• The House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report for the 2021 fiscal year with a veto-proof majority on Dec. 8, according to a statement from U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal’s office. Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) served as a conferee and played a role in drafting the final product, which prioritizes the Central Coast in multiple arenas. “Every year, Congress sets aside our differences and passes a bipartisan NDAA that delivers for our military, our veterans, and our communities,” Carbajal said. “As a conferee, I worked hard to make sure the Central Coast had a voice in the negotiations, and I’m proud of the wins we’ve secured for our community and our country.” The Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act passed as a part of the NDAA, and is written in response to the Conception boat fire tragedy that took 34 lives. “It was a preventable tragedy, and I’m glad Congress has acted quickly to pass this bill and save lives,” Carbajal said. The congressman also pushed for Central Coast priorities, such as offshore wind, military-university partnerships, and Vandenberg Air Force Base to be included in the NDAA. The final product “directs the secretary of the Navy to report to Congress on their progress working with the Offshore Wind Working Group,” “authorizes $18 million in research funding for military-university partnerships with our local universities,” and “includes a $5 million increase in funding for space launch range services and capabilities, including for Vandenberg Air Force Base,” the statement said.
• Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) announced Dec. 17 that he and a bipartisan group of state lawmakers sent a letter to Congress members asking them to pass a COVID-19 relief package. “It’s the federal government—not the state of California—that has the resources to help our local small businesses, workers and cities get through this crisis,” Cunningham said in a statement. “Congress must come together over the next week to hammer out a deal that extends federal unemployment benefits, expands the PPP small business loan program, and provides critical relief to smaller municipal governments like those in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Folks need the financial support, and we have to avert economic and social collapse while we wait for vaccine distribution.” The statement added that on Dec. 26, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which provided funds to independent contractors who don’t normally qualify for unemployment insurance, is set to expire. The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is also expiring Dec. 26. It provides people on unemployment a 13-week extension of benefits. “With an estimated 750,000 Californians impacted by these program expirations, it is critical that Congress act immediately to extend them,” the statement said.
• The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on Dec. 19 “completed its review of the federal process and has concluded that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is safe and efficacious for use in the Western States,” a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said. The confirmation of Moderna’s safety makes it the second COVID-19 vaccine supported for use in these states. “The workgroup, made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process,” the statement said. Newsom added that, while California continues to struggle through its current surges in cases and hospitalizations, there is light at the end of the tunnel with two vaccines now approved for use. “This major step forward is welcome news to all who have experienced loss and hardship during this pandemic—those we hold in our thoughts this holiday season,” Newsom said. “Until vaccines are available more widely across the state, it’s critical that all Californians do their part to stop the surge by staying at home and wearing a mask when leaving home for essential work and needs.”
This article appears in Dec 24-31, 2020.