $1 billion-per-year federal program to develop cleaner shipping technology and port infrastructure.
The bill would direct funding through the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration toward zero-emission ships, cleaner fuels and improved port equipment, aimed at cutting pollution from an industry that is a major but often overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions.
For Barragán’s district, anchored by the Port of Los Angeles, the issue carries direct economic and public health stakes.
“Shipping plays a vital role in our economy, and at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, but it should not come at the expense of the health of our families,” said Barragán. “The Next Generation Shipping Act is about investing in cleaner technologies, supporting American jobs, making sure the United States leads in the future of maritime innovation, all while making sure we do so in a way that preserves public health. By acting now, we can protect our communities, strengthen our economy, and build a more sustainable shipping industry for generations to come.”
Supporters of the bill argue it would also help the U.S. keep pace with Europe and Asia, where governments are already investing heavily in clean shipping technology, while creating American jobs in the process.
Zbur names B. Scott as 2026 Pride Month Honoree
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu), chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and a member of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, announced that media entrepreneur B. Scott has been selected as the 2026 Pride Month Honoree for California’s 51st Assembly District.
B. Scott is the founder of LBS (lovebscott.com), one of the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ media brands, and has spent more than two decades shaping conversations around culture, entertainment and identity. They were among the earliest digital creators to build a major online platform and became the first trans non-binary person to helm a major media platform, breaking barriers across television, radio, publishing and digital media.
“Throughout their career, B. Scott has shown what is possible when authenticity, courage, and vision come together,” said Zbur. “As a pioneering voice in media and a tireless advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility, they have helped transform representation both on-screen and behind the scenes. Through their work with LBS and the Happy To Have You Initiative, B. Scott has built community, elevated marginalized voices, and inspired countless people to embrace who they are. I am proud to recognize them as the 2026 Pride Month Honoree for the 51st Assembly District.”
The recognition comes as Pride Month draws to a close June 30, capping a month of visibility events across the county.
