{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"CA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oc-register-op-ed-look-back-114th-congress", "OC Register Op-Ed: A look back at the 114th Congress", "2016-12-31", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2016 comes to a close, so does the 114th Congress. Over the last two years, our country has faced great challenges, but we have also experienced tremendous success. I am honored to represent you this Congress and would like to share with you some of the landmark legislation we implemented to improve the lives of the American people.\nWe passed, and the president signed, legislation that will prevent the Pentagon from unfairly revoking bonuses paid to California National Guard servicemembers. This bill also provides our troops with a well-deserved 2.1 percent raise and ensures our brave men and women in uniform have the resources they need to fight terrorism and protect our national security.\nWe passed legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure that our veterans receive the care they have earned. Among the reforms signed into law is the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which will reduce veteran suicides by improving access to quality mental health care.\nThe Survivors\u2019 Bill of Rights, which I introduced, will ensure survivors of sexual assault have full access to justice. This bill, which was signed into law in October 2016, guarantees sexual assault survivors commonsense legal protections, such as the right to receive a medical forensic exam and to have the evidence preserved.\nWe also passed legislation to protect victims of human trafficking by providing law enforcement officers the tools they need to rescue survivors and prosecute traffickers.\nWe took major steps to get the federal government out of the classroom and increase local control in our schools by passing the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law last December.\nThe FAST Act, signed into law late last year, is the first long-term transportation bill in over a decade. This legislation reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit and safety programs. I secured language in the bill that requires the Department of Transportation to study the impact of driving under the influence of marijuana.\nWe also worked to fix our broken tax code by implementing the PATH Act, which permanently codifies family and business tax credits. It is one of many reforms we need to make our tax code simpler, fairer and flatter.\nEarlier this month, we passed, and the president signed, the 21st Century Cures Act. This innovative legislation accelerates the discovery, development and delivery of life-saving cures and treatments. It also includes important provisions to combat the nationwide opioid epidemic and provides landmark reforms to our mental health care system.\nAs we look ahead to the New Year, Congress has the opportunity to fulfill our duty to the American people by implementing even more solutions that will put our country back on the right path.\nI am excited to work as a unified Republican majority to implement our Better Way Agenda. This blueprint was carefully crafted after meeting with our constituents and hearing exactly what they need to make their American dream a reality. You can read our detailed policy proposals at better.gop.\nIt is a privilege to represent you, and I encourage you to continue to contact me to share your thoughts and views because your input is important. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at walters.house.gov or at 949-263-8703 whenever we may be of service to you.\nI wish you all the best for a happy and safe new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522", "Denham Announces January 2017 Mobile District Office Hours", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Jeffrey Denham", "D000612", "denham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today announced Mobile District Office Hours for the month of January 2017. Mobile District Office Hours are an opportunity for 10th district residents to meet with the congressman and staff to hear more about his work in Washington, D.C. and the Central Valley, have their questions answered or get help with specific casework.\n\nMDOs are hosted by staff and when possible by Rep. Denham. Staff members are available to assist 10th district residents with casework on matters including Medicare, Veteran\u2019s Affairs, Social Security, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal legislation.\n\nAdditional information is available through Rep. Denham\u2019s website and the schedule for the month is provided below. Regular office hours are open to the public and no appointment is necessary. Schedule is subject to change throughout the year; any alterations will be posted online. For more information, please contact Rep. Denham\u2019s Modesto district office at (209) 579-5458.\n\nWednesday, Jan. 4 and 18 \u2013 Tracy\n\n1-2 p.m.\n\nTracy City Hall\n\n333 Civic Center Plaza, Rm 216, Tracy, CA 95376\n\nFriday, Jan. 6 and 20 \u2013 Manteca\n\n10-11 a.m.\n\nManteca Chamber of Commerce\n\n183 W. North Street #6, Manteca, CA 95336\n\nFriday, Jan. 6 \u2013 Waterford\n\n2-3 p.m.\n\nCity of Waterford\n\n101 E Street, Waterford, CA 95386\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill\u2019s office.\n\nFriday, Jan. 6 \u2013 Oakdale\n\n3:30-4:30 p.m.\n\nState Senator Tom Berryhill's Office\n\n102 Grove Avenue, Suite B, Oakdale, CA 95361\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill\u2019s office.\n\nTuesday, Jan. 10 \u2013 Escalon\n\n10-11 a.m.\n\nEscalon City Hall\n\n2060 McHenry Avenue, Escalon, CA 95320\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani\u2019s office.\n\nThursday, Jan. 12 \u2013 Hughson\n\n11 a.m.-12 p.m.\n\nCity of Hughson\n\n7018 Pine Street, Hughson, CA 95326\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill\u2019s office.\n\nThursday, Jan. 12 \u2013 Modesto\n\n2-3 p.m.\n\nHousing Authority of Stanislaus County\n\n1701 Robertson Road, Modesto, CA 95351\n\nFriday, Jan. 13 \u2013 Newman\n\n9-10 a.m.\n\nCity of Newman\n\n938 Fresno Street, Newman, CA 95360\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray\u2019s offices.\n\nFriday, Jan. 13 \u2013 Patterson\n\n10:30-11:30 a.m.\n\nCity of Patterson\n\n1 Plaza, Patterson, CA 95363\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray\u2019s offices.\n\nThursday, Jan. 19 \u2013 Riverbank\n\n4-5 p.m.\n\nRiverbank City Hall\n\n6707 3rd Street, Riverbank, CA 95367\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani\u2019s office.\n\nFriday, Jan. 20 \u2013 Ceres\n\n1-2 p.m.\n\nState Senator Anthony Cannella's Office\n\n2561 Third Street, Suite A, Ceres, CA 95307\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray\u2019s offices.\n\nTuesday, Jan. 24 \u2013 Ripon\n\n1-2 p.m.\n\nRipon Chamber of Commerce\n\n929 W Main Street, Ripon, CA\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani\u2019s office.\n\nWednesday, Jan. 25 \u2013 Turlock\n\n11 a.m.-12 p.m.\n\nTurlock Chamber of Commerce Conference Room\n\n115 South Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill\u2019s office.\n\nThursday, Jan. 26 \u2013 Denair\n\n10:30-11:30 a.m.\n\nDenair Community Services District\n\n3850 North Gratton Road, Denair, CA 95316\n\n*Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill\u2019s office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-following-remarks-by-secretary-kerry-on-middle-east-peace", "Pelosi Statement Following Remarks by Secretary Kerry on Middle East Peace", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement following Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s remarks on Middle East peace today in Washington:\n\u201cMiddle East peace can only be achieved by real negotiations directly between Israel and the Palestinians, not through efforts dictated by the United Nations, which I have opposed.\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s remarks by Secretary Kerry were a reaffirmation of America's commitment to a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel, and a state for the Palestinians. \u00a0\n\u201cPresident Obama has been a staunch and steadfast supporter of Israel.\u00a0 The United States\u2019 commitment to Israel\u2019s security is and will remain unbreakable.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-new-us-sanctions-for-russias-cyber-assault-on-elections", "Pelosi Statement on New U.S. Sanctions For Russia's Cyber Assault on Elections", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the White House announced new actions in response to Russia's cyber assault on American democracy:\n\"Russia's brazen assault on our elections demands the strongest response from the Administration and the Congress.\u00a0 President Obama has taken action to punish Russia for its outrageous conduct, now Congress must meet its responsibility to respond to this threat.\u00a0\n\"The American people deserve to know their leaders will not tolerate Russia's meddling in our democracy.\u00a0 Congress must move immediately to launch a bipartisan, independent investigation to understand how Russia hacked into our democratic institutions, and to ensure it never happens again.\"\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/welcome-assistance-sb-terror-victims", "Welcome assistance for SB terror victims", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Editorial Board of the Southern California News Group authored an editorial on the need for additional assistance for survivors and victims' families of the Inland Regional Center terror attack. The editorial highlights the importance of obtaining federal funds and notes Rep. Aguilar's efforts that helped secure $4 million from the Department of Justice. The editorial can be read in full here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hunter.house.gov/its-new-year", "IT'S A NEW YEAR", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family\u2026\u00a0\n2017 is almost here.\u00a0\nAnd the New Year will bring with it a new President and a new Administration, along with a reshaped Congress that is ready to act on behalf of American workers and taxpayers.\u00a0\u00a0\nIn the House of Representatives, there\u2019s a full agenda already and Americans have good cause to be optimistic.\u00a0\u00a0\nThere\u2019s high excitement for the commitments of the President-elect and his incoming Administration to prioritize tax reform, border enforcement, national defense and job creation.\u00a0 Internationally, the President-elect is expected to act quickly to restore tattered relationships and strategic alliances\u2014including America\u2019s relationship with Israel.\u00a0\u00a0\nNo less important, the fight against Islamic terrorism and the threat it presents to the U.S. homeland, as well as our global partners, will receive renewed focus.\u00a0 With the right leadership and strategic vision, it\u2019s a fight that America can and will win.\nAt the Department of Defense, the President-elect tapped former General James Mattis\u2014a revered Marine Corps officer regarded as among the best of his generation.\u00a0 At the Department of Homeland Security, the President-elect selected retired Marine General John Kelly, also considered to be among our military's finest.\u00a0\u00a0\nI\u2019ve had the great honor to serve with both John Kelly and James Mattis during my time in the Marine Corps.\u00a0 I\u2019ve observed both individuals operate and command forces during combat,\u00a0and there\u2019s no question that their experiences and insights will translate into meaningful and strong leadership at a time when America needs it most.\u00a0 \u201cMarines get stuff done,\u201d as I told USA Today.\u00a0\u00a0\nAnd an interesting note: I was first introduced to James Mattis during my first tour in Iraq after I and other Marines were ambushed.\u00a0 From that point on, I\u2019ve admired and respected him as a military officer and an individual.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe Department of Defense will be good in hands.\u00a0 Trust me.\u00a0 So too will the Department of Homeland Security.\u00a0 The same goes for the other departments\u2014including the Departments of Justice, Interior and Education.\nI\u2019m encouraged.\u00a0\nAnd I\u2019m especially eager to contribute to the aggressive agenda set for the weeks, months and year ahead.\nAs always, I hope to hear from you throughout the course of the year as Congress does its legislative work, in addition to providing effective oversight.\u00a0\nHAPPY NEW YEAR!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-us-response-russian-interference-2016-election", "REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON U.S. RESPONSE TO RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN THE 2016 ELECTION", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the Obama administration\u2019s response to Russian Interference in the 2016 Election:\n\"The actions President Obama took today in response to the massive hacking of Americans by Russians are steps in the right direction.\u00a0 America became the punching bag for Russian, Chinese and North Korean hackers due to our previous weak responses and lack of strong cyber security defenses.\u00a0 We still need to increases our cyber security defenses by an order of magnitude.\u00a0 \nWake\u00a0up America, we no longer live in the 1930s.\u00a0 As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, 'we're not in Kansas anymore.'\u00a0 We live in a brave new world where we need to stand strong against hackers.\u00a0 As a computer science major and Air Force veteran, I am well aware of the immense damage that hacking can cause to American national security and to the American people. \u00a0If Trump thinks that ignoring Russian hacking is going to make it go away, that's just dumb.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-statement-white-house-sanctions-against-russian-officials", "Swalwell Statement on White House Sanctions Against Russian Officials in Response to Electoral Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ranking Member of the CIA Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement Thursday after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials due to their interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election:\n\n\"I support President Obama's actions to impose sanctions on Russian officials whom our intelligence agencies said were involved in interfering with our presidential election. Any foreign power that attempts to meddle in our elections \u2013 no matter to whose benefit \u2013 must suffer the consequences. We must never allow our democracy to be manipulated for others' ends.\n\n\"Today's firm action underscores the need for an independent, bipartisan commission to fully investigate all that has happened, and to inform the public of the full depth and breadth of Russian involvement. I and Congressman Elijah Cummings introduced H.R. 6447, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, earlier this month to create just such a commission of non-political experts, which also would develop recommendations for ensuring something like this never happens again.\n\n\"With a Russia-friendly President-elect taking office on Jan. 20, it's imperative that we make sure our citizens are well-informed and our defenses are strong. Rep. Cummings and I will re-introduce our bill as soon as the 115th Congress convenes next month, and Americans expect swift action. This is not a partisan issue \u2013 this is an American issue.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398265", "Valadao Spends Holidays with Troops", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman David G. Valadao is currently traveling with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, including Afghanistan and other nations. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington \u00e2\u0080\u0093 U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) is currently traveling with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, including Afghanistan and other nations. In addition to Congressman Valadao, Congressmen Mike Coffman (CO-06), David Cicilline (RI-01), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) are also travelling with the bipartisan delegation.  \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Valadao stated, \u00e2\u0080\u009cHaving the opportunity to thank our service members abroad first hand, especially during the holiday season, is a tremendous honor. It is the sacrifice of these brave men and women, and their entire families, that allows the United States to remain a pillar of democracy and freedom.\u00e2\u0080\u009d He continued, \u00e2\u0080\u009cAs a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, it is important to see firsthand how our defense dollar are being spent abroad and meeting with top officials leading the fight against ISIS and other terrorirst organizations are an important part of that oversight.\u00e2\u0080\u009d\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nThus far, Congressman Valadao has had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul, General John W. Nicholson, Jr., who is overseeing the Operation Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and Major General John C. Thomson III, commanding general for the 1st Calvary Division. In December 2015, Congressmen Valadao, Cicilline, and Zeldin travelled to the Middle East on a CODEL, making this Congressman Valadao\u00e2\u0080\u0099s second consecutive holiday spent with troops in the Middle East during the holiday season. Below, are photos of Congressman Valadao during his trip abroad.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-un-security-council-resolution-on-israeli-settlements", "Pelosi Statement on UN Security Council Resolution on Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements voted on today. The U.S. abstained in the vote. \n\u201cThe only durable resolution to the Palestinian conflict is one that is negotiated and agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians themselves \u2013 not one imposed by the United Nations.\u00a0 That is why President Obama and Secretary Kerry have worked tirelessly to try to bring Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the table for direct and constructive talks.\n\u201cWhile adding settlements does not move us closer to peace, neither does this troubling UN resolution. The two-state solution has been the bedrock of peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians for decades.\u00a0 The resolution passed by the UN Security Council today does not bring us closer to this goal.\n\u201cPresident Obama has been a staunch and steadfast supporter of Israel.\u00a0 Under his leadership, the U.S. signed the largest security aid package for Israel in American history, and at his direction, the U.S. and Israel have engaged in unprecedented security cooperation.\u00a0 The United States' commitment to Israel's security is and will remain unbreakable.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/kamala-harris-names-top-senate-aide-clint-odom-to-serve-as-legislative-director-in-senate-office", "Kamala Harris Names Top Senate Aide Clint Odom To Serve As Legislative Director In Senate Office", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Kamala Harris", "H001075", "www.harris.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 26, 2016\n\t\t\t Kamala Harris Names Top Senate Aide Clint Odom To Serve As Legislative Director In Senate Office \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLOS ANGELES -- Senator-Elect Kamala D. Harris announced today that Clint Odom, a top Senate aide, will lead her office's legislative shop and serve as her Legislative Director.\r\n\"I'm thrilled that Clint has decided to join our team and I look forward to our work together,\" said Harris. \"He will be an invaluable asset to me and the people of California as we fight for the ideals of this nation. There will be many battles in the months ahead, and I am glad Clint will be standing with us to protect California residents and fight for our values.\"\r\nOdom brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. He previously served as Democratic General Counsel and Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Before his tenure at the Committee on Commerce, Odom served as Senator Bill Nelson's Deputy Legislative Director and oversaw a number of issue areas. Odom has previously served in senior roles at the Federal Communications Commissions and in the telecom industry. Before his Senate tenure, Clint practiced law in the Washington, D.C. office of Dow Lohnes PLLC, and clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate of the Southern District of Mississippi. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Odom joins Chief of Staff Nathan Barankin and State Director Julie Chavez Rodriguez on Harris' senior team.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/water-for-our-community", "Water for our Community", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Californians are getting a long-awaited present just in time for the holidays this year: water.\n\n\n\nYears of careful, diligent, and at times contentious negotiations between all sides of the California water issue and in both the House and Senate yielded the largest reforms to our state\u2019s water policy in almost a generation\u200e. These reforms were made law last week.\n\n\n\nWith this historic law, our state can better take advantage of winter storms, and enough additional water could flow to potentially supply the yearly water needs for 446,000 California households of four. It will allow development of water storage projects to store up to an additional 1.5 million acre-feet, or nearly 489 billion gallons of water. More water can now be pumped to seize water following storms, leaving behind the days of unfettered loss to the ocean. Also included in the law are provisions promoting water desalination, recycling, conservation and efficiency, as well as rejuvenating the Delta smelt and Chinook salmon populations.\n\n\n\nThe impacts of this law will reach far beyond the Central Valley and the California state line. Americans everywhere may not feel it immediately, but our food security \u2013 especially in the produce section \u2013 has been strengthened.\n\n\n\nThis is a win-win for our community and environmental stewardship. While there is much yet to be done, this legislation represents a harbinger of hope not just for our Central Valley communities, farmers and families whom unnecessary regulatory burdens have harmed, but also for the end of gridlock that has gripped Washington for the past decade and made it difficult for commonsense solutions to be enacted into law. I look forward to building upon this success in the future as the tides change in Washington and to provide more water relief to California in the years ahead.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398794", "Congressman Lowenthal Urges Obama Veto of One-sided UN Resolution To End Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Alan Lowenthal", "L000579", "lowenthal.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Lowenthal Urges Obama Veto of One-sided UN Resolution To End Israeli Settlements \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) today issued the following statement regarding an expected United Nations Security Council vote calling for an end to Israeli settlements.\"While I have serious concerns about the expansion\u00a0of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, I believe the conditions for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians can only come about through\u00a0direct negotiations between the two parties. I urge President Obama to veto the possible\u00a0United Nations Security Council resolution today.\u00a0Such a move would be consistent both with long-standing U.S. policy and with the Obama Administration's past actions. The vote scheduled today does not\u00a0help bring about the conditions for peace.\u00a0The\u00a0Security Council has not historically been an impartial\u00a0arbiter\u00a0and it is not the right forum to resolve grievances, and it cannot bring about a two-state solution, or a permanent peace.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398175", "Rep. Roybal-Allard Urges Veto of UN Security Council Resolution Offered by Egypt", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Lucille Roybal-Allard", "R000486", "roybal-allard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) issued the following statement regarding a potential vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity:\"If the resolution comes to a vote in the UN Security Council, I urge the Obama Administration to veto it. \u00a0As written, this one-sided resolution erroneously places the blame for the ongoing conflict on Israel. \u00a0A conclusive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will require direct negotiations between the two parties. \u00a0This conflict will not be brought closer to an end by passing this resolution against Israel. \u00a0In fact, it will undermine efforts toward peace.\"###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-statement-on-united-nations-security-council-resolution", "Rep. Peters Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) releaasd the following statement on the United Nations Security Council Resolution:\nThe construction of settlements in territory that would be part of an independent Palestine undercuts efforts to bring consensus on a two-state solution. However, today's United Nations Security Council Resolution goes against the fundamental idea that long-term stability can only be achieved through direct bilateral negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian people. In these times of violence and unrest throughout the region, our energy should be focused on bringing people together, not pushing them apart. I call on all parties to put their differences aside, and rededicate their efforts. The two-state solution is the only way to bring about the one thing that all nations can agree they want - everlasting peace.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sherman-disappointed-by-passage-of-the-un-security-council-s", "Congressman Sherman \u201cDisappointed\u201d by Passage of the UN Security Council\u2019s One-Side Resolution on Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Brad Sherman", "S000344", "sherman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with U.S. abstention, passed a one-sided resolution on Israel\u2019s settlement activity.\nCongressman Sherman, a senior Democratic Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee issued the following statement:\n \n\tThe UNSC resolution against Israel marks an unfortunate change in U.S. policy in support of Israel at the United Nations; we vetoed a similar resolution in 2011.\n\tOpponents of Israel took advantage of America\u2019s democratic transition to pass a resolution that the U.S. vetoed in 2011, and American would veto in the next Administration.\n\tThis is a sneaky maneuver to pass a one-sided resolution on Israel just before a new Administration takes office.\n \nYesterday, Congressman Sherman sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to direct the U.S. Ambassador to the UN to veto the anti-Israel resolution.\nBefore today\u2019s vote, Congressman Sherman spoke with New Zealand\u2019s ambassador to the U.S., urging New Zealand to abandon its co-sponsorship of the one-sided UNSC resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2016/12/23/aguilar-announces-4-million-federal-funds-inland-regional-center-terror/", "Aguilar Announces $4 Million in Federal Funds for Inland Regional Center Terror Attack Victims\u2019 Families and Survivors", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "Press Releases\n\nAguilar Announces $4 Million in Federal Funds for Inland Regional Center Terror Attack Victims\u2019 Families and Survivors\n\nToday, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $4 million to support short-and long-term needs of Inland Regional Center terror attack survivors and families of victims as they continue to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the tragedy that killed 14 and seriously injured 22 on December 2, 2015.\n\n\u201cOne year later, survivors and victims\u2019 families are still fighting to heal and move forward, so as they navigate this process it is our responsibility as their leaders and advocates to ensure they have access to the care they deserve,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, \u201cThese federal funds will help, but there is more work to do and I remain committed to working with the survivors, my regional partners and local officials to ensure that every survivor and family member has the resources they need to recover.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe funding from this grant will support the long-term needs of the victims and the San Bernardino community as they continue to recover from the tragic event,\u201d said CalVCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman. \u201cWe are grateful to OVC for these additional resources which will be put to good use with needed mental health treatment, crisis counseling, peer support training, community resiliency forums and other critical services that will help victims and their families heal.\u201d\n\nThe funds were disbursed through the DOJ\u2019s Anti-Terrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) to the California Victim Compensation Board, which will reimburse San Bernardino County for expenses and projects funded by the grant. The grant will help pay for services for survivors and family members including, medical leave, COBRA reimbursement, lost income, mental health care, medical expenses, funeral expenses and rehabilitation. Additionally, the grant will fund resources that affect the broader community, including monthly resiliency forums, trauma workshops and mental health treatment for first responders and medical personnel who played pivotal roles in the community\u2019s response to the attack. Rep. Aguilar was a fierce advocate for the federal grant. He authored a letter of support, which can be read here, and he remained in close contact with the Office for Victims of Crime as the grant application progressed through the review process.\n\nSince the terror attack in San Bernardino, Rep. Aguilar has been resolute in fighting for funds from the federal government to support the community and law enforcement in the wake of the attack. Last year, he worked with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) to deliver $1 million in federal funds to offset costs incurred from local law enforcement\u2019s heroic response to the attack. Rep. Aguilar continues to work with his colleagues in Congress, federal agencies and local leaders to recover additional federal aid to help the City of San Bernardino and surrounding areas rebuild more than one year after the tragedy.", 1, "2026-04-08T20:00:17Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/4-million-funding-announced-san-bernardino-terror-attack-survivors-family", "$4 million in funding announced for San Bernardino terror attack survivors, family of victims", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $4 million to support short-and long-term needs of Inland Regional Center terror attack survivors and families of victims as they continue to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the tragedy that killed 14 and seriously injured 22 on December 2, 2015. Doug Saunders with the San Bernardino Sun has the full story here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-announces-4-million-federal-funds-inland-regional-center-terror", "Aguilar Announces $4 Million in Federal Funds for Inland Regional Center Terror Attack Victims Families and Survivors", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar\u00a0announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $4 million to support short-and long-term needs of Inland Regional Center terror attack survivors and families of victims as they continue to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the tragedy that killed 14 and seriously injured 22 on December 2, 2015.\n\u201cOne year later, survivors and victims\u2019 families are still fighting to heal and move forward, so as they navigate this process it is our responsibility as their leaders and advocates to ensure they have access to the care they deserve,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, \u201cThese federal funds will help, but there is more work to do and I remain committed to working with the survivors, my regional partners and local officials to ensure that every survivor and family member has the resources they need to recover.\u201d\n\u201cThe funding from this grant will support the long-term needs of the victims and the San Bernardino community as they continue to recover from the tragic event,\u201d said CalVCB Executive Officer Julie Nauman. \u201cWe are grateful to OVC for these additional resources which will be put to good use with needed mental health treatment, crisis counseling, peer support training, community resiliency forums and other critical services that will help victims and their families heal.\u201d\nThe funds were disbursed through the DOJ\u2019s Anti-Terrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) to the California Victim Compensation Board, which will reimburse San Bernardino County for expenses and projects funded by the grant. The grant will help pay for services for survivors and family members including, medical leave, COBRA reimbursement, lost income, mental health care, medical expenses, funeral expenses and rehabilitation. Additionally, the grant will fund resources that affect the broader community, including monthly resiliency forums, trauma workshops and mental health treatment for first responders and medical personnel who played pivotal roles in the community\u2019s response to the attack. Rep. Aguilar was a fierce advocate for the federal grant. He authored a letter of support, which can be read here, and he remained in close contact with the Office for Victims of Crime as the grant application progressed through the review process.\nSince the terror attack in San Bernardino, Rep. Aguilar has been resolute in fighting for funds from the federal government to support the community and law enforcement in the wake of the attack. Last year, he worked with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) to deliver $1 million in federal funds to offset costs incurred from local law enforcement\u2019s heroic response to the attack. Rep. Aguilar continues to work with his colleagues in Congress, federal agencies and local leaders to recover additional federal aid to help the City of San Bernardino and surrounding areas rebuild more than one year after the tragedy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-un-security-council-s-passage-resolution-2334", "REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON UN SECURITY COUNCILS PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION 2334", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the United Nations Security Council\u2019s passage of Resolution 2334:\n\u201cI am deeply troubled by the United Nations Security Council\u2019s passage of a one-sided, harmful resolution, and I am disappointed with the Administration\u2019s decision not to exercise its veto. The United Nations should not be litigating what can only be negotiated directly between the Israelis and Palestinians. The notion that singling out one side in a conflict while giving the other an incentive not to negotiate will somehow support the peace process is laughable. \n\u201cFurthermore, it is utterly shameful that the UNSC has found time to criticize Israel but not intervene to stop the mass-killing of civilians in Syria or launch an independent investigation into civilian deaths in Yemen. Today, the United Nations Security Council has again failed to live up to its name.\u201d\nADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:\nOn April 13, 2016, Congressman Lieu and a bipartisan group of 387 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to veto one-sided resolutions at the United Nations. You can read the full letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://vargas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-vargas-urges-the-obama-administration-to-veto-un-security-council", "Rep. Vargas Urges the Obama Administration to Veto UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Juan Vargas", "V000130", "vargas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Diego, CA--Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement regarding a pending vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity:\n\u201cI stand firmly against today\u2019s proposed UN Security Council resolution regarding Israeli resettlement activity. This effort does not move the region closer to peace and, instead, only undermines Israel. The United States must continue to defend Israel against these one-sided resolutions and I urge the Administration to veto the proposed resolution if it comes to a vote.\u201d\nVargas represents California\u2019s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California\u2019s entire US/Mexico border.\u00a0 Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress.\u00a0 He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Committee on House Administration.\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-praises-dismantling-discriminatory-nseers-registration-system", "Rep. Chu Praises Dismantling of Discriminatory NSEERS Registration System", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Judy Chu", "C001080", "chu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, it was reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is removing regulations pertaining to the National Security Entry-Exit Registration Systems (NSEERS) program, starting tomorrow. \u00a0The NSEERS program was created after the September 11th attacks as a way to track travelers to and from specific countries. The program was subsequently discontinued in 2011 by the Obama Administration who argued it unfairly targeted Muslim men without increasing security. Though the program was discontinued, the regulatory framework continued to exist in the Federal Registry, which would have allowed the Trump administration to resume the program. Now that NSEERS has been dismantled completely, reinstating it would require going through the Federal rulemaking process. Rep. Judy Chu, who has spoken out against a Muslim registry and called for the dismantling of NSEERS, released the following statement:\n\u201cI am incredibly relieved that President Obama has taken this step to dismantle NSEERS and make a Muslim registry that much harder to implement. \u00a0This is a program that was deemed so flawed that it was ultimately canceled for isolating the Muslim community while failing to make our country more secure. It should not remain on our books.\n\u201cTracking Muslims, as some supporters of Donald Trump have suggested, is contrary to our values and understandably strikes fear into many communities. Now that NSEERS has been dismantled, that fear can be assuaged slightly. However, we must continue to fight for civil rights and against xenophobic rhetoric at the highest levels of government. We have seen from our history of Japanese internment during World War II how fear can lead to a disgraceful denial of individuals freedoms for minority communities. I\u2019m committed to fighting against the recreation of a program like NSEERS, or any Muslim registry, in the future.\u201d\nEarlier this month, Rep. Chu led a letter with more than 50 other House Democrats\u00a0to President Obama calling on him to dismantle NSEERS before the end of his administration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-presents-lost-medals-wwii-us-army-air-corps-veteran", "REP. LIEU PRESENTS LOST MEDALS TO WWII U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS VETERAN", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manhattan Beach -\u00a0Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) presented Sergeant Albert Erd (93) with\u00a0replacement medals for ones that were stolen many years ago.\nSergeant Erd beamed with pride as he recounted to Congressman Lieu his service in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, which included being a radio operator on the B-17 Flying Fortress during the European Campaign that flew over Germany and Romania. He was also a gunner, completing 50 missions in total. \u00a0\nJust in time for the holiday season, Sergeant Erd, a Redondo Beach resident, got his wish of receiving the replacement medals.\u00a0 He stated that it was not until a recent heart attack that he discussed trying to retrieve them.\nSergeant Erd\u2019s grandson Louie Schwartz, also a military veteran, contacted the office of Congressman Lieu in hopes of obtaining replacement medals for his grandfather. Congressman Lieu\u2019s office was able to work with the Department of the Army to replace the medals.\nSergeant Erd\u2019s list of impressive military awards and decorations are as follows:\n Purple Heart\n\tAir Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters\n\tAmerican Campaign Medal\n\tEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medial with one Silver Service Star and one Bronze Service Star\n\tWorld War II Victory Medal\n\tPresidential Unit Citation (formerly Distinguished Unit Citation)\n\tU.S. Army Air Force Aerial Gunner Badge Wings\n\tHonorable Service Lapel Button - World War II\n At a private meeting, Congressman Lieu presented the medals to Sergeant Erd, who was surrounded by his wife and family.\nCongressman Lieu stated the following after the presentation:\n\u201cIt was a great honor to meet and present the medals to Sergeant Erd. He sacrificed so much for our country and deserves to have these medals, which memorialize his selfless acts of courage.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-swalwell-announces-location-change-district-office", "Rep. Swalwell Announces Location Change for District Office", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "In order to make district operations more efficient and save taxpayers some money, Rep. Eric Swalwell is consolidating two current district offices - in Pleasanton and in Hayward - into one bigger and better office in Castro Valley.\n\nThe Pleasanton and Hayward offices will be closed effective Friday, Dec. 23, and are moving during the week of Dec. 26. The new office will be open for business on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at:\n\n3615 Castro Valley Blvd.\n\nCastro Valley, CA 94546\n\nThroughout and after the move, the district office will maintain one of its existing phone numbers: 510-370-3322.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vargas-urges-the-obama-administration-to-veto-un-security-council-resolution", "Rep. Vargas Urges the Obama Administration to Veto UN Security Council Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Juan Vargas", "V000130", "vargas.house.gov", "vargas", "https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "San Diego, CA--Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement regarding a pending vote in the United Nations Security Council on Israeli settlement activity:\n\n\u201cI stand firmly against today\u2019s proposed UN Security Council resolution regarding Israeli resettlement activity. This effort does not move the region closer to peace and, instead, only undermines Israel. The United States must continue to defend Israel against these one-sided resolutions and I urge the Administration to veto the proposed resolution if it comes to a vote.\u201d\n\nVargas represents California\u2019s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California\u2019s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Committee on House Administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-announces-changes-to-san-diego-washington-staffs", "Rep. Peters Announces Changes to San Diego, Washington Staffs", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52), announced changes to his congressional staffs in San Diego and Washington, D.C. that will bring three more San Diegans onto his team for 2017.\nRobert Phillpott is departing as the District Scheduler this week and will be replaced by Hannah Stern, a Coronado native and University of California, San Diego graduate with an M.S. in Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. In addition to taking over scheduling and office management, Stern will also help cover biotech issues for Rep. Peters in San Diego.\nJennifer Sosa began in early December as a Field Representative in the San Diego office. Also a UCSD graduate, Sosa\u2019s portfolio will include women\u2019s health, education, and government reform, and she will handle constituent casework for immigration and the Department of Education, among other responsibilities.\nIn January, Erin Magee will start in the Washington, D.C. office as the Legislative Correspondent. Magee was born and raised in San Diego, graduated from Gonzaga University, and previously served as an intern in Rep. Peters\u2019 San Diego office.\nRep. Peters released the following statement on the changes to his staff:\n\u201cI consider it part of my service to support young leaders and help them develop into roles \u2013 whether it be on my staff or elsewhere \u2013 where they can make positive change for San Diego and the country.\n\u201cRobert has grown tremendously during his time as an intern and a staff member. I am grateful for the work he has done in the community and wish him the best as he pursues a degree at UC Berkeley.\n\u201cHannah, Jennifer, and Erin are bright, emerging leaders who have all worked for me in some capacity before and proven their commitment to public service and San Diego. They bring a range of experience and expertise to the team, and will uphold the same high standard for constituent service that San Diegans have come to expect from my office.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ted-lieu-statement-president-obama-s-actions-prevent-offshore", "REP. TED LIEU STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMAS ACTIONS TO PREVENT OFFSHORE DRILLING", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County)\u00a0 issued the following statement regarding President Obama's announcement to use his authority under the Outer Continental Lands Shelf Act to permanently withdraw areas of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans from offshore oil drilling. The action was taken in coordination with Canada.\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased President Obama is using his authority to permanently protect portions of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans from oil drilling. Physics and chemistry do not compromise. We are already witnessing shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels, and record-breaking temperatures.\u201d\n\u201cDuring his presidency, Obama has taken critical steps to combat climate change; today's decision to reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels of the past will help cement that record. Going forward, we must build on this Administration\u2019s environmental legacy and vigorously oppose any actions that take us backwards on climate and imperil our planet.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397533", "Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 20, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced the students from the 42nd Congressional District who have been nominated to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women from the 42nd Congressional District of California for an appointment to one or more U.S. Service Academies\u2014Air Force, Naval, Military and Merchant Marine.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Service Academies will evaluate the nominees based on their academic, athletic and physical qualifications and extend an appointment to the best qualified students that Rep. Calvert has nominated. \u201cThese young men and women who I have nominated to the service academies have character, integrity, motivation and pride, and I am proud to nominate them,\u201d stated Rep. Calvert. \u201cThey will serve our country well.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn November 19, 2016, Congressman Calvert\u2019s Academy Nominations Selection Committee evaluated candidates from the 42nd Congressional District, who were seeking a nomination to one or more of our nation\u2019s military service academies. Twenty-eight candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert\u2019s nomination. They are as follows:\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nU.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY:\u00a0\r\n\r\n    Zakariya Ahmed, Santiago High School\r\n    James Burke Jr., Santiago High School\r\n    Nicholas Carbonell, Murrieta Mesa High School\r\n    Sierra Crawford, Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\u00a0\r\n    Breven Engelson, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\r\n    Kyle Latzke, Vista Murrieta High School\r\n    Aaron Miranda, Vista Murrieta High School\r\n    Kassey Pugeda, Temecula Preparatory School\r\n    Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\r\n    Jacob Taylor, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nU.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:\u00a0\r\n\r\n    Cole Crisp, Corona High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\r\n    Kyle Gibbs, Norco High School\u00a0\r\n    Sante Grossi, Martin Luther King High School\r\n    Seth Harris, Paloma Valley High School\r\n    Robert Heideman, Great Oak High School\r\n    John Howard, St. Michael\u2019s Preparatory School\r\n    Kimberly Lynch, Murrieta Valley High School\r\n    Danielle Smith, Norco High School,\u00a0\r\n    Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College\r\n    Sarah Workman, Great Oak High School\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nU.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT:\u00a0\r\n\r\n    Brian Bae, Murrieta Mesa High School\r\n    James Bilbrey, Murrieta Valley High School\r\n    Xavier Bryant, Eleanor Roosevelt High School\r\n    Isaac Cunalata, Murrieta Mesa High School\r\n    Niles Harrell, Notre Dame High School\r\n    Scott Im, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending University of California, Berkeley\r\n    Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\r\n    Courtney Springman, Chino High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Military Preparatory School\r\n    Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College\r\n    Riana Zuchlewski, Hillcrest High School\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n ###\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-applauds-obama-decision-to-permanently-protect-atlantic", "Rep. Huffman Applauds Obama Decision to Permanently Protect Atlantic & Arctic Oceans from Oil Drilling", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jared Huffman", "H001068", "huffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- \u00a0President Obama\u2019s bold announcement that he will permanently protect 3.8 million publicly-owned acres in the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast and 115 million acres in the U.S. Arctic Ocean from oil and gas leasing secures his historic conservation legacy on behalf of the American people, said Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), who has led the congressional efforts building up to today\u2019s announcement.\nToday\u2019s decision by President Obama to permanently protect areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean from dangerous and environmentally harmful offshore oil and gas extraction comes at the urging of Rep. Huffman, who along with Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Democrat Frank Pallone led a bipartisan letter from 74 members of Congress this September asking President Obama to take action. The decision is based on the authority granted the President by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953.\n\u201cOffshore drilling anywhere in American waters poses deadly and unacceptable risks to coastal communities, local businesses, the marine environment, and the global climate,\u201d said Rep. Huffman. \u201cPresident Obama has taken bold action today to permanently protect the Atlantic and Arctic coasts from the unacceptable risks of oil and gas drilling. This is the right thing to do today, and for future generations: we should continue to prioritize clean energy development instead of allowing oil and gas drilling in our publicly-owned land and water. I urge President Obama to take action to similarly protect the Pacific Coast.\u201d\nCongressman Huffman has long been a leader in the fight against offshore drilling and to expand renewable energy and create clean energy jobs.\nIn addition to leading the September 2016 congressional letter calling on President Obama to use his authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Congressman Huffman is the author of the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would permanently protect the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts by amending the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit new oil or natural gas leases in each state\u2019s outer continental shelves and permanently protect the $44 billion coastal economies of the three states, which support nearly 650,000 jobs.\nHuffman also authored the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act to prohibit new or renewed oil and gas leasing in the Arctic Ocean Planning Areas.\u00a0That legislation would stop new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas or any other minerals in the Arctic Ocean and not allow for any renewal of existing leases.\nHe is also the lead House sponsor of the Keep It In The Ground Act, which would prevent the renewal of all nonproductive offshore oil and gas leases, ban the issuance of new offshore leases, and nullify all current offshore leases in the Arctic.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-scott-peters-presents-overdue-bronze-star-to-world-war-ii-veteran", "Rep. Scott Peters Presents Overdue Bronze Star to World War II Veteran", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SAN DIEGO \u2013 Today, Rep.\u00a0Scott Peters\u00a0(CA-52) presented a long-overdue Bronze Star Medal to U.S. Army veteran, Corporal Jack Thorpe, of Bay Park. Mr. Thorpe served during World War II, serving in Germany as part of the 4th Armored Division of General Patton\u2019s 3rd Army, that spearheaded the Allied advance through Europe, including the siege of Bastogne, which was part of the larger Battle of the Bulge. He also helped liberate the Ohrdruf concentration camp, the first German concentration camp liberated by U.S. troops. Mr. Thorpe\u2019s family contacted Rep. Peters\u2019 office after reading an article about Rep. Peters\u2019 office recovering overdue metals for another veteran in September.\n\u201cIt is an honor to present Jack Thorpe with this long-overdue recognition. One of my most rewarding jobs in Congress is honoring our nation\u2019s heroes for their service and sacrifice,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Peters.\u00a0\u201cWe are forever indebted to heroes like Mr. Thorpe, who were part of a generation that gave everything they had for their country.\u201d\nRep. Scott Peters (CA-52) pictured with U.S. Army veteran Corporal Jack Thorpe (left).\nRep. Peters\u2019 staff worked with the National Personnel Records Center and the Department of the Army to determine that Mr. Thorpe was entitled to the Bronze Star. The Bronze Star is awarded to a servicemember for heroic or meritorious achievement or service action in combat against an enemy of the U.S. or while helping an ally.\n\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful that somebody recognized what had to be done, especially after reaching out to many others for help that couldn\u2019t. I\u2019m really amazed Rep. Peters\u2019 office was able to find this. I can\u2019t believe it,\u201d\u00a0said Mr. Thorpe.\n\u201cMy office is available to help any San Diego servicemembers, veterans, and their families who are struggling to get the care or recognition they have earned through their service. I encourage other veterans and their families to reach out if they need help,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Peters.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-announces-42nd-district-service-academy-nominations", "Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced the students from the 42nd Congressional District who have been nominated to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women from the 42nd Congressional District of California for an appointment to one or more U.S. Service AcademiesAir Force, Naval, Military and Merchant Marine.\n\nThe Service Academies will evaluate the nominees based on their academic, athletic and physical qualifications and extend an appointment to the best qualified students that Rep. Calvert has nominated. \"These young men and women who I have nominated to the service academies have character, integrity, motivation and pride, and I am proud to nominate them,\" stated Rep. Calvert. \"They will serve our country well.\"\n\nOn November 19, 2016, Congressman Calvert's Academy Nominations Selection Committee evaluated candidates from the 42nd Congressional District, who were seeking a nomination to one or more of our nation's military service academies. Twenty-eight candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert's nomination. They are as follows:\n\nU.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY:\n Zakariya Ahmed, Santiago High School\n    James Burke Jr., Santiago High School\n    Nicholas Carbonell, Murrieta Mesa High School\n    Sierra Crawford, Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\n    Breven Engelson, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\n    Kyle Latzke, Vista Murrieta High School\n    Aaron Miranda, Vista Murrieta High School\n    Kassey Pugeda, Temecula Preparatory School\n    Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\n    Jacob Taylor, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\n \nU.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:\n Cole Crisp, Corona High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School\n    Kyle Gibbs, Norco High School\n    Sante Grossi, Martin Luther King High School\n    Seth Harris, Paloma Valley High School\n    Robert Heideman, Great Oak High School\n    John Howard, St. Michael's Preparatory School\n    Kimberly Lynch, Murrieta Valley High School\n    Danielle Smith, Norco High School,\n    Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College\n    Sarah Workman, Great Oak High School\n \nU.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT:\n Brian Bae, Murrieta Mesa High School\n    James Bilbrey, Murrieta Valley High School\n    Xavier Bryant, Eleanor Roosevelt High School\n    Isaac Cunalata, Murrieta Mesa High School\n    Niles Harrell, Notre Dame High School\n    Scott Im, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending University of California, Berkeley\n    Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School\n    Courtney Springman, Chino High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Military Preparatory School\n    Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College\n    Riana Zuchlewski, Hillcrest High School\n \n\n\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/in-letter-to-trump-house-democrats-draw-line-on-womens-right-to-choose-", "In Letter to Trump, House Democrats Draw Line on Women\u2019s Right to Choose", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t In Letter to Trump, House Democrats Draw Line on Women\u2019s Right to Choose  \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 This week, 105 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, sent a letter\u00a0to President-elect Trump urging the elimination of the Hyde Amendment. Federal restrictions prevent millions of women, including low-income women, servicewomen, federal employees, Native American women and residents of Washington, D.C. from exercising their constitutional right to abortion care. The letter was co-led by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time for Congress to end the discriminatory Hyde Amendment once and for all. With this letter, House Democrats are sending a clear message: we will not back down from defending women\u2019s constitutional rights,\u201d said Congresswoman Lee. \u201cNo woman should ever be denied reproductive healthcare because of how much she earns or the type of her insurance. The EACH Woman Act would end this discrimination and ensure that all women, including low-income women and women of color, can make the healthcare decisions that are best for them and their family.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\nCongresswoman Schakowsky said, \u201cThe Hyde Amendment denies crucial health care coverage to women who serve in our military, work in our federal government, and join the Peace Corps, as well as those who depend on Medicaid and the Indian Health Service. All women, no matter their income level, zip code, health insurance plan, or career path should have access to the full range of reproductive health services, including abortion services. It is unacceptable that this constitutional right would be denied to women because Republican politicians refuse to allow them to make their own choices. It is time to get rid of the Hyde Amendment once and for all.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe letter calls on President-elect Trump to end decades of healthcare discrimination and adopt reproductive healthcare policies based in dignity and respect for women. The letter notes, \u201cFor too long, low-income women and women of color have shouldered the burden on our country\u2019s restrictive reproductive health laws. Together, we ask that you send a strong signal that this will no longer be the legacy of the United States.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor far too long, low-income, particularly women of color, have been disproportionately affected by the implementation of Hyde. Such blatant discrimination not only limits critical access to reproductive health services, but can also have a crushing impact on a woman\u2019s economic mobility,\u201d said Congresswoman Moore. \u201cIf President-elect Trump is serious about creating economic opportunities for the most vulnerable among us, it is imperative that we end this archaic policy and stop those who continue to restrict women from making their own personal reproductive decisions.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe will hold President-Elect Trump accountable every step of the way as we protect access to women\u2019s health care and the constitutionally-protected right to an abortion. The Hyde Amendment overwhelmingly affects low-income women and women of color, and we will not stand quietly by should the Trump Administration continue supporting this destructive and discriminatory amendment that denies them the coverage they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOver the last 40 years, the Hyde Amendment has been used to deny low income Americans Medicaid coverage of reproductive health care. Whether a woman has private or government funded health insurance, every woman, in concert with her family and doctor, should be able to make her own health decisions,\u201d said Congresswoman DeLauro. \u201cWe must promote and protect the rights of every woman to make her own family planning decisions, and to have access to a full range of healthcare services. The time to repeal the Hyde Amendment is now.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n### \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-requests-classified-briefing-on-russian-led-hacking", "Sherman Requests Classified Briefing on Russian-led Hacking", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Brad Sherman", "S000344", "sherman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  In a letter sent to President Barack Obama, Congressman Brad Sherman, a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, requested a classified briefing for all members of the U.S. House Representatives at the start of the 115th Congress on Russian hacking, selective email leaks, falsified media reports, and other activities that affected the 2016 U.S. election.\nSherman writes, It is important that all Members can fully comprehend the potential damage these attacks may have caused to U.S. institutions and processes, and be able to properly assess policy moving forward.\nThe way forward can only be decided once the severity of what happened is understood, Sherman said. We need to be focused on analyzing and understanding the facts rather than playing politics.\nSpecifically, Sherman requested that top officials of the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and State Department, provide information on the following points:\n \nHow the U.S. Intelligence Community is aware that Russia was involved in cyber-attacks on U.S. institutions and federal elections\n\tAn outline of methodologies used by Russian-backed cyber attackers\n\tHow we can be sure of the level of coordination between the highest levels of the Russian government and those conducting the attacks\n\tProspective targets of future cyber attacks\n\tHow Russia uses cyber-attacks on other democracies\n\tHow the U.S. can respond to cyber-attacks\n \nYou can view the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-statement-apparent-terrorist-attack-berlin", "Congresswoman Waters\u2019 Statement on Apparent Terrorist Attack in Berlin", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Maxine Waters", "W000187", "waters.house.gov", "waters", "https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement today in response to the apparent terrorist attack in Berlin, Germany:\n\n\u201cMy heart is deeply saddened by the apparent terrorist attack in a Berlin Christmas market that killed at least a dozen innocent people. This deadly attack appears to have been designed to kill large numbers of people while they were shopping for Christmas and celebrating the holiday season with their friends and neighbors. My heart goes out to the victims and their families as they recover from this senseless tragedy.\n\n\u201cLet us remember also the many innocent people around the world whose lives have been destroyed by violent terrorists. Such ruthless individuals use horrific and unconscionable methods to cause people to live in fear while they go about their daily lives. My hope is that, as an international community, we can work together to oppose acts of terrorism, wherever they may occur.\n\n\u201cAmerica stands in solidarity with the people of Berlin, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/pelosi-updates/assault-on-democracy", "Assault on Democracy", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Constitutional Duty   \n\tElections determine the future our children will inherit. Given the alarming magnitude, seriousness and scope of Russia\u2019s efforts to undermine our elections, we must have an independent, bipartisan investigation to protect the integrity of our democracy.Republicans should work with House Democrats to pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act, H.R. 6447, introduced by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings and Intelligence Committee Member Eric Swalwell. This critical legislation would establish a truly bipartisan, independent commission to investigate Russia\u2019s efforts to undermine our elections and democratic institutions.The American people are gravely concerned about Russia\u2019s involvement in our elections \u2013 and this Congress has a Constitutional duty to respond to these concerns with urgency.   \n\t\u00a0\n\t  \n\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0My office recently assisted a constituent who had been receiving her full Social Security retirement benefits for several months even though she had informed the Social Security Administration (SSA) previously that she had cancelled her request for retirement benefits as she decided to continue working for her employer for another year. However, when she did finally retire, SSA began issuing payments that were lower than the amount she received previously. After working for a year, she expected that her payments from the SSA would be increased. After submitting her request to SSA to review her records, my constituent waited for four months without a response from SSA. Therefore, my office contacted SSA on my constituent\u2019s behalf. After reviewing my constituent\u2019s records, SSA agreed that her adjusted SSA retirement benefits should have been increased due to her extra year of work. My constituent is now receiving her full SSA benefits.Caseworkers in my San Francisco office work to address any problems or concerns you may have with a federal government agency. To submit a Casework Authorization Form, please visit my website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2016/12/19/aguilar-issues-end-114th-congress-report-constituents/", "Aguilar Issues End of 114th Congress Report to Constituents", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "Press Releases\n\nAguilar Issues End of 114th Congress Report to Constituents\n\nToday, Rep. Pete Aguilar reflected on his first term in the United States House of Representatives, where he served the people of California\u2019s 31st Congressional District in the 114th Congress, and looked forward to the 115th Congress, which begins in January 2017.\n\n\u201cEnsuring San Bernardino County\u2019s working families have a seat at the table has been, and will remain, my top priority. That includes prioritizing legislation that will put people back to work, make college more affordable and help veterans access the tools they need to adjust to life at home. It also means creating opportunities in our community through workshops, information sessions and resource fairs, and being an advocate to help people access federal agencies to obtain their federal benefits or funding for local projects through federal grants,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He added, \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the support and confidence of our district to bear these responsibilities now, and moving forward.\u201d\n\nIn his first term in office, Rep. Aguilar has:\n\nParticipated in 337 constituent meetings, tours and events.\n\nHeld 151 mobile office hours to assist constituents.\n\nHelped nearly 900 constituents with problems they faced with federal programs like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits.\n\nReturned over $2.2 million in benefits to residents.\n\nAnnounced over $76 million in grant funding for California\u2019s 31st Congressional District, including $1 million to help offset the costs incurred from local law enforcement\u2019s heroic response to the Inland Regional Center terror attack.\n\nIntroduced eight bills to put Inland Empire residents back to work, make college more affordable, increase accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to empower colleges and organizations with resources to help Dreamer students on campuses.\n\nPassed fourteen amendments to major legislation, including measures that will boost funding for cybersecurity training programs and facilitate the hiring of veterans by transitioning their skills from the military to civilian jobs.\n\nCosponsored 274 bills, over one third of which were authored by Republicans.\n\nRanked 4th out of all 53 California House Members in number of votes breaking with his party.\n\nRanked 3rd out of all California House Democrats in number of votes breaking with his party.", 1, "2026-04-08T20:00:17Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-issues-end-114th-congress-report-constituents", "Aguilar Issues End of 114th Congress Report to Constituents", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar\u00a0reflected on his first term in the United States House of Representatives, where he served the people of California\u2019s 31st Congressional District in the 114th Congress, and looked forward to the 115th Congress, which begins in January 2017.\n\u201cEnsuring San Bernardino County\u2019s working families have a seat at the table has been, and will remain, my top priority. That includes prioritizing legislation that will put people back to work, make college more affordable and help veterans access the tools they need to adjust to life at home. It also means creating opportunities in our community through workshops, information sessions and resource fairs, and being an advocate to help people access federal agencies to obtain their federal benefits or funding for local projects through federal grants,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He added, \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the support and confidence of our district to bear these responsibilities now, and moving forward.\u201d\nIn his first term in office, Rep. Aguilar has:\n Participated in 337 constituent meetings, tours and events.\n\tHeld 151 mobile office hours to assist constituents.\n\tHelped nearly 900 constituents with problems they faced with federal programs like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits.\n\tReturned over $2.2 million in benefits to residents.\n\tAnnounced over $76 million in grant funding for California\u2019s 31st Congressional District, including $1 million to help offset the costs incurred from local law enforcement\u2019s heroic response to the Inland Regional Center terror attack.\n\tIntroduced eight bills to put Inland Empire residents back to work, make college more affordable, increase accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to empower colleges and organizations with resources to help Dreamer students on campuses.\n\tPassed fourteen amendments to major legislation, including measures that will boost funding for cybersecurity training programs and facilitate the hiring of veterans by transitioning their skills from the military to civilian jobs.\n\tCosponsored 274 bills, over one third of which were authored by Republicans.\n\tRanked 4th out of all 53 California House Members in number of votes breaking with his party.\n\tRanked 3rd out of all California House Democrats in number of votes breaking with his party.\n \u00a0\nRep. Aguilar represents California\u2019s 31st Congressional District. He serves on the House Committees on Armed Services and Agriculture. In the 115th Congress, he will hold the leadership position of Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he will be the only California member on the caucus\u2019s leadership team. Rep. Aguilar previously served as the Mayor of Redlands, where he resides today with his wife Alisha and their two sons.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bass.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bass-calls-drc-president-joseph-kabila-step-down", "Rep. Bass Calls On DRC President Joseph Kabila To Step Down", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Karen Bass", "B001270", "bass.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"As the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) wait to see whether President Joseph Kabila, in deference to the people of the DRC and his office, chooses to step down from the presidency on December 19, I join those in the United States, internationally and in the DRC calling on him to complete his term of office on the right side of history by stepping down.\n\"By doing so, President Joseph Kabila's final act as President of the DRC will be one aimed at seeking peace during a tumultuous time. His action will also help to create a path forward for the DRC in terms of a long-awaited election and will help to encourage the aspirations of the country's 86 million citizens.\n\"The stability of the DRC is critical to that of the surrounding region, and a concerted move towards a free and fair election in the DRC will be seen as evidence of political space in the country.\n\"Any other decision by President Kabila is guaranteed to result in the\u00a0continued violation of human rights, increased violence, imprisonment, and extra-judicial killings. The DRC and the immediate region will be destabilized and once again the people of the DRC will be short-changed in terms of experiencing a viable democratic process. The choice is clear.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-guti-rrez-roybal-allard-applaud-recommendation-move-dhs-away-use", "Lofgren, Gutirrez, Roybal-Allard applaud recommendation to move DHS away from use of private prisons", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Zoe Lofgren", "L000397", "lofgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Luis V. Gutirrez (D-Ill.) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advisory Council's (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants. HSAC acknowledged DHS's historical reliance on private prisons but concluded that the private prison model is inferior from the perspective of governance, and that a deliberate shift away from the private prison model is warranted.\"\n\"We applaud the Homeland Security Advisory Council's (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants. After extensive debate and testimony, HSAC voted overwhelmingly (by a vote of 17 to 5) to end DHS's status quo reliance on private prisons.\n\"While some may view the use of private prisons as a cost-cutting measure, in practice, private prisons often cost taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money while at the same time failing to provide safe, sanitary, and humane conditions. We believe that the private prison companies' for-profit model combined with insufficient accountability mechanisms has created an environment whereby private prison companies are able to abuse immigrant detainees with impunity.\n\"We understand that the HSAC decision, while powerful and groundbreaking, comes at the end of DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson's tenure and the process to completely dismantle the private prison detention system will take years to complete. However, there are steps that Secretary Johnson can take immediately. First, he can enforce termination clauses in contracts with the for-profit private prison facilities, beginning with those with the worst records of abuse and neglect. Second, he can end family detention and expand alternatives to detention. Third, he can ensure that any new contracts require strong transparency provisions (including robust public access) and use ICE's most recent detention standards to protect against future abuse of immigrant detainees. Lastly, he can work with the transition team to encourage the HSAC recommendations to be followed by the next Administration.\"\nHSAC is a non-partisan expert council comprised of former high-level DHS officials, police chiefs, retired generals, business executives, law professors, national security experts, and academics.\nThe HSAC Dissent is as follows:\n\"Based on the review this subcommittee conducted, I respectfully dissent from the conclusion that reliance on private prisons should, or inevitably must, continue. I concede, as reflected in this recommendation, that overall enforcement policy, historical reliance on private prisons, and geographic concerns are presently driving reliance on private facilities. also acknowledge that any shift away from such reliance would take years, carry significant costs, and require congressional partnership. As a result, I understand the position adopted by the subcommittee, but I disagree that these obstacles require our deference to the status quo.\nFirst, in my estimation, the review undertaken by the subcommittee points directly toward the inferiority of the private prison model from the perspective of governance and conditions. To be sure, fiscal and flexibility considerations represented countervailing factors. However, on balance, my preliminary judgment, based on the evidence we actually gathered as part of this review, is that a measured but deliberate shift away from the private prison model is warranted.\nSecond, as the body of this report acknowledges, the short time line and tools at our disposal necessarily limited the depth of our review. As such, I emphasize the preliminary nature of my judgment above. I believe, however, that recommendation (1) likewise should have acknowledged that process constraints rendered any firm conclusion on the appropriate mix of detention models premature.\nThird, a number of key issues that went beyond the scope of this review are too consequential and too integral to allow for a fully informed decision on federal versus private detention models. A meaningful determination on the best detention model in light of all relevant factors demands deeper investigation. Any such investigation should consider a broader set of questions regarding the most effective and humane approach to civil detention as well as whether alternatives to detention could lead to diminished reliance on physical incarceration. Absent that type of thorough review, I cannot, in good conscience, agree that status quo reliance on the continuation of the private detention model is warranted or appropriate.\nAside from this fundamental question, I strongly concur in the remainder of the subcommittee's recommendations regarding steps that should be taken immediately to improve the conditions, inspections, and oversight of extant facilities.\"\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lofgren.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398115", "Lofgren, Gutirrez, Roybal-Allard applaud recommendation to move DHS away from use of private prisons", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Zoe Lofgren", "L000397", "lofgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Luis V. Guti\u00e9rrez (D-Ill.) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advisory Council\u2019s (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants.\u00a0 HSAC acknowledged DHS\u2019s historical reliance on private prisons but concluded that the private prison model is inferior from the perspective of governance, and that a deliberate shift away from the private prison model is warranted.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe applaud the Homeland Security Advisory Council\u2019s (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants.\u00a0 After extensive debate and testimony, HSAC voted overwhelmingly (by a vote of 17 to 5) to end DHS\u2019s status quo reliance on private prisons.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile some may view the use of private prisons as a cost-cutting measure, in practice, private prisons often cost taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money while at the same time failing to provide safe, sanitary, and humane conditions. We believe that the private prison companies\u2019 for-profit model combined with insufficient accountability mechanisms has created an environment whereby private prison companies are able to abuse immigrant detainees with impunity.\r\n\u201cWe understand that the HSAC decision, while powerful and groundbreaking, comes at the end of DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson\u2019s tenure and the process to completely dismantle the private prison detention system will take years to complete.\u00a0 However, there are steps that Secretary Johnson can take immediately.\u00a0 First, he can enforce termination clauses in contracts with the for-profit private prison facilities, beginning with those with the worst records of abuse and neglect.\u00a0 Second, he can end family detention and expand alternatives to detention.\u00a0 Third, he can ensure that any new contracts require strong transparency provisions (including robust public access) and use ICE\u2019s most recent detention standards to protect against future abuse of immigrant detainees. Lastly, he can work with the transition team to encourage the HSAC recommendations to be followed by the next Administration.\u201d\r\nHSAC is a non-partisan expert council comprised of former high-level DHS officials, police chiefs, retired generals, business executives, law professors, national security experts, and academics.\r\nThe HSAC Dissent is as follows:\r\n\u201cBased on the review this subcommittee conducted, I respectfully dissent from the conclusion that reliance on private prisons should, or inevitably must, continue. I concede, as reflected in this recommendation, that overall enforcement policy, historical reliance on private prisons, and geographic concerns are presently driving reliance on private facilities. also acknowledge that any shift away from such reliance would take years, carry significant costs, and require congressional partnership. As a result, I understand the position adopted by the subcommittee, but I disagree that these obstacles require our deference to the status quo.\r\nFirst, in my estimation, the review undertaken by the subcommittee points directly toward the inferiority of the private prison model from the perspective of governance and conditions. To be sure, fiscal and flexibility considerations represented countervailing factors. However, on balance, my preliminary judgment, based on the evidence we actually gathered as part of this review, is that a measured but deliberate shift away from the private prison model is warranted.\r\nSecond, as the body of this report acknowledges, the short time line and tools at our disposal necessarily limited the depth of our review. As such, I emphasize the preliminary nature of my judgment above. I believe, however, that recommendation (1) likewise should have acknowledged that process constraints rendered any firm conclusion on the appropriate mix of detention models premature.\r\nThird, a number of key issues that went beyond the scope of this review are too consequential and too integral to allow\u00a0 for a fully informed decision on federal versus private detention models. A meaningful determination on the best detention model in light of all relevant factors demands deeper investigation. Any such investigation should consider a broader set of questions regarding the most effective and humane approach to civil detention as well as whether alternatives to detention could lead to diminished reliance on physical incarceration. Absent that type of thorough review, I cannot, in good conscience, agree that status quo reliance on the continuation of the private detention model is warranted or appropriate.\r\nAside from this fundamental question, I strongly concur in the remainder of the subcommittee\u2019s recommendations regarding steps that should be taken immediately to improve the conditions, inspections, and oversight of extant facilities.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-leads-call-protect-national-laboratory-employees-blacklisting", "Swalwell Leads Call to Protect National Laboratory Employees from Blacklisting", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) on Monday led 26 Members of Congress in sending President-elect Donald Trump their vow to defend the scientific freedom of employees at the Department of Energy\u2019s 17 National Laboratories, following reports that Trump\u2019s transition team sought personal information regarding department employees\u2019 work on climate change.\n\nSwalwell\u2019s district includes Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories. The Trump transition team asked for \u201ca list of the top 20 salaried employees of the labs, the labs\u2019 peer-reviewed publications over the past three years, a list of their professional society memberships, affiliations, and the websites they maintain or contribute to \u2018during work hours,\u2019\u201d according to the Washington Post. This was part of a larger set of questions asking DOE about which employees worked on the issue of climate change.\n\n\u201cSuch questions about DOE lab staff are worrisome because they suggest there may be attempts by the incoming Administration to retaliate against them or defund their work, even if blame for the questionnaire is now said to rest with a reportedly \u2018rogue\u2019 transition team employee,\u201d Swalwell and the other lawmakers wrote in a letter to Trump. \u201cRegardless of one\u2019s views on climate change, it is simply inappropriate to target hard-working public servants simply for doing their jobs. Staff at our DOE labs go where the science takes them, and for that they should be praised, not punished. Should DOE lab employees be improperly subjected to adverse employment actions and then decide to take legal recourse, we will stand as amici curiae to support them.\u201d\n\nThe letter\u2019s signers either represent districts in which national laboratories are located, or serve on committees with jurisdiction over the labs.\n\nThe Members of Congress also noted the DOE laboratories are owned by the government but most are operated by contractors, which restricts employment decisions to lab managers and should protect staff\u2019s academic freedom and scientific integrity from political interference. The lawmakers requested from Trump the specific questions that were asked of DOE about the lab staff, and the President-elect\u2019s intentions for using this information. Finally, they invited Trump to visit the DOE labs.\n\n\u201cOur DOE labs are among the crown jewels of America,\u201d they wrote. \u201cTheir hard-working, brilliant scientists and researchers are working to solve some of the most pressing and vexing questions and problems we face. These include keeping our nuclear weapons stockpile safe and secure, developing advanced supercomputers, improving the detection of weapons of mass destruction, and creating new ways to produce cleaner energy. What they learn also helps create jobs and grow our economy, goals we all share.\u201d\n\nAmong those signing the letter was Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), the Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.\n\n\u201cI am troubled by reports that the President-elect\u2019s transition team is seeking the names and other information as it relates to staffing at our amazing Department of Energy National Laboratories,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThis effort, part of a larger one to find out information on departmental work related to climate change, risks having a chilling effect on the pursuit of scientific knowledge at some of our nation\u2019s finest institutions. It is this knowledge our nation\u2019s policymakers will need if we are to responsibly address any of the most important issues of our time.\u201d\n\nAlso signing the letter was Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which oversees funding for the Department of Energy and national laboratories.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Energy should be called the \u2018Department of the Future\u2019 as its scientists and researchers, throughout the agency but especially the National Labs, often turn science-fiction ideas into reality,\u201d Kaptur said. \u201cAny challenge to these public servants\u2019 scientific autonomy creates grave concerns to the integrity of their work, and is harmful to our country and scientific independence around the world.\u201d\n\nOther signers included Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Mike Doyle (PA-14), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), John Garamendi (CA-03), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Alan Grayson (FL-09), Joe Kennedy (MA-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Daniel Lipinksi (IL-03), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Jackie Speier (CA- 14), Mark Takano (CA-41), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Niki Tsongas (MA-03), and John Yarmuth (KY-03).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-returns-intelligence-committee-trip-japan-and-south-korea", "Swalwell Returns from Intelligence Committee Trip to Japan And South Korea", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "PLEASANTON, CA \u2013 Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) returned this weekend from a congressional delegation trip to Japan and South Korea, undertaken in his role as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.\n\nSwalwell, who is the Ranking Member on that panel\u2019s CIA Subcommittee, felt the visit was timely.\n\n\u201cWith South Korea having just impeached its president, and with revelations that Russia committed cyberattacks to interfere with our 2016 election campaigns, this would be a prime time for North Korea\u2019s rogue regime to rattle its saber,\u201d Swalwell said. \u201cNorth Korean aggression not only threatens our ally South Korea, but also our own homeland, given its nuclear capability. So this was an important time to get on-the-ground updates about our affairs and interests on the Korean peninsula, as well as to visit with our troops serving there.\u201d\n\nAfter a stop at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Swalwell proceeded to Seoul for meetings with U.S. military officials; Mark Lippert, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea; other U.S. diplomats and personnel; and South Korea\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had lunch one day with service members who hail from California\u2019s 15th Congressional District.\n\nSwalwell also visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone, where he received an orientation briefing and met with service members.\n\nThis trip caps Swalwell\u2019s first term on the Intelligence Committee, which has also included visits to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia.\n\nRep. Eric Swalwell, while visiting South Korea on a House Intelligence Committee trip last week, had lunch with U.S. service members from Northern California. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Swalwell\u2019s office.)\n\nRep. Eric Swalwell (left, center), while visiting South Korea on a House Intelligence Committee trip last week, had breakfast with U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert (right, center). (Photo courtesy of Rep. Swalwell\u2019s office.)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walters-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Rep. Walters Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Irvine, CA \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Mimi Walters announced the winner of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge for California\u2019s 45th District. \u00a0Speaking about the Congressional App Challenge, Congresswoman Walters said:\n\u201cOrange County\u2019s students are among the brightest in the country, and I was so impressed by the apps they submitted to the Congressional App Challenge.\u00a0 This year\u2019s winner is Shalin Shah, a student at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita.\u00a0 We were impressed by his technical skill and his desire to improve healthcare for people who might otherwise be unable to access it.\u00a0 Congratulations to Shalin, the other winners, and the honorable mentions! I thank all of the brilliant students who created apps this year and look forward to hosting the Congressional App Challenge again in 2017.\u201d\n\u201cGlaucoma is one of the most deadly eye diseases, causing people permanent vision loss,\u201d said Shalin Shah. \u201cUnfortunately, without regular visits to the doctors, there\u2019s no way people can know they have glaucoma, ultimately resulting in unnecessary blindness. \u00a0Lumos can help people screen themselves for glaucoma without even the need for doctors and potentially save millions of people from losing vision. \u00a0Throughout the months it took me to research and develop Lumos, I have not only explored so many new areas of computer science and biology, but I\u2019ve also been able to contribute to the STEM community in a new way. And that\u2019s what means the most to me.\u201d\nBeckman High School\u2019s Sara Du was the first runner-up with her app rePear, which provides support for people struggling with depression. \u00a0Sishir Giri, who attends Tustin High School, was awarded third place for his app, Caucus, to help students find more straightforward answers to their questions.\u00a0 University High School\u2019s Anne Xu earned an honorable mention in the sustainability category for her app, Green Guide, to make it easier for young learners to find information on waste disposal.\u00a0 Roxanna and Sarina Rabiee won honorable mentions in the \u201cstudents helping students\u201d category for their app that enables students to create schedules to more effectively manage their time; Roxanna attends University High School, and Sarina is a fourth grader at Turtle Rock Elementary.\u00a0 Yufeng Zhou of Santa Margarita Catholic High School was awarded an honorable mention in the healthy living category for his app that teaches the basics of exercise and fitness.\nThe winners were selected by a panel of educators in Orange County who specialize in computer science and innovation.\u00a0\nWalters represents California\u2019s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-appoints-community-leader-veteran-organizer-and-champion-of-immigrant-communities-to-lead-state-operation", "Harris Appoints Community Leader, Veteran Organizer and Champion of Immigrant Communities to Lead State Operation", "2016-12-18", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Kamala Harris", "H001075", "www.harris.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2016\n\t\t\t Harris Appoints Community Leader, Veteran Organizer and Champion of Immigrant Communities to Lead State Operation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHarris Will Serve On Key Immigration, National Security, Environment & Budget Panels\r\n \r\nHarris: \"At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, I will aggressively fight for our families and the ideals of our nation\"\r\n \r\nHarris Appoints Community Leader, Veteran Organizer and Champion of Immigrant Communities to Lead State Operation\r\nHarris Will Serve On Key Immigration, National Security, Environment & Budget Panels\r\nHarris: \"At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, I will aggressively fight for our families and the ideals of our nation\"\r\nLOS ANGELES -- U.S. Senator-Elect Kamala D. Harris announced today she will serve on four committees in the 115th Congress. Harris will serve on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee -- the frontline of immigration enforcement action in the next Congress; the Committee on Intelligence, which handles key national security and intelligence issues; the Environmental & Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues critical to preserving California's environmental leadership; and the Committee on Budget, which will be one of the major battlefields in the fight to defend the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\"These four committees will be key battlegrounds in the fight for the future of our country,\" said Harris. \"At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, I will aggressively fight for our families and the ideals of our nation.\"\r\n\"No state will be more impacted by any potential changes to federal immigration policy than California, and I look forward to zealously protecting our state's interests on the Homeland Security Committee. California also is a world leader on climate change policy, and I will fight hard against attempts to roll back key environmental protections on the Environment and Public Works Committee. As our country faces major intelligence challenges and cybersecurity threats, I will fight for our security, our civil rights, and our liberties on the Intelligence Committee. And, on the Committee on Budget, I will fight to preserve the Affordable Care Act to protect health care access for all Americans.\"\r\nAs a prosecutor and California's chief law enforcement officer, Harris brings a depth of experience to the work of each of these committees.\r\nHomeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee: Harris has a long record as a prosecutor protecting public safety and defending immigrants, refugees and their families. Harris partnered with law enforcement agencies in Mexico and Central America to tackle trans-national gangs that smuggle drugs, human beings and weapons across our border. She fought to pass the TRUST Act in California that protected immigrant victims of crime and outlawed retaliation for undocumented immigrants who reported crimes. She cracked down on notaries and scammers who sought to prey upon undocumented immigrants. Because of her leadership, thousands of unaccompanied children fleeing violence from Central America received legal counsel as they navigated the complex immigration process. Harris has prosecuted businesses that engaged in wage theft and fought for protections for immigrants in the workplace. She has been a leading voice for increasing -- not stopping -- the number of refugees our country accepts from Syria and other war-torn countries. She will continue working hard for the rights of all residents and Americans through the course of her work on the Homeland Security Committee.\r\nSelect Committee on Intelligence: As a prosecutor, Harris has long fought for smarter approaches to intelligence and law enforcement strategies, and has taken on international cyber-crime. She will take this \"smart\" framework that relies heavily on prevention, data collection and technology advancements to the Senate Intelligence Committee. Much of Harris' work as Attorney General focused on fighting cyber-crime. She created the largest e-crime unit in the nation and a privacy enforcement and protection unit within the California Attorney General's office. Together these units helped focused law enforcement on crimes committed through the use of technology and the protection of consumer privacy online. Her Department of Justice wrote California's first reports on commercial and government data breaches and conducted trainings for California businesses to help them better secure consumer data. She also led a delegation of state attorneys general to Mexico to bolster bilateral collaboration on fighting cyber-crime.\r\nEnvironment and Public Works Committee: Harris will bring a wealth of experience defending California's landmark environmental and climate change protections to the U.S. Senate. As a prosecutor, she prosecuted Big Oil companies and big corporate polluters. She partnered with other Attorneys General to defend President Obama's Clean Power Plan and she will fight hard against any attempts to roll back critical environmental protections. And she has long been a proponent of investing in clean energy technology and green energies jobs that can fuel our economy and move our country away from fossil fuels. Much of the committee's work involves funding and approving infrastructure projects, and California has more than $59 billion in unmet transportation needs. Harris will fight for smart infrastructure investments that can help fuel long-term economic growth.\r\nCommittee on Budget: Harris will be on the front lines of the fight to defend the Affordable Care Act as a member of the Committee on Budget. As Attorney General, she defended the law in court from numerous legal challenges and has aggressively fought to expand healthcare access for Californians. California has been a leader in the country under Obamacare, running one of the most successful exchanges in the nation and funding health care for almost 5 million individuals under the law. Harris will continue to advance California's leadership on this issue and fight for health care for all Americans.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/it-s-official-california-is-getting-water", "Its Official: California is Getting Water", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on California water legislation being signed into law as part of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act:\n\n\u201cThis is a great moment for California. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and our constituents to deliver the largest reforms to California water policy in 25 years. This water deal has been years in the making and was achieved by an unwavering commitment to our communities and state. This new law will help our communities receive more water this wet season and will help move forward storage projects that will define California\u2019s bright future. We have not solved all of California\u2019s water challenges, but this legislation is an incredibly positive first step. I look forward to getting back to work to build on these results. But in the meantime, I am proud to have played a role in this pivotal moment for our state\u2019s future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-reports-that-fbi-and-dni-confirm-cias-assessment-of-russian", "Pelosi Statement on Reports that FBI and DNI Confirm CIA's Assessment of Russian Interference", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the CIA reportedly confirmed, according to the Washington Post, that the FBI and Director of National Intelligence back the CIA's assessment of Russian interference in our elections and our democracy: \n\"A foreign regime has attacked the sanctity of American democracy itself, and we cannot pretend otherwise.\u00a0\n\"The message reportedly sent by CIA chief Brennan to his staff, as reported by the Washington Post, further supports the urgent need for an independent, bipartisan investigation. \u00a0The American people deserve to know the truth of Russia's brazen interference with our elections.\"\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/aguilar-authors-editorial-inland-empire-community-news", "Aguilar Authors Editorial for Inland Empire Community News", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, Rep. Pete Aguilar authored an editorial for Inland Empire Community News, where he urged constituents to keep advocating for issues they believed in and hoped to push forward with the incoming Trump Administration. The editorial can be read in full here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-statement-russian-interference-us-election", "Rep. Chu Statement on Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Judy Chu", "C001080", "chu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 After months of reporting that Russia has been behind e-mail hacks intended to undermine the U.S. election process, two U.S. intelligence officials this week have said they believe Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:\u00a0\n\u201cI am incredibly concerned about this new information into Russia and Putin\u2019s involvement in our election. Not only because it shines a light on foreign attempts to meddle in our affairs, but also because it raises new concerns about President-elect Trump and some of his Cabinet selections. Already, Mr. Trump\u2019s dismissal of the conclusion reached by U.S. intelligence agencies makes it clear he will continue to value his personal instincts over the work and analyses of experts. Now, he chooses to make excuses for Putin by turning his anger instead towards Democrats. This is outrageous. Let us be clear about one thing: this is about the integrity of our democracy. By raising doubts about the integrity of America\u2019s elections, Putin is attempting to weaken America\u2019s reputation as the world\u2019s leading democracy, while creating distractions from his own corruption and international aggression. And the kind of infighting created by Trump\u2019s partisan and unsubstantiated attacks on his fellow Americans who trust the CIA\u2019s reporting only helps that goal. Further, Mr. Trump\u2019s nomination of Rex Tillerson, a friend of Putin\u2019s, to Secretary of State raises serious questions about how forceful a Trump administration will be in challenging future threats from Russia.\n\u201cLastly, I have regularly spoken out about the importance of free and fair elections. That is why I have championed voter rights and supported challenges to states that have attempted to keep seniors, immigrants, and minorities from the polls. That same commitment to elections that reliably reflect the will of the people compels me now to speak out against any attempt by any country to meddle in our most fundamental right. Our Founders understood this, which is why they included a number of safeguards against foreign involvement in our Constitution. We, as Congress, have a responsibility to investigate these claims. That is why I strongly support a bipartisan Congressional review of Russian interference in our election. If we are to live up to our oath to uphold the Constitution, we must treat this threat from Russia seriously.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-announces-california-water-legislation-has-been-enacted-law", "Costa Announces That CA Water Legislation Has Been Enacted into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jim Costa", "C001059", "costa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FRESNO, CA - Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act was signed by the President and enacted into law.\u00a0 The WIIN Act includes language to assist in reducing the impacts of California\u2019s drought crisis and to build additional long-term drought resiliency:\n\u201cThe implementation of this legislation will improve California's water system as we know it,\u201d said Rep. Jim Costa. \u201cIts enactment is a positive step forward in a necessary series of efforts to create more reliable water supplies for the Valley and all Californians. Getting to this point required hard work and compromise from both sides of the aisle.\u201d \nCosta continued saying, \u201cIt is important for the California Congressional delegation to continue working together so we can build on this progress.\u00a0 Ensuring a reliable water supply for the people of the San Joaquin Valley has always been, and will remain, one of my highest priorities in Congress. Successes like this one can only happen when Congress works on a bipartisan basis. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House, Senate, and upcoming Administration to implement permanent solutions that ensure California has a dynamic water system for all the diverse needs of the state in the 21st century.\u201d \n\u201cThe authorizations included in this legislation are of significant importance in our ongoing effort to eventually complete the New Exchequer Storage Enhancement Project,\u201d said Hicham ElTal, MID Deputy General Manager of Water Supply Rights and Supply. \u201cSignificant work remains. However, MID is absolutely better positioned to move forward with the project as a result of this legislation. We are absolutely grateful for the work done by our local Congress Member Jim Costa. He and his staff have remained engaged with MID throughout this effort. We also appreciate the support we have received from other members of the Valley delegation of congressional representatives. Further, we greatly appreciate the efforts of Senator Dianne Feinstein. We look forward to all of their continued support as we proceed on this project.\u201d\nInformation regarding the legislation Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act:\nThe legislation authorizes the following California water projects:\nMerced County Impacts:\n The bill authorizes a feasibility study for the Merced Streams Group project that was originally authorized in 1944 and has not yet been completed. Since 1997, 8 floods in the region have caused significant damage to communities in Merced County. This study, when complete, will evaluate and provide recommendations to move beyond the substandard 50-year flood planning to a much higher standard of flood protection.\n\tExpedited completion of the Lower San Joaquin River flood risk management report.\n California funding, reports and projects:\n $1.5 billion in Flood Risk Management funds for the American River and West Sacramento projects\n\t$20 million in Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk reduction funds to San Diego County\n\t$70.5 million in Flood Risk Management, Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation funds for the South San Francisco Bay shoreline\n\t$375 million in Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation funds for the LA River Expedited completion of the report for the Sacramento River Flood Control System\n\tAuthorization of the feasibility studies for the Cache Creek Settling Basin, the Coyote Valley Dam, the Del Rosa Channel, the Mission-Zanja Channel, and the Soboba Indian Reservation\n \u00a0The California drought language includes short- and long-term provisions:\nShort-term provisions:\n Delta Cross Channel Gates -\u00a0Federal agencies must open the Delta Cross Channel Gates for as long as possible consistent with the State Water Board\u2019s orders.\u00a0 This may allow the agencies to open the Gates during the daytime when salmon are often not migrating in significant numbers, which could allow additional water to be pumped without harming fish or water quality.\n\tTurbidity measures -\u00a0By taking measures to manage turbidity and protect Delta smelt during the first storm-induced flush of sediment out of the Delta each winter, the agencies can both protect the fish and allow for more steady pumping the remainder of the year.\n\t1:1 inflow-to-export ratio,\u00a0solely for water transfers -\u00a0Solely for voluntary transfers, sales and exchanges, allows agencies to use a 1:1 \u201cinflow-to-export ratio\u201d for San Joaquin River flows in April and May for the duration of the drought. By stretching water supplies through water transfers, agricultural districts that are short on water can use transfers to make up for reduced deliveries, while that same \u201cblock\u201d of water moving through the Delta can help fish and potentially assist in the restoration of the Delta.\n\tExpediting reviews of water transfers and temporary barriers -\u00a0Expedites review of water transfers and temporary barriers in the Delta, which could help move limited water to where it is needed, manage salinity and improve water quality.\n\tExtended window for water transfers -\u00a0Extends the window for water transfers by five months, from April 1 to November 30 (currently July 1 to September 30), if the extended transfers can be done consistent with the biological opinions.\n\tScientifically Supported Implementation of OMR (Old and Middle River) Flow Requirements -\u00a0Science based on real-time monitoring governs the level of pumping within the ranges allowed by the biological opinions. The bill requires the agencies to explain why pumping at the high end of the smelt biological opinion would cause adverse effects to fish, if they decide to pump at lower levels.\n\tTemporary Operational Flexibility for Storm Events -\u00a0authorizes the agencies to increase pumping during winter storms, so that excess flows from storms may be captured.\n\tConsultation on Coordinated Operations \u2013\u00a0Provides for increased transparency during consultation on the biological opinions by soliciting input from water districts and those environmental groups that already participate in implementation of the biological opinions.\n Long-term provisions:\n $558 million for storage, water recycling and desalination projects.\n\t\t$335 million for water storage projects. \u2013 Funding can go to either state-led groundwater or surface storage projects, or to federally owned surface storage projects.\n\t\t\t$30 million for desalination projects over 5 years.\n\t\t\t$50 million for competitive grant funding for water recycling, wastewater reuse and reclamation of naturally impaired ground and surface water.\n\t\t\t$36 million for projects to improve California\u2019s ecosystems, like the acquisition of additional water supplies for the Grasslands Ecological Preserve in Merced County, and additional salmon habitat throughout California.\n\t\t\tIncreases WaterSMART funding authorization by $100 million.\n\t\t\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-applauds-appointment-of-catherine-e-lhamon-and-debo-p-adegbile-to-the-us-commission-on-civil-rights", "Congresswoman Lee Applauds Appointment of Catherine E. Lhamon and Debo P. Adegbile to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Applauds Appointment of Catherine E. Lhamon and Debo P. Adegbile to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights \n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded President Barack Obama on his appointment of Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon and attorney Debo P. Adegbile to six-year terms on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.\r\nThe U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. \r\nThe Congresswoman issued the following statement regarding the appointments:\r\n\u201cI commend President Obama\u2019s decision to appoint Cathernine Lhamon\u00a0 and Debo Adegbile to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Catherine has dedicated her life to protecting and strengthening civil rights for all Americans, working with educators across the country to defend equality for for students,\u201d Congresswoman Lee said. \u201cFrom the Supreme Court to courthouses around the country, Debo Adegbile has been a champion for American values and civil rights. I am confident that the vision and expertise Catherine and Debo bring to the commission will be an invaluable asset to the Commission.\u00a0\r\n### \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mcnerney-s-bill-to-aid-small-businesses-owned-by-disabled", "Congressman McNerneys Bill to Aid  Small Businesses Owned by Disabled Veterans  Signed into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jerry McNerney", "M001166", "mcnerney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Jerry McNerneys bill to protect Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) was signed into law by the President as part of a veterans omnibus package that was passed by Congress.\nMcNerneys bill, H.R. 1313, the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act, will protect small businesses owned by disabled veterans in the event that the business owner passes away, by providing a longer transition period during which the business would keep its SDVOSB status and any Department of Veterans Affairs contracts associated with that status.\nI have worked hard to ensure that our veteran small business owners have an opportunity to grow and succeed in the local economy. They have distinctive skills and a commitment to community that make them uniquely qualified to become part of one of the best economic drivers we have in our country  small businesses, said Congressman McNerney.\nIn the United States there are an estimated 500,000 Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Currently, if a veteran who was rated 100 percent disabled and who owned a service-disabled veteran-owned small business passes away, the surviving spouse has 10 years to transition the business away from service-disabled veteran-owned small business status. However, if the veteran business owner was rated less than 100 percent disabled or dies of a non-service connected injury, the surviving spouse only has one year to transition the business for contracts with the VA.\nThe SDVOSB Act will allow a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, whose principal owner passes away and was rated less than 100 percent disabled at the time of death, with a sensible three-year transition period from SDVOSB status with the VA.\nH.R. 1313 was included in the passage of H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016.\nThe SDVOSB Act is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, VFW, IAVA, and the American Legion.\n\"Service disabled veteran owned businesses play a critical role in federal contracting, said Carl Blake, Government Relations Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. PVA gladly supports this legislation that will ensure that the SDVOSB is not immediately penalized by the passing of the veteran business owner who honorably served this Nation.\"\nAMVETS supports The Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act, which would ensure some much needed equity to the surviving spouse of veterans rated at less than 100% disability. said Diane M. Zumatto, AMVETS National Legislative Director. \n###\nRep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of Californias 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerneys work,follow him on Facebookand on Twitter@RepMcNerney.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-disappointed-with-passage-of-california-drought-rider", "Rep. McNerney Disappointed With  Passage of California Drought Rider", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jerry McNerney", "M001166", "mcnerney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Despite Congressman McNerneys efforts, the damaging California drought rider was not removed from S. 612, the WIIN Act, which funds water resources projects across the country. While Rep. McNerney applauds the important provisions to fund water infrastructure projects in the original bill (commonly referred to as the Water Resources Development Act), he remains concerned about the devastating impacts the drought rider will bring to the Delta especially under an incoming Trump administration. Because this rider will weaken environmental protections for fisheries and the economies dependent upon the Delta, Rep. McNerney will continue to fight against the implementation of this misguided language.\nThe Water Resources Development Act is an essential, historically bipartisan bill, so Im disappointed that House Republicans inserted this destructive rider. They may have won this battle, but we will never give up the fight. said Rep. McNerney. I along with a strong coalition of Representatives and Senators from Western States will be vigilant in protecting the Pacific fishing industry, fisheries, farmers, families, and natural habitats of our communities. We need to fight back at all levels, including at the state and local level to protect the California Delta. My delegation and Californias agencies and environmental organizations will continue to pursue solutions that benefit the entire state and this latest attack on our bedrock environmental protections will not stop our progress.\n###\nRep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of Californias 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerneys work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-small-business-administration-establishes-satellite-office-coachella", "U.S. Small Business Administration Establishes Satellite Office in Coachella Valley", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Raul Ruiz", "R000599", "ruiz.house.gov", "ruiz", "https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Palm Desert, CA - The U.S. Small Business Administration, Santa Ana District Office has established a satellite office in the Coachella Valley to better serve small business owners, entrepreneurs and participating lenders in the area. The agency celebrated the occasion by hosting a ribbon cutting at its new location on December 12 which was attended by roughly 100 participants, including SBA Regional Administrator Donna Davis, Santa Ana District Director J. Adalberto Quijada, Santa Ana Deputy District Director Rachel Baranick, Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), the mayors of Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Coachella and La Quinta, representatives from local cities, chambers, and elected officials, participating lenders, local entrepreneurs and resource partners. \u201cWe are pleased the presence of this SBA office will bring more resources to the region\u2019s small business community. SBA\u2019s programs and services have been underutilized in the Coachella Valley and now there will be a physical presence to help businesses thrive and create more jobs. In FY 2016, the agency backed 105 loans totaling more than $48 million and we expect this number to increase substantially now that SBA has arrived in the region,\u201d said SBA Director Adalberto Quijada.\n\nDr. Ruiz, a native of the Coachella Valley, whose district covers the entire Valley stated, \u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy and I am so proud that today we opened the first and only SBA Satellite Office in the entire Inland Empire region! This office will give local small businesses the support they need to grow, create jobs, and stimulate our local economy. This is a win for Southern California.\"\n\nThe office, which is located at 43-100 Cook Street, Suite 104, in Palm Desert, is co-located with Coachella Valley SCORE, a resource partner of the agency and is staffed by one SBA employee, Natalie Orta, Senior Area Manager. Ms. Orta, who has worked for the agency for more than 21 years in a variety of positions, is a fluent Spanish speaker and has already been working with community partners, elected officials, chambers, business organizations, entrepreneurs and lenders in the area.\n\n\u201cIt is my pleasure to represent the U.S. Small Business Administration here in the Coachella Valley. I am at the service of this great community and look forward to working closely with area small businesses, chambers, lenders and entities that serve the vibrant entrepreneurial community in the valley,\u201d said Ms. Orta.\n\nCoachella Valley\u2019s small business population consists of 36,191 small businesses, comprising approximately 1.1% of the statewide total of 38,332,521 small businesses. SBA grant funded resource partners SCORE, Coachella Valley Women Business Center and Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center provide counseling and training to over 1,000 clients and either host or participate in hundreds of business events each year.\n\nIn its justification requesting the creation of the satellite office, the Santa Ana District noted that the area\u2019s continued population growth, which outpaces the rest of the state and the nation, and availability of labor and land at lower prices compared to coastal areas, indicate the region will continue to experience economic growth and development.\n\nAbout the U.S. Small Business Administration\n\nSince its founding more than a half-century ago as an independent federal agency of the U.S. government to \u201caid, counsel, assist, and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns,\u201d the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered about 24 million loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA also helps people recover from disasters and rebuild their lives by providing affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses and works to ensure small businesses receive a \u201cfair proportion\u201d of government contracts.\n\nAbout the Santa Ana District Office\n\nThe Santa Ana District Office, under the leadership and vision of J. Adalberto Quijada, District Director, is responsible for the delivery of SBA programs and services in the Southern California counties of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. Located in Santa Ana near John Wayne Airport, the office and its staff of 14 facilitate understanding and access to SBA loan programs; coordinate and conduct hundreds of training sessions and special events annually such as matchmaking forums, loan fairs, and business plan competitions; and manage a portfolio of approximately 90 businesses enrolled in the agency\u2019s 8(a) business development program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tickets-for-the-58th-inauguration-of-the-president-of-the-united-states", "Tickets for the 58th Inauguration of the President of the United States", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Brad Sherman", "S000344", "sherman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brad Sherman has a very limited number of tickets for the 58th Inauguration of the President of the United States on January 20, 2017. Tickets will be available through his Washington, D.C. office.\nThe Swearing-In-Ceremony will be held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol overlooking the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Spectators will also have the opportunity to witness the Presidential parade as it makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.\nSherman invites his constituents in the San Fernando Valley to join thousands of other Americans in witnessing the 58th quadrennial Presidential Inauguration in our nation's Capitol.\nThose interested in attending the Presidential Inauguration should contact Rouben Gregorian in Congressman Sherman's Washington, D.C. office at rouben.gregorian@mail.house.gov. Although we will try to accommodate all requests ticket availability is limited.\nCongressman Sherman will be leading a special tour of the Capitol, including standing on the floor of the House of Representatives, at 11 AM, Saturday, January 21. To RSVP for this tour, email rouben.gregorian@mail.house.gov.\nThe deadline for requesting tickets is 6:00 PM PST on December 29, 2016. Those who we can provide tickets to will be notified by noon PST on January 3, 2017.\nWe already have more requests than tickets. Those who do not get tickets can still watch the inauguration from the non-ticketed viewing area  tickets just get you a better view.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susandavis.house.gov/media-center/editorials/veterans-and-those-they-fought-for-find-common-ground-at-town-hall", "Veterans and those they fought for find common ground at town hall", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Susan Davis", "D000598", "susandavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cI woke up inspired to listen today.\u201d\n\u201cThank you so much for this event. My heart is larger from listening to our brave and dedicated veterans.\u201d\nThese are quotes from two members of the community who had not served in combat and recently attended a special Veterans Town Hall in Balboa Park, sharing their forum experience.\nMilitary veterans who served in combat from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and a spouse whose husband was killed in Vietnam each had the opportunity to freely address San Diegans and describe their or their loved one\u2019s combat service and what it meant to them. It was non-judgmental and solemn.\nIt was also powerfully moving, especially as we recently commemorated the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.\nThis is where the power of these forums exists. The town hall brought these communities together in profound respect. They took a \u201cdeep dive\u201d together to diminish the sense of separation. The community was present to witness the stories and validate our warriors. It also brought a gift for the town: an opportunity to listen, with an open mind, to learn and drop preconceptions. We heard how the desire for people to assign labels must be rejected \u2014 that these men and women veterans aren\u2019t present to be pitied, feared or provided a diagnosis. They simply wish to return to the community and to live full, happy lives \u2014 much like all of us.\nThe warrior throughout history and in certain communities is a highly respected figure. Here at home, we have 1 percent of our population making up a dedicated all-volunteer Armed Service. However desirable it is that these service members volunteer, we are seeing the consequences of extended exposure to combat. With this minimal representation of the population serving multiple deployments, people back here at home do not know of the sacrifice freely given in the defense of our ideals and our nation. We have been a military at war but not a nation at war. This creates separation between these two groups in our community \u2014 the warrior and those they serve and protect.\nAt the town hall, combat veterans shared the interconnectedness that existed in their fighting units. One veteran shared the story of a Marine who said that if an enemy ever tossed a grenade at them that he would throw his helmet on the explosive weapon and smother it with his body. As the random and definitive hand of combat would have it, an enemy grenade was released in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy fighter and Corporal Jason Dunham did just as he said he would. He covered the grenade as it exploded, saving several Marines lives and that of the enemy combatant, while giving his own life. For this act of valor and devotion he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.\nDuring the veteran\u2019s transition out of active duty military service, he or she goes from a warrior culture \u2014 or \u201cus\u201d culture \u2014 to our \u201cme\u201d culture here at home. With the fracturing of that communal sense of oneness and the primary care of each other, a combat veteran may become understandably disoriented and may choose isolation upon returning home.\nCombat veterans have so much that they can bring to the community. Part of the contract that we entered into with them is that of those of us who do not serve will be there for them, as they were and are for us; to facilitate the same manifestation of love and that we are indeed all in this together. The forum allows this exchange. Hiring combat veterans and providing opportunities for them accomplishes this as well. Employers will see that they are the ones who are the beneficiaries of these motivated, loyal, responsible and accountable combat veteran employees.\nWe need to show veterans that they are not separated, but merely \u201caway.\u201d The promise in carrying on with these forums here in San Diego and throughout the nation is to bring people together to sit and listen; and in so doing, to heal. I am pleased to be a part of this new movement to encourage this kind of listening forum inspired by Sebastian Junger of \u201cRestrepo\u201d fame and my colleague Rep. Seth Mouton (D-Massachusetts). I will share the value of this event with my colleagues in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susandavis.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/veterans-and-those-they-fought-for-find-common-ground-at-town-hall", "Veterans and those they fought for find common ground at town hall", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Susan Davis", "D000598", "susandavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cI woke up inspired to listen today.\u201d\n\u201cThank you so much for this event. My heart is larger from listening to our brave and dedicated veterans.\u201d\nThese are quotes from two members of the community who had not served in combat and recently attended a special Veterans Town Hall in Balboa Park, sharing their forum experience.\nMilitary veterans who served in combat from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and a spouse whose husband was killed in Vietnam each had the opportunity to freely address San Diegans and describe their or their loved one\u2019s combat service and what it meant to them. It was non-judgmental and solemn.\nIt was also powerfully moving, especially as we recently commemorated the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.\nThis is where the power of these forums exists. The town hall brought these communities together in profound respect. They took a \u201cdeep dive\u201d together to diminish the sense of separation. The community was present to witness the stories and validate our warriors. It also brought a gift for the town: an opportunity to listen, with an open mind, to learn and drop preconceptions. We heard how the desire for people to assign labels must be rejected \u2014 that these men and women veterans aren\u2019t present to be pitied, feared or provided a diagnosis. They simply wish to return to the community and to live full, happy lives \u2014 much like all of us.\nThe warrior throughout history and in certain communities is a highly respected figure. Here at home, we have 1 percent of our population making up a dedicated all-volunteer Armed Service. However desirable it is that these service members volunteer, we are seeing the consequences of extended exposure to combat. With this minimal representation of the population serving multiple deployments, people back here at home do not know of the sacrifice freely given in the defense of our ideals and our nation. We have been a military at war but not a nation at war. This creates separation between these two groups in our community \u2014 the warrior and those they serve and protect.\nAt the town hall, combat veterans shared the interconnectedness that existed in their fighting units. One veteran shared the story of a Marine who said that if an enemy ever tossed a grenade at them that he would throw his helmet on the explosive weapon and smother it with his body. As the random and definitive hand of combat would have it, an enemy grenade was released in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy fighter and Corporal Jason Dunham did just as he said he would. He covered the grenade as it exploded, saving several Marines lives and that of the enemy combatant, while giving his own life. For this act of valor and devotion he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.\nDuring the veteran\u2019s transition out of active duty military service, he or she goes from a warrior culture \u2014 or \u201cus\u201d culture \u2014 to our \u201cme\u201d culture here at home. With the fracturing of that communal sense of oneness and the primary care of each other, a combat veteran may become understandably disoriented and may choose isolation upon returning home.\nCombat veterans have so much that they can bring to the community. Part of the contract that we entered into with them is that of those of us who do not serve will be there for them, as they were and are for us; to facilitate the same manifestation of love and that we are indeed all in this together. The forum allows this exchange. Hiring combat veterans and providing opportunities for them accomplishes this as well. Employers will see that they are the ones who are the beneficiaries of these motivated, loyal, responsible and accountable combat veteran employees.\nWe need to show veterans that they are not separated, but merely \u201caway.\u201d The promise in carrying on with these forums here in San Diego and throughout the nation is to bring people together to sit and listen; and in so doing, to heal. I am pleased to be a part of this new movement to encourage this kind of listening forum inspired by Sebastian Junger of \u201cRestrepo\u201d fame and my colleague Rep. Seth Mouton (D-Massachusetts). I will share the value of this event with my colleagues in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-hosts-roundtable-meeting-dreamers-and-local-advocacy", "Torres Hosts Roundtable Meeting with Dreamers and Local Advocacy Organizations", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Norma J. Torres", "T000474", "torres.house.gov", "torres", "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO, CA \u2013 Yesterday afternoon, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) hosted a roundtable meeting at the University of La Verne Law School with local Dreamers, immigration advocates, and faith groups to discuss the concerns of Dreamers and their families regarding possible changes to the DACA program, as well as ways in which members of the community can collaborate moving forward.\n\n\"In recent weeks many of my constituents have expressed fear in how the incoming administration's policies will impact DACA recipients and their families,\" said Torres. \"Today's meeting allowed me to hear straight from those who would be most affected by possible changes as well as from the organizations working on the ground to protect the rights of vulnerable members of our community. Beyond just hearing their concerns, today also gave us an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of local organizations to find ways to take action.\"\n\nThe recent election and the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the presidential campaign have led to growing fear and anxiety within the immigrant community. Many are especially concerned with how the new administration's policies will impact the DACA program and potentially put DACA recipients, who have registered with the federal government in order to participate in the program, and their families at increased risk.\n\n\"It is my responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of all individuals in our district \u2013 regardless of their immigration status,\" continued Torres. \"While we are fortunate to live in a state that recognizes the important role immigrants play in our communities and in our nation, there are still a lot of questions regarding the impact of federal actions. Dreamers in particular gave much of their information to the government and underwent background checks, all believing that they would be protected from deportation. Now they are more vulnerable than ever, and it falls on all of us to help keep them safe.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397532", "Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Signed into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, December 16th, the President signed H.R. 6416 into law, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cCommunity colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased the President signed this bill into law to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe are pleased that the members of Congress made access to education for student veterans a priority,\u201d said Virginia Blumenthal, Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Board President. \u201cCurrent and former members of the RCCD board have supported this bill and we are pleased that Congressman Calvert and members of congress passed it. Our colleges served more than 1,740 student veterans in 2015-16, all of whom will benefit from an improved process.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nH.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as RCCD. Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://eshoo.house.gov/news-stories/press-releases/eshoo-statement-on-resignation-of-fcc-chairman-tom-wheeler/", "ESHOO STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Anna Eshoo", "E000215", "eshoo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ESHOO STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF FCC CHAIRMAN TOM WHEELER \r\n                    December 15th, 2016\r\n                        \r\n                        PALO ALTO, Calif.\u2014Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, issued the following statement on today\u2019s announcement that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler will resign in January.\n\u201cDuring my tenure in Congress, I have had the privilege to work with seven Chairmen and two Acting Chairs of the FCC. Tom Wheeler\u2019s leadership stands the tallest with an historic record of reshaping the telecommunications and technology landscape, making the U.S. a leader across all sectors. He has strengthened the public safety network; he made networks open, fast and fair for all Americans; assured low income Americans that they, too, would share in our country\u2019s technological age; and advanced spectrum to keep our economy growing for decades to come.\n\u201cAs the 31st Chairman of the FCC, Tom Wheeler will long be credited for leading the charge to shape 21st century policies of innovation and competition for the American people, and his courage, knowledge and determination will withstand the test of history.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-administration-decision-not-to-move-forward-with-medicare", "Pelosi Statement on Administration Decision Not to Move Forward with  Medicare Part B Demonstration", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation decided not to move forward with a planned Medicare Part B demonstration: \n\u201cWhile the proposed Medicare Part B demonstration had admirable goals, our Members raised a number of concerns, and we are pleased the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has decided not to move forward.\n\u201cPrescription drug costs represent the largest factor driving rising health care costs in America today.\u00a0 Congress must come together in a bipartisan way to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs in a way that supports the search for cures while ensuring that patients can afford these treatments.\n\u201cThe Innovation Center is a valuable tool in our continued pursuit of ways to strengthen the health care available to the American people.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398226", "Reps. Royce and Sewell Urge Alternative Credit Score Consideration by GSEs", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), members of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following joint statement in reaction to today's release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) 2017 Scorecard:  \r\n\r\n\u201cAlternative credit score consideration by the GSEs is a win-win: it opens up the market to those looking to buy a home in a responsible manner and fosters healthy competition in the credit scoring field. That's why there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for such a move. We encourage the FHFA to move forward without further delay.\"\r\n\r\nLast year, Reps. Royce and Sewell introduced\u00a0H.R. 4211, the Credit Score Competition Act, which enables Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider credit scoring models they currently don't evaluate when making mortgage purchasing decisions. The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled \"Examining Legislative Proposals to Address Consumer Access to Mainstream Banking Services\" during which\u00a0witnesses testified\u00a0on the benefits of enacting such a policy change.The 2017 Scorecard states that the FHFA expects the GSEs to: \"Conclude assessment of updated credit score models for underwriting, pricing, and investor disclosures, and, as appropriate, plan for implementation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-s-veterans-education-bill-signed-law", "Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Signed into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, December 16th, the President signed H.R. 6416 into law, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges.\n\n\"Our veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"Community colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased the President signed this bill into law to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions.\"\n\n\"We are pleased that the members of Congress made access to education for student veterans a priority,\" said Virginia Blumenthal, Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Board President. \"Current and former members of the RCCD board have supported this bill and we are pleased that Congressman Calvert and members of congress passed it. Our colleges served more than 1,740 student veterans in 2015-16, all of whom will benefit from an improved process.\"\n\nH.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as RCCD. Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions.\n\n\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=82", "Sacramento Leaders Announce Coalition to Bring Autonomous Vehicle Testing to City", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Doris Matsui", "M001163", "matsui.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Declare Sacramento a demonstration city for innovative technology \rSacramento, Calif - Today Sacramento leaders announced a new coalition with a mission of bringing autonomous vehicle testing to the city. The coalition is inviting all autonomous vehicle manufacturers and the industries that support them to use Sacramento as its open-source platform for level 5 autonomous vehicles.\r \rSacramento is ready to be a testbed for innovation. Fully driverless cars may have seemed more like science fiction than reality just a few years ago, but today, Sacramento is ready to become a trailblazer in deploying and testing this transformative technology, said Congresswoman Matsui. The partnership we are announcing today lays the groundwork for Sacramento's leadership in transportation solutions of the future. We have a unique opportunity to collaborate with the private sector to spur innovation and expand mobility for everyone.\r \rTwo days ago, I stood at the California Railroad Museum and declared that we will make Sacramento an industry center for renewable energy, alternative fuels, and electric and autonomous vehicles, said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. Today, Sacramento's elected officials from every level of government are standing here to prove our commitment to making Sacramento a demonstration city for exciting new technologies like driverless vehicles.\r \rA level 5 platform would be the first of its kind in the nation and would do more than just bring autonomous vehicles, or those who support that industry, to Sacramento. The effort stands poised to transform Sacramento into the easiest California city in which to do business, when coupled with the City's recently approved $10 million Innovation and Growth Fund.\r\"I will work to make sure the state is a good partner by facilitating the implementations of new technologies that will launch Sacramento forward,\" said Dr. Richard Pan. This is exactly what Sacramento 3.0 is about.\r \rAs a city with a history built on transportation via the Pony Express, the transcontinental railroad and the region's waterways, an open-source designation for autonomous vehicles would pay homage to the city's legacy of innovation and pioneering spirit.\r \rTogether, we're committed to making Sacramento the autonomous vehicle capital. Collaborative partnerships like this will drive innovation and enhance the lives of many, said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadiv.\r \rFor Sacramento to become the transportation leader it once was we need to bring together the top minds and experience in the field of autonomous vehicles. We want to invite these leaders to form a consortium to outline the goals, timeline, and build a project plan to support a directive of this magnitude including identification of key stakeholders, leaders, collaborators, supporters, and partners. Interested parties can learn more at: SacAV.org.\r \r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-warns-uc-president-on-illegal-immigrant-policy", "Rohrabacher Warns UC President on Illegal Immigrant Policy", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Dana Rohrabacher", "R000409", "rohrabacher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Rep. Dana Rohrabacher today warned University of California president Janet Napolitano that continuing to accommodate illegal immigrants in the state university system could lead to a cut in federal research funds.\nIn a letter to Napolitano, the California Republican cited her Nov. 30 statement pertaining to \u201cUndocumented Members of the UC Community,\u201d in which she affirmed that the system admits students \u201cwithout regard to immigration status.\u201d\u00a0 In his letter, Rohrabacher wrote: \u201cYour commitment to spending scarce resources to finance people illegally present in the United States is unacceptable and a flagrant misuse of taxpayer money. This is an insult to Americans and legal immigrants who pay your salary.\u201d\nThe lawmaker noted that the newly elected Congress will adversely view those who harbor \u201cpeople illegally present in our country\u201d when allocating federal funds.\n\u201cIt may be prudent for you to consider that approximately 50% of the University of California\u2019s research funding is supported by federal taxpayers\u2019 dollars before pledging non-compliance with federal law,\u201d he said. The letter appears below.\nThe full text of the letter may be viewed here.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 # # #\nContact: Kenneth Grubbs, 202-225-2415", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-praises-enactment-consumer-review-fairness-act-based-his", "Swalwell Praises Enactment of Consumer Review Fairness Act, Based on His Earlier Bill", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) on Thursday praised President Obama's signing of the Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016, to prevent companies from intimidating or silencing honest critics online.\n\nThis bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) and Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (MA-04), was based on another that Swalwell first introduced in September 2014 to prevent retribution for online reviews.\n\n\"I'm grateful that our bipartisan cooperation has brought stronger protections for American consumers,\" Swalwell said. \"Internet shoppers often rely on others' reviews when making purchasing decisions, but that works only if consumers have access to all information including both positive and negative reviews. Companies can't be allowed to bully customers who offer negative but honest assessments of products or services.\"\n\nThis new law was based on Rep. Swalwell's H.R. 5499, the Consumer Review Freedom Act of 2014 \u2013 a narrow bill designed to outlaw non-disparagement clauses and empower the government to stop companies from using them while maintaining the ability of businesses to sue for traditional defamation. He and Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-49) introduced a bipartisan version, H.R. 2110, in April 2015; they became original cosponsors of this bill, H.R. 5111, in April 2016.\n\nThe Consumer Review Fairness Act voids any non-disparagement clauses in consumer contracts if they restrict consumers from publicly reviewing products or businesses in a negative manner and authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to take action against businesses that insert such provisions into their contracts. It also ensures companies still can pursue legal action against individuals who post false, defamatory reviews.\n\nThe House approved H.R. 5111 by voice vote on Sept. 12; the Senate passed it by unanimous consent on Nov. 28.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torrescarter-federal-law-enforcement-training-bill-heads-presidents-desk", "Torres/Carter Federal Law Enforcement Training Bill Heads to President's Desk", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Norma J. Torres", "T000474", "torres.house.gov", "torres", "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "ONTARIO, CA \u2013 Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) praised the Senate's passage of H.R 3842, a bill introduced by Torres and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) which makes improvements to and permanently establishes the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). FLETC provides quality, cost-effective training to more than 70,000 law enforcement officers across a variety of agencies each year at seven locations around the country.\n\n\"As we have seen time and again, our local law enforcement is the first line of defense in the fight against terror and coordination between all levels of law enforcement is vital when responding to a crisis,\" said Torres. \"If our nation is to address the threat of future attacks, we must ensure that law enforcement personnel throughout the nation not only have the tools they need but also the training to effectively address the diverse terrorism landscape.\"\n\nFLETC was first established in 1975, and training is carried out by a group of experienced instructors who use modern facilities and standardized course content at locations in Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, and South Carolina. FLETC also has a unique partnership with the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center at the Port of Los Angeles where they help ensure local law enforcement get the training they need to protect America's critical ports and waterways. This is particularly significant at a port that accounts for more than 40 percent of the goods that enter the United States.\n\n\"With many of the goods that arrive at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles coming through my district before being distributed throughout the rest of the country, maritime security is one of my top priorities and must be a critical piece of our national homeland security mission,\" continued Torres. \"I commend my Senate colleagues for passing this important piece of legislation and look forward to the President signing it into law.\"\n\nH.R. 3842 passed the House of Representatives on December 8, 2015 by a vote of 420 to 2. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent on December 10, 2016, making minor technical changes which required the bill be sent back to the House for approval. The House passed the Senate amended version on December 13, 2016. The bill now heads to the President for his signature.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-waters-gsa-us-not-trump-subsidiary-terminate-lease-0", "Rep. Waters to GSA: The U.S. is not a Trump Subsidiary, Terminate the Lease", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Maxine Waters", "W000187", "waters.house.gov", "waters", "https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, sent a letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Denise Turner Roth urging the GSA to prepare to terminate President-elect Trump's lease agreement to operate the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. The text of the letter is as follows:\n\nThe Honorable Denise Turner Roth\n\nU.S. General Services Administration\n\n301 7th Street SW\n\nWashington, DC 20414\n\nDecember 15, 2016\n\nDear Administrator Roth:\n\nOn December 5th, I wrote to you expressing concerns with the United States General Services Administration's (GSA) current lease agreement with the Trump Organization for commercial use of the Old Post Office Building, the current site of the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC.\n\nAs you know, the current lease prohibits elected officials from signing on as parties and sharing in any profits. In light of President-elect Trump's continued failure to announce a detailed plan to divest, sell, and transfer his assets into a qualified blind trust \u2013 and not simply transfer operational control to his children \u2013 the GSA, under its current leadership, must immediately notify Congress and President-elect Trump of its intent to terminate the lease, absent any viable proposal to cure the looming breach of its terms before President-elect Trump is sworn into office to formally become the next President on January 20, 2017. The potential conflicts of interest stemming from the current lease will compound significantly after the presidential inauguration. Inaction by GSA now will result in President Trump having the unprecedented authority to appoint a new GSA Administrator and potentially exert improper influence in pursuit of a new lease that allows him to remain associated with the Trump International Hotel in DC while he is serving in office.\n\nAs I stated previously, I do not believe that President-elect Trump's mere separation from his business operations would fix the potential conflicts of interest presented by the existing lease, since it is the Trump namesake that is branded and sold around the world \u2013 a brand that has likely grown in value and profitability since the election. My position appears to be shared by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). In a December 12th letter to the Senate, OGE Director Walter M. Shaub, Jr. underscored that, \"[t]ransferring operational control of a company to one's children would not constitute the establishment of a qualified blind trust, nor would it eliminate conflicts of interest\" under federal statutes governing conflicts of interest.\n\nBecause President-elect Trump seems unlikely to take the necessary steps to avoid any conflicts of interest, I believe that the GSA under your leadership and the Obama Administration must address the upcoming breach of the agreement immediately and structure a plan that mitigates the potential damage and job losses that may result from an unstructured termination of the lease. At the very least, the GSA, in consultation with the OGE, must issue forward-guidance to the incoming Trump Administration detailing how it can maintain the highest standard of ethics. Despite what he believes, the President-elect cannot effectively be both President and a business tycoon. The President should be solely focused on serving the interests of the American people, not on expanding his dynasty. If he continues down this path, every action his Administration takes will be subject to scrutiny and question.\n\nIn addition to the actions you undertake in the short term to address the potential conflicts of interest raised by the current lease, it is my intent to introduce legislation in the next Congress to codify the prohibition in the lease to ensure that no elected official at any level of government can enter into or remain on a lease for profit and commercial use of land or property owned by the federal government. The United States government is not a subsidiary of the Trump Organization, and a clear message should be sent by the GSA in the short term and by Congress next year to protect the integrity of this country and of the Office of the President.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://eshoo.house.gov/news-stories/press-releases/eshoo-smith-international-religious-freedom-legislation-sent-to-president/", "Eshoo, Smith International Religious Freedom Legislation Sent to President", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Anna Eshoo", "E000215", "eshoo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Eshoo, Smith International Religious Freedom Legislation Sent to President \r\n                    December 14th, 2016\r\n                        \r\n                        WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D- CA), Co-Chair of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, issued the following statement after legislation she co-authored with Rep. Chris Smith (R- NJ) was sent to the President for his signature. The bipartisan Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 1150) will expand the International Religious Freedom Act sponsored by former Rep. Frank Wolf in 1998 to better address escalating religious persecution globally and give the Administration and the U.S. State Department new resources to improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally.\n\u201cAs the daughter\u00a0of\u00a0Christians who fled persecution in the Middle East,\u201d Eshoo said,\u00a0\u201cthe importance\u00a0of\u00a0religious\u00a0freedom\u00a0is interwoven in the history\u00a0of\u00a0my family as it is in the history\u00a0of\u00a0the United States. The\u00a0freedom\u00a0of\u00a0religion\u00a0embodied in the First Amendment is one\u00a0of\u00a0the most important and foundational rights in our country and it is what makes our nation a shining beacon\u00a0of\u00a0freedom\u00a0and tolerance for the entire world.\n\u201cIt is also in the U.S. national security interest that the value\u00a0of\u00a0freedom\u00a0of\u00a0religion be extended to all citizens of the world. Through the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, the U.S. government will receive new resources to help improve our religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally.\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to honor my former colleague Congressman Frank Wolf with our legislation. Through his tireless efforts, religious freedom is now being taken seriously as a foreign policy issue.\u201d\nThe bill:\n \nStrengthens the Special Advisor for religious freedom at the National Security Council\nRequires international religious freedom training for all Foreign Service Officers\nRequires that the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom report directly to the Secretary of State\nElevates the position of the ambassador within the federal government\nCreates a comprehensive religious prisoners list\u2014persons who are detained, imprisoned, tortured and subject to forced renunciation of faith\nCreates a \u201cDesignated Persons List\u201d for individuals who commit egregious violations of religious freedom\nCreates an \u201cEntity of Particular Concern\u201d designation for non-state actors like terrorist groups\nRequires more frequent presidential actions to counter severe religious freedom violations globally\nCreates a \u201cSpecial Watch List\u201d\u2014two tier system at State (CPC countries/Special Watch List)\nSets congressional expectations for staffing of the International Religious Freedom office and expansion of Religious Freedom Program grants\n \nRepresentative Eshoo is the Co-Chair of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus and together with former Congressman Frank Wolf, founded the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus in 2008.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-urges-bipartisan-congressional-investigation-into-russian", "Rep. Huffman Urges Bipartisan Congressional Investigation Into Russian Interference in Presidential Election", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jared Huffman", "H001068", "huffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today urged Chairman Jason Chaffetz of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to launch a bipartisan investigation into any interference by Russia in the 2016 presidential election.\nIn calling for action, Rep. Huffman joins Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, who wrote earlier this week to Chairman Jason Chaffetz of the Oversight Committee, requesting that he conduct a bipartisan investigation into Russia\u2019s role in interfering with and influencing in the recent presidential election.\nRep. Cummings\u2019 request follows Senator Graham\u2019s request for a similar investigation in the United States Senate.\nThe full text of the Rep. Cummings\u2019 letter can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398225", "Royce Announces CA-39 Congressional Award Winners", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) announced this year's winners from California's 39th Congressional District of the\u00a0Congressional Award, the highest honor Congress bestows upon young Americans. This Congressional recognition is reserved for students who have completed up to 100 hours in the areas of public service, physical fitness, and personal development.A full list of winners can be viewed here.\u201cThe Congressional Award Program not only encourages public service, it fosters a sense of civic duty and good citizenship,\" said Rep. Royce. \"Congressional Award winners often go on to become leaders in our community, and it's an honor to recognize these young people for their accomplishments.\"Established by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor young participants who have set, and achieved, personal goals driving service and individual development across the nation. There are no minimum grade point average requirements and the program accommodates youth with special needs and disabilities. In pursuit of the Congressional Award, over 49,000 students have performed more than 3.5 million volunteer hours.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\nThe CA-39 winners of the Award were\u00a0presented with a Congressional Award certificate and medal by Rep. Royce\u00a0during a reception he hosted in his Brea office.Additional details on the Congressional Award Program are available at http://congressionalaward.org and on Rep. Royce's website here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-reflects-on-the-fourth-anniversary-of-the-shooting-at-sandy", "Rep. Peters Reflects on the Fourth Anniversary of the Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement reflecting on the fourth anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and his advocacy for commonsense gun safety laws:\n\u201cToday I think about the lives that were tragically cut short four years ago \u2013six educators who should still be alive and doing their important work and twenty children who should be in the fifth grade learning math and history and playing team sports. They should be middle schoolers, not memories, and as a parent of two grown children that will always be heartbreaking.\n\u201cI was elected to Congress just weeks before Sandy Hook, and the memory of that day is still what drives me to fight for the action to reduce gun violence that the American people want and deserve.\n\u201cNext year, I will continue working in Congress to strengthen background checks and defend against attempts to undermine California\u2019s strong gun safety laws that help keep our law enforcement safe and allow our children to live the long, healthy lives they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-agency-issues-natural-gas-", "Federal Agency Issues Natural Gas Storage Safety Regulations", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Brad Sherman", "S000344", "sherman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sherman Oaks, CA \u2013 Following through on a promise made by President Barack Obama to Congressman Brad Sherman last January, PHMSA, the relevant federal agency, issued a proposed Interim Final Regulation which will become binding on the industry before January 20, 2017.\u00a0\nCongressman Sherman, who lives in Porter Ranch, about as close as anyone to the site of the world\u2019s largest natural gas leak said:\n \n\t\u201cNever again should any community in America face what we faced in Porter Ranch.\n\t\u201cThis proposed regulation is a major step forward in preventing future massive leaks from underground natural gas storage facilities.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t partisan, and the Trump Administration should enforce this regulation vigorously.\u00a0 The regulation is based on the recommendations of the American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas industry group that usually sides with Republicans on regulatory issues.[1]\n\t\u201cFor the first time, natural gas storage facilities will be subject to federal standards and inspections.\u00a0 Also, for the first time, violators will be subject to federal civil and criminal penalties, and possible shut-down.\u00a0 The Porter Ranch leak, which spanned from October 23, 2015 to February 18, 2016, showed that leaks at natural gas storage facilities could pose a health risk for tens of thousands of local residents while emitting nearly 5.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas which predominantly consists of methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times as potent as carbon dioxide.\n\t\u201cPHMSA has stated that this regulation is a \u201cfirst step\u201d and will be followed by additional regulations.\u00a0 Future regulations should: (1) require that natural gas is injected and withdrawn only through the interior tubing, not through the casing; (2) require surface and sub-surface shut-off valves; and (3) require that no region of the country is dependent on a single too-big-to-fail style natural gas storage facility.\u201d\n \nSee the complete regulation here.\nSee PHMSA press release here.\n________________________________________________________________________\nBackground\nFrom October 23, 2015 to February 18, 2016, the northern Los Angeles community of Porter Ranch suffered from the largest methane gas leak in world history.\u00a0 More than 7,000 families were displaced from their homes and forced to relocate. Two schools in the area were closed for the duration of the school year.\nUsing the Tubing, Not Casing\nRather than allowing natural gas to travel through both the interior and exterior casing of pipelines where a single corrosion or crack can lead to a leak, there should be stronger standards for well construction. \u00a0PHMSA should require that tubing be used for all injections and removal of natural gas. \u00a0This means that natural gas would only be permitted to travel through the interior casing of pipelines, creating a double barrier system.\nSafety Shut-Off Valves\nThe leaking well, known as SS25, was drilled in the early 1950s and was not subject to sophisticated testing thereafter. \u00a0In the 1950s, the well had a subsurface safety valve, which was removed in 1979 and never replaced.\u00a0 PHMSA should require both a deep sub-surface positive pressure safety valve and a surface safety valve on every well.\nA sub-surface safety valve is needed because a rupture in the tube or casing somewhere along the length of the well may not allow it to be shut off by a valve located at the surface of the well. \u00a0Every well should also have a safety valve at the surface. \u00a0That way, if the sub-surface safety valve does not work, at least the valve could be closed at the top.\n\u00a0Too Big To Fail, Too Big To Exist\nNo one gas storage facility should be so large that its closure would adversely affect the statewide economy or cause a significant portion of the nation to be without heating, cooling, or electricity.\nNever again should the residents of Porter Ranch or any other community be told that an impaired natural gas storage facility cannot be shut down without risking the reliability of utility service to hundreds of thousands of other residents.\nWe should mandate that when any metropolitan area like Los Angeles is too reliant on one facility for all of its power, other facilities must be developed.\n-30-\n\u00a0\n\t  \n\t\t[1] Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns Used for Natural Gas Storage, July 2015; Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs, September 2015", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/federal-agency-issues-natural-gas-storage-safety-regulations", "Federal Agency Issues Natural Gas Storage Safety Regulations", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Brad Sherman", "S000344", "sherman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sherman Oaks, CA \u2013 Following through on a promise made by President Barack Obama to Congressman Brad Sherman last January, PHMSA, the relevant federal agency, issued a proposed Interim Final Regulation which will become binding on the industry before January 20, 2017.\u00a0\nCongressman Sherman, who lives in Porter Ranch, about as close as anyone to the site of the world\u2019s largest natural gas leak said:\n \n\t\u201cNever again should any community in America face what we faced in Porter Ranch.\n\t\u201cThis proposed regulation is a major step forward in preventing future massive leaks from underground natural gas storage facilities.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t partisan, and the Trump Administration should enforce this regulation vigorously.\u00a0 The regulation is based on the recommendations of the American Petroleum Institute, an oil and gas industry group that usually sides with Republicans on regulatory issues.[1]\n\t\u201cFor the first time, natural gas storage facilities will be subject to federal standards and inspections.\u00a0 Also, for the first time, violators will be subject to federal civil and criminal penalties, and possible shut-down.\u00a0 The Porter Ranch leak, which spanned from October 23, 2015 to February 18, 2016, showed that leaks at natural gas storage facilities could pose a health risk for tens of thousands of local residents while emitting nearly 5.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas which predominantly consists of methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times as potent as carbon dioxide.\n\t\u201cPHMSA has stated that this regulation is a \u201cfirst step\u201d and will be followed by additional regulations.\u00a0 Future regulations should: (1) require that natural gas is injected and withdrawn only through the interior tubing, not through the casing; (2) require surface and sub-surface shut-off valves; and (3) require that no region of the country is dependent on a single too-big-to-fail style natural gas storage facility.\u201d\n \nSee the complete regulation here.\nSee PHMSA press release here.\n________________________________________________________________________\nBackground\nFrom October 23, 2015 to February 18, 2016, the northern Los Angeles community of Porter Ranch suffered from the largest methane gas leak in world history.\u00a0 More than 7,000 families were displaced from their homes and forced to relocate. Two schools in the area were closed for the duration of the school year.\nUsing the Tubing, Not Casing\nRather than allowing natural gas to travel through both the interior and exterior casing of pipelines where a single corrosion or crack can lead to a leak, there should be stronger standards for well construction. \u00a0PHMSA should require that tubing be used for all injections and removal of natural gas. \u00a0This means that natural gas would only be permitted to travel through the interior casing of pipelines, creating a double barrier system.\nSafety Shut-Off Valves\nThe leaking well, known as SS25, was drilled in the early 1950s and was not subject to sophisticated testing thereafter. \u00a0In the 1950s, the well had a subsurface safety valve, which was removed in 1979 and never replaced.\u00a0 PHMSA should require both a deep sub-surface positive pressure safety valve and a surface safety valve on every well.\nA sub-surface safety valve is needed because a rupture in the tube or casing somewhere along the length of the well may not allow it to be shut off by a valve located at the surface of the well. \u00a0Every well should also have a safety valve at the surface. \u00a0That way, if the sub-surface safety valve does not work, at least the valve could be closed at the top.\n\u00a0Too Big To Fail, Too Big To Exist\nNo one gas storage facility should be so large that its closure would adversely affect the statewide economy or cause a significant portion of the nation to be without heating, cooling, or electricity.\nNever again should the residents of Porter Ranch or any other community be told that an impaired natural gas storage facility cannot be shut down without risking the reliability of utility service to hundreds of thousands of other residents.\nWe should mandate that when any metropolitan area like Los Angeles is too reliant on one facility for all of its power, other facilities must be developed.\n-30-\n\u00a0\n\t  \n\t\t[1] Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns Used for Natural Gas Storage, July 2015; Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs, September 2015", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2016/12/14/aguilar-hosts-profit-college-student-loan-relief-and-transfer-workshop/", "Aguilar Hosts For-Profit College Student Loan Relief and Transfer Workshop for Inland Empire Students", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "Press Releases\n\nAguilar Hosts For-Profit College Student Loan Relief and Transfer Workshop for Inland Empire Students\n\nThis week, Rep. Pete Aguilar hosted a for-profit college student loan relief and transfer workshop for students affected by for-profit college closures. The workshop, which assisted over forty students, included presentations and assistance from Rep. Aguilar\u2019s staff and officials from the U.S. Department of Education.\n\n\u201cI know firsthand how difficult it can be to afford a college education and how crushing student loan debt can feel,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, \u201cFor-profit colleges have a history of suddenly closing and leaving students without degrees or means to settle their debts. This is unacceptable. I\u2019m glad we hosted this event and that we were able to help guide students on their options for student loan relief and transfer opportunities.\u201d\n\nJose Vasquez, who attended Everest College, thanked Rep. Aguilar for hosting the event and added, \u201cIt was a helpful event, I learned about a new state program for loan borrowers.\u201d\n\nRep. Aguilar has hosted three college affordability workshops since taking office. His previous sessions focused on students affected by the closure of Everest College and for families navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process.", 1, "2026-04-08T20:00:17Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-hosts-profit-college-student-loan-relief-and-transfer-workshop", "Aguilar Hosts For-Profit College Student Loan Relief and Transfer Workshop for Inland Empire Students", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, Rep. Pete Aguilar\u00a0hosted a for-profit college student loan relief and transfer workshop for students affected by for-profit college closures. The workshop, which assisted over forty students, included presentations and assistance from Rep. Aguilar\u2019s staff and officials from the U.S. Department of Education.\n\u201cI know firsthand how difficult it can be to afford a college education and how crushing student loan debt can feel,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, \u201cFor-profit colleges have a history of suddenly closing and leaving students without degrees or means to settle their debts. This is unacceptable. I\u2019m glad we hosted this event and that we were able to help guide students on their options for student loan relief and transfer opportunities.\u201d\nJose Vasquez, who attended Everest College, thanked Rep. Aguilar for hosting the event and added, \u201cIt was a helpful event, I learned about a new state program for loan borrowers.\u201d\nRep. Aguilar has hosted three college affordability workshops since taking office. His previous sessions focused on students affected by the closure of Everest College and for families navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process.\nRep. Aguilar\u2019s college education was made possible through Pell Grants and part-time jobs. In addition to cosponsoring a number of bills to make college more affordable, Rep. Aguilar authored the Grace Period Alleviation (GPA) Act, which would help recent graduates by extending their loan repayment grace period, eliminating interest payments during the grace period for students with subsidized loans and allowing students to refinance their loans under certain circumstances. To learn more about Rep. Aguilar\u2019s commitment to making higher education more affordable, visit his website here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-welcomes-secretary-castro-to-the-east-bay-to-discuss-public-private-partnerships-to-address-housing-crisis", "Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Castro to the East Bay to Discuss Public-Private Partnerships to Address Housing Crisis", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.16\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Welcomes Secretary Castro to the East Bay to Discuss Public-Private Partnerships to Address Housing Crisis \n\t\t\tOakland, CA \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcomed the Honorable Julian Castro, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to the East Bay to participate in a tour of the Lion Creek Crossings housing complex and learn about the programs and resources readily available to its residents.\r\nFollowing the tour, Congresswoman Lee hosted a roundtable discussion with Secretary Castro, stakeholders from Uber, Google, and Facebook and housing advocates to discuss the need to preserve affordable housing and the potential for partnerships between the public and private sector to address the housing crisis in the district.\r\n\u201cNow more than ever, it is vital that we work together to establish permanent solutions to the housing crisis in the East Bay. I am pleased that Secretary Castro accepted my invitation to come back to the East Bay to meet with housing advocates and leaders in the technology industry to talk about the potential for public-private housing partnerships,\u201d said Congresswoman Lee. \u201cFederal investments are critical to addressing our housing crisis but it also imperative that the private sector supports affordable housing projects that will keep longtime residents in the neighborhoods they call home.\u201d\r\n### \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ted-lieu-statement-faa-cease-and-desist-order-regarding-santa-monica", "REP. TED LIEU STATEMENT ON FAA CEASE AND DESIST ORDER REGARDING SANTA MONICA AIRPORT", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWashington \u2013 Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration issued an interim cease and desist order to the City of Santa Monica. This order prevents the City from evicting American Flyers, Inc. and Atlantic Aviation FBO, Inc. from Santa Monica Airport. In September, Santa Monica issued Notices to Vacate to these two tenants.\n\u201cI am outraged the FAA continues to waste tax payer dollars fighting with the residents of Santa Monica over the use of the City\u2019s land. The people of Santa Monica have made clear their concerns with the airport and local elected officials have taken appropriate actions to protect the wishes and health of their citizens.\u201d \n\u201cThe FAA's cease and desist order is just the latest in a long line of unfair and heavy-handed actions the FAA has taken against the City over the airport. It is absurd the federal government is now mandating that a local government use specific private sector companies. The FAA is a public trust, not a shill for corporations.\u201d\n\u201cUnder federal law, cities may choose to use their own government to provide services. The FAA should rescind its overreaching and potentially unlawful order and instead work with the local community to better understand its needs.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-statement-nomination-rex-tillerson-secretary-state", "Congresswoman Waters\u2019 Statement on the Nomination of Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Maxine Waters", "W000187", "waters.house.gov", "waters", "https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "December 14, 2016\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, condemned President-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Rex Tillerson to be our nation\u2019s next Secretary of State. Her statement follows:\n\n\u201cA day after he publicly ridiculed the C.I.A. and its conclusions that Russia breached our recent election, President-elect Trump once again reaffirms his curious allegiance to Vladimir Putin with yet another nod to Russia in his latest nominee for Secretary of State. Putin-approved Rex Tillerson comes after the President-elect\u2019s continued denials, despite the intelligence community\u2019s conclusions and bipartisan consensus, that Russia was behind the cyberattacks on Clinton Campaign staff, the Democratic National Committee, and even the Republican National Committee; his urging Russian operatives to hack his political opponent; his repeated statements praising Putin\u2019s leadership and stature over the United States President; and the ongoing unanswered questions about his former campaign manager Paul Manafort and his multimillion dollar business deals with Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including some allegedly tied to organized crime, that is reportedly the subject of an FBI inquiry.\n\nLike the President-elect, if confirmed, Rex Tillerson would assume his position with no government experience and a myriad of conflicts of interest and financial entanglements related to his business dealings with Russia.\n\nRex Tillerson has no diplomatic experience. His entire career has been spent at Exxon and ExxonMobil (following Exxon\u2019s merger with Mobil in 1999), and his international experience is limited to negotiating oil deals for his own and his company\u2019s profits.\n\nTillerson has very close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, ties which go back to the days when Tillerson represented Exxon\u2019s interest in Russia prior to Tillerson\u2019s accession to his current position as ExxonMobil\u2019s CEO. Tillerson was awarded the Order of Friendship by Putin in 2013. This \u201cfriendship\u201d award should cause Americans to wonder whether his first priority as Secretary of State will be the national security of the United States or his personal relationship with the authoritarian leader of a nation that has nuclear weapons pointed at our country.\n\nIn 2011, Tillerson signed a multibillion dollar agreement with Russia on behalf of ExxonMobil for drilling in the Arctic. However, sanctions against Russia in response to its aggression in Ukraine brought the project to a halt in 2014. If Tillerson were to use his position as Secretary of State to reverse these sanctions, it could be immensely profitable to ExxonMobil \u2013 and possibly his personal stock in the company. Trump\u2019s refusal to close the door on lifting the sanctions aggravates these concerns.\n\nTillerson\u2019s ties to Russia are especially troublesome in light of the U.S. intelligence community\u2019s deeply disturbing conclusion that Russia interfered in the U.S. elections for the purpose of electing Donald Trump. Any foreign meddling in our democratic process is absolutely unacceptable. The incoming administration may need to make critical decisions regarding how the U.S. will respond to this intolerable interference, in order to deter Russia \u2013 as well as other potential adversaries \u2013 from attempting to interfere in our elections in the future.\n\nRevelations of Russian meddling in our elections have created a crisis of confidence in our political institutions. Trump has exacerbated this crisis by rejecting out-of-hand the conclusions of the dedicated professionals who work in the intelligence community. Trump\u2019s nomination of a designated friend of Russia to be our next Secretary of State will only serve to intensify the concerns of American voters about the protection of the electoral system enshrined in our Constitution.\n\nRex Tillerson\u2019s record of misinformation on climate change is also a reason for grave concern about his ability to be a credible and effective Secretary of State. Recent evidence indicates that Exxon deliberately misled government agencies and the American public regarding the threat posed by climate change. The New York Times reported that ExxonMobil may have known as early as the 1950\u2019s that their carbon emitting product contributes to warming the earth. Furthermore, Inside Climate News and the Los Angeles Times reported that ExxonMobil and other energy groups began a coordinated campaign of mass deception as to the truth of climate science \u2013 spreading doubt and confusion among the public and ultimately sinking climate action in Congress.\n\nRex Tillerson\u2019s apparent willingness to deceive the American people by engaging in a misinformation campaign that could have significantly increased his company\u2019s profits makes him unacceptable as a diplomatic representative of our nation.\n\nI have personal experience with the troubling way that Rex Tillerson has run his business, as a consequence of ExxonMobil\u2019s ownership of an oil refinery in the City of Torrance in my congressional district. Exxon acquired the refinery when it merged with Mobil in 1999 and continued to operate it until July 1st of this year, when ExxonMobil sold the refinery to another company. During Mr. Tillerson\u2019s tenure as CEO of ExxonMobil and operator of this refinery, the refinery had at least six known accidents and safety problems, including an incident in 2009 that caused a worker to die of second- and third-degree burns and an explosion last year, which injured four workers, registered as a magnitude 1.7 earthquake, and covered much of the surrounding community with ash.\n\nIt is hard to believe that Mr. Tillerson would be a dedicated advocate for our country\u2019s national interests when he has provided no evidence that he takes seriously the health and safety of the people who live and work in and around his company\u2019s facilities, even when those facilities are located in American communities like Torrance, California.\n\nFinally, Tillerson\u2019s close ties to Russia are especially alarming in light of Russian support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad\u2019s brutal assault on the city of Aleppo and his merciless slaughter of innocent civilians.\n\n\u201cAleppo will join the ranks of those events in world history that define modern evil, that stain our conscience decades later - Halabja, Rwanda, Srebrenica and now Aleppo,\u201d said U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power.\n\nGiven all of the domestic and international challenges facing our great country at this critical moment in history, we do not need yet another Trump Administration official with extensive entanglements in Russia and a history of pursuing corporate profits at the expense of the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/save/https:/pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-the-fourth-anniversary-of-the-shooting-in-newtown", "Pelosi Statement on the Fourth Anniversary of the Shooting in Newtown", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Saving page now...\nhttps://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-the-fourth-anniversary-of-the-shooting-in-newtown\nAs it appears live December 15, 2017 12:32:03 AM UTC\n  \n  \n    \n          \n      \n    \n      \n          \n        \n    \n  \n    \n                Press Releases\n                        \n  \n                \n    \n      \n  \n    \n      \n  \n      \n  \n  \n    \n        \n  \n  \n      \n        \n  \n  \n      \n    \n          Dec 6, 2017    \n          Press Release    \n  \n  \n      \n    \n          Dec 6, 2017    \n          Press Release    \n  \n      \n    \n          Dec 6, 2017    \n          Press Release    \n  \n      \n    \n          Dec 5, 2017    \n          Press Release    \n    \n  \n  \n  \n    \n  \n      Pages", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237", "Denham Announces 2016 Military Service Academy Nominees", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Jeffrey Denham", "D000612", "denham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today announced the 2016 service academy nominees from California\u2019s 10th congressional district. Rep. Denham nominated 25 students from cities across the district to four of the nation\u2019s prestigious military academies.\n\n\u201cOne of my greatest honors representing the Valley is nominating these young men and women to our nation\u2019s service academies,\u201d said Rep. Denham. \u201cTheir patriotism and commitment to our country\u2019s future is commendable, and I look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the years to come.\u201d\n\nStudents were nominated to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.\n\nStudents seeking attendance at one of the military academies must be nominated by a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator or the Vice President. Nominees are selected through a rigorous application and interview process and are chosen based on factors including academic achievement, leadership ability, physical aptitude, participation in extra-curricular activities and demonstration of character. Students may seek acceptance to more than one academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination to attend.\n\nAcademy students commit to serving in the military for a minimum of five years active duty upon graduation. If their nominations are accepted, students will receive notice from the individual service academies in April 2017.\n\nFor more information about the military academy nomination process, please visit https://denham.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations.\n\nThe full list of this year\u2019s nominees is below.\n\nEmmanuel Abok \u2013 Johansen High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nEmily Arroyo \u2013 The Athenian School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nChristina Aquinde \u2013 Tracy High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nAlec Austin \u2013 Nile C. Kinnick High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nDomenica Avila \u2013 Kimball High School \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nAidan Cabelera \u2013 Beyer High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nGregory Cameron \u2013 Cal Maritime Academy \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nPhilip Garcia \u2013 Tracy Joint Union High School \u2013 U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nJessica Groen \u2013 Modesto Christian High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nBrett Hanson \u2013 Turlock High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nSophia Hill \u2013 Oakdale High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nJillian Jamero \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nCody Jacobson \u2013 Turlock High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nAmanda Lial \u2013 Beyer High School \u2013 U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nNicholas Mendez \u2013 Downey High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nJaime Tellez Patino \u2013 East Union High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nHannah Presley \u2013 Tracy High School \u2013 U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nAndrew Priela-Soto \u2013 Millennium High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nRachel Purl \u2013 Central Catholic High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy\n\nBonifacio Quiambao \u2013 Las Positas College \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nKatherine Ray \u2013 Sierra High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nPrincess Smith \u2013 Patterson High School \u2013 U.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\nElijah Stugelmeyer \u2013 Ceres High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nTrevor Terpstra \u2013 Modesto Christian High School \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nKyle Whitfield \u2013 Brigham Young University \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398174", "Rep. Roybal-Allard Hails Enactment of STOP Underage Drinking Act", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Lucille Roybal-Allard", "R000486", "roybal-allard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and other leaders in the fight against underage drinking celebrated the reauthorization of her Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which has been signed into law by President Obama. \u00a0The original STOP Act, a law to address the epidemic problem of underage drinking in America, passed Congress unanimously in 2006. \u00a0The law was based on recommendations by the Institute of Medicine, and represented an unprecedented collaboration between that advocacy community and all segments of the alcohol beverage industry. \u00a0Authorization for the law expired in 2010, though the government has continued to fund the bill\u2019s programs in subsequent years. \u00a0The reauthorization of the STOP Act ensures that this funding will remain in place for five more years.\u201cThe STOP Act\u2019s reauthorization is an important victory in our nation\u2019s fight against underage drinking,\u201d said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. \u00a0\u201cTen years after the STOP Act was first passed, it is clear that the act has played a critical role in supporting federal, family, and community efforts to curb underage alcohol use. \u00a0However, while STOP has helped reduce underage drinking, our work is not yet done. \u00a0Underage alcohol consumption in the United States remains a widespread and persistent public health and safety problem, killing 4,300 youth under age 21 each year. \u00a0Reauthorizing STOP for five more years will help America continue its progress towards defeating this deadly scourge.\u201d\u201cCommunity Anti-Drug Coalitions is immensely pleased that Congress has reauthorized the STOP Act,\u201d said Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Chairman and CEO General Arthur T. Dean. \u00a0\u201cWe are deeply thankful for the leadership of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard on this issue, as well as for the momentous efforts of our partner organizations within the National Alliance to Prevent Underage Drinking who helped in this effort. \u00a0CADCA is particularly excited to see that the community-based enhancement grants have been reauthorized, because we know that these are the most cost-effective, efficient, and successful grants to prevent and reduce underage drinking. \u00a0Reauthorization of the STOP Act marks a tremendous step forward in Congress\u2019s response to tackling underage drinking, and the bill\u2019s comprehensive national response will be absolutely vital to making all of our communities safe, healthy, and drug-free.\u201d\u201cAlcohol is the most widely abused substance among adolescents, making the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act absolutely critical to protecting future generations from the negative consequences of alcohol use,\u201d said American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) President Benard P. Dreyer, MD, FAAP. \u00a0\u201cPediatricians understand the importance of prevention, and the new grant program included in the legislation to train pediatric providers in screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment will play a crucial role in effectively addressing underage drinking and other substance abuse disorders as soon as possible. \u00a0The American Academy of Pediatrics, a supporter of the STOP Act since its inception, is especially grateful to Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard for her continued dedication to protecting the nation\u2019s youth from underage drinking, and we call on Congress to dedicate sufficient funding for this important legislation.\u201dThe reauthorization of STOP includes the STOP Act Grant Program, which provides community coalitions with the funds to strengthen collaboration and coordination in their communities in order to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults. \u00a0Another important element of the act is the federal Interagency Coordinating Committee, which brings together high-level leadership from 15 federal agencies to coordinate federal efforts to prevent and reduce underage drinking, and to send Congress an annual report summarizing all federal agency activities related to this serious issue. \u00a0The STOP Act reauthorization also finances an Ad Council national media campaign directed at parents, and crucial research on the health effects of underage drinking.The STOP Act has played a substantial role in reducing underage drinking. \u00a0According to a 2015 Monitoring the Future study, lifetime alcohol use by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is at its lowest level in the study\u2019s history. \u00a0Binge drinking among 12th graders has fallen to 17.2%, down from a peak of 31.5% in 1998. \u00a0Despite this progress, youth alcohol consumption remains a widespread and persistent health problem: alcohol still ranks as the number one drug of choice for young people, and 74.9% of 10th graders and 53.6% of 8th graders say it is easy to obtain alcohol.###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398222", "California representatives want more information on government animal testing", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Federal agencies don\u2019t do enough to track and justify their use of live animals for research, several members of Congress wrote in a letter asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office to examine the issue.\r\nRep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) led the letter, which also was backed by Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey), Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) and eight other House members.\r\n\u201cWe have discovered it is impossible to determine what federal animal research programs currently entail, what they cost and if they meet federal standards because of the limited and decentralized information available publicly. Federal agencies are not currently required to publicly report their total use of animals in research, do not publish noncompliance reports and generally do not maintain searchable databases of animal research projects with information about their purpose, methods, results, and cost,\u201d the letter says.\r\nCalvert said without the reporting, it is difficult for Congress to tell whether\u00a0the research is effective and where there\u00a0may be redundancies.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m not opposed to the rare testing of animals when it\u2019s absolutely necessary,\u201d Calvert said. But, \u201cmost people in America who are asked would say, \u2018No, let\u2019s not harm animals unnecessarily if there are other methods.\u2019\u00a0\u201d\r\nThe representatives also are asking\u00a0the government oversight agency to look at which federal agencies conduct animal research and testing and how each agency informs Congress and the public about the costs, type of research and outcomes of the testing. They also want the office to look at how agencies report problems with testing and report their efforts to develop alternatives to animal testing.\r\nIn addition, representatives are asking\u00a0for data on how much money each agency spent on animal testing and how many animals were used in testing in fiscal year 2016.\r\n\u201cOne, I like animals, but two, I don\u2019t like waste,\u201d Calvert said. \u201cIn the end, this is going to save a lot of money, and obviously it\u2019s going to increase the welfare for many [animals].\u201d\r\nCalifornia\u2019s members of Congress made a similar appeal earlier this year for information on the\u00a0military\u2019s use of animals for medical training\u00a0instead of simulated human flesh.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-scott-peters-rady-children-s-hospital-san-diego-fire-department-and", "Rep. Scott Peters, Rady Childrens Hospital, San Diego Fire Department and Consumer Product Safety Commission  Raise Awareness of Toy Safety in Time for the Holidays", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Diego \u2013 Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) held a toy safety demonstration to share information and resources with parents and families during the holiday season, when toy purchases increase. Rep. Peters was joined by consumer and parent advocates, medical professionals and a city firefighter, who all presented ways to reduce risk of injury.\n\u201cAs a former environmental attorney, I know the harm toxins can cause, especially the ones found in items children touch and use every day. As a parent, I know the constant worry about whether you\u2019re doing the right thing to keep your kids safe. Especially when kids are small, you have to be constantly aware of what they can get their hands on and whether it\u2019s a choking or toxic danger,\u201d said Rep. Peters. \u201cWe can increase awareness of toy hazards and share resources to prevent injury if we engage all levels of government and our community.\u201d\nIn 2015, there were over 250,000 toy-related injuries treated by emergency rooms in the United States, while the number of toy recalls has decreased. \u00a0During the demonstration, Rep. Peters highlighted safety information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumer Product Safety Commission that can help parents prevent toy hazards that might harm young children.\n\u201cOur message is that if you think your child is in danger, call 911. There is nothing more important than our children \u2013 to keep them safe,\u201d said San Diego Fire Department Deputy Chief Douglas Perry.\n\u201cToys that violate U.S. standards or are dangerous are stopped here at the ports before they get into a store or into the hands of children,\u201d said Mark Long, a Product Safety Investigator for the U.S. Consumer Project Safety Commission. \u201cWe use state-of-the-art shipment targeting to stay proactive in preventing dangerous products from reaching store shelves.\u201d\nMary Beth Moran, Injury Prevention Program Manager at Rady Children\u2019s Hospital added, \u201cThis holiday season, we really want people to check that recall list and make sure the product you are buying has not been recalled. And if you have children of multiple ages, you want to make sure you keep their toys separate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://vargas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-juan-vargas-supports-congressional-investigation-of-russian", "Rep. Juan Vargas Supports Congressional Investigation of Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Juan Vargas", "V000130", "vargas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Diego, CA\u2014Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas issued the following statement supporting the call for a Congressional investigation into Russian Interference in the U.S. Election:\n\u201cU.S. intelligence agencies have determined that there was Russian interference in our elections, which is alarming. I fully support the efforts calling for a thorough Congressional investigation of the influence Russia may have had on our election.\u201d\n\u201cIt is in the interest of every American that our nation clearly understands any foreign interference with our democratic process. I\u2019m glad to see bipartisan support for this investigation, and I hope to see more. The American people deserve to know the truth.\u201d\nVargas represents California\u2019s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California\u2019s entire US/Mexico border.\u00a0 Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress.\u00a0 He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Committee on House Administration.\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bass.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/culver-city-crossroads-congressional-conversation-bass-answers-and-advice", "Culver City Crossroads: "Congressional Conversation with Bass  Answers and Advice"", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Karen Bass", "B001270", "bass.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cIf we fall into despair, we concede. If we lose hope, we lose it all.\u201d When Congress member Karen Bass spoke on Sunday, December 11, at Palms Middle School auditorium, she set the tone for the ongoing struggle to move the political conversation towards progress.\nThe town hall style meeting was heavily attended, and many in the crowd offered that this was the first time they had come to connect with Bass in a community setting. Bass was there to listen to her constituents, reflect on their concerns and offer what she can \u2013 and can\u2019t \u2013 do to mitigate action, to propose and pass legislation, and keep the district\u2019s priorities on the table.\n\u201cAll of us are so very stressed,\u201d she noted,\u201dwondering what is going on, what is going to happen next, what can we do\u2026I do these meetings all the time, and I\u2019m very glad that all of you are here.\u201d\nBeginning with an update on current business in Washington D.C., she told the crowd that the incoming administration had the right to negate any action taken by the current President for 60 days before leaving office, and with that in mind, Congress adjourned last Thursday, extra early, to add more time onto those 60 days. The crowd groaned with displeasure.\nBass also noted the turmoil in the leadership of the Democratic party, the challenge that Nancy Pelosi faced from Tim Ryan. and the resolution of the leadership returning to Pelosi.\nThen, she opened to questions, saying \u201cI want a sense from voters of how you want to handle this, because we still have this other dilemma of actually running the government. We still have to govern.\u201d\nTaking ten questions at a time from the floor and then responding to each, she addressed concerns as diverse as Social Security fears and Standing Rock sovereignty. Most of the people who had come to the meeting talked about the incoming presidential administration. There was a low lying sense of panic pervading the community over hate crimes, financial fears and the possible loss of legal standing for civil rights.\nPeople spoke out \u2013 \u00a0an employee of Planned Parenthood, an undocumented \u2018Dreamer\u2019 learning to make documentaries in college, a member of the United Teachers of Los Angeles, all were candid about how intimidating the election had been, and reached out to Bass for congressional support.\nWest Los Angeles College President Jim Limbaugh spoke briefly to the crowd, stating that \u201cAll of our students have been impacted by this election, and we are committed to keeping our campus safe and providing out students of color, our LGBTQ students, and all of our religious and ethnic minorities with what they need to be secure and continue their education in spite of these difficult challenges.\u201d\nLos Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz addressed the crowd in regard to local actions, and how he was taking on a redevelopment and eviction threat to a building housing the elderly. Koretz also remembered his days at Palms Middle School, and said \u201d The auditorium looks quite the same.\u201d\nWith time running out for the meeting, Bass offered to stay as long as needed to address everyone\u2019s concerns, and listen to her constituents. \u00a0Almost an hour later, she was still taking notes, reflecting with more information and advising voters to stay connected.\n\u201cYou can\u2019t just run for office on election day; we have to stay in this every day and stay focused and committed to our priorities.\u201d\nYou can see pictures from the event here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-s-statement-russian-interference-us-elections", "Congressman DeSaulniers Statement on Russian Interference in U.S. Elections", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mark DeSaulnier", "D000623", "desaulnier.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement in light of the U.S. intelligence community\u2019s conclusion that Russia interfered in U.S. elections for the purposes of affecting the outcome.\n\u201cOur election system is an integral part of what makes us the beacon of Western democracy. Any and all attempts to undermine this system is an attack on our country\u2019s values and cannot be taken lightly. I am encouraged that the investigation has received bipartisan and bicameral support and call on the President-elect to endorse the CIA\u2019s efforts as a sign of American unity against Russian intrusion.\u201d\n\u201cAdding to the alarm caused by these allegations is President-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Exxon Mobil Corp. chief Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State, who is known for having ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Senate confirmation process must fully examine these connections.\u201d\n#", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hunter.house.gov/press-release/rep-hunter-sen-johnson-write-vice-president-elect-pence-roll-back-e-cigarette", "Rep. Hunter, Sen. Johnson Write Vice President-elect Pence to Roll Back E-Cigarette Regulations", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) sent a letter Monday to Vice President-elect Mike Pence concerning the FDA\u2019s regulation of e-cigarettes.\u00a0\u00a0 \nJohnson and Hunter are raising concerns about the agency\u2019s recent e-cigarette regulation, which could create undue burdens on small businesses and possibly lead to negative unintended health consequences. The lawmakers are hopeful that, under a new administration, these harmful regulations can be repealed.\n\u201cWe are hopeful that through both executive and legislative action, burdensome regulations imposed by the Obama administration will be re-examined and undone,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u2019s\u00a0deeming regulation of e-cigarettes is an example of a burdensome rule that could eliminate an entire emerging industry.\u00a0 The FDA\u2019s rule threatens to crush the e-cigarette industry and potentially hurt the public\u2019s health by making it harder for consumers to access products that serve as an alternative to smoking.\u201d\nThe letter can be found here and below:\nDecember 12, 2016\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Mike Pence\nVice President-Elect \nPresidential Transition Office\n1800 F Street, NW\nWashington, DC 20006\n\u00a0\nDear Vice President-Elect Pence:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Congratulations to President-Elect Trump and you on your election.\u00a0 Your shared commitment to regulatory reform is an important step in unwinding years of regulatory overreach that expanded the size, scope, and cost of government.\u00a0 On November 8, the American people voiced their disapproval of the type of government that ignores the input of small business owners, consumers, and job creators.\u00a0 We are hopeful that through both executive and legislative action, burdensome regulations imposed by the Obama Administration will be re-examined and undone. \nThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) deeming regulation of e-cigarettes is an example of a burdensome rule that could eliminate an entire emerging industry.\u00a0 The FDA\u2019s rule threatens to crush the e-cigarette industry and potentially hurt the public\u2019s health by making it harder for consumers to access products that serve as an alternative to smoking.\u00a0 The FDA\u2019s regulation, which went into effect in August, requires e-cigarette manufactures to complete costly and time-consuming applications in order to get federal approval to sell e-cigarette products.\u00a0 These applications could cost e-cigarette manufacturers\u2014most of which are small businesses\u2014more than $1 million per product, according to some estimates. Many e-cigarette manufacturers cannot afford this expensive application process, and it is likely that this regulation will force most of them to shut down.\u00a0 \nThe FDA\u2019s regulation will have a negative effect on an industry that has been innovating and putting thousands of people to work for the past decade.\u00a0 Christian Berkey, the Chief Executive Officer of an e-liquid company located in Hartland, Wisconsin, is one of many innovators and job-creators whose business will be affected by this burdensome regulation.\u00a0 Mr. Berkey has told the Committee that the effect of this rule on the e-cigarette industry would be \u201ccatastrophic.\u201d If the FDA\u2019s overreach goes unchecked, then thousands of jobs and small businesses will disappear.\u00a0 \nTo reign in the regulatory overreach of the Obama Administration, it necessary to consider all appropriate executive and legislative options to ease the burdens on job creators and innovators.\u00a0 As we continue to pursue legislative options that will protect the thousands of small businesses that rely on producing and selling e-cigarettes, we respectfully urge the new Administration to consider repealing or suspending the FDA\u2019s burdensome deeming regulation over e-cigarettes.\u00a0 With the President-Elect\u2019s leadership, we are hopeful that we can protect thousands of small-business owners, employees, and consumers from the FDA\u2019s overreach.\u00a0 \nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\nSincerely, \n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nRon Johnson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Duncan Hunter\nChairman \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress\nCommittee on Homeland Security \nand Governmental Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-trumps-misguided-secretary-of-state-selection-jeopardizes-national-security", "Congresswoman Barbara Lee: \"Trump's Misguided Secretary of State Selection Jeopardizes National Security\"", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Barbara Lee: \"Trump's Misguided Secretary of State Selection Jeopardizes National Security\" \n\t\t\tOakland, CA \u2013 Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State:\r\n\"I am deeply troubled by Donald Trump's decision to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as our nation's chief diplomat. The Secretary of State represents America's interests across the globe and advocates for diplomatic solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. America's consistent international presence helps ensure peace and global stability. Donald Trump's irresponsible selection of someone with no foreign policy experience for this post is unconscionable and dangerous.\r\n\"Even more concerning are Rex Tillerson's direct connections to Russia. Tillerson has a long track record of advocating for Russian interests. ExxonMobil has billions of dollars in business partnerships with state-owned Russian companies that create clear and disqualifying conflicts of interest for this nomination. Tillerson has even received an award from Vladimir Putin himself.\r\n\"One of the greatest challenges any Secretary of State will face is addressing the crisis of climate change. Nominating the CEO of ExxonMobil for this role reinforces Donald Trump's dangerous disregard for our planet and its inhabitants.\r\n\"The United States is a diplomatic leader on the world stage. We cannot allow the president-elect to tarnish that time honored reputation in order to serve special interests, big oil and billionaires. The nomination of Rex Tillerson further confirms our greatest fears - that the president-elect remains out of touch with the needs of our nation and the gravity of our role on the global stage.\"\r\n### \n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lieu-statement-nomination-rex-tillerson-secretary-state", "CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON THE NOMINATION OF REX TILLERSON FOR SECRETARY OF STATE", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the nomination of Rex Tillerson, CEO of ExxonMobil, to serve as the next Secretary of State.\n\u201cAnother day, another disturbing cabinet choice for Donald Trump, who lost the popular vote. After ignoring intelligence reports that Russia interfered with U.S. elections, Trump has nominated someone who is more aligned with Putin than our NATO allies to be our nation's top diplomat. As Russia seeks to undermine western cohesion in Europe, Trump has tapped someone who has publicly advocated for lifting U.S. sanctions on Russia and has a financial interest in doing so.\u201d\n\u201cTo make matters worse, Trump's pick is the head of ExxonMobil, an oil company hurting from sanctions on Russia, and one that knew the dangers of climate change, but engaged in a campaign of climate disinformation to protect its own bottom line. Tillerson's deception has resulted in multiple investigations by state Attorneys General, a federal investigation by the SEC, and a shareholder lawsuit.\u201d\n\u201cThe nomination of Tillerson as our Secretary of State should trouble all those who care about American leadership and values, Republicans and Democrats alike. I call on my Senate colleagues to reject Tillerson and his behavior of misleading the American public.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-russian-hacking-2016-us-election", "REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON RUSSIAN HACKING OF 2016 U.S. ELECTION", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nWashington \u2013 Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement following U.S. intelligence professionals\u2019 conclusion that Russia interfered in U.S. elections for the purposes of affecting the outcome.\n\u201cLike so many Americans \u2013 Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike \u2013 I am profoundly disturbed that America\u2019s intelligence professionals have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.\u00a0 In the face of the dire seriousness of Russia\u2019s actions, Congress has one choice and one choice only: to act.\u201d\n\u201cAs a veteran who served on active duty and as an immigrant, the sanctity of our democracy is deeply personal to me.\u00a0 My family and I came to this country for the chance to live the American Dream.\u00a0 I chose to serve my nation in uniform to give back to America.\u00a0 Our nation\u2019s free, open and safe elections are the guarantor of the American Dream and they must be protected at all times.\u201d\n\u201cAs a result, I hope Speaker Ryan joins with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to call for a full investigation into Russia\u2019s hacking of the 2016 election.\u00a0 Congress must investigate Russia\u2019s actions, not for the sake of a political party, or a President-elect, but for the sake of each and every American proud to live in a nation forged in liberty\u2019s name \u2013 a nation whose democracy has been a shining beacon the world over.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://speier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-jackie-speier-calls-full-investigation-russian-hacking", "Congresswoman Jackie Speier Calls for Full Investigation into Russian Hacking of American Political Process", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jackie Speier", "S001175", "speier.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today issued a statement in support of a bipartisan congressional investigation into the Intelligence Community\u2019s findings that Russian hackers used cyberattacks to interfere in the American political process.\n\n\u201cThe duty of federal government is to safeguard the American people and our democracy from all attacks, including those that come in the form of cyber espionage,\u201d Rep. Speier said. \u201cThat is why I and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are fighting for a bipartisan congressional investigation into the Intelligence Community\u2019s finding that the dangerous and deceitful interference by the Russians has impacted our political process. The American people deserve a complete and full accounting of what has occurred and Congress must uphold its duty to protect our national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/acting-ranking-member-takano-statement-on-acics", "Acting Ranking Member Takano Statement on ACICS", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mark Takano", "T000472", "takano.house.gov", "takano", "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Acting Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, released the following statement after the Department of Education formally terminated its recognition of The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accreditor of more than 200 for-profit schools.\n\n\u201cI strongly support the Department of Education\u2019s decision to terminate its recognition of ACICS as a school accreditor. For many years, ACICS has enabled and exemplified the worst practices of the for-profit education industry. Its primary legacy is accrediting schools that routinely failed to meet the needs of students and prioritized aggressive marketing over providing a quality education. Today\u2019s decision by the Department of Education is a small measure of justice for the hundreds of thousands of students who lost significant time and money because they trusted that attending an ACICS-accredited school would be a bridge to a promising career.\n\n\u201cWhile this decision is warranted, it will trigger severe disruptions for more than 900,000 students, including roughly 15,000 student veterans. I strongly encourage the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use their authority to help these students complete their education. If you attend a school accredited by ACICS, please visit www.ed.gov/acics for more information.\n\n\u201cSince my first days in Congress I have been sounding alarm bells about the damage for-profit schools are doing to students, especially student veterans. While today was a step in the right direction, there is still significant work we must to do protect students from schools that demonstrate enormous interest in their money and no interest in their future. At the start of the 115th Congress, I will once again introduce the PRO Students Act and call for hearings to address this crisis in for-profit education.\"\n\nPress Contact\n\nJosh Weisz, 202-225-2305, josh.weisz@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-juan-vargas-supports-congressional-investigation-of-russian-interference-in-us-election", "Rep. Juan Vargas Supports Congressional Investigation of Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Juan Vargas", "V000130", "vargas.house.gov", "vargas", "https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "San Diego, CA\u2014Yesterday, Congressman Juan Vargas issued the following statement supporting the call for a Congressional investigation into Russian Interference in the U.S. Election:\n\n\u201cU.S. intelligence agencies have determined that there was Russian interference in our elections, which is alarming. I fully support the efforts calling for a thorough Congressional investigation of the influence Russia may have had on our election.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is in the interest of every American that our nation clearly understands any foreign interference with our democratic process. I\u2019m glad to see bipartisan support for this investigation, and I hope to see more. The American people deserve to know the truth.\u201d\n\nVargas represents California\u2019s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California\u2019s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Committee on House Administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=443", "Denham to Host Facebook Live Discussion with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Jeffrey Denham", "D000612", "denham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) will host a Facebook Live discussion on Monday, Dec. 12 at 1:05 p.m. PST (4:05 p.m. EST) with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.\n\nA link to Rep. Denham\u2019s official Facebook page is available here: https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffDenham/\n\nWHO: U.S. Representative Jeff Denham with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx\n\nWHAT: Facebook Live discussion on transportation issues affecting the 10th congressional district\n\nWHEN: Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at 1:05 p.m. PST (4:05 p.m. EST)\n\n# # #\n\nIn case you missed it live, Rep. Denham's conversation with Sec. Foxx is available to watch on Facebook and YouTube.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-introduces-one-president-at-a-time-act-to-ensure-clarity-in", "Rep. Huffman Introduces One President at a Time Act to Ensure Clarity in Foreign Policy Decisions", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jared Huffman", "H001068", "huffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- New legislation introduced by Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) would amend the Logan Act to ensure that U.S. foreign policy is conducted only by the sitting President, enshrining into law the longstanding policy that only one President serves at a time. The \u201cOne President at a Time Act\u201d would require that in the period between a Presidential election and the President-elect\u2019s inauguration into office, the President-elect cannot conduct foreign policy matters without the authorization of the United States government.\n\u201cForeign policy does not exist in a vacuum,\u201d said Rep. Huffman. \u201cNot only is it an unacceptable intrusion for a President-elect to start engaging in foreign policy matters before they are in office \u2013 let alone before they are fully briefed on complex and fragile geopolitical situations -- it is dangerous and harms America\u2019s standing in the world. That\u2019s why I am introducing the \u2018One President at a Time Act\u2019 to clarify what most of us already believe: that only the President, not the President-elect who is fresh off the campaign trail and not yet in office, has the authority to make critical foreign policy decisions that impact America\u2019s safety, economy, and global standing.\u201d\nThe \u201cOne President at a Time Act\u201d amends the Logan Act, which bars private citizens from engaging in foreign policy, to clarify that its authority extends to Presidents-elect during their transition period.\nIn 2008, President-elect Barack Obama notably steered clear of commenting on foreign policy decisions during the period between his election and inauguration, as did his predecessors Bill Clinton and George W. Bush who each recognized during the transition period that there is only one U.S. President serving at a time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-launches-brand-new-podcast-off-the-cuff-with-rep-huffman", "Rep. Huffman Launches Brand-New Podcast, Off the Cuff with Rep. Huffman", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jared Huffman", "H001068", "huffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) is launching a brand-new podcast, \u201cOff the Cuff with Rep. Huffman,\u201d which will go live on Tuesday, December 13th.\nThe first episode will feature Congressman Huffman\u2019s conversation with legendary political analyst Bill Press, the host of the syndicated radio show \u201cThe Bill Press Show,\u201d former Chairman of the California Democratic Party, former Crossfire host, and part-time Marin County resident.\n\u201cAs the Representative for California\u2019s Second District, I\u2019m launching this podcast to share with you the work I\u2019m doing on your behalf, from the North Coast all the way to Washington D.C,\u201d said Rep. Huffman.\u00a0\u201cI represent the best and the most beautiful Congressional district- from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border- and together, with productive discussions and open dialogue, we can make our community an even better place to call home. From addressing California\u2019s drought to fixing our immigration system to curbing global climate change, we\u2019ll tackle some of today\u2019s biggest challenges on this podcast.\u201d\nIn the coming episodes, Congressman Huffman will provide updates on legislation he\u2019s\u00a0working on, responses to questions from constituents, and interviews with some incredible people from around California\u2019s second congressional district\u200a\u2014\u200aand across the country.\nConstituents can submit questions for Congressman Huffman to answer on the podcast by emailing them to huffmanpodcast@gmail.com.\nEach episode will be available on his medium page: https://medium.com/@RepHuffman\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/pelosi-updates/hands-off-our-medicare", "Hands off Our Medicare", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In San Francisco alone, one in five seniors live in poverty. Like so many in our city, Americans across the country are concerned about whether the promise of a secure, healthy and dignified retirement will be there for them.Social Security and Medicare are solemn pledges that have protected generations of American families and seniors. Yet Republicans are planning to end the Medicare guarantee and make seniors pay more. The top Republican on the Social Security Subcommittee is even eying terrible cuts to Social Security.Slashing Social Security and ending Medicare are absolutely not what the American people voted for in November. Democrats will not stand by while Republicans dismantle the promise of a healthy and dignified retirement for working people in America.   \n\t\u00a0\n\t  A Date Which Will Live in Infamy   \n\tSeventy-five years ago \u2013 a \u2018date which will live in infamy\u2019 \u2013 more than 2,400 Americans were killed in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and everyday, we honor the service members and civilians we lost, we listen to the stories from survivors and pay tribute to Americans of all backgrounds who answered the call to serve, rallied to defeat tyranny, and defended freedom around the world.When President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visit the sacred ground of Pearl Harbor together later this month, the world will again witness America\u2019s leadership and resolve in strengthening global stability, peace, and security.Let us take inspiration from the achievements and powerful lessons of those who volunteered and served in our Armed Forces. And let us strive to build a stronger America and better world together. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 My office recently assisted a constituent who grew up in the United States without immigration status and is now able to work and reside in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. My constituent, who has been an outstanding student and who now works for a nonprofit organization that provides free legal assistance to underserved communities, was recently awarded a prestigious educational fellowship abroad designed for graduates who are registered under DACA. However, in order to participate in the fellowship, my constituent required travel authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Although my constituent applied promptly when she received the program documentation from the fellowship, the program date was quickly approaching, and she still had not received a decision on her application. Therefore, my staff communicated the urgency of my constituent\u2019s situation to USCIS. Shortly thereafter, her application was reviewed and approved. My constituent will now be able to participate in the educational fellowship and broaden her professional aspirations.Caseworkers in my San Francisco office work to address any problems or concerns you may have with a federal government agency. To submit a Casework Authorization Form, please visit my website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-remarks-at-newtown-vigil-to-end-gun-violence", "Pelosi Remarks at Newtown Vigil to End Gun Violence", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at the Newtown Vigil to End Gun Violence at St. Luke\u2019s Episcopal Church.\u00a0 Below are the Leader\u2019s remarks:\n\u201cGood morning, everyone.\u00a0 Thank you, Reverend Corsello for your hospitality and your inspiration to all of us.\u00a0 After listening to Clare and to Damien, it\u2019s hard to be composed.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to grasp the strength that Clare had telling us about Camilo.\u00a0\n\u201cWe heard you before \u2013 you and Damien at other events that we had.\u00a0 When we followed up on the action on the Floor of the House \u2013 it was a drumbeat across America.\u00a0 Clare inspired us \u2013 she inspired me with her words, her story, her strength.\u00a0 She turned her grief into something better for our country.\u00a0\n\u201cDamien told us that he had been on \u2018both sides of the gun.\u2019\u00a0 Do you remember that?\u00a0 He used that phrase.\u00a0 And he just had the crowd going in a way \u2013 reaching folks that needed to be reached on all of this.\u00a0 So, Damien, you\u2019re a star.\u00a0 We brag about you all the time.\u00a0 Clare, I can\u2019t even imagine the strength.\u00a0 So sad for your family \u2013 as a mother and a grandmother, I can\u2019t even \u2013 I just think, all of you, God gave you special strength.\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m here with my daughter Christine, who has been on this issue for a long time.\u00a0 This is a family affair.\n\u201cI listened to what has been said \u2013 the beautiful words of Catherine.\u00a0 She just put it all in perspective.\u00a0 And I just thought maybe I just take my comments to a little bit of a different place.\u00a0\n\u201cThat is to say: we had our Sit-In \u2013 the Speaker said, \u2018This is a political stunt on the part of Nancy Pelosi.\u2019\u00a0 John Lewis was our inspiration, and by the way, John Lewis said, \u2018That\u2019s what they said \u2013 they called it a political stunt when we walked across the bridge [in Selma].\u2019\u00a0 That didn\u2019t fly there.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t fly.\n\u201cAnd as we look at the election, 80 percent of the public supports background checks, and yet, that is not reflected in their vote.\u00a0 And we just have to be more aware of the fact that there are great forces online.\u00a0 You described them \u2013 Claire did \u2013 very well.\u00a0\n\u201cFrom watching what happened since this last election, to see how the gun lobby beyond the NRA \u2013 they too, but beyond them \u2013 how they targeted people very specifically, carving off the hunters with a different message.\u00a0 First, the Second Amendment \u2013 those folks and the rest.\u00a0 So, it\u2019s a very sophisticated, money-oriented operation.\n\u201cWhen President Kennedy was assassinated \u2013 and then later, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King \u2013 President Lyndon Johnson sent a bill to the Congress.\u00a0 This is now how many years ago?\u00a0 The 1960s \u2013 [he] sent a bill to the Congress, and he said to his supporters there, \u2018We must act swiftly because it will be 10 days or two weeks before the NRA and the gun lobby take over the Congress.\u2019\u00a0 Even then, with the assassination of a President and Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, he knew the high profile nature of that.\u00a0 And he got a bill, but it wasn\u2019t the bill that he wanted to have.\n\u201cSo now, how could be it be with twenty little children and six of their teachers are killed \u2013 that that would not be an outrage, on top of, as Catherine said, almost 90 people a day being shot in our country.\u00a0 Who are we?\u00a0\n\u201cI just want to tell you a story: over the break \u2013 the Thanksgiving break \u2013 one of my colleagues, Congressman Danny Davis, a beautiful, lovely gentleman from Chicago \u2013 his grandson \u2013 somebody went into his daughter\u2019s home, and shot, in the head, his grandson.\u00a0 Fifteen years old.\u00a0 Went into the home, shot and ran out. Fifteen years old.\u00a0\n\u201cSo I called Danny, and I said, \u2018Danny, what is possible?\u00a0 Everything is inadequate.\u2019\u00a0 He was so beautiful.\u00a0 He prayed publicly for the family of the boy who shot his grandson.\u00a0 He took on the issue, as a call to action, with what we must do to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn\u2019t have them.\u00a0 He took the opportunity to go to some of the underlying causes of the despair people are experiencing.\n\u201cWhen he came to Congress this past week, I\u2019ve never seen so much strength.\u00a0 And Clare demonstrated that strength as well.\u00a0 Javon Wilson, just 15 years old.\u00a0 What is this?\u00a0 What is it?\n\u201cAt our first Newtown anniversary vigil, I shared the Sandy Hook promise: our hearts are broken, our spirit is not.\u00a0 Today, four years after a gunman took the lives of 20 children and six educators, our hearts remain broken, but our spirits are not.\n\u201cEvery day, almost 90 people lose their lives to gun violence in America but there have been more than 200 school shootings and 1,400 mass shootings in the U.S.\u00a0 It\u2019s insanity.\u00a0 This is not a statistic; it is an outrage.\n\u201cSo what we need to do is just to do our, again, outside mobilization.\u00a0 Moms Demand Action, thank you.\u00a0 Thank you; thank you so much, Shannon Watts, for your leadership \u2013 all of you for what you do.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s a sin.\u00a0 We are gathered in church.\u00a0 And a lot of the people who vote against our interest in this issue are church going people.\u00a0 You would think there would be a recognition of the value of every life.\u00a0 And you would think that Members of Congress would understand that may it be politically risky for them to vote the right way, their political survival is insignificant compared to the survival of all of the people who died at the hands of gun violence.\n\u201cWe have the legislation, we just ask for a vote.\u00a0 Why won\u2019t they give us a vote?\u00a0 Do they fear that we will succeed?\u00a0 Background checks, No Fly, No Buy \u2013 save more lives than any other initiatives we can put forth.\n\u201cWe meet with the families all the time.\u00a0 We draw strength from their courage.\u00a0 It\u2019s very humbling not to be able to deliver on that.\u00a0 But we are not going away.\u00a0 And we\u2019ll have something this week in Washington on the 14th but again, this starts the week of observances for this.\u00a0\n\u201cJohn Lewis, such a hero, an icon in our country \u2013 so many people, so many votes, but they won\u2019t give us one to register that.\u00a0 So we cannot despair.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ve told them: \u2018We\u2019re not going away.\u00a0 We are going to disarm hate.\u2019\u00a0 It may seem inconceivable to them, but it is inevitable to us.\u00a0 And we must shorten the distance between the inconceivable and the inevitable.\u00a0 We owe it to our children to be able to have them live in place where their safety is ensured, and for their families and our communities.\u00a0\n\u201cSo I\u2019ve come here to say: \u2018Thank you,\u2019 to all of you for being such an important force in all ofthis.\u00a0 Whatever maneuvering we can do in the Congress is totally inadequate without the outside mobilization.\u00a0 The mobilization is there.\u00a0 The legislation is clear.\u00a0 The need for a vote \u2013 that is being rejected.\u00a0 They cannot think for a moment that we will relax our guard.\u00a0\n\u201cSo, God bless you all for what you do.\u00a0 Thank you for what you do.\u00a0 When we do pass a bill, hopefully it will be soon, please be assured that it would have never happened without the sacrifices you all have made to share your stories and to also be present to disarm hate.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-un-human-rights-day-0", "Pelosi Statement on UN Human Rights Day", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the 68th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948:\n\u201cEach Human Rights Day, we rededicate ourselves to the powerful challenge of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights to champion the \u2018inherent dignity\u2019 of every person. \u00a0\n\u201cHuman Rights Day calls on us to honor with our actions the common spark of humanity within everyone. \u00a0All of us can and should find a way to stand up and step forward to confront the darkness of bigotry, persecution and violence, wherever it is found.\n\u201cLet each of us recommit to the work of protecting and promoting human rights in communities in the United States and around the world.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398221", "Financial Services Members Move the Needle Forward on Housing Finance Reform", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, two bills were introduced by a bipartisan group of members on the House Financial Services Committee to lay the groundwork for housing finance reform next Congress -- H.R. 6500, the Moving Housing Forward Act, introduced by Congressmen John K. Delaney (D-MD), John Carney (D-DE), and Jim Himes (D-CT) and H.R. 6487, the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act introduced by Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI). Both proposals seek to address issues in housing finance through pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.\u201cAn all-of-the-above approach to credit risk transfers by the GSEs is critical, as we look for ways to decrease taxpayer exposure to future losses and maintain a stable housing market. Members of both sides of the aisle agree that the status quo of a housing market dominated by the federal government is unsustainable,\u201d said Congressman Royce.\u201cOwning a home has long been a key part of the American Dream. If Congress isn\u2019t ensuring access to affordable housing and a stable housing market, we are failing millions of middle class families,\u201d said Congressman Delaney. \u201cWith the current difficulty millions of Americans face getting mortgages, it\u2019s time for Congress to end the gridlock on housing finance reform and start advancing reasonable bipartisan ideas like these innovative pilot programs that will help Congress finalize larger reforms. I\u2019m proud to work with Congressman Himes and Congressman Carney on our bill and I\u2019m grateful for Congressman Royce and Congresswoman Moore\u2019s efforts to also advance housing reform. In these two bills, we advance reform efforts that combine the strengths of the private sector and public sector to keep an affordable fixed-rate thirty-year mortgage alive and preserve a government guarantee, while introducing greater fiscal responsibility and stability to the housing finance system. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties next Congress.\u201d\u201cEnsuring the stability of our housing market is crucial to our communities and our economy,\u2019 said Congressman Carney. \u201cThese bills seek to address critical issues at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and to do so in a responsible way. While I\u2019m disappointed that I won\u2019t be in Congress to continue this work, I\u2019m glad we were able to keep the ball rolling.\u201d \u201cCongress needs to make progress on issues that affect the lives of working families in tangible ways, and it is hard to think of anything that can build wealth and change lives more significantly than home ownership,\u201d said Congressman Himes. \u201cOur plan combines the best ideas and resources from the private and public sector, which is an approach that has wide support from the experts most knowledgeable in the field. This legislation can set the tone for a new way of doing business on Capitol Hill that puts the priorities of the American people first.\u201dEight years after the financial crisis housing finance reform remains unaddressed. Government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac places taxpayers at risk for future bailouts and impacts access to credit for borrowers. On average, borrowers need a FICO score that is 50 points higher than they did 15 years ago. As a leading economic driver for the United States and an important asset for middle-class savings, stability in the housing sector and adequate access to mortgages for home buyers is imperative.To address these issues, House Financial Services members have introduced two proposals that establish pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is crucial that Congress take up legislation to fix the structure of both Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) to prevent future housing crises and protect American taxpayers while also ensuring that Americans retain the dream of owning their own home. Both bills seek to test strategies and gain feedback to better inform future Congressional actions. The Moving Housing Forward Act would test a pari passu finance pricing structure for Credit Risk Transfers, while Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act expands mortgage insurance to lessen risk for the enterprises. In addition, both efforts push the regulators and GSEs to explore new and innovative means of sharing risk and advance the conversation around how to best reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These pilots provide important real-world feedback to help Congress act on comprehensive housing finance reform. The members look forward to continuing to work together to examine new structures that ensure both affordability of mortgages and fiscal responsibility.\r\nTo view bill text of the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act click here. To view bill text of Moving Housing Forward Act click here. 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