House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy gives us his weekly update from Capitol Hill. In his words:
"Last week, I was fortunate to meet with several important organizations from California to discuss both emergency service efforts during a crisis and the need to protect our children’s health.
"California has faced many natural disasters over the past several years. From drought to flooding to fires, Californians have had to persevere through some of the deadliest and destructive disasters in our state’s history. Through each experience, I have worked directly with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that immediate and long-term federal response and support is on hand to help Californians. That coordination is vital to saving lives, rebuilding our communities, and returning to a semblance of normal life following a disaster. One official who consistently answers the call to serve is Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), Mark Ghilarducci. Mark is an old friend who I have known for many years and I am appreciative of his steadfast commitment to protecting Californians through robust preparedness strategies and disaster mitigation.
"Just a few years ago, the Erskine Fire ravaged Lake Isabella, and CalOES was there each step of the way providing every resource imaginable. Without CalOES’s immediate action, this fire would have been even more devastating. The Erskine Fire left a painful memory in our community - 309 buildings were destroyed and two lives were sadly lost - Byron and Gladys McKaig. We must honor their memory by always being prepared for the possibility of unexpected threats, so that future lives can be saved.
"Last week, I also met with Valley Children’s Healthcare President and CEO Todd Suntrapak; he is paving the way for children’s health in the Central Valley.
"Valley Children’s is one of the largest pediatric healthcare networks in the country. Through the help of programs like the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME), Valley Children’s is able to receive funding to support the training of new pediatric physicians and specialists at their facilities.
"Their team has directly seen enormous benefits from CHGME, a program helping to train the next generation of pediatricians who will administer world-class services to families in need. Additionally, the Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act, which recently passed both the House and Senate, will help ensure that children with the rarest medical conditions receive quality and coordinated care under Medicaid. I am proud that Congress was able to act swiftly to ensure that our youngest patients are never forgotten.
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