{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"CA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["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://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://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://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://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://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://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://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://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"], ["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://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://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://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://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://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://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://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-calls-for-full-investigation-into-russian-election-hacking", "Rep. Peters Calls for Full Investigation into Russian Election Hacking", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Scott Peters", "P000608", "scottpeters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement responding to reports on the CIA\u2019s analysis of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election:\n\u201cIn a world full of new and dynamic threats to our security, including cyber-attacks, we cannot afford to look at national security through a partisan lens.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s intelligence officers are patriots with tremendous skills who risk their lives to supply us with critical information \u2013 it is dangerous to ignore their warnings. Every American should be alarmed by reports of a foreign assault on our free elections and want to get to the bottom of it.\n\u201cI support a full, bipartisan congressional investigation into Russian interference in our election not to undermine or overturn the results, but to ensure that decision makers at every level and the American people understand the full extent of what happened. We must preserve confidence in our democratic process and know the extent to which these attacks may expose further vulnerabilities in our cybersecurity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bass.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bass-addresses-unprecedented-and-unacceptable-action-president", "Rep. Bass Addresses "Unprecedented and Unacceptable" Action By President Jammeh in The Gambia", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Karen Bass", "B001270", "bass.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"On the heels of what was a peaceful and successful process which resulted in the election of current President-Elect Barrow, President Jammeh, who conceded the election on December 2, 2016, now seeks to overturn the electoral process. This unprecedented and unacceptable \u00a0move by Jammeh seeks to rob ordinary Gambians of an opportunity of living in a peaceful, democratic country with a President elected by the majority of the citizens. \u00a0At this critical time, I look forward to the African Union and ECOWAS working in concert with regional leaders and the international community to address the urgent situation facing The Gambia.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-meet-one-one-constituents-kensington", "Congressman DeSaulnier to Meet One-On-One with Constituents in Kensington", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mark DeSaulnier", "D000623", "desaulnier.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Walnut Creek, CA \u2013 Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will continue his standing practice of meeting one-on-one with constituents during Mobile District Office Hours on Saturday, December 17th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kensington Community Center. Since being elected to Congress, DeSaulnier has hosted 30 Mobile District Office Hours and town hall meetings throughout Contra Costa County.\nAs our nation experiences an unprecedented transition, Congressman DeSaulnier is looking forward to meeting one-on-one with constituents and hearing first-hand about issues that impact their lives, families, and our community. Mark will be on site to share thoughts and answer questions and to assist with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, the Veteran\u2019s Administration, or other federal agencies.\n What: Congressman DeSaulnier\u2019s Mobile District Office Hours\n\tWhen: Saturday, December 17th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.\n\tWhere: Kensington Community Center\n\t59 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707\n\tDetails: First come, first served. No appointment necessary. This event is open to all residents of California\u2019s 11th Congressional District.\n   \n\tFor more information or to confirm you are a resident of the 11th Congressional District, please email CA11.RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660.\n\u00a0\n#", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/editorials/hill-acting-climate-age-pruitt", "The Hill: Acting on Climate in the Age of Pruitt", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/309694-acting-on-climate-in-the-age-of-pruitt\u200b\nNearly 55 years ago, NASA astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth, marking a wondrous scientific achievement. This week, we paid tribute to Glenn\u2019s life and were reminded of the remarkable role the United States government can and should play in advancing scientific research.\nIt is disconcerting that in the same week, President-elect Trump cemented his disdain for science by nominating Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.\nPruitt, who was elected Attorney General of Oklahoma in 2010, has spent his tenure acting as a de facto lobbyist for the oil and gas industry.\u00a0\nHe sows doubt about the undeniable reality of climate change.\u00a0 He relishes fighting environmental protections put forth by the EPA. He is currently waging a campaign against the Attorneys General investigating ExxonMobil for climate fraud.\u00a0 This is giving a fox the keys to the hen house.\nIn appointing Pruitt, Trump has doubled down on his commitment to serving the fossil fuel industry, instead of hardworking American families. Pruitt, who has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from oil companies, will not be shy about putting the needs of the fossil fuel industry ahead of the security of the environment and the health of each American. Physics and chemistry do not compromise. Americans will be forced to contend with a rising tide of extreme weather events, increasingly poisoned oceans and unbreathable air \u2013 environmental catastrophes caused by the carbon dioxide released by the unchecked burning of fossil fuels.\nPruitt\u2019s insistence that environmental protection is at odds with economic growth and job creation is false. He suggests that President Obama\u2019s Clean Power Plan is responsible for the declining coal industry but ignores the main fact that coal is hurting primarily because of the falling price of gas. Pruitt\u2019s dishonesty does nothing to create jobs or confront the devastating effects of climate change.\nIt would be wiser to accept the science of climate change and use it to advance the economy. Look no further than California. In 2006, as a state legislator, I co-authored the Global Warming Solutions Act, which mandated greenhouse gas reductions to protect the state, our nation and our planet. This bipartisan legislation was signed by a Republican governor. Much to climate skeptics\u2019 chagrin, since 2006, California has surged from the eighth to the sixth greatest economy on Earth.\nActing to combat climate change presents an opportunity to ensure that innovation in clean and sustainable energy technologies begins in the United States. Investing in solar and wind power will usher in good jobs for Americans (jobs that can\u2019t be shipped overseas), while creating a safer, healthier environment. Our government, particularly the EPA, should ensure that we are doing everything we can to address climate change.\nI worry, though, that as Trump pads his Cabinet with Pruitt and other members of \u2018team fossil fuel\u2019, America will cede its opportunity to lead the world\u2019s green energy revolution, and other countries (such as China) will fill that void.\u00a0 If the Kennedy Administration and NASA in the 1960s had the same attitude about science that Trump and Pruitt have today, John Glenn would have never had the chance to orbit the Earth; American astronauts would have never stepped foot on the Moon. Russian astronauts would have beat us to it.\nAs a Pruitt-led EPA strives to make America less again on the environment by eviscerating landmark environmental laws, enterprising states and their Attorneys General must take an outsized role in fighting harmful actions and creating sustainable policies.\u00a0 American cities must become centers of innovation for clean energy technologies and infrastructure that promote economic growth and protect the health of their citizens.\nIn the face of a Pruitt-led EPA, the role that citizens play may prove to be the most important. We\u2019ll need to take steps in our own lives to combat climate change, and demand that our government does the same. Congress should enact policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur innovation, but this will not occur until climate change-denying electeds pay a political price for their inaction.\nToday\u2019s world is much different than the one that John Glenn returned to after he orbited the majestic planet Earth. Yet, America\u2019s innovative spirit remains and we have a duty to harness that inspiration to create a greener planet for future generations. The sobering fact \u2013 a fact I fear Mr. Pruitt does not understand \u2013 is that history books will one day say that America led the way in addressing climate change and saving our planet, or there will be no history books.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-congressman-lieu-s-hill-op-ed-acting-climate-age-pruitt", "ICYMI: CONGRESSMAN LIEUS THE HILL OP-ED: ACTING ON CLIMATE IN THE AGE OF PRUITT", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nICYMI: CONGRESSMAN LIEU\u2019S THE HILL OP-ED: \u201cACTING ON CLIMATE IN THE AGE OF PRUITT\u201d\nOnline at The Hill, Mr. Lieu discusses the negative consequences of nominating Scott Pruitt,  \n\ta fierce climate change denier, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency under President-elect Trump\u2019s administration.\n\u201cPruitt, who was elected Attorney General of Oklahoma in 2010, has spent his tenure acting as a de facto lobbyist for the oil and gas industry.\u201d\n\u201cHe sows doubt about the undeniable reality of climate change.\u00a0 He relishes fighting environmental protections put forth by the EPA. He is currently waging a campaign against the Attorneys General investigating ExxonMobil for climate fraud.\u00a0 This is giving a fox the keys to the hen house.\u201d\n\u201cI worry, though, that as Trump pads his Cabinet with Pruitt and other members of \u2018team fossil fuel\u2019, America will cede its opportunity to lead the world\u2019s green energy revolution, and other countries (such as China) will fill that void.\u00a0 If the Kennedy Administration and NASA in the 1960s had the same attitude about science that Trump and Pruitt have today, John Glenn would have never had the chance to orbit the Earth; American astronauts would have never stepped foot on the Moon. Russian astronauts would have beat us to it.\u201d\n***  The Full Text of THE HILL piece can be found HERE.***", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susandavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/davis-bill-to-name-chula-vista-post-office-after-slain-officer-jonathan", "Davis Bill to Name Chula Vista Post Office after Slain Officer Jonathan De Guzman Set to Become Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Susan Davis", "D000598", "susandavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Legislation to honor fallen San Diego Police Officer Jonathan \u201cJ.D.\u201d De Guzman is on its way to the President, who is expected to sign the bill. U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) carried the legislation, which passed the Senate on Friday, through Congress to dedicate a Chula Vista post office to Officer De Guzman.\n\u201cThe memory of Officer Jonathan De Guzman will live on,\u201d said Rep. Davis. \u201cGenerations will know the sacrifice he made and that he dedicated his life to protecting and serving the San Diego community he loved. This is a tribute to him and our law enforcement officers who make the safety of San Diegans their top priority.\u201d\nOnce signed by the President, the postal facility on Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, where he lived, will be designated as the \u201cJonathan \u2018J.D.\u2019 De Guzman Post Office Building.\u201d The entire San Diego congressional delegation joined as original cosponsors of Davis\u2019s legislation.\u00a0 All of California\u2019s House members are also supporting the bill.\nA 16-year veteran, Officer De Guzman was a decorated member of the San Diego Police. As Chief Shelley Zimmerman put it, he \u201calways raised the bar\u201d and cared deeply for his community.\nBorn in the Philippines, De Guzman traveled to the United States at age twenty, with high hopes of achieving the American Dream.\nThrough hard work and perseverance, he achieved this dream as San Diego law enforcement officer, serving in many different roles within San Diego Police Department.\nTragically, on July 28, 2016, Officer De Guzman, was shot multiple times, at point blank range, and killed.\u00a0\u00a0 Prosecutors say the attack happened so quickly that he never had the opportunity to pull his service weapon.\u00a0 He was only forty-three.\nOffice De Guzman is survived by his parents, a wife and two children.\nIn September, Davis met with the De Guzman family to offer her condolences. She then introduced her bill to honor Officer De Guzman.\nA dedication ceremony at the Chula Vista post office will take place in early 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susandavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392571", "Davis Bill to Name Chula Vista Post Office after Slain Officer Jonathan De Guzman Set to Become Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Susan Davis", "D000598", "susandavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation to honor fallen San Diego Police Officer Jonathan J.D. De Guzman is on its way to the President, who is expected to sign the bill. U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (CA-53) carried the legislation, which passed the Senate on Friday, through Congress to dedicate a Chula Vista post office to Officer De Guzman.\r\rThe memory of Officer Jonathan De Guzman will live on, said Rep. Davis. Generations will know the sacrifice he made and that he dedicated his life to protecting and serving the San Diego community he loved. This is a tribute to him and our law enforcement officers who make the safety of San Diegans their top priority.\r\rOnce signed by the President, the postal facility on Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, where he lived, will be designated as the Jonathan J.D.' De Guzman Post Office Building. The entire San Diego congressional delegation joined as original cosponsors of Davis's legislation. All of California's House members are also supporting the bill.\r\rA 16-year veteran, Officer De Guzman was a decorated member of the San Diego Police. As Chief Shelley Zimmerman put it, he always raised the bar and cared deeply for his community.\r\rBorn in the Philippines, De Guzman traveled to the United States at age twenty, with high hopes of achieving the American Dream.\r\rThrough hard work and perseverance, he achieved this dream as San Diego law enforcement officer, serving in many different roles within San Diego Police Department.\r\rTragically, on July 28, 2016, Officer De Guzman, was shot multiple times, at point blank range, and killed. Prosecutors say the attack happened so quickly that he never had the opportunity to pull his service weapon. He was only forty-three.\r\rOffice De Guzman is survived by his parents, a wife and two children.\r\rIn September, Davis met with the De Guzman family to offer her condolences. She then introduced her bill to honor Officer De Guzman.\r\rA dedication ceremony at the Chula Vista post office will take place in early 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-elect-kamala-harris-announces-appointment-of-julie-chavez-rodriguez-as-california-state-director", "Senator-Elect Kamala Harris Announces Appointment of Julie Chavez Rodriguez as California State Director", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Kamala Harris", "H001075", "www.harris.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2016\n\t\t\t Senator-Elect Kamala Harris Announces Appointment of Julie Chavez Rodriguez as California State Director \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHarris Appoints Community Leader, Veteran Organizer and Champion of Immigrant Communities to Lead State Operation\r\nLOS ANGELES -- Senator-Elect Kamala Harris announced today that she has appointed Julie Chavez Rodriguez to serve as her State Director.\r\n\"I am thrilled that Julie has agreed to continue her service to our state and nation as my State Director,\" said Harris. \"Julie has been a leader in this state and across the country fighting to advance policies to help Californians. From her leadership at the Cesar Chavez Foundation to the years she has spent organizing groups and communities in support of President Obama's agenda, Julie brings an incredible depth of experience and skills that will be invaluable assets for California families. In this moment so many of our communities feel threatened and uncertain about the future, I'm proud that Julie will help me empower and protect California's families and give voice to our vulnerable communities.\"\r\nRodriguez has a long record of service to our nation, organizing communities across the state and nation to create change on the local, state and federal levels. She most recently served in the White House as Principal Deputy Director of Public Engagement, Senior Policy Advisor, and Special Assistant to President Obama. Julie oversaw White House engagement with Immigration, Muslim, AAPI, Latino, Veterans, Youth, LGBTQ, Education, Labor, and Progressive communities.\r\nShe was a leader in developing and organizing support for President Obama's immigration reform efforts and DACA. At the White House, she also worked to create momentum and support for health care initiatives, veterans' issues and increase access to affordable, quality health care. She previously served in the Department of Interior under Secretary Ken Salazar. Before serving in the Obama administration, Rodriguez served as the Director of Programs at the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. She is a graduate of UC Berkley and a daughter of the Central Valley. She grew up in a family steeped in the tradition of union organizing and civil rights leadership and is a granddaughter of Cesar E. Chavez.\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"], ["https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-attends-launch-of-bay-area-hygiene-kit-program", "Congresswoman Lee Attends Launch of Bay Area Hygiene Kit Program", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Congresswoman Lee Attends Launch of Bay Area Hygiene Kit Program \n\t\t\tOakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined SupplyBank.org, Kaiser Permanente, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and First 5 Alameda County to kick off the Bay Area's Baby Hygiene Kit Program to raise awareness about the struggle many families face to afford diapers for their children. Nearly 20,000 diapers, 60,000 baby wipes, and hundreds of \u201cdiaper backpacks\u201d and other items will be distributed to families through this vital program.\r\n\"I would like to thank SupplyBank.org and all of the partnering organizations for providing more than 60,000 diapers to families in our community who need it most.\" said Congresswoman Lee. \"Sadly, many families have to make the hard decision between basic household needs or buying diapers. That is unacceptable in the richest nation on earth.\"\r\nCongresswoman Lee is an original co-sponsor of the Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act (HR 4055), which would create grants for states to assess the diaper supply needs of low income families.\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://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lee-statement-on-senate-passage-of-resolution-honoring-victims-of-oakland-fire", "Rep. Lee Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution Honoring Victims of Oakland Fire", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Barbara Lee", "L000551", "lee.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Rep. Lee Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution Honoring Victims of Oakland Fire \n\t\t\tWashington, DC \u2013 On Saturday, December 10th, the United States Senate passed S. Res 637, a resolution honoring the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic fire in Oakland, California on December 2nd, 2016. The resolution also commended the brave first responders who worked tirelessly under difficult conditions to bring comfort to the families of the victims. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI want to thank the Senate for passing this resolution in memory of the victims of this tragic fire,\u201d said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland). \u201cMy deepest condolences and prayers remain with the victims\u2019 families and their loved ones during this anguishing time. As we begin the difficult healing process, it is gratifying to know that our city has the support of communities around the country.\u201d\r\n\"I also want to express my gratitude to California Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for championing this resolution in the Senate and working with my office, state officials and the city of Oakland to secure all necessary federal resources for recovery and rebuilding efforts,\" added Congresswoman Lee.\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://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-s-statement-reports-cia-concluded-russia-interfered-election", "Swalwell\u2019s Statement on Reports that CIA Concluded Russia Interfered in Election to Benefit President-Elect Donald Trump", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "From Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ranking Member of the CIA Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:\n\n\"The Washington Post's revelation that the CIA has concluded Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump win the presidency, rather than just to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral system, is deeply troubling and warrants further inquiry. If true, it's a direct attack aimed at helping one preferred candidate over another \u2013 and we must know exactly what happened so that we can decide how to prevent it from ever happening again.\n\n\"This only underscores the need for an independent, bipartisan commission to fully investigate foreign interference in this year's election, as I proposed Wednesday by introducing H.R. 6447, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, with Rep. Elijah Cummings. Our reaction and response must not become bogged down in partisan politics and personalities, and that requires that the investigation be conducted outside of Congress.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://eshoo.house.gov/news-stories/press-releases/eshoo-brooks-biodefense-bill-to-become-law-2/", "ESHOO, BROOKS BIODEFENSE BILL TO BECOME LAW", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Anna Eshoo", "E000215", "eshoo.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ESHOO, BROOKS BIODEFENSE BILL TO BECOME LAW \r\n                    December 9th, 2016\r\n                        \r\n                        Washington, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) and Susan Brooks (IN-05), released the following statements after the Senate passed the Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act as part of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures package.\n\u201cThe highest responsibility I have as a Member of Congress is our national security,\u201d Eshoo said. \u201cThis includes biodefense. With the passage of the Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act in H.R. 34, Congress is making a 21st century commitment to our nation\u2019s biodefense. These critical investments in medical countermeasure development and updates to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will help to ensure that the U.S. remains prepared to respond to public health medical emergencies and biological crises.\u201d\n\u201cIn our increasingly global and mobile world, biological threats like Ebola or anthrax, are a growing national security concern,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cWe need a more proactive national biodefense strategy to be better prepared to meet the challenges these kinds of threats present. The provisions from our bill, the Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act, will help us achieve this goal and ensure that we can respond effectively when the next biological threat presents itself.\u201d\nRepresentatives Eshoo and Susan Brooks introduced H.R. 3299, the Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act in the House of Representatives. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led companion legislation in the Senate. This legislation supports the development of medical countermeasures through priority review vouchers to encourage the development of drugs and vaccines. It also improves the purchase of necessary therapies and diagnostic tools by BARDA by restoring its contracting authority in order to protect the United States. Rep. Eshoo and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) created BARDA in 2006 through S.3678, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act\u00a0passed the House by a vote of 392 to 26 on November 30, 2016 and passed the Senate by a vote of 94 to 5. The bill is now on its way to the President to be signed into law.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/stand-up-for-return-of-decency-justice", "Stand Up for Return of Decency, Justice", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Julia Brownley", "B001285", "juliabrownley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Congresswoman Julia Brownley\nThe election may have passed, but I join millions of Americans across the country who stand firm in the resolve that our nation will be one that works for everyone \u2014 a stronger, inclusive America built around uplifting and empowering all of its citizens.\nLike many Americans, I was appalled by much of the hurtful and divisive rhetoric used by Donald Trump during his campaign. His demeaning of women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities and even a Gold Star family was reprehensible.\nSpeaking with many of you in Ventura County, I know many of us agree those offensive remarks do not reflect who we are as a nation. This is true for those who voted both for and against Mr. Trump.\nWe are a nation built on the values of equality, opportunity and inclusivity. Our core values did not change overnight any more than they were created overnight.\nOur country is more than just one election result. Our nation was born from an ideal to create a more perfect union that recognizes all men and women are created equal. Certainly, our path toward perfecting that ideal has never been, and never will be, a straight line. It will zig and zag, take us forward and sometimes take us backward. But as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. rightly pointed out, that path bends toward justice.\nI hope Mr. Trump will reflect on his statements during the campaign. After recognizing the awesome responsibility before him, I hope he will understand that the words of the president of the United States impact both the nation and the world.\nFor those who did not support Mr. Trump, we, too, must work to find common ground and reach out to those with whom we disagree. If we do not do our part to heal the divisiveness, it will be very hard to move our nation forward.\nFor my part, where there are areas of agreement with Mr. Trump, I\u2019ll roll up my sleeves to work with him. For instance, he has expressed an interest in improving infrastructure and in better serving our veterans. We can start by addressing these priorities right away.\nI hope Mr. Trump is serious about making real investments in critical infrastructure. We need to modernize our nation to compete in a 21st century global economy. These investments will generate jobs, spur our economy and better facilitate the safe and efficient flow of people and goods.\nWe can also cooperate by making sure every veteran receives the care and services they need, as well as benefits they have earned and deserve. That means expanding access to high-quality health care, ending veterans\u2019 homelessness and ending the epidemic of suicide. We owe this to our veterans who made our very freedoms possible.\nAnd where I disagree with President-elect Trump, I will stand resolute. I will stand up for social justice and for all Americans, so no one feels unsafe because of their race, sexual orientation or background. I will stand up for immigrants and call out those who denigrate them or devalue their contributions to our nation. And I will stand up not only for Gold Star families, but for Americans of all faiths.\nI will be a fierce advocate for women\u2019s rights, including the right to be treated with respect and the right to make their own health care choices without government coercion. I will stand up for the rights of all Americans to be paid fair wages, and for policies that allow parents to care for their children.\nAnd above all else, I will stand up for the return of decency in our political discourse, without which we cannot remain the great country that we already are.\nOur democracy only works when all Americans are engaged and make their voices heard not only on Election Day, but every single day. I hope everyone will do their part to right whatever wrongs they encounter in our society, contribute to worthy causes and \u00a0volunteer in our community.\nNow is not the time to lose faith in our deeply held values. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and do our part to bend the arc of the moral universe more quickly and resolutely toward justice.\nJulia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, is a member of Congress, representing the 26th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-review-of-election-related-hacking", "Pelosi Statement on Review of Election-Related Hacking", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the Obama Administration\u2019s decision to review the cyber-attacks on the 2016 election:\n\u201cA full review of election-related cyber-attacks is essential to protecting the integrity of our democracy \u2013 and it would be even if the outcome was different and Hillary Clinton had been elected President.\n\u201cDefending our elections from foreign meddling is more important than any political party\u2019s advantage or disadvantage.\u00a0 President-elect Trump, who openly encouraged foreign hackers to target his political opponent in the campaign, has a responsibility to the American people to confront any foreign government\u2019s efforts to undermine American democracy.\n\u201cAny Administration should be deeply troubled by Russia\u2019s attempt to tamper with our elections.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-top-social-security-republican-s-bill-to-slash-benefits", "Pelosi Statement on Top Social Security Republicans Bill to Slash Benefits", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the Republican Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of Ways and Means, Chairman Sam Johnson, introduced legislation late yesterday that would inflict deep cuts in Social Security benefits:\n\u201cApparently nothing upsets House Republicans like the idea of hard-working people getting to enjoy a secure and dignified retirement.\u00a0 While Speaker Ryan sharpens his knives for Medicare, Chairman Johnson\u2019s bill is an alarming sign that Republicans are greedily eying devastating cuts to Americans\u2019 Social Security benefits as well.\n\u201cCutting Social Security would have devastating consequences for Americans\u2019 retirement security.\u00a0 At a time when Americans are more anxious about their retirement than ever, the top Republican on the Social Security Subcommittee is rolling out legislation that cuts benefits by more than a third, raises the retirement age from 67 to 69, cuts seniors\u2019 cost of living adjustments, and targets benefits for the families of disabled and retired workers.\u00a0\n\u201cSlashing Social Security and ending Medicare are absolutely not what the American people voted for in November.\u00a0 Democrats will not stand by while Republicans dismantle the promise of a healthy and dignified retirement for working people in America.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398167", "Rep. Roybal-Allard Announces She Will Reintroduce Her Bill to Investigate 1930s Mexican Repatriation", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Lucille Roybal-Allard", "R000486", "roybal-allard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) announced that in the new Congress starting in January, she will reintroduce her bill to establish a commission to study the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930s, and recommend appropriate legislative remedies. \u00a0In the 1930s, government authorities and private sector entities undertook an aggressive program to forcibly remove individuals of Mexican ancestry from the United States, including as many as 1.2 million U.S. citizens. \u00a0The Congresswoman\u2019s current bill to create the commission, H.R. 6314, has not been considered by the House of Representatives this year.\u201cIt is long past time for us to have a complete accounting of this dark period in our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. \u00a0\u201cAs the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress, I have been proud to call for the first-ever official inquiry into the Mexican Repatriation. \u00a0The commission I have proposed in this bill will help us get the full facts about these removals, and recommend appropriate legislative actions we can take going forward. \u00a0This commission will add its voice and power to the continued efforts of advocates throughout the country to ensure the Mexican Repatriation is never forgotten and never repeated.\u201dDuring the Mexican Repatriation, men, women, and children of Mexican ancestry were removed from the U.S. in response to public pressure to curtail the employment of Mexican-Americans during the Great Depression. \u00a0Massive raids were conducted on Mexican-American communities, targeting individuals of Mexican ancestry even when they were U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. \u00a0The raids also separated these U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents from their families, and deprived them of their livelihoods and constitutional rights. \u00a0Many of the people who were removed were never able to return to the United States, the country of their birth.The commission will consist of seven members, three appointed by the President of the United States, two by the Speaker of the House (in consultation with the House Minority Leader), and two by the President pro tempore of the Senate (in consultation with the Senate Minority Leader). \u00a0The commission members will review the facts and circumstances surrounding the Repatriation removals, and the impact of these removals on these individuals, their families, and the United States\u2019 Mexican-American community. \u00a0It will also review past directives of federal, state, and local governments that required the removal of these individuals to Mexico, and any other information related to these directives. \u00a0Finally, the commission will submit to Congress a written report of its findings and recommendations.Congresswoman Roybal-Allard\u2019s bill builds upon the hard work of advocates from across the country, including the students in Leslie Hiatt\u2019s fifth-grade class at Bell Gardens Elementary. \u00a0These students successfully pushed for a California law requiring that the Mexican Repatriation be taught in schools, and are now urging a federal apology for the repatriation.###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cardenas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-c-rdenas-durbin-graham-bill-protects-dreamers-and-prevents-economic", "Rep. Crdenas: Durbin-Graham Bill Protects Dreamers and Prevents Economic Setback", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Tony C\u00e1rdenas", "C001097", "cardenas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Tony C\u00e1rdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to create a provisional protected presence that would shield DACA recipients from deportation:\n\u201cI commend Senator Durbin and Senator Graham for their work on the BRIDGE Act. I am optimistic about a plan to ensure that individuals who were brought to this country as young children, through no fault of their own, have the opportunity to remain in the United States, their home.\n\u201cAmerican economists have universally argued for years that immigrants boost opportunity for all Americans, and that immigration reform would supercharge our economy. DACA recipients are a perfect example. 9 in 10 DACA recipients over 18 have a high school education, and by some estimates ending the DACA program would cost the economy $433 billion. They are creative and entrepreneurial, and are eager to work to build up the country they love and call home.\n\u201cI am fortunate to represent many DACA recipients and families of DACA recipients in the San Fernando Valley. Their drive inspires me to continue working towards comprehensive immigration reform that will fix our precarious and dysfunctional immigration system. They are not the only ones who are worried about the potential policies of a president-elect who has been openly hostile towards immigrants in this country.\n\u201cOur best chance to keep our economy moving forward is to reform our immigration system. In the absence of Congress coming together to draft comprehensive legislation, I am encouraged that Senators Durbin and Graham have proactively offered this solution in the BRIDGE Act. I look forward to voting on this legislation when it comes to the floor of the House, and urge Republican leadership to face the economic reality, for the sake of American families, set aside political rhetoric and take a seat at the immigration reform negotiating table.\u201d\nOver the past week, Congressman C\u00e1rdenas and his colleagues have sent several letters to President Obama urging him to defend DACA by protecting DREAMers and their families, particularly their personal information; prohibit the use of DACA information for other purposes; and pardon DACA recipients.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-applauds-senate-passage-california-water-bill", "Costa Applauds Senate Passage of California Water Bill", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jim Costa", "C001059", "costa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fresno, CA \u2013 Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act with language to assist in reducing the impacts of California\u2019s drought crisis and to build additional long-term drought resiliency.\n\u201cThe passage of this legislation in both the House and Senate is significant for the entire state of California,\u201d said Rep. Jim Costa. \u201cWith the enactment of this bill, California can begin to repair its broken water system and more water will be delivered to Valley agriculture and communities. My House and Senate colleagues and the people of the Valley have fought long and hard to get this legislation passed out of both chambers. Finally, drought stricken communities, farmers, and farm workers will feel some relief. I hope the President acts swiftly and signs the legislation as soon as possible.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-local-ag-leaders-urge-senate-pass-california-water-legislation", "Costa, Local Ag Leaders Urge Senate to Pass California Water Legislation", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jim Costa", "C001059", "costa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FRESNO, CA \u2013 Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) and Valley water and agriculture leaders held a press conference to urge the United States Senate to support the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act with language to assist in reducing the impacts of California\u2019s drought crisis and to build additional long-term drought resiliency.\n\u201cThe bill is a positive step in the right direction for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and all Californians,\u201d said Congressman Jim Costa. \u201cAs we all know too well in the Valley, due to the combination of the drought and flawed policies, hundreds of thousands of acres of productive agriculture land has gone fallow and thousands of families do not have water to drink, cook, or bathe. I sincerely hope that this legislation is passed out of the Senate and that it gets signed by the President immediately.\u201d\n\u201cIf this bill is enacted, it will be the result of long tireless work by Members of Congress on both sides of Capitol Hill and both sides of the aisle,\u201d said Tom Birmingham, General Manager, Westlands Water District. \u201cThe measure overwhelming passed by the House on a vote of 360-61, represents a bi-partisan compromise that will bring interim relief to communities all over the state while we pursue long term solutions to meet the water needs of the San Joaquin Valley and the state.\u201d\n\u201cWe want to express our sincere gratitude to Rep. Costa, his staff, and his colleagues in the House and Senate who have worked tirelessly for more than three years to improve the flexibility and operations of our water system during this extreme drought,\u201d said Jason Phillips, CEO, Friant Water Authority. \u201cThe California water provisions in the WIIN Act provide important, but modest, short-term relief for the Central Valley. No matter the outcome of the forthcoming Senate vote, much work is left to be done to resolve California\u2019s most persistent water challenges, and we look forward to working with Rep. Costa, other Members, and the new Administration on this issue in 2017.\u201d\n\u201cYesterday\u2019s vote on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) was hopefully a sign of good things to come,\u201d said Ret. Congressman George Radanovich, President, California Fresh Fruit Association. \u201cFrom my time in Congress, I understand the difficulty in bringing people together, finding compromise and knowing when this is the best that can be done. Yesterday\u2019s WRDA bill is not perfect, nor will it solve the entirety of California\u2019s water issues, but it is a step forward and will help ease the pain inflicted upon many Californians during this long drought, including many of the growers that I represent.\u201d\n\u201cI would like to applaud the entire Valley delegation for their continued support in helping pass this overdue legislation, said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO, Fresno County Farm Bureau. \u201cCalifornia\u2019s broken water system needs to be addressed. For two generations, we have done very little. Thousands of productive agricultural acres in Fresno County have gone fallow as a result. This is unacceptable. Water equals jobs in our economy, and WIIN produces water.\u201d\n\u201cFor the first time in a generation, thanks to Congressman Costa and his colleagues in the House and Senate we have a real opportunity to modernize our water infrastructure and recognize science that can assist all in providing water for our environment, families, communities and farms,\u201d said Joel Nelsen, President, California Citrus Mutual.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t rely upon 1960 model cars nor wear fashions from that time thus our subjectivity surrounding legislation from that era needs to be replaced with legitimate data. Our aged infrastructure designed for a smaller California populace requires expansion.\u00a0 Our sincere thanks to all for helping take our state into the future.\u201d\n\u201cI would like to thank the Valley Congressional delegation, Congressmen Jim Costa, David Valadao, and Kevin McCarthy and Senator Dianne Feinstein for their hard work,\u201d said Steve Chedester, Executive Director, San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority. \u201cThis legislation is critical for our water supply. I look forward to working with the new Administration, rolling up our sleeves, and finding new solutions for regulatory relief.\u201d\nThe Senate is expected to vote on the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act tonight.\n###\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 2698, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "CA", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 2698, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CA&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 2698, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 2698, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 2698, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-12-09,https~3A~2F~2Fcosta~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcosta-local-ag-leaders-urge-senate-pass-california-water-legislation", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CA&year=2016&_next=2016-12-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcosta~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcosta-local-ag-leaders-urge-senate-pass-california-water-legislation&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 887.2012188658118, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}