{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"CA\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397861", "These are the 10 most effective lawmakers in the U.S. Congress", "2015-12-28", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Public approval of Congress is near historic lows. Journalists, scholars, and presidential candidates regularly express frustration with Congresss inability to get anything done. So which members of the U.S. House are skilled at overcoming gridlock and successfully making laws?Building on our existing research on legislative effectiveness in the United States Congress, we have updated our Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) to include those House members who served in the 113th Congress (2013-14). As described in our recently published book, the Legislative Effectiveness Score is constructed to measure how successful a given representative is at moving his or her own legislative agenda items (meaning, sponsored bills) through different stages of the legislative process, where each of those bills is also coded for its substantive significance. The specific formula for the LES can be found here. Drawing on these updated scores, the following tables identify the five most effective representatives from the Republican and Democratic Parties, respectively. Most Effective Republican Representatives (Name/State and District)  \r\nDave Camp (MI-4)  \r\nDarrell Issa (CA-49)  \r\nEd Royce (CA-39)  \r\nDoc Hastings (WA-4)  \r\nDon Young (AK) Most Effective Democratic Representatives (Name/State and District)  \r\nEarl Blumenauer (OR-3)  \r\nRichard Nolan (MN-8)  \r\nElijah Cummings (MD-7)  \r\nKurt Schrader (OR-5)  \r\nDerek Kilmer (WA-6) All of them except Camp and Hastings are now serving in the current 114th Congress. Our research suggests that effective lawmakers in one Congress are more likely to produce landmark laws in the next.  \r\nGiven the success of these representatives, should we be optimistic that the current Congress can tackle major issues? On the Republican side, we see that these most-effective representatives have introduced many bills (H.R.s) into the House. Despite an arguably contentious environment, they have had a good deal of success. Issa, for example, sponsored the FOIA Act (H.R. 653) and the First Responders Passport Act of 2015 (H.R. 3750), both of which were acted upon in committee (with hearings and amendments considered) and have been ordered to be reported from committee (moving toward a vote of the full House).  \r\n\r\nRoyce has seen nine of the 18 House bills that he sponsored treated substantively, with such actions as committee markups and hearings. His Global Anti-Poaching Act (H.R. 2494) passed the House and is currently being considered in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 (H.R. 2297) passed the House and also recently passed the Senate (with amendment). As he has in previous Congresses, Young continues to be a strong advocate for his home state of Alaska, the beneficiary of almost all of the more than 40 bills that he has introduced into the 114th Congress. Two of these bills, H.R. 336 and H.R. 1335, have already passed the House and have been referred to the relevant Senate committees for consideration. Several others have been the focus of various committee and subcommittee markups and hearings. Since the Democrats are in the minority, the five highly effective Democratic representatives have been less successful in moving bills forward. But even they have made headway. For example, the Tribal Coastal Resilience Act (H.R. 2719), sponsored by Kilmer, has been the subject of subcommittee hearings. More impressively, the Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2015 (H.R. 1557), sponsored by Cummings, unanimously passed the House and has been making progress in the Senate. In these bills, Congress is tackling important local, national, and international issues. Their success tells us that even in these contentious times, members of both parties can move bills forward, especially when they adopt the habits of highly effective lawmakers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hunter.house.gov/press-release/reps-hunter-kinzinger-commend-air-force-decision-miley-gate-controversy", "Reps. Hunter & Kinzinger commend Air Force decision in Miley-Gate controversy", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Hunter & Kinzinger commend Air Force decision in Miley-Gate controversy               \n                  \n      \n                                                  \n                  \n        \n        \n        \n        \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, DC--The Air Force today informed several of its instructor pilots involved in the Laughlin texting controversyreferred to as Miley-Gatethat their aeronautical orders will be immediately reinstated. U.S. Representatives Duncan Hunter (CA-50) and Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) intervened in the case, after learning that several instructor pilots were wrongfully accused and punished for illegal drug use due to suggestive personal text messages that were recovered during an unrelated investigation. It was determined, through a review process ordered by the Air Force Chief of Staff, that allegations of drug use are unsubstantiated.\nRepresentatives Hunter and Kinzinger made the following statement after their respective conversations with the Air Force Chief of Staff this morning:\nWhile its our belief that the initial action taken against the pilots by the Air Force was unjust, we have been impressed with the seriousness and speed by which these cases have been corrected. Overall, we are content with the outcome and commend the Air Force for doing the right thing. General Welsh demonstrated quality leadership and sound judgment throughout this processand we are grateful for his personal attention to these cases.  \nWe do remain concerned, however, with the parts of the military justice system that seem to permit the unjustified seizure and misrepresentation of personal text messagesand we intend to address this issue. Its important that this doesnt happen again.\nWe wish the pilots all the best in their flying careers and thank them for their service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccathy-congress-leaders-tell-administration-to-follow-the-visa-waiver", "McCarthy, Congressional Leaders Tell Administration to Follow the Visa Waiver Program Law", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on a letter sent by Congressional leaders urging the Administration to follow the new visa waiver program law in regards to Iran:\nAs I have stated before, Secretary Kerrys concerning letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif implying that the Administration could choose to exempt those who travel to and from Iran from the new visa waiver program requirements goes against Congresss express intent and the spirit of the law. \n\"The Administration was an active participant in discussions when Congress drafted the visa waiver program legislation and it knows full well that those who travel to and from Iran cannot be granted a blanket exception from the law. Several House chairmen and I sent a letter to Secretaries Kerry and Johnson underscoring the meaning of the law and Congresss concern over Secretary Kerrys letter. There is no ambiguity. The Administration should follow the law as written and agreed to.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/editorial-tax-legislation-benefits-the-economy", "Editorial: Tax legislation benefits the economy", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It is pleasing to see Congress approve federal tax legislation that gives people a break, especially those provisions which ensure taxpayers will get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.\nLate last week, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a bipartisan legislative package. The legislation makes more than 20 tax provisions permanent, prevents tax increases for millions of Americans, and provides tax relief for small businesses.\n\n\tThe tax package is especially beneficial for farmers, noted California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger, who said: This legislation will bring relief to farms and ranches in two ways. It relieves farmers, ranchers and other small business owners from tax rules that discourage investment in upgraded equipment, and it relieves us of the year-to-year uncertainty about what tax rules we live under.\n\n\n\tThe legislation was part of the $1.14 trillion government-wide spending measure to fund every Cabinet agency through next September, and a $680 billion tax package extending dozens of breaks touching all sectors of the economy, making several of them permanent and tossing the entire cost onto the deficit.\n\n\n\tThe tax portion of the bill makes permanent several tax breaks that had to be renewed each year, taking uncertainty away from farmers. It also extends the time a small business can expense immediately rather than depreciate over time.\n\n\n\tIt also ensured tax deductions for teachers who use their own money for classroom expenses.\n\n\n\tThe bill also extended the Earned Income Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.\n\n\n\tHard-working Americans deserve a break and it is the tax burden that is sending many middle class Americans below the middle class line. This legislation should not only help those Americans, but also help the nations economy.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397477", "Op-Ed: 'War on terror' comes to the Inland Empire", "2015-12-19", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Printed in The Press Enterprise\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The 9/11attacks seared many images into our collective memory. One of those unforgettable moments took place in the days after the attacks when President George W. Bush stood atop the rubble and addressed the firefighters digging through the still-smoldering debris from the World Trade Center. Through a bullhorn, President Bush told the firefighters, the country and the world, I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.\r\n\r\nTo our shock and horror, the barbaric and perverse interpretation of Islam that motivated 9/11recently manifested in the Inland Empire. Fourteen members of our community were taken from us and 22 others were injured by radical Islamic extremists. Inland Empire residents are left wondering: How did this happen, how did we get here, and how do we stop this from happening again?\r\n\r\nThe rise of ISIS coincides with the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011. That withdrawal took place despite recommendations by Pentagon officials, including former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, to keep between 10,000 and 16,000 troops in Iraq to train Iraqi soldiers and work with them on counterterrorism missions. The failure by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to successfully negotiate a Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government ultimately led to a power vacuum and an environment that invited Islamic extremists.\r\nSimilarly, President Obamas toothless approach to the ongoing civil war in Syria has exacerbated the turmoil, the fleeing of refugees and again provided Islamic extremists another vulnerable region to exploit. The growing strength of Islamic extremists goes far beyond the territories controlled by ISIS. Boko Haram continues to secure territory throughout West Africa. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is making gains in southern Yemen. Al Shabab controls territory in Somalia. Secretary Clintons reckless war in Libya, combined with President Obamas feckless lead from behind approach, and a desire to whitewash the dreadful results of both provided our enemies with the clearest signal yet that we have a jayvee team running our foreign policy.\r\nAs many experts have pointed out, the presidents claim that Islamic extremists have been contained is simply out of touch with what is really happening in the Middle East and throughout the world.\r\nIslamic extremists are united in their determination to establish the most significant caliphate since the Ottoman Empire. To establish a caliphate, Islamic extremists believe they must secure territory, which is then ruled by a caliph who is compelled to apply Shariah law to everyone who lives within its boundaries.\r\nHolding territory is critical to maintaining the caliphate Islamic extremists desire. The attacks on ISIS and other armed radical groups by Western countries threaten their ability to secure these areas, which is why the airstrikes must be increased in ferocity and tempo.\r\nPresident Obamas current strategy for defeating ISIS and other Islamic extremist organizations is failing. The attacks in Paris and in San Bernardino are the latest examples of that failure. Time and again, we have heard the president state he will not engage in another large ground war in the Middle East. Americans are smart enough to realize there are strategic options available other than a large ground war or stumbling along with the presidents failing strategy.\r\nAlong with our coalition partners, our military should enforce a no-fly zone over Syria and help establish safe zones that would allow Syrians to remain in their country. American special operations forces can and should play a larger role in the fight without having our troops lead the fight. In addition, we must work with our coalition partners to provide those fighting on the ground and our allies in the region with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, as well as appropriate weapons.\r\nThe president needs to take a stronger and more active role building our coalition and, particularly, making it clear that moderate Muslim nations must take meaningful actions to curb the growth of extremists. Countries must choose a side in this global struggle for our civilization.\r\nWe must also dry up their finances and effectively combat them in cyberspace. But make no mistake, the key to defeating ISIS is defeating ISIS on the ground until they hold no territory.\r\nThe American people, the free world and the violent Islamic extremists around the globe need to see President Obama take a forceful, aggressive approach to winning this war. We need him to be able to name our enemy  radical Islamic extremists. Its time for him to grab a bullhorn and make sure everyone hears us.\r\nKen Calvert represents Californias 42nd Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/op-edcalifornians-need-genuine-drought-solution-from-congress", "OP-ED:Californians need genuine drought solution from Congress", "2015-12-19", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Californians need genuine drought solution from Congress\nSan Diego Union Tribune\nKevin McCarthy\n12/19/15\nhttps://bit.ly/1TZNzOL\n\n\nWater policy has vexed lawmakers in Congress for years. I understand that as much as anyone. But as elected legislative leaders for Californians, we must rise to the occasion and give Californians policies that will offer genuine drought relief.\n\nThe House passed a drought relief bill in late July and urged the Senate to act. And despite the Senate not passing its own bill, California Republicans and Democrats have still been negotiating water legislation in my conference room for months.\n\nMore progress has been made this time than in years past. But with the calendar racing toward the rainy season, it is clear we are still a ways out from a long-term solution.\n\nTime is of the essence.\n\nOur neighbors have been suffering under epic drought conditions for years. So when Mother Nature presents an opportunity to ease this pain with El Nio storms, we must act.\n\nThat is why California Republicans have done everything we could to get a short-term, emergency bill signed into law before the new year that achieves the very real goal of capturing the excess water from the coming storms. And this short-term, emergency bill reflects a compromise of different priorities from our negotiations, such as promoting desalination, water reuse and recycling, and the conservation of habitats, as well as offering relief for drought-stricken communities. These are all items reasonable-minded folks, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, can agree to.\n\nThis is why the response from Sens. Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to our plan is so disappointing. For members of a chamber known as the saucer to cool the hot cup, Feinstein and Boxer have instead turned a prudent approach into a poison pill.\n\nWe know that legislative action is needed, which is why I tried to put drought relief in legislation that could pass Congress and be signed into law before the year ends. Because we need to get on with it. No more delays, no more moving the goalposts, no more prolonging the devastation in our states communities.\n\nPerhaps another four months of negotiating is needed before Sen. Feinstein and Sen. Boxer can give their blessing, although another four months would cause us to miss El Nios brief window of wetter weather.\n\nWhile I remain open to continued talks, with the legislative session ending, I believe we need to get on with it. We cannot continue to wait like years past and let partisanship once again stand in the way of progress  especially when the stakes are so high for so many.\n\nMcCarthy, R-Bakersfield, is House majority leader.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397475", "Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process \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 18, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Secure Accountability for Emigres and Refugees (SAFER) Act, H.R. 4291.The SAFER Act would add requirements to the Syrian and Iraqi refugee security vetting process.\r\n\r\nIt has become all too clear to many Americans that our security screening processes for individuals wishing to enter our country are insufficient, said Rep. Calvert. Peaceful people who wish to come to our country with good intentions have nothing to fear with these additional measures.I believe these are responsible steps we must take to protect Americans.\r\n\r\nThe SAFER Act builds upon the SAFE Act (HR 4038) which passed the House on November 19, 2015. The SAFE Act empowered our security agencies to set strict requirements for entry as refugees and halted admissions until such standards are set. The SAFER Act would define the requirements to fully vet Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they can be admitted into the United States:\r\n\r\n \r\n    All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must pass a certified polygraph examination.A polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions. It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide biometric data and have that data compared to known databases in order to validate they have no known history of terrorist activities.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide DNA samples and have those samples compared to known databases in order to validate they have no known history of terrorist activities.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    All Syrian and Iraqi refugees will be subject to a background check that includes an investigation of all online activity, including posts to social media.\r\n \r\n\r\nFor more information, clickhere and to read the bill text click here.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397476", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Fund Key Priorities", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (316 to 113) to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill funds the federal discretionary budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. Rep. Calvert serves as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.\r\n\r\nThe funding priorities the House approved today will curb the Obama administrations dangerous bureaucracy while investing in programs that are essential to American families, said Rep. Calvert. Ive worked hard to protect our economy from the regulatory overreach at the EPA and in this bill we hold the EPA staffing to its lowest level since 1989. The funding the Appropriations Committee has provided for our military, veterans and for critical infrastructure investments is a significant achievement.\r\n\r\nThe bill also lifts the 40-year-old ban on U.S. oil exports. According to studies, lifting the ban could create approximately one million jobs in the U.S. and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. \r\n\r\nLifting the oil export ban is a big win for American consumers, workers, and our economy, said Rep. Calvert. The U.S. continues to have significant resources that can help strengthen our economy and provide our allies with an alternative to their long-standing reliance on Russian or Middle Eastern energy resources. \r\n\r\nKEY PROVISIONS\r\n\r\nDefense\r\n\r\n $613.9 million for four additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. March Air Reserve Base maintains a schoolhouse for training Reaper pilots and currently maintains a fleet of six Reapers.\r\n\r\n $635 million for additional Afloat Forward Staging Base vessels, which are utilized for mine countermeasure helicopters, special operations forces and U.S. Marines. The vessels are built in San Diego, CA.\r\n\r\n $1.5 billion for additional UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard. This is a priority for the California National Guard.\r\n\r\n $27.2 million for SPS-48 Radars, which are used as the primary air search sensor for anti-aircraft warships.\r\n\r\n $72.3 million for the mid-life retrofit of UC San Diego/Scripps Auxiliary General Purpose Oceanographic Research (AGOR) vessel. The vessel is used for a variety of ocean-based research projects funded by the UC system, the U.S. military, and other partners.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issa-issues-statement-in-response-to-u-n-vote-on-syria/", "Issa Issues Statement in Response to U.N. Vote on Syria", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - In response to reports that the United Nations Security Council has passed a Resolution on the peace process for Syria, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement:\nI'm cautiously hopeful regarding the Resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council today outlining a peace process for Syria. It sets a timeline for elections to take place in 18 months, but makes no mention of whether or not Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be allowed to participate in them.\nThe transition away from Assad's rule is long past due. His ruthless, authoritarian regime has left hundreds of thousands of his own people dead in a brutal, multi-year civil war that has destabilized the region and created the conditions for ISIS to flourish.\nThe new government must protect the rights of Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, as well as provide for the safe return home of large numbers of Syrians who have sought refuge elsewhere.\nThe five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bakersfield-observed-lifting-the-ban-on-exporting-oil-allows-producers", "BAKERSFIELD OBSERVED: Lifting the ban on exporting oil allows producers to search for new markets", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Majority Lifting the ban on exporting oil allows producers to search for new markets \nBakersfield Observed\nKevin McCarthy\n12/18/15\nhttps://www.bakersfieldobserved.com/2015_12_13_archive.html\n\n\"Over forty years ago, the United States responded to an oil supply crisis driven by Iran and theMiddle East by instituting a ban on American exports of crude oil. The reasoning was simple: given the conventional wisdom that oil was a resource of limited supply, any discovery of it in the U.S. should be kept within our borders for the use and benefit of our economy. With this acknowledgment we were essentially bracing for a world without oil.\n\n\"But like so many other instances, American ingenuity rejected this belief. The advent of innovative techniques and technologies that uncovered and extracted newly found oil and gas has reshaped Americas energy future into a world leader. A game changer.\n\n\"A focal point of this influence continues to be right here in Kern County. Our ties to the black gold that powers our way of life run deep. This is why my commitment to a strong American oil and gas portfolio is steadfast. I believe that greater times of prosperity in this country can only be achieved if we have the energy to achieve it.\n\n\"So while the U.S. has flexed its energy muscle to the world (and quite impressively so) the economics have been a boon to consumers but is placing our producers and the communities they support in perilous times. Unfortunately, our community is not exempt from these conditions.\n\n\"Given the economic situation, the domestic abundance, and the reentry of Iran to global marketplace thanks to Obamas dangerous nuclear pact, the most obvious policy response was to lift the relic that is the ban on crude exports. In doing so our producers can search for new markets while offering our allies a reliable trading partner and limiting the influence the Iranian regime can impose on the world.\n\n\n\"This week, Congress successfully lifted the ban on oil exports, which the President is expected to sign into law. This decision signals to the world and our communities that Congress ready to do all that it can to support a strong energy future and stronger communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-will-vote-to-repeal-obamacare-defund-planned-parenthood", "House Will Vote to Repeal Obamacare, Defund Planned Parenthood", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  CongressmanKevin McCarthyreleased the following statement announcing a House vote on reconciliation in January:\n\nAs one of our first actions next year, the House will vote on a budget reconciliation bill sending two Republican priorities to the Presidents desk. The bill will repeal Obamacare, setting America up for a new patient-centered health care system. It will also stop taxpayer dollars from going to abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood, as we continue to investigate allegations of the horrific harvesting of childrens organs and the handling of infant lives. Obamacare is a failure, and the videos of grisly Planned Parenthood practices are a stain on our nations conscience.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-opposes-11-trillion-omnibus-spending-bill", "Rep. LaMalfa Opposes $1.1 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement regarding his vote against the $1.1 trillion spending package to fund the government through September 2016.\nWe knew going in that Speaker Ryan was working to make the best of the bad hand he was dealt when he was chosen to lead the House. However, I could not support the final product of negotiations.\nThis bill contains some very positive components. It increases pay for our troops, closes loopholes in our Visa Waiver Program so we know who is entering our country, and funds health benefits for 9/11 first responders. It accelerates approval of Sites Reservoir, completing the decades-long study of a project that Californians so clearly need. The measure also frees up millions in federal funds provided to North State transportation projects that were never built, allowing more highway and road improvements without spending new funds. \nHowever, the bill increases spending at a time when the federal debt has reached astounding levels and leaves a number of issues on the table. The administrations Waters of the United States power grab, already rejected by two federal courts, remains in place, as does the Presidents immigration plan.\nUltimately, the growing deficit and the likelihood of interest rate increases indicate that debt service will be an increasingly larger responsibility for Congress, a problem this bill makes worse.\nIn order to truly reform the government, we must look beyond the third of federal spending in this bill and address the autopilot programs that run the nation farther into the red every year. I am committed to working with the Speaker to put our nation back on sound footing by simplifying our tax code, reforming autopilot spending, and replacing Obamacare.\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/house-amendment-1-to-hr-2029-omnibus-spending-act-no", "House Amendment 1 to HR 2029  Omnibus Spending Act: NO", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Amendment 1 to HR 2029  Omnibus Spending Act: NO. This is the 2,000-plus page $1.15 trillion spending act to fund the government through September 30, 2016. A bill of this complexity always has good and bad provisions, and the question comes down to whether in balance it moves the government in the right direction.\nOn the plus side:  \n\t It stops bailouts of insurance companies required by Obamacare.  \n\t It ends the oil-export ban on American petroleum. (Although it should be noted that the president has the authority to do so on his own, and in 13 months we are likely to have a president who will anyway).  \n\t It blocks the proposed IRS rule that would formalize the harassment of Americans because of their political views.  \n\t It extends the victims compensation fund for 9/11 responders.  \n\t It provides major increases in defense spending.  \n\t It requires all travelers entering the United States who recently visited such rogue states as Syria and Iran to obtain visas, notwithstanding the Visa Waiver Program. These features have to be balanced against some decidedly negative features including:  It increases taxpayer support of the International Monetary Fund which bails out irresponsible foreign governments like Greece.  \n\t It funds a wide variety of highly objectionable Obama policies, including the EPAs Waters of the U.S. initiative that asserts EPA control over all waters in the United States; the illegal Obama executive orders on amnesty; the terrorist-friendly admission of poorly vetted Syrian refugees and support of Planned Parenthoods barbaric practices.  \n\t It QUADRUPLES the H-2B visas for foreign workers from 66,000 to 250,000, taking American jobs and depressing American wages.  \n\t It funds the administrations war on coal, making it virtually impossible for coal-generated electricity to continue.  \n\t It reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is used to increase federal land holdings.  \n\t It provides for massive increases in solar and wind tax subsidies.  \n\t It delays the Obamacare Cadillac Tax, which primarily benefits labor unions  reducing Obamacare revenues without reducing Obamacare costs and in essence shifting funding of the program from the unions to the taxpayers. But for me, the real issue involves the damage the Omnibus does to the overall spending trajectory of the federal budget. The Congressional Budget Office projects that within eight years, interest on the federal debt will exceed the entire defense budget. At that point, the ability of the federal government to meet its basic functions comes into grave doubt. Shortly thereafter, Medicare (in 2030) and then Social Security (in 2033) collapses.  In May, after many years of trying, Congress finally enacted a budget that changes that trajectory to one that balances within ten years. But instead of following through on that plan, in October Congress replaced it with one that restores the disastrous spending trajectory that will bankrupt this country within the decade. The Omnibus fulfills that bleak destiny.  It increases overall federal spending by $50 billion from the May budget in the first year alone (or about $400 for an average family). In fact, this bill puts spending perilously above the trajectory set in the budget adopted by Congress in May. It takes us that much farther down a steadily more dangerous road that leads toward a steadily darkening future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398102", "House Passes FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill\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,\r\n        December 18, 2015 | \r\n      Anna R. Vetter\r\n      ((202) 815-1685) \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and the entire House of Representatives voted on the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, legislation that will provide discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and the entire House of Representatives voted on the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, legislation that will provide discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year.\r\n\r\nThe bill includes full Appropriations legislation and funding for the twelve annual Appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2016. This level reflects the increased domestic discretionary funding provided by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. In addition, the legislation includes a myriad of important policy items to stop waste and abuse, increase transparency and accountability, and halt administrative overreach.\r\n\r\nThe package also contains emergency Global War on Terror (GWOT) and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding to conduct successful military operations and maintain a well-equipped and prepared military force. This funding will be especially useful in combatting increased threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other U.S. enemies. \r\n\r\nIn addition to the twelve Appropriations bills, the package contains additional provisions such as Visa Waiver program reforms and lifts the ban on U.S. oil exports.\r\n\r\nFollowing passage of the bill, Congressman David G. Valadao, Member of the House Committee on Appropriations made the following statement: \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Our nation faces tough challenges that require difficult decision making. However, this bill provides responsible funding for nearly all aspects of the federal government. While this agreement is not perfect, it will help grow our economy and create jobs. While a large scale spending package is not the ideal way to provide funding for the federal government, it will enable Congress to responsibly fund the government, avoiding a shutdown. It is also important to remember that this legislation is the result of hundreds of hours of work from the House Committee on Appropriations. My colleagues and I on the Committee have held more than 100 hearings and approved each individual funding bill through an open process, ensuring our constituents needs are represented.In addition to many national achievements, the bill also includes provisions that will greatly benefit the Central Valley such as more than $86 million in funding for NAS Lemoore, $1.4 billion in funding for law enforcement programs that will benefit our local law enforcement agencies, and $9 billion for Head Start programs. The bill also provides no federal funding for California High Speed Rail. \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nHighlights of the bill include: \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                Funding Level  The bill abides by all the terms set by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which was enacted on November 2. The legislation provides a total of $1.149 trillion in base and Global War on Terror (GWOT)/Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding for the operations of the federal government, meeting the $548 billion defense and $518 billion non-defense base budget caps.The bill includes $73.7 billion GWOT/OCO funding to provide needed resources and training for our troops in the field, to combat the threat of ISIL and other enemies around the world, to support U.S. allies, and to support diplomatic missions.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n                Timing  The funding included in the bill will extend to the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2016.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n                Policy Items  The legislation includes many policy items to help rein in bureaucratic and regulatory overreach, to protect the rights of Americans, and to encourage economic growth and job creation. For details of these items, please see the summaries below.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nThe Omnibus spending package passed in the U.S. house of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 316 - 113 on Friday, December 18, 2015. Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-legislation-would-enhance-refugee-vetting-process", "Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Secure Accountability for Emigres and Refugees (SAFER) Act, H.R. 4291.The SAFER Act would add requirements to the Syrian and Iraqi refugee security vetting process.\n\n\"It has become all too clear to many Americans that our security screening processes for individuals wishing to enter our country are insufficient,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"Peaceful people who wish to come to our country with good intentions have nothing to fear with these additional measures.I believe these are responsible steps we must take to protect Americans.\"\n\nThe SAFER Act builds upon the SAFE Act (HR 4038) which passed the House on November 19, 2015. The SAFE Act empowered our security agencies to set strict requirements for entry as refugees and halted admissions until such standards are set. The SAFER Act would define the requirements to fully vet Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they can be admitted into the United States:\n\n All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must pass a certified polygraph examination.A polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions. It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities.\n \n All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide biometric data and have that data compared to known databases in order to validate they have no known history of terrorist activities.\n \n All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide DNA samples and have those samples compared to known databases in order to validate they have no known history of terrorist activities.\n \n All Syrian and Iraqi refugees will be subject to a background check that includes an investigation of all online activity, including posts to social media.\n \nFor more information, clickhere and to read the bill text click here.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-fund-key-priorities", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Fund Key Priorities", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (316 to 113) to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill funds the federal discretionary budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. Rep. Calvert serves as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.\n\n\"The funding priorities the House approved today will curb the Obama administration's dangerous bureaucracy while investing in programs that are essential to American families,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"I've worked hard to protect our economy from the regulatory overreach at the EPA and in this bill we hold the EPA staffing to its lowest level since 1989. The funding the Appropriations Committee has provided for our military, veterans and for critical infrastructure investments is a significant achievement.\"\n\nThe bill also lifts the 40-year-old ban on U.S. oil exports. According to studies, lifting the ban could create approximately one million jobs in the U.S. and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. \n\n\"Lifting the oil export ban is a big win for American consumers, workers, and our economy,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"The U.S. continues to have significant resources that can help strengthen our economy and provide our allies with an alternative to their long-standing reliance on Russian or Middle Eastern energy resources.\" \n\nKEY PROVISIONS\n\nDefense\n\n $613.9 million for four additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. March Air Reserve Base maintains a schoolhouse for training Reaper pilots and currently maintains a fleet of six Reapers.\n\n $635 million for additional Afloat Forward Staging Base vessels, which are utilized for mine countermeasure helicopters, special operations forces and U.S. Marines. The vessels are built in San Diego, CA.\n\n $1.5 billion for additional UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard. This is a priority for the California National Guard.\n\n $27.2 million for SPS-48 Radars, which are used as the primary air search sensor for anti-aircraft warships.\n\n $72.3 million for the mid-life retrofit of UC San Diego/Scripps' Auxiliary General Purpose Oceanographic Research (AGOR) vessel. The vessel is used for a variety of ocean-based research projects funded by the UC system, the U.S. military, and other partners.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-one-year-spending-bill", "Rep. Mimi Walters on One-Year Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2029  Consolidated Appropriations Act, the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill that funds the federal government through September 30, 2016.\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, While this bill is not perfect, it contains responsible funding levels that keep our government open and operating and includes several Republican priorities that will, boost national security and improve our economy. This legislation represents conservative values,by providing: a significant boost in defense funding to protect national security; a repeal of the antiquated 40-year ban on crude oil exports, which will support economic growth and help our allies; a prohibition on funds for certain Obamacare programs, putting us on the path towards dismantling this ineffective law; and provisions that will protect the U.S. from terrorists seeking to exploit our Visa Waiver Program. Im hopeful that the Senate will act quickly in passing this long-term spending bill so we can avoid a shutdown and Congress can fulfill its Constitutional duty to appropriate funds for the federal government.\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397472", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases \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 17, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (318 to 109) of the House to approve the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act.The bill extends a number of expiring tax provisions.\r\n\r\nI am happy to support this bill and protect American families and job creators from tax increases they simply cant afford, said Rep. Calvert.Im pleased that the House has been able to permanently codify a number of these expiring tax provisions and provided some much needed certainty in our tax code.\r\n\r\nHighlights of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act\r\n(Provided by the House Ways and Means Committee)\r\n\r\nDelivers Certainty to American Taxpayers\r\n\r\n \r\n    By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies.\r\n \r\n\r\nPrevents Tax Increases\r\n\r\n \r\n    The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans. And in years to come, individual Americans and U.S. businesses will no longer have to worry if Congress will take action to extend important tax relief policies like:\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n    Allowing State sales tax deductions;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    Providing small business tax relief, including increased small business expensing; and;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    Offering incentives for innovation, including the research and development tax credit.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nGrows our Economy\r\n\r\n \r\n    By delivering permanent tax relief to Americas job creators, this legislation will make it easier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities.\r\n \r\n\r\nServes as a Bridge to Comprehensive Tax Reform\r\n\r\n \r\n    This bill lays the groundwork for historic reforms that will fix our broken tax code. Instead of spending months each year debating temporary tax extensions, Congress will be able to focus on the comprehensive tax reform we all agree our country needs. Americans deserve a simpler, fairer and flatter tax code thats built for growth, and this bill will help make that possible.\r\n \r\n\r\nPrevents Fraud and Abuse\r\n\r\n \r\n    This legislation includes a number of provisions designed to strengthen the integrity of tax credit programs that today have high rates of improper payments, fraud, and abuse.While these provisions are significant, they are only a small down payment on Republican efforts to make these tax credit programs more accountable. In the new year, Congress will take more actions to ensure the right amount of tax credits are paid out and that people cant take advantage of the current broken tax system.\r\n \r\n\r\nReins in the IRS\r\n\r\n \r\n    This bill includes a series of reforms that have previously passed the House designed to rein in the power of the IRS and better protect taxpayers, such as:\r\n \r\n\r\noFiring IRS employees who take politically motivated actions against taxpayers;\r\n\r\noRequiring IRS employees to respect the taxpayer bill of rights; and\r\n\r\noProhibiting IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts for official business.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hunter.house.gov/hunter-make-no-mistake-fbi-and-army-retaliated-against-hero", "Hunter: Make no mistake - the FBI and Army retaliated against a hero", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When I first met Jason Amerine, it was hard not to be impressed. Hes got the right stuff. His resume  flush with the type of things that would make a Hollywood movie producer drool  isnt too bad either.\nIn politics, trust is important and often what a person has done says a lot about who they truly are. In this case, Amerine is a war hero. Its a characterization he loathes and will never attribute to himself, but I will.\nSo of course I was on board to help save American lives when he came to me to talk about the problems with our countrys policy on hostages. I committed to giving my best effort to change the U.S. governments approach to recovering Americans  civilian and military  held captive in warzones.\nAmerine was first tasked by Gen. John Campbell  who is now leading the ground war in Afghanistan  to develop plans to recover Bowe Bergdahl. Nobody in their right mind thought the State Department-induced and -led five-for-one prisoner exchange was a good idea.\nAmerine quickly determined that not only could he recover Bergdahl, but he could also secure the release of other American captives without firing a shot. He also spotted inherent dysfunction and conflict within government. Our response was quick. I wrote to former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel twice. He called me to say he agreed that these problems needed to be solved. He told me what he planned to do and who he would task to do it.\nIn that same span of time, Jason was getting close to making something happen, but it was the Federal Bureau of Investigation that first took offense to his efforts. Not the Army. The FBI argued that hostage recovery  in a warzone or not  was entirely under their purview even if the agents in charge of certain cases never stepped foot in Afghanistan. And forget that Jason had personal relationships at the highest levels of the Afghan government as well as other close and well-placed friends in the region. None of it mattered to the FBI.\nSo what did the FBI do? They informally suggested to the Army that it look at Amerine for sharing classified information. They needed Amerine back in his lane, and the quickest and easiest way to do that was to sideline him through an investigation. I dont necessarily have a problem with that, honestly, because this type of stuff happens every day in government. People are always trying to protect their turf at the expense of others.\nWhat I had a problem with is what the Army chose to do once a complaint of sorts was made. They could have talked to Amerine, who had the full support of his immediate leadership, which in turn had full visibility into what he was doing. Internally, there was a disagreement on whether to investigate Amerine, but one Army general who has a personal beef with me couldnt let it go and insisted that an investigation was warranted. So Army leaders folded. An investigation started.\nI appealed to everyone in the Army that I could and so did other members of Congress. Former Army Secretary John McHugh wouldnt even return a phone call. Soon after, Jason filed a complaint with the Inspector General. In his complaint, he laid out the entire situation, from our work together, to his work behind the scenes. The Inspector Generals office, doing as they should, relayed the document for a determination on the classification of its contents. The Joint Staff determined that nothing in the document was classified.\nEven with that determination in hand, the Army refused to budge. So they began looking anywhere else they could. Soon, investigators were several steps removed from the original allegation. They wanted to find something. They had to find something.\nMeanwhile, the White House was motivated by the facts to change hostage policy. And during that time, I successfully led an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, now law, which requires the creation of an interagency hostage coordinator. This is thanks to Jason Amerine.\nThe Army didnt care. There was also a certain level of gamesmanship that began. One of Amerines lawyers was left in the dark for far too long. Amerines pay was halted. He was called in for fingerprinting and criminal processing. Should we pretend the halted payment was a clerical error? And should we pretend the fingerprinting was necessary? No way.\nThrough it all, Amerine came out the way he went in, with his honor and reputation intact. And a recent report from the House Armed Services Committee provides even more validation of all of Jasons great work. With one foot out the door, Jason was even awarded the Legion of Merit, a fitting capstone to a long and distinguished career.\nRecently, I read an article on War on the Rocks by a former Army lawyer who tried to tamp down any criticism of the way the Army handled things. He argued that certain Army leaders are being unfairly demonized. This left me unswayed. If you want to play politics where politics shouldnt be played, youre going to need a thicker skin. Stand by your judgment to investigate, thats fine, but dont try to convince me or the rest of the audience that the investigation into Amerine warranted a year of the Armys time, attention, and resources  or that the investigation was warranted in the first place.The Army needs to be smarter about investigating the complaints it receives. After digging into this, I can assure you that they should have known from the start that what the FBI sent them about Amerine did not pass the smell test.\nThere was also intervention by POGO and Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley. Thank goodness for their collective efforts. They too saw exactly what I did  a system that was leveraged by an outside force to retaliate against an honorable soldier and war hero. That same system, instead of protecting Jason, was then mishandled from within. Whether it was all due to a problem with me or with Amerine, thats now irrelevant. This could have been settled with a simple conversation.\nIsnt that what someone like Jason Amerine deserves? For all his service, for all his sacrifice, an investigation that lasted almost a year was viewed as suitable treatment for someone who did the right thing every step of the way. So while some officials are worrying about demonizing certain Army leaders, what they should really start thinking about is how not to demonize brave soldiers who are the backbone of our military.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issa-applauds-passage-of-first-responders-passport-act-of-2015/", "Issa Applauds Passage of First Responders Passport Act of 2015", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement after the House passage of the bipartisan H.R. 3750, First Responders Passport Act of 2015:\nAmerica is one of the most generous countries on earth. Following natural disasters, our first responders often travel to assist foreign communities in the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other catastrophes. This legislation will remove one small hurdle in their journey to assist by waiving passport fees for these first responders to ensure they are always ready to render life-saving aid to those in need.\nIssa joined with Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania on the legislation, whichHouse Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel cosponsored along with 24 other members. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the First Responders Passport Act unanimously on November 4, 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-tax-certainty-to-give-americans-the-stability-needed-for", "House Passes Tax Certainty to Give Americans the Stability Needed for Success", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act:\n\nThe end of each year is traditionally met with anticipation for a new year ahead. But when it comes to planning, ad hoc tax policies have made it more difficult for individuals and businesses to prepare for the year ahead and make next year better than the last.\n\nThis uncertainty is not only stressful, but it also prevents us from doing what we do bestinvesting in people to create opportunity and earn success. If people dont actually know how much they will have to pay in taxes, they hold off spending their hard-earned money to improve their lives or grow their businesses. To give people stability and certainty on tax rates, the House passed a bill to make many temporary tax provisions permanent and extend others for several more years. The bill also increases taxpayer protections to prevent the IRS from targeting Americans based on their political beliefs. Our tax system should be certain, simple, and, above all, fair.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-supports-passage-of-major-tax-credit-measure-for-families", "Rep. LaMalfa Supports Passage of Major Tax Credit Measure for Families, Small Businesses & Farms", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today supported a measure that extends a wide array of tax credits for American families, students, farms and employers, creating more certainty and decreasing costs for taxpayers. The bill ends a cycle of last minute, retroactive extensions that have inhibited investment and prevented economic growth. Passed on a 318-109 vote, the proposal will now be considered by the Senate. \nThis package will not only decrease taxes for families across the nation, it will spur more investment and growth by small businesses and farms in Northern California. Its simply unconscionable that Americans have had to wait until the last days of each year to find out under which laws theyll be taxed. Today we ended that vicious cycle, and Americans can finally make financial decisions with greater stability to plan for the future. This package supports education through tax credits for students and teachers, and increases protections to rein in the IRS, said LaMalfa. Particularly important components for the First District are provisions that allow farmers and ranchers to make informed decisions about how new tractors and other equipment will be taxed.  \nTax credits for families, students and teachers include the following:\n Permanent extension of the child tax credit of up to $3,000 to help working families meet their needs.\n\tPermanent extension of the K-12 teacher classroom expenses credit of up to $250 to offset the out-of-pocket expenses many teachers incur.\n\tA two-year extension of the tax deduction of up to $4,000 for tuition and related expenses for higher education.\n\tPermanent extension of higher education tax credit up to $2,500 for qualified tuition and related postsecondary education expenses.\n\tAn expanded definition of qualified higher education expenses for which tax-preferred distributions from 529 accounts are eligible to include computer equipment and technology.\n Pro-business tax credits aimed at creating economic growth and certainly for employers include the following:\n The bill makes permanent the Section 179 small business expensing of up to $500,000 for investment in equipment, software, property and other capital expenses.\n\tA permanent extension of the research and development (R&D) tax credit and an expansion of the credit for more small businesses. \n\tA five-year extension of the 50-percent accelerated depreciation for property.\n Obamacare taxes rolled back by the bill include the following:\n A two-year moratorium on the medical device tax of 2.3% on devices like pacemakers, MRI machines, and artificial heart valves.\n\tA two-year moratorium on the Cadillac Tax, which imposes an arbitrary 40% tax on high cost health plans. \n Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/house-amendment-2-to-hr-2029-tax-extenders-act-yes", "House Amendment 2 to HR 2029  Tax Extenders Act: YES", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Amendment 2 to HR 2029  Tax Extenders Act: YES. Called the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act this 233-page bill provides a complex list of changes to the tax code. Once again, there is both good and bad.  It makes a variety of temporary business tax deductions, most notably the Research and Development Tax Credit and a provision that allows businesses to deduct the cost of many major equipment purchases in the year they are made. Permanency of these business tax deductions is essential if they are to serve their purpose of promoting growth and investment policies.  On the negative side, the bill also makes permanent the failed stimulus package as it affects welfare programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. These are not true tax credits, solely deducted from actual tax liability, but rather are welfare payments administered through the tax code. The three biggest of these programs, (EITC, Earned American Opportunity Credit and Enhanced Child Tax Credit) amount to $198 billion over the next ten years  one third of the projected cost of the bill. This doesnt include a wide variety of additional tax credits that fund the administrations Green energy initiative and an array of other special interest sops.  Which brings us to the $622 billion gorilla in the room  the ten-year increase in the nations debt that the Joint Committee on Taxation projects as a result of this measure.  It is important to understand exactly how this figure is calculated. First, two-thirds of the cost is associated with extending or making permanent the various business tax provisions discussed above. These are defined as tax cuts  therefore reductions in revenue -- but this is true only in theory and not reality. The reality is that current taxes will not be cut as a result of this measure  they are simply not going to be increased. Without this bill, struggling job creators would be hit with massive tax increases over what they are currently paying, with severe economic consequences.  Second, it increases the debt on paper but not in practice. In practice, these tax provisions are routinely extended and are already accounted for in the CBOs alternative forecast model, which projects actual anticipated spending.  These changes would simply bring the alternative forecast (what we actually spend) in line with the baseline forecast (what we theoretically spend), providing for more honest accounting of a deficit that is already there but not acknowledged in the baseline forecast. Third, because the extensions are routinely done late in the year, they do not provide the economic incentive necessary to maximize their impact. Making investments based on the possibility of later tax benefits  rather than the certainty -- introduces a significant element of risk that reduces their effect on behavior.  Fourth, these provisions have a positive dynamic effect that will partially offset their paper cost with new revenues produced by resulting economic growth. It is impossible to accurately quantify that effect, but it could be significant and cant be ignored.  This is not the case with the extensions of stimulus policy that use the tax code to administer welfare payments. These provisions actually require additional outlays of real money to provide these refundable credits. The theory is that this money will be spent by non-taxpaying families to create additional economic activity, but ignores the fact that it reduces the amount available for taxpaying families to spend by the same amount. For me, the issue boils down to this: does the imperative of preventing a scheduled major tax increase on job creators in the seventh year of the Obama economic malaise outweigh the damage done by roughly $200 billion of new spending over the next ten years?  I think it does, although I doubt it will generate enough new revenue to offset the actual costs of the bill. In this respect, it will widen the actual deficit at a time when the national debt poses the greatest single threat to our nations security and welfare. Because of this, concomitant cuts in spending are all the more imperative, something The Omnibus spending bill (adopted as Amendment 1 to HR 2029) spectacularly fails to do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397859", "Royce Applauds FHFA on 2016 Scorecard Goals", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and leading proponent of housing finance reform, released the following statement on today's release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) 2016 Scorecard: The FHFA should be commended for further laying the 'building blocks' of comprehensive housing finance reform. Ramping up risk sharing with the private sector reduces the burden on taxpayers and opening up the Common Securitization Platform will bring more private sector capital into the system. The Agency alludes to improving its underwriting criteria; an excellent start would be the GSEs evaluating multiple credit scoring models.\" Rep. Royce recently introduced legislation that requires the FHFA to develop new underwriting guidelines for Fannie and Freddie, allowing consideration of alternative credit scoring models the GSEs currently don't examine. On November 25, the President signed legislation modeled on H.R. 2243, the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015, as introduced by Rep. Royce. The bill, which reversed a FHFA directive and capped the salaries of the CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, was the first major standalone legislation enacted that dealt with the GSEs since they were placed into conservatorship.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397860", "Rep. Royce Supports Permanent Tax Relief for California Families and Businesses", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) voted for the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a $629 billiontax relief package:\"The more you tax something, the less of it you get. That's why lowering taxes on economic productivity and Americans' take-home pay is so critical. California's businesses and families should be able to keep more of what they earn, it's as simple as that,\" said Rep. Royce. \"Today's legislation makes certain temporary tax breaks permanent, encourages more investments in research and development, and lays the groundwork for comprehensive tax reform. The PATH Act includes a number of provisions to lower the tax burden on individuals and small businesses. Included in the legislation are:  Research and development (R&D) credits  Allows a company to deduct from their tax liability the amount of their R&D expenditures.  \r\n Section 179 - Allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year.  \r\n Employer wage credit for employees on active duty - Employers receive a tax credit of 20% on wages paid, up to $20,000 for a maximum credit of $4,000, for the time the employee is on active duty.  \r\n Deduction for teacher classroom expenses  Allows a teacher to deduct from his or her income tax liability any classroom supplies he or she personally purchased.  \r\n 100% exclusion on gains from the sale of small business stock  Money earned from the sale of small business stocks is exempted from federal income taxes.  \r\n Food inventory deduction  Allows individuals to deduct the cost of food purchased and donated to food banks.   \r\n IRA charitable rollover - Allows individuals to deduct charitable donations from their IRA Program Integrity Requirements.  \r\nSection 174 - Imposes a two-year moratorium (through calendar year 2017) of the 2.3% medical device excise tax enacted by the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Royce represents California's 39th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. He is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398101", "House Passes Tax Extenders", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Thursday, December 17, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a legislative package to help American taxpayers.\r\n\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington  Today, Thursday, December 17, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a legislative package to help American taxpayers.The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, is bipartisan legislation that aims to ensure American taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars while simultaneously growing our economy. The legislation makes more than twenty tax provisions permanent, prevents tax increases for millions of Americans, and provides tax relief for small businesses. After voting in support of the legislation, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement:   \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            By making these tax provisions permanent, we are providing certainty to Americans and simplifying the tax process. I believe Americans should get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, and that is exactly what this bill does, stated Congressman Valadao. Since coming to Congress, I have supported legislation to ensure tax deductions for teachers who use their own money for classroom expenses, a provision included in the package today. These are common sense reforms. He continued, The package passed in the House today is just the beginning. The PATH Act is the first step in overhauling our entire tax code.\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nUnder the bill, the following tax credits will be be made permanent:   \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                Deduction for Teacher Classroom Expenses \r\n                Earned Income Tax Credit \r\n                American Opportunity Tax Credit \r\n                Child Tax Credit \r\n                Section 179 Expensing \r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nFurther more, the legislation temporarily extends the Charitable Donations to Agricultural Research Organizations tax credit. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act passed in the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, December 17, 2015 by a vote of 318-109.  Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-stop-tax-increases", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (318 to 109) of the House to approve the \"Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes\" Act.The bill extends a number of expiring tax provisions.\n\n\"I am happy to support this bill and protect American families and job creators from tax increases they simply can't afford,\" said Rep. Calvert.\"I'm pleased that the House has been able to permanently codify a number of these expiring tax provisions and provided some much needed certainty in our tax code.\"\n\nHighlights of the \"Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes\" Act\n(Provided by the House Ways and Means Committee)\n\nDelivers Certainty to American Taxpayers\n\n By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies.\n \nPrevents Tax Increases\n\n The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans. And in years to come, individual Americans and U.S. businesses will no longer have to worry if Congress will take action to extend important tax relief policies like:\n \n \nAllowing State sales tax deductions;\n\nProviding small business tax relief, including increased small business expensing; and;\n\nOffering incentives for innovation, including the research and development tax credit.\n \n\nGrows our Economy\n\n By delivering permanent tax relief to America's job creators, this legislation will make it easier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities.\n \nServes as a Bridge to Comprehensive Tax Reform\n\n This bill lays the groundwork for historic reforms that will fix our broken tax code. Instead of spending months each year debating temporary tax extensions, Congress will be able to focus on the comprehensive tax reform we all agree our country needs. Americans deserve a simpler, fairer and flatter tax code that's built for growth, and this bill will help make that possible.\n \nPrevents Fraud and Abuse\n\n This legislation includes a number of provisions designed to strengthen the integrity of tax credit programs that today have high rates of improper payments, fraud, and abuse.While these provisions are significant, they are only a small down payment on Republican efforts to make these tax credit programs more accountable. In the new year, Congress will take more actions to ensure the right amount of tax credits are paid out and that people can't take advantage of the current broken tax system.\n \nReins in the IRS\n\n This bill includes a series of reforms that have previously passed the House designed to rein in the power of the IRS and better protect taxpayers, such as:\n \noFiring IRS employees who take politically motivated actions against taxpayers;\n\noRequiring IRS employees to respect the taxpayer bill of rights; and\n\noProhibiting IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts for official business.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-demands-answers-doj-va-misconduct", "Rep. Mimi Walters Demands Answers from DOJ on VA Misconduct", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Mimi Walters Demands Answers from DOJ on VA Misconduct\n\nWashington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today sent the following letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, demanding answers regarding the Department of Justices (DOJ) investigations into the various scandals plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\nOn November 17th, 2015, Rep. Walters questioned AG Lynch during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the DOJs investigations into the VA. AG Lynch was unable to provide answers, but insisted that the DOJs Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) would be able to provide information to Rep. Walters office. Yesterday, on December 16th, 2015, OLA broke that promise by refusing to answer the questions posed by Rep. Walters at the November 17th hearing and failed to provide any information related to the DOJs investigations. In response to this egregious stonewalling by the DOJ, Rep. Walters sent a letter to AG Lynch requesting an in-person meeting with an appropriate DOJ official who can provide answers to the questions asked, as promised during the hearing.\nClick the picture above to see the November 17th interaction between Rep. Walters and Attorney General Lynch\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, Like most Americans, I am horrified by the scandals that took place at the VA  our veterans risked life and limb to serve our nation, and they deserve the utmost quality care. As my interaction with Attorney General Loretta Lynch shows  the DOJ has failed to provide answers regarding their investigations, effectively blocking Congress ability to address the problems in the VA for the betterment of our veterans. I am appalled by DOJs obstruction of legitimate congressional oversight and I will not stand by while our veterans continue to suffer as the VA and DOJ play political games. I will continue to fight for justice and ensure our veterans get the answers and care they earned. \nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-protecting-americans-tax-hikes-act", "Rep. Mimi Walters on the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. This legislation would make permanent over 20 tax relief provisions, extend several tax provisions, and place a 2-year moratorium on Obamacares medical device tax. H.R. 2029 passed the U.S. House by a vote of 318-109 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, This important piece of legislation will provide certainty and relief to the American people by making several tax provisions permanent. Imagine the yearly frustration businesses and individuals across the country are faced with when Congress cannot resolve their differences on temporary tax provisions. Providing permanent tax relief will give businesses the confidence to hire new employees and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks - which will result in a more robust and dynamic economy. Furthermore, this legislation puts a moratorium on one of Obamacares most harmful taxes - the medical device tax. Im pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were able to come together and put forward this common-sense, pro-growth bill that will pave the way for comprehensive tax reform. I urge the Senate to act swiftly in sending this bill to the Presidents desk. \nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-to-combat-terrorist-use-of-social-media", "Rep. Paul Cook Votes to Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R  Apple Valley) voted for H.R. 3654, the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation requires President Obama to lay out a strategy to counter terrorist use of social media. This bill also requires the President to come up with a policy to enhance the exchange of information and dialogue between the federal government and social media companies. Cook said, Its become normal for terrorists to use social media to fundraise, indoctrinate, and recruit future members. This bipartisan legislation will require the President to come up with a strategy to stop terrorists from using social media to advance their message of hate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-announces-nominees-to-the-united-states-service-academies-0", "Rep. LaMalfa Announces Nominees to the United States Service Academies", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC- Representative Doug LaMalfa today announced the eleven individuals he has nominated as candidates to the United States Service Academies. The U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy each require a Congressional nomination in order to attend.\nTo say that I am proud of each of these impressive individuals is an understatement. These candidates have excelled, both in the classroom and in their service to our community and our nation, stated Rep. LaMalfa. Not only have they undergone a highly competitive application process, each has an earnest desire to serve and defend their country. I am pleased to offer them as nominees for nationwide Service Academy Appointments.\nRepresentative LaMalfas nominees were recommended by a committee of North State community leaders and veterans from various branches of the military. The committee recommended a slate of nominees after interviewing and carefully considering the files of North State students who applied for the nomination. Having been nominated, the students must now compete with other nominees for an appointment to the academies. Academy officials will begin announcing appointments in January.\nCalifornia First Congressional District Service Academy Nominations:\nTrent Foster- Nevada City  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy\nChristiana Jackman- Redding  \n\tU.S. Air Force Academy\nNicholas Katz- Chico  \n\tU.S. Military Academy\nAnna Lewis- Lakehead  \n\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nGarret Reader- Nevada City  \n\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nMason Royse- Redding  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy\nKody Rulofson- Cottonwood  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy\nBradley Salyer- Redding  \n\tU.S. Military Academy\nDavid Shattuck- Redding  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy\nRory Sprague  Chico  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy\nWyatt Wyckoff- Magalia  \n\tU.S. Military Academy\nRep. LaMalfa announced and congratulated these nominees on the House Floor. To view his remarks, please click here: https://youtu.be/RLSjJDw4wHY\nAny student with a strong desire to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces is invited to contact Congressman LaMalfa in the spring of their junior year. Please visit his website www.lamalfa.house.gov for his nomination application and instructions. You may also call his Oroville District office and speak with his U.S. Service Academy Advisor at (530)534-7100.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-15-2015", "Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 15, 2015", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Cooks bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA), continued to gain local support and took a significant step toward becoming law.On Monday, the Town of Yucca Valley voted 5-0 to support H.R. 3668. This bill places over a million acres of existing scenic federal lands into conservation for future generations, while protecting recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and continuing to allow important economic activity such as mining in the California desert. The Cities of Barstow, Hesperia, Twentynine Palms, and Banning, the Town of Apple Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have already announced their support of the bill.Additionally, H.R. 3668 took a significant step forward in the legislative process. On Wednesday, HR 3668 was heard at a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. At the hearing, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood testified in support of the bill.Cook said, Im thrilled to have the support of the Town of Yucca Valley for the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conversation Act. They join numerous other local communities in supporting my bill that protects our desert, addresses the needs of our off- highway vehicles users, and maintains our economic vitality.The Town of Yucca Valley supports CMORCA because its a balanced approach to conserving our desert, keeping our public lands open for recreational activities, and keeping our economic best interests at the forefront. Id like to thank Congressman Cook for engaging local constituents and stake holders about what they would like to see move forward, said Yucca Valley Mayor George Huntington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-celebrates-the-anniversary-of-the-bill-of-rights", "Rep. LaMalfa Celebrates the Anniversary  of the Bill of Rights", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement in celebration of the two hundred and twenty fourth anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that became effective on December 15, 1791.\nToday marks a historic day for our nation. On this very day two hundred and twenty four years ago, ten of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States were ratified by the states, forming the Bill of Rights. Including the right to free speech and religion, the right to bear arms, the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the right of states to self-govern, these amendments helped form the foundation of a federal Republic with limited powers.\nSadly, the Bill of Rights could be dissolved to mere pen strokes on a page unless we resolve in America to work to preserve it each day, and I dont mean simply preserving it in the National Archives down the street. I mean we must preserve these rights in the legislation we pass, in the conduct of our government, and in our actions as citizens of this great nation.\nThe Bill of Rights isnt just a snap shot in time, but must remain as a way of life here in America. However, maintaining these rights requires our vigilance. Freedom is fragile, and God forbid that we ever take our rights for granted, or that these amendments become just a dusty historical document instead of principles to protect. I remain grateful for the opportunity to do just that in Congress.\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-responds-to-gao-report-confirming-epa-deceit-in-wotus", "Rep. LaMalfa Responds to GAO Report Confirming EPA Deceit in WOTUS Rulemaking Process", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman LaMalfa released the following statement after the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violated a federal law in promoting the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation by engaging in covert propaganda and grassroots lobbying to support the rule:\nIts nosurprise that the Government Accountability Office found that the EPA violated federal laws and engaged in a propaganda campaign. In fact, this is the status quo for the EPA. From the start, agency officials showed little hesitancy in pushing their Waters of the U.S proposal to give unelected bureaucrats control of nearly every body of water in the country. Instead of adhering to the formal rulemaking process and taking into account public opposition, serious stakeholder concerns, and considerable questions of legality, EPA used illegal propaganda to promote extreme partisan priorities. Using taxpayer funds to deceive the American public is completely unacceptable, which is why I will continue using every tool available to block funding for EPAs WOTUS overreach and uphold our rule of law.\nThe full text of the GAO report can be found by CLICKING here.\nA video of Rep. LaMalfa speaking in opposition to EPAs WOTUS rule on the House floor can be found by CLICKING here.\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398533", "Chairman Nunes Introduces Iran Terrorism Bill", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Devin Nunes", "N000181", "nunes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (CA-22) today introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to crack down on international funding of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). \nThe IRGC is a sprawling branch of the Iranian military responsible for numerous terrorist attacks throughout the world, including its provision of weapons and other support for Iraqi terrorists who killed U.S. soldiers. The organization also controls wide swathes of the Iranian economy, using income from its business interests to fund its terrorist activities. \nAs a result of President Obamas nuclear agreement with Iran, an array of institutions controlled by the IRGC will be removed from the Treasury Departments list of Specially Designated Nationalities. This action will allow IRGC-affiliated banks and companies to increase their international business activities, creating a new flow of funds for Irans primary terror apparatus. \nCo-sponsored by eighteen Members of Congress, the IRGC Sanctions Act will ban any U.S. person from engaging in financial transactions with IRGC-affiliated companies. Additionally, the bill will:\n \n    \n    Create a Watch List for IRGC-affiliated individuals. \n    \n    \n    Specify that Congress must approve a decision to remove a country from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. \n    \n    \n    Require all U.S. securities issuers to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission any transaction with the IRGC.\n    \n    \n    Prevent Iran from gaining normal trade ties with the United States unless the U.S. President certifies that the Iranian regime grants its citizens the freedom to emigrate.\n    \n \nThe IRGC is one of the primary supporters of international terrorism in the world, said Chairman Nunes. Its tentacles reach throughout the Iranian economy and into international commerce. In light of the relief provided to the IRGC in President Obamas nuclear agreement, Congress needs to ensure that this dangerous organization cannot attain new financial means to expand its power and threaten the American people and our servicemen and women. \nText of the IRGC Sanctions Act is available here. More information on the bill is available here and here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jean-fuller-mccarthy-s-space-act-continues-final-frontier", "JEAN FULLER: McCarthys Space Act continues final frontier", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Space, the final frontier ... To boldly go where no man has gone before. \nThat famous quote from the Star Trek series of the 1960s rings true today as America continues to explore space and thepossibilities offered by this new frontier.\nThose possibilities, and the jobs they create for our region, were enhanced recently when Congress unanimously passedH.R. 2262, otherwise known as the Space Act. This important piece of legislation will provide opportunities for privatebusinesses and entrepreneurs looking to advance space exploration.\nThe Space Act was authored by my friend and our neighbor, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He pointed out thatpassage of the Space Act will, ensure the men and women in Mojave and east Kern County can continue to lead ourjourney into the final frontier.\nSupported by every aerospace leader in the area including the Mojave Air and Space Port, the Commercial SpaceflightFederation, XCOR Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, The SpaceShipCompany, SpaceX, Masten Space Systems, and the SatelliteIndustry Association, this legislation will extend the International Space Station for four years, until at least 2024. The billalso secures a level playing field for U.S. commercial space enterprises.\nThe significance of the aerospace industry to Californias economy cannot be overstated. Aerospace employs more than200,000 Californians in high-paying jobs and supports more than 500,000 jobs in related fields. Not only does theaerospace industry create meaningful opportunities for California families, these jobs help fund public priorities  likeeducation and law enforcement  to the tune of nearly $3 billion annually through income tax revenue contributions.\nAccording to Stuart Witt, Chief Executive Officer of the Mojave Air and Space Port, H.R. 2262 brings long-awaitedlegislative stability to the aerospace industry. Witt believes this measure demonstrates that the full Congress finallyunderstands the importance of an extended regulatory learning period, during which the Federal AviationAdministration will not be allowed to issue new mandates. Like Witt, I have confidence that the Space Act will providethe industry with crucial guidance as we move into the future of aerospace.\nMajority Leader McCarthy and I will continue to fight for jobs in the aerospace industry at both the state and federallevels. In the California Legislature, I founded and chair the California Aviation Caucus, with an eye towards aerospaceand its infinite potential for the Mojave region. Through this Caucus, I hope to advance public awareness about theimportance of the aviation and aerospace industries and develop legislation that promotes educational and trainingopportunities for Californians seeking to pursue work in this exciting career sector.\nThe Space Act now awaits the Presidents signature. Im hopeful he will recognize that protecting the ability of privatebusiness to advance space exploration will not only allow for the expansion of future space discovery, but will protectand grow job opportunities here in the United States.\nThe passage of Majority Leader McCarthys Space Act, along with my committed efforts in the California Legislature, willensure that Californias commercial space industry continues to grow and thrive.\nSen. Jean Fuller is the California Senate Republican Leader and represents the 16th District.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/california-gop-members-stick-a-fork-in-talks-over-drought-relief", "California GOP members stick a fork in talks over drought relief legislation", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2015 - A frustrated group of House Republicans from California today declared drought relief legislation for their parched state dead for the year.\nOur good-faith negotiations have come to no positive resolution, Rep. Ken Calvert said at a Capitol Hill press conference. The true losers in this process are the people of California. Then, alluding to heavy precipitation expected as part of this winter's El Nio weather conditions, he added, We'll never have this opportunity again.\nThe 14 GOP members blamed the collapse of negotiations on Sen. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who insisted in a statement today that there was still an opportunity to make headway on a water bill by going through regular order - passing a bill in the Senate and then hashing out differences with the House in a conference committee.\n[Rabo AgriFinance: Growing Ambition]\nBut House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R.-Calif., said, I think she probably doubts that herself.\nLast week, Feinstein called regrettable an attempt by House Republicans to include water legislation in an omnibus bill that would fund the federal government for fiscal 2016. Then yesterday, the Los Angeles Times published an editorial blaming House Republicans for the failure of the negotiations.\nThat editorial was the final straw, Calvert said.\nIt's sad when the LA Times editorial page gets the story wrong, but it is a tragedy for so many Californians when the Senate gets the policy wrong, Calvert said.\nThe Times editorial board said California's GOP House delegation took a foolish step last week when members stuck an unfinished drought relief bill onto the omnibus spending bill, then suggested that Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with whom they had been negotiating for months, was on board. She wasn't.\nBut the GOP members said Feinstein had suggested using the omnibus, and that the compromise language had been worked on for months. The language retains Democratic priorities as well as Republican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not to oppose, the GOP members said in a written summary of the negotiations distributed after the press conference.\nWe believed we were moving toward an agreement because that language had been worked out over a great deal of time, McCarthy said. Once Feinstein backed out, the administration backed out, he said.\nTaking advantage of the must-pass omnibus was Sen. Feinstein's idea, Calvert said. I agreed with her. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Sen.Feinstein took umbrage over something that occurred in a closed-door meeting. To be clear, no one outside of a few high-level negotiators knew about that until her press release walking away from the deal. That small slight was not worth throwing away all that we had achieved.\nThe losers, they said, are the farmers and farmworkers who have suffered through four years of drought and will now miss an opportunity to use the winter's rains.\nIn today's statement, Feinstein said, The bill that Republicans tried to place in the omnibus last week - in my name and without my knowledge - hadn't been reviewed by me, Sen. Boxer, the state or the White House. Each of those parties is key to coming up with a bill that can actually be signed into law. Barbara Boxer is California's other Democratic U.S. senator.\nDo you find the information on Agri-Pulse helpful? See even more ag and rural policy news when you sign up for a four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription.\nFeinstein aid there are at least a half-dozen items in the bill that I had rejected and that would have drawn objections from state or federal agencies - some of them would likely violate environmental law. Several more provisions were still being negotiated and hadn't been reviewed by state or federal stakeholders.\nBut Republican Rep. Tom McClintock said that fully half of the provisions in the measure were taken from her verbatim, including massive public subsidies for recycling and desalinization that I and many Republicans opposed because of their extreme cost and relatively small water yield. The other half were Republican proposals that have been greatly weakened from what we had originally proposed, including using fish hatcheries to meet (Endangered Species Act) requirements, setting time limits on CALFED studies, and strengthening Northern California senior water rights.\nThe CALFED Bay-Delta Program is a collaboration among 25 state and federal agencies with the mission of improving California's water supply.\nRep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., said Feinstein and Boxer will suffer at the ballot box for blocking drought relief measures. Boxer's term is up next year, Feinstein's in 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-urges-interior-and-epa-to-assess-iron-mountain-mine-drainage", "Rep. LaMalfa Urges Interior and EPA to Assess Iron Mountain Mine Drainage", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today released the following statement after authoring a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding federal efforts to contain highly toxic drainage at Iron Mountain Mine in Redding, CA. The EPA and Interior halted work at Iron Mountain after the Gold King Mine disaster in Colorado released millions of gallons of waste into two rivers. Similar to the Gold King Mine, Iron Mountain Mine has extremely toxic wastewater that could contaminate the water source of much of California.\nIron Mountain mine is one of the most toxic sites in America and is located perilously close to the Sacramento River, which provides drinking water for millions of Californians. Given the fact that EPA contractors have failed to adequately contain similar sites in other states, I believe the EPA and the Department of Interior must act to ensure the drainage from this inactive mine is being handled appropriately,said LaMalfa.Failing to secure this highly toxic drainage could have devastating consequences for our state. I urge Secretary Jewell and EPA Administrator McCarthy to make Iron Mountain mine a top priority.\n  \n\tDuring a House Committee on Natural Resources hearing last week, Rep. LaMalfa had the opportunity to directly question Secretary Jewell on this topic. A copy of their exchange may be found here (CLICK here).\nA copy of the letter sent to Interior Secretary Jewell and EPA Administrator McCarthy may be found here (CLICK here).\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-host-mobile-office-hours-laguna-woods-0", "Rep. Mimi Walters to Host Mobile Office Hours in Laguna Woods", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Irvine, CA  U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) will host mobile office hours in Laguna Woods on Thursday, January 14th, 2016. The mobile office hours will take place at Laguna Woods City Hall from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Rep. Walters staff will be present to meet with constituents and assist them with federal casework issues dealing with Veterans Affairs, Social Security, IRS, immigration/passports, housing, grants, DC tours, and more. To schedule an appointment, please contact Donovan Higbee at (949) 263-8703 or Donovan.Higbee@mail.house.gov. **Appointments are encouraged, but not required.\nWhat:Rep. Walters Mobile Office Hours in Laguna Woods\nWhen:Thursday, January 14th, 2016 from 9:00 AM  12:00 PM\nWhere:Laguna Woods City Hall\n24264 El Toro Road\nLaguna Woods, CA 92637\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397470", "Rep. Calvert Statement on CA Drought Legislation", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement at a press conference regarding the California House delegations attempt to pass drought relief legislation:\r\n\r\nAs the Chairman of the Californian Republican Delegation and one of the negotiators for a California water bill, I come here today more in sadness than in anger. \r\n\r\nCalifornia families, farmers and businesses up and down the state continue to suffer with our ongoing drought.\r\n\r\nOver the past several years, and in earnest over the past few months on this specific legislation, I have been actively engaged with members of our delegation to seek out appropriate federal solutions to address the California drought. \r\n\r\nI am so disappointed to be here today. I was hopeful that we would get a deal done. Unfortunately, we could not get the Senators to accept a good, reasonable compromise. All 14 members of our delegation got to yes. Our two senators could not.\r\n\r\nI am no stranger to the complex and highly charged nature of water policy, having been intimately involved with the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement negotiations in 2003 as well as being the author of the CALFED law that I worked directly with Senator Feinstein to get across the finish line in 2004. I can tell you that our recent bipartisan and bicameral negotiations have been equally daunting, yet equally promising. Because of success in those past negotiations, I truly felt that my optimism was justified throughout this one.\r\n\r\nThe members of our delegation, along with our staff, have put in hundreds of hours and untold energy to identify a package of policy changes that all sides can live with. I am so proud of the optimism, flexibility and discipline that I saw from the members here before you.\r\nOne of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season  which we are very optimistic about because of the El Nino forecast.\r\n\r\nAfter many lengthy discussions with the Senate, the Administration, conservation groups, water districts throughout the state, and other interested stakeholders, we arrived at a compromise that would have provided some much needed - and much deserved- relief to the drought-stricken communities of California. \r\n\r\nThe language that we proposed, after significant back and forth with Senator Feinsteins office, does not violate the Endangered Species Act or the existing biological opinions that the Fish and Wildlife Service has approved. This belief was shared by the Administrationbefore they walked it back. \r\n\r\nWe entered into good faith negotiations at Senator Feinsteins request, with the stated goal of attaching the language to a must-pass vehicle like the omnibus. Taking advantage of the must-pass omnibus was Senator Feinsteins idea. I agreed with her. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Senator Feinstein took umbrage over something that occurred in a closed-door meeting. To be clear, no one outside of a few high-level negotiators knew about that until her press release walking away from the deal. That small slight was not worth throwing away all that we had achieved.\r\n\r\nEven after that, our 14 California Republican members remained hopeful, and quiet  beyond the 11th hour  trying to resolve small differences with a bipartisan coalition to help the state of California. Yesterdays LA Times editorial was the final straw. Its sad when the LA Times editorial page gets the story wrong, but it is a tragedy for so many Californians when the Senate gets the policy wrong.\r\n\r\nSo, our good faith negotiations have come to no positive resolution. \r\n\r\nI am deeply troubled and saddened that the true losers in this process are the people of California, who so desperately need the water that this compromise would have provided. The rain is coming, the omnibus is moving. We will never have this opportunity again.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397471", "Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM \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 11, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) was named as one of the three House Republicans who will lead a Joint Task Force to investigate allegationsthat senior U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials manipulated intelligence products.\r\n\r\nAmericans expect our military and civilian security officials to produce reports and analysis that are factual and accurately assesses security conditions around the globe, said Rep. Calvert.I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine what took place and how we can ensure intelligence products meet the high standards all of us expect them to.\r\n\r\nThe House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Appropriations Committee established the Joint Task Force to investigate whether these allegations reflect systemic problems across the intelligence enterprise in CENTCOM or any other pertinent intelligence organizations. Congressmen Calvert, Mike Pompeo (KS-4), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) will lead the investigation, which is expected to produce preliminary results early next year. The Committees have invited their Minority members to participate, and are hopeful that they will join in the effort.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fight-in-congress-over-drought-aid-is-all-wet", "Fight in Congress over drought aid is all wet", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Even as Californians have done their collective part to conserve water during the drought, Congress is engaged in a water fight over reforming federal law to help us. For the five months through October, the state cut water use by 27.1 percent, above Gov. Jerry Browns 25 percent target.\nIn Congress, meanwhile, agreement on drought relief has been shelved for the rest of this year because of a feud between farm-area Republicans, led by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, and the states two Democratic U.S. senators, Barbara Boxer, who is leaving office in a year, and Dianne Feinstein. The Republicans had been in talks with Feinstein for months to meld two starkly different approaches to Californias water shortages, reported the San Francisco Chronicle, before discussion dried up.\nHouse Republicans today were set to hold a news conference to advance their side of the battle. We also hope some compromise can be reached early next year, complementing the $7 billion in water bonds state voters passed a year ago.\nDemocrats want more water for conservation and preserving endangered wildlife, Republicans seek more water for farms that have been hard hit by the drought. In their five-year bill, the California Emergency Drought Relief and Water Storage Act of 2015, we think the Republicans went far enough in accommodating Democratic demands, such as saving fish and assistance to communities hit by drought.\nAs Fox News reported in October, Drought-stricken California farmers say environmental regulations barring them from irrigating their parched lands are makingthemthe endangered species. With the drought in its fourth year, anger is building in Central California at state and federal agencies, who critics say are putting wildlife ahead of jobs, families and the food supply.\nThis should be one of the top subjects of debate in the race to replace Sen. Boxer. The Democratic candidates, especially, need to advance more realistic solutions than she and Sen. Feinstein have produced despite months, even years, of working toward a compromise. Then let the parched voters, who have done their part to conserve, decide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-california-republicans-on-drought-senators-fail-californians", "Rep. LaMalfa, California Republicans on Drought: Senators Fail Californians Again", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), joined by the Republican members of Californias delegation in the House of Representatives, held a press conference today to comment on the rejection by Californias senators of moderate, bipartisan legislation to address the states historic water supply crisis. LaMalfa made the following comments during the conference:\nThe people of California have demanded that we address water storage and water supply, passing Proposition 1 last year to fund that work. Unfortunately, our senators walked away from a bipartisan, earnest effort, pulling the football away from us once again.\nThis is disheartening, especially given that it was Senator Feinsteins idea to include a drought measure in the omnibus appropriations bill; in fact, shes repeatedly stated publicly that waiting until next year to act will be too late. \nThis measure we proposed is very modest, taking the water above and beyond whats needed by the Endangered Species Act and storing it so that we have more water for families and farms in the coming year.Unfortunately, Democrat Senators do not seem to share the same priorities.\nAfter months of negotiations which included California Republicans and Democrats, both California Senators, and the Obama and Brown administrations, the Republican delegation offered a proposal which would bolster water storage during winter storms, protect water rights, build new storage like Sites Reservoir, and address Democrat priorities like salmon conservation and water recycling. Senator Feinstein rejected the proposal, claiming that action could wait until 2016  a direct contradiction with her previous statements about the need to act this year.\n\nThe attached photo of Rep. LaMalfa and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is shared courtesy of photographer Greg Nash of The Hill:\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397857", "Rep. Royce Makes Statement on Water Legislation Negotiations", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Members of the California Republican delegation, including U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), held a press conference today to address the status of California drought relief legislation negotiations. Rep. Royce's remarks can be read below: I think the reason why you see such frustration on the part of the Members here from California, is because year after year, for three years, we've faced a drought and we've tried to move legislation to do something about it. \"Now we have a window of opportunity that next week is about to close. That window of opportunity is because finally we have El Nino coming through the state. Finally we have the opportunity to pump some of that water into Southern California and to the Central Valley; to the parts of the state that frankly have experienced now half a million acres that have gone fallow. And It will soon be a million if we don't get this relief. \"We agreed with Senator Feinstein that we had this last opportunity to do this before we adjourned, and we had been working on this. Now the absolutists, those who say 'no compromise on this', lean in to make certain once again we don't get this done at the end of the year. And the reason this is so different is it's not going to be possible next year after El Nino passes. We can't grab this asset. \"From L.A. County and Orange County, yes, we paid for this water, we contracted for this water. We feel that to allow it not to be captured and sent south is foolish; to let it just drain out to the Pacific. \"But for the farmers and for the farm workers, this is their livelihood. This is why you see the passion up here from these Members. There is not going to be another opportunity for those farmers if they lose that acreage because they cannot get this relief because we cannot move this legislation. \"That is why we're asking our colleagues in the Senate not this time, not to walk away. This time, please allow us in these negotiations to go forward and do something that will provide the relief for those who otherwise will lose their farms and lose their jobs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-named-joint-task-force-centcom", "Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) was named as one of the three House Republicans who will lead a Joint Task Force to investigate allegationsthat senior U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials manipulated intelligence products.\n\n\"Americans expect our military and civilian security officials to produce reports and analysis that are factual and accurately assesses security conditions around the globe,\" said Rep. Calvert.\"I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine what took place and how we can ensure intelligence products meet the high standards all of us expect them to.\"\n\nThe House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Appropriations Committee established the Joint Task Force to investigate whether these allegations reflect systemic problems across the intelligence enterprise in CENTCOM or any other pertinent intelligence organizations. Congressmen Calvert, Mike Pompeo (KS-4), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) will lead the investigation, which is expected to produce preliminary results early next year. The Committees have invited their Minority members to participate, and are hopeful that they will join in the effort.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-ca-drought-legislation", "Rep. Calvert Statement on CA Drought Legislation", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement at a press conference regarding the California House delegations attempt to pass drought relief legislation:\n\n\"As the Chairman of the Californian Republican Delegation and one of the negotiators for a California water bill, I come here today more in sadness than in anger. \n\nCalifornia families, farmers and businesses up and down the state continue to suffer with our ongoing drought.\n\nOver the past several years, and in earnest over the past few months on this specific legislation, I have been actively engaged with members of our delegation to seek out appropriate federal solutions to address the California drought. \n\nI am so disappointed to be here today. I was hopeful that we would get a deal done. Unfortunately, we could not get the Senators to accept a good, reasonable compromise. All 14 members of our delegation got to \"yes.\" Our two senators could not.\n\nI am no stranger to the complex and highly charged nature of water policy, having been intimately involved with the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement negotiations in 2003 as well as being the author of the CALFED law that I worked directly with Senator Feinstein to get across the finish line in 2004. I can tell you that our recent bipartisan and bicameral negotiations have been equally daunting, yet equally promising. Because of success in those past negotiations, I truly felt that my optimism was justified throughout this one.\n\nThe members of our delegation, along with our staff, have put in hundreds of hours and untold energy to identify a package of policy changes that all sides can live with. I am so proud of the optimism, flexibility and discipline that I saw from the members here before you.\nOne of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season  which we are very optimistic about because of the El Nino forecast.\n\nAfter many lengthy discussions with the Senate, the Administration, conservation groups, water districts throughout the state, and other interested stakeholders, we arrived at a compromise that would have provided some much needed - and much deserved- relief to the drought-stricken communities of California. \n\nThe language that we proposed, after significant back and forth with Senator Feinstein's office, does not violate the Endangered Species Act or the existing biological opinions that the Fish and Wildlife Service has approved. This belief was shared by the Administrationbefore they walked it back. \n\nWe entered into good faith negotiations at Senator Feinstein's request, with the stated goal of attaching the language to a must-pass vehicle like the omnibus. Taking advantage of the must-pass omnibus was Senator Feinstein's idea. I agreed with her. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Senator Feinstein took umbrage over something that occurred in a closed-door meeting. To be clear, no one outside of a few high-level negotiators knew about that until her press release walking away from the deal. That small slight was not worth throwing away all that we had achieved.\n\nEven after that, our 14 California Republican members remained hopeful, and quiet  beyond the 11th hour  trying to resolve small differences with a bipartisan coalition to help the state of California. Yesterday's LA Times editorial was the final straw. It's sad when the LA Times editorial page gets the story wrong, but it is a tragedy for so many Californians when the Senate gets the policy wrong.\n\nSo, our good faith negotiations have come to no positive resolution. \n\nI am deeply troubled and saddened that the true losers in this process are the people of California, who so desperately need the water that this compromise would have provided. The rain is coming, the omnibus is moving. We will never have this opportunity again.\"\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-water-negotiations", "California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought.\nNegotiation Timeline\n2011\n H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean.\n 2012\n The House passes H.R. 1837.\n\tThe Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill.\n 2014\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply.\n\tSenator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964.\n\tSenator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference.\n\tHouse members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns\n\tThe House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein.\n\tSenators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill.\n 2015\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate.\n\tThe Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has nochance of passing either chamber.\n\tHouse-Senate negotiators meet for several months and make progress toward an agreement.\n\tThe House submits language to include in an omnibus spending billthat retains Democrat priorities aswell asRepublican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not to oppose.\n\tSenator Feinstein publically rejects the proposal less than 24 hours after the proposal is made privately.\n Individual statements from members of the California Delegation are below:\nLeader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)\nThe current drought and water crisis demands a response. The California Republican delegation has put forth aproposal to provide our communitiesimmediaterelief asEl Nino is likely to bring a wetter than usual winter.Continued opposition from California Democrats in Congress to any solution that is designed to allow more water to flow to central and southern California only exacerbates the current drought and hurts our state.The response from Senator Feinsteinand Senator Boxer isdisappointinggiven our proposals inclusion of manyCalifornia Democratprioritiesbut unfortunately not surprising as they have opposed every legislative effort to find bipartisan agreement. The stakes are too high not to act.\nCongressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)\nOne of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season (El Nio). After many lengthy discussions with the Senate, the Administration, conservation groups, water districts throughout the state, and other interested stakeholders, we arrived at a compromise that would have provided some relief to the drought-stricken communities of California. The language that was proposed did not violate the Endangered Species Act or the biological opinions; a view that was shared by the Administration. We entered into good faith omnibus negotiations at Senator Feinsteins request. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Senator Feinstein took umbrage to what was at most a staffer error in a closed-door meeting. Our 14 California Republican members remained hopeful, and quiet, until the 11th hour trying to resolve small differences with a bipartisan coalition to help the state of California. Our good faith negotiations came to naught. Its unfortunate when the LA Times gets the story wrong, but it is tragic when the Senate gets the policy wrong.\nCongressman David G. Valadao (CA-21)\n\"The House of Representatives has repeatedly tried to provide a federal solution to drought conditions impacting our constituents. However, our Senators from California have failed to get a single piece of legislation, even vaguely related to the drought, passed in the Senate this year. To no avail, the House has exhausted all legislative resources. My House-passed bill, H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act remains in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources pending further action. The House of Representatives looks forward to the Senate passing legislation so that the two Chambers may go to Conference to reconcile differences between the Chambers.\"\nCongressman Devin Nunes (CA-22)\n\"The House has proposed a compromise to ease the California water crisis -- one that satisfies the Senate's demands -- and once again Senate Democrats are rejecting our efforts by prioritizing fish over families. If anyone still wonders why Congress has not approved pumping more water for California communities, they should look at the Senate's inexplicable refusal to take yes for an answer.\"\nCongressman Jeff Denham (CA-10)\nWhile Californians suffer through a horrific drought, our senators continue to request secret negotiations only to stall the process. More storage equals jobs. I will settle for nothing less.\nCongressman Paul Cook (CA-08)\nCalifornia is facing the worst drought in a century. California Republicans have been trying for weeks to work with the administration and our California Senators on a drought bill to bring relief to California and capitalize on the upcoming El Nio season. The time to act is now and I urge our California Senators to join us in getting a water deal done.\nCongressman Tom McClintock (CA-04)\nFor many critical months, House Republicans have negotiated in good faith with Congressional Democrats led by Senator Feinstein for a water policy that balanced the desperate needs of the people of California with the demands of the environmental Left. The events of the last week make it obvious that neither she nor the Democratic delegation has been dealing in good faith and that their plan from the outset is to run out the legislative clock. Droughts are natures fault, but water shortages are a public policy choice. And regrettably, the Democrats continue to choose scarcity over abundance.\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)\nEvery aspect of this proposal was developed by a working group of Californias Republican and Democratic members of the House and Senate, in cooperation with the Obama administration, Governor Browns administration, agricultural and urban water districts, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. Any member who claims that they werent included has willfully chosen not to be a part of this process and is choosing not to be part of a workable solution to Californias water crisis. The simple facts are that time has run out, that these proposals have received broad, bipartisan, bicameral support, and that the people of California has been waiting for action for three long years.\nCongresswoman Mimi Walters (CA-45)\nFinding a solution to Californias drought problem is one of my top priorities and we must seize the opportunity to address this issue immediately. With over 37 million people throughout the state impacted by the drought, it is critical that Congress take action and pass legislation that will provide relief to Californias families, farmers, and businesses. We simply cannot afford to stand by and continue to allow existing policies to mismanage our water resources. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to address this problem.\nCongressman Stephen Knight (CA-25)\nCalifornias water issue will require swift, coordinated action between local, state, and federal agencies. By refusing to act on this measure, Congress will miss a critical opportunity to do its part, which will further hurt Californias families and communities.\nCongressman Darrell E. Issa (CA-49)\nThe purpose of this drought relief bill is to expeditiously bring water to California communities, which have been suffering from a devastating drought for more than four years. House Republicans have been diligently working with Senator Feinstein for months, crafting a bill ideal for bipartisan and bicameral support. It is disingenuous for someone who has been a critical participant in these discussions to say that the process was secretive. I am hopeful that the Senator can put our communities first and help us bring drought relief to our state as soon as possible.\nCongressman Ed Royce (CA-39)\nRepublicans and Democrats have been in negotiations for months in an attempt to develop a solution to California's prolonged water shortages. Our proposal strikes the right balance by increasing pumping and water storage without violating the Endangered Species Act and providing funding for desalination and water recycling programs. It's a shame that Democrats have abandoned the negotiating table instead of helping deliver California the relief it so desperately needs.\nCongressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50)\nMillions of Californians are suffering from the worst drought conditions in our states history. We must take action to address Californias water crisis without further delay, and enact real solutions that will provide relief to citizens across our state.\nCongressman Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48)\nCalifornians can no longer be treated as second-class citizens by congressional Democrats and radical environmentalists who insist on putting fish first. Democrats must stop interfering with our efforts to make sure that Californians have the water they need.\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cooks-bill-continues-to-gain-local-support", "Rep. Paul Cook's Bill Continues to Gain Local Support", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This week, Rep. Paul Cooks (R-Apple Valley) bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA), continued to gain local support and took a significant step toward becoming law. On Monday, the Town of Yucca Valley voted 5-0 to support H.R. 3668. This bill places over a million acres of existing scenic federal lands into conservation for future generations, while protecting recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and continuing to allow important economic activity such as mining in the California desert. The Cities of Barstow, Hesperia, Twentynine Palms, and Banning, the Town of Apple Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have already announced their support of the bill. Additionally, H.R. 3668 took a significant step forward in the legislative process. On Wednesday, HR 3668, was heard at a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. At the hearing, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood testified in support of the bill. Cook said, Im thrilled to have the support of the Town of Yucca Valley for the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conversation Act. They join numerous other local communities in supporting my bill that protects our desert, addresses the needs of our off- highway vehicles users, and maintains our economic vitality. The Town of Yucca Valley supports CMORCA because its a balanced approach to conserving our desert, keeping our public lands open for recreational activities, and keeping our economic best interests at the forefront. Id like to thank Congressman Cook for engaging local constituents and stake holders about what they would like to see move forward, said Yucca Valley Mayor George Huntington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-on-water-negotiations", "California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought.\n\nNegotiation Timeline\n\n2011\n H.R. 1837 theSacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean.\n 2012\n The House passes H.R. 1837.\n\tThe Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill.\n 2014\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, theSacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act,another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply.\n\tSenator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, theCalifornia Emergency Drought Relief Act,which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964.\n\tSenator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, theEmergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference.\n\tHouse members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns\n\tThe House quickly passes H.R. 5781, theCalifornia Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein.\n\tSenators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill.\n 2015\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, theWestern Water and American Food Security Act of 2015,which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate.\n\tThe Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has nochance of passing either chamber.\n\tHouse-Senate negotiators meet for several months and make progress toward an agreement.\n\tThe House submits language to include in an omnibus spending billthat retains Democrat priorities aswell asRepublican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not to oppose.\n\tSenator Feinstein publically rejects the proposal less than 24 hours after the proposal is made privately.\n Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statment:\nLeader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)\nThe current drought and water crisis demands a response. The California Republican delegation has put forth aproposal to provide our communitiesimmediaterelief asEl Nino is likely to bring a wetter than usual winter.Continued opposition from California Democrats in Congress to any solution that is designed to allow more water to flow to central and southern California only exacerbates the current drought and hurts our state.The response from Senator Feinsteinand Senator Boxer isdisappointinggiven our proposals inclusion of manyCalifornia Democratprioritiesbut unfortunately not surprising as they have opposed every legislative effort to find bipartisan agreement. The stakes are too high not to act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-on-water-negotiations", "California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought.\nNegotiation Timeline\n2011\n H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean.\n 2012\n The House passes H.R. 1837.\n\tThe Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill.\n 2014\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply.\n\tSenator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964.\n\tSenator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference.\n\tHouse members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns.\n\tThe House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein.\n\tSenators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill.\n 2015\n The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate.\n\tThe Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has nochance of passing either chamber.\n\tHouse-Senate negotiators meet for several months and make progress toward an agreement.\n\tThe House submits language to include in an omnibus spending billthat retains Democrat priorities aswell asRepublican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not to oppose.\n\tSenator Feinstein publically rejects the proposal less than 24 hours after the proposal is made privately.\n Individual statements from members of the California Delegation are below:\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)\nEvery aspect of this proposal was developed by a working group of Californias Republican and Democratic members of the House and Senate, in cooperation with the Obama administration, Governor Browns administration, agricultural and urban water districts, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. Any member who claims that they werent included has willfully chosen not to be a part of this process and is choosing not to be part of a workable solution to Californias water crisis. The simple facts are that time has run out, that these proposals have received broad, bipartisan, bicameral support, and that the people of California have been waiting for action for three long years.\nLeader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)\nThe current drought and water crisis demands a response. The California Republican delegation has put forth aproposal to provide our communitiesimmediaterelief asEl Nino is likely to bring a wetter than usual winter.Continued opposition from California Democrats in Congress to any solution that is designed to allow more water to flow to central and southern California only exacerbates the current drought and hurts our state.The response from Senator Feinsteinand Senator Boxer isdisappointinggiven our proposals inclusion of manyCalifornia Democratprioritiesbut unfortunately not surprising as they have opposed every legislative effort to find bipartisan agreement. The stakes are too high not to act.\nCongressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)\nOne of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season (El Nio). After many lengthy discussions with the Senate, the Administration, conservation groups, water districts throughout the state, and other interested stakeholders, we arrived at a compromise that would have provided some relief to the drought-stricken communities of California. The language that was proposed did not violate the Endangered Species Act or the biological opinions; a view that was shared by the Administration. We entered into good faith omnibus negotiations at Senator Feinsteins request. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Senator Feinstein took umbrage to what was at most a staffer error in a closed-door meeting. Our 14 California Republican members remained hopeful, and quiet, until the 11th hour trying to resolve small differences with a bipartisan coalition to help the state of California. Our good faith negotiations came to naught. Its unfortunate when the LA Times gets the story wrong, but it is tragic when the Senate gets the policy wrong.\nCongressman David G. Valadao (CA-21)\n\"The House of Representatives has repeatedly tried to provide a federal solution to drought conditions impacting our constituents. However, our Senators from California have failed to get a single piece of legislation, even vaguely related to the drought, passed in the Senate this year. To no avail, the House has exhausted all legislative resources. My House-passed bill, H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act remains in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources pending further action. The House of Representatives looks forward to the Senate passing legislation so that the two Chambers may go to Conference to reconcile differences between the Chambers.\"\nCongressman Devin Nunes (CA-22)\n\"The House has proposed a compromise to ease the California water crisis -- one that satisfies the Senate's demands -- and once again Senate Democrats are rejecting our efforts by prioritizing fish over families. If anyone still wonders why Congress has not approved pumping more water for California communities, they should look at the Senate's inexplicable refusal to take yes for an answer.\"\nCongressman Jeff Denham (CA-10)\nWhile Californians suffer through a horrific drought, our senators continue to request secret negotiations only to stall the process. More storage equals jobs. I will settle for nothing less.\nCongressman Paul Cook (CA-08)\nCalifornia is facing the worst drought in a century. California Republicans have been trying for weeks to work with the administration and our California Senators on a drought bill to bring relief to California and capitalize on the upcoming El Nio season. The time to act is now and I urge our California Senators to join us in getting a water deal done.\nCongressman Tom McClintock (CA-04)\nFor many critical months, House Republicans have negotiated in good faith with Congressional Democrats led by Senator Feinstein for a water policy that balanced the desperate needs of the people of California with the demands of the environmental Left. The events of the last week make it obvious that neither she nor the Democratic delegation has been dealing in good faith and that their plan from the outset is to run out the legislative clock. Droughts are natures fault, but water shortages are a public policy choice. And regrettably, the Democrats continue to choose scarcity over abundance.\nCongresswoman Mimi Walters (CA-45)\nFinding a solution to Californias drought problem is one of my top priorities and we must seize the opportunity to address this issue immediately. With over 37 million people throughout the state impacted by the drought, it is critical that Congress take action and pass legislation that will provide relief to Californias families, farmers, and businesses. We simply cannot afford to stand by and continue to allow existing policies to mismanage our water resources. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to address this problem.\nCongressman Stephen Knight (CA-25)\nCalifornias water issue will require swift, coordinated action between local, state, and federal agencies. By refusing to act on this measure, Congress will miss a critical opportunity to do its part, which will further hurt Californias families and communities.\nCongressman Darrell E. Issa (CA-49)\nThe purpose of this drought relief bill is to expeditiously bring water to California communities, which have been suffering from a devastating drought for more than four years. House Republicans have been diligently working with Senator Feinstein for months, crafting a bill ideal for bipartisan and bicameral support. It is disingenuous for someone who has been a critical participant in these discussions to say that the process was secretive. I am hopeful that the Senator can put our communities first and help us bring drought relief to our state as soon as possible.\nCongressman Ed Royce (CA-39)\nRepublicans and Democrats have been in negotiations for months in an attempt to develop a solution to California's prolonged water shortages. Our proposal strikes the right balance by increasing pumping and water storage without violating the Endangered Species Act and providing funding for desalination and water recycling programs. It's a shame that Democrats have abandoned the negotiating table instead of helping deliver California the relief it so desperately needs.\nCongressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50)\nMillions of Californians are suffering from the worst drought conditions in our states history. We must take action to address Californias water crisis without further delay, and enact real solutions that will provide relief to citizens across our state.\nCongressman Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48)\nCalifornians can no longer be treated as second-class citizens by congressional Democrats and radical environmentalists who insist on putting fish first. Democrats must stop interfering with our efforts to make sure that Californians have the water they need.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397850", "Reps. Royce and Sewell Push for Competition Between Credit Score Providers", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) and U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced H.R. 4211, the Credit Score Competition Act of 2015. The bill enables Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider credit scoring models they currently don't evaluate when making mortgage purchasing decisions: The GSEs' use of a single credit score is an unfair practice that stifles competition and innovation in credit scoring. Breaking up the credit score monopoly at Fannie and Freddie will also assist them in managing their credit risk and decreases the potential for another taxpayer bailout,\" said Rep. Royce. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the largest mortgage purchasers in the nation, but they rely on credit score models that dont necessarily take into account something as simple as whether borrowers have paid their rent on time. Home ownership is an integral part of the American Dream that shouldnt be out of the reach for low-income, rural, and minority borrowers who lack access to traditional forms of credit. This legislation takes an important step towards addressing this issue and helps make homeownership a reality for more Americans across the country, said Rep. Sewell. Allowing Fannie and Freddie to make mortgage purchasing decisions with access to multiple empirically derived, statistically sound credit scoring models (like FICO) mitigates the risk in their portfolios and lowers the chance of systemic risk in our housing market. Additionally, Fannie and Freddies 90% share of the secondary mortgage market and reliance on one credit scoring model has created a near monopoly in this field. Opening the GSEs up to other credit scoring models will foster competition and innovation in the credit scoring industry. Potential homebuyers without a FICO score or with one below 620 are ineligible for a mortgage that can be sold to Fannie or Freddie and are often frozen out of the housing market. Lower-to-middle income Americans that are qualified to buy a home but are unable to gain entry to the market due to their FICO score or lack thereof will specifically benefit from the GSEs using other credit scoring models. Reps. Royce and Sewell, both members of the House Financial Services Committee, urge swift action from their colleagues to advance this legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397853", "Rep. Royce Supports Orange County Coastal Preservation Measure", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) served as an original cosponsor on legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) to preserve several rocks, reefs, and small islands along the coast of Orange County: \"We live in the most beautiful part of the country and have a duty to keep it that way for future generations. As someone who enjoys hiking and time on the beach, I look forward to advancing this protection of Orange County's coastline.\" \nIn 1931, Congress temporarily reserved, \"pending enactment of appropriate legislation by the Congress, rocks, reefs, and small islands off the coast of Orange County for park, scenic, or other public purposes. However, the offshore rocks from the 1931 Act were never subjected to the jurisdiction of a federal agency despite being federal property. In 2000, President Bill Clinton created the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) in order to protect and preserve Californias unique coastline. But because the 1931 Act reserved Orange Countys offshore rocks, these lands were not absorbed into the CCNM and still remain in a state of limbo. This legislation will place these offshore rocks, reefs, and small islands within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to be managed as part of the CCNM. If enacted, the proposal would ensure that legitimate existing economic and recreational activities on and around these structures will not be prohibited.\nThe bipartisanlegislation was authored by Rep. Rohrabacher and cosponsored by Rep. Royce, U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-San Clemente), U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Garden Grove) and U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (R-Irvine).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397854", "California Republicans Issue Statements on Water Legislation Negotiations", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought. Negotiation Timeline 2011  H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act is introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions on the pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean. 2012  The House passes H.R. 1837.  \r\n The Senate, with a Democratic majority, does not consider H.R. 1837 or pass its own water bill. 2014  The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply.  \r\n Senator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964.  \r\n Senator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference.  \r\n House members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill, but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns  \r\n The House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein.  \r\n Senators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill. 2015  The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate.  \r\n The Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has no chance of passing either chamber.  \r\n House-Senate negotiators meet for several months and make progress toward an agreement.  \r\n The House submits language to include in an omnibus spending bill that retains Democrat priorities as well as Republican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not to oppose.   \r\n Senator Feinstein publically rejects the proposal less than 24 hours after the proposal is made privately. Congressman Ed Royce (CA-39)  \r\nRepublicans and Democrats have been in negotiations for months in an attempt to develop a solution to California's prolonged water shortages. Our proposal strikes the right balance by increasing pumping and water storage without violating the Endangered Species Act and providing funding for desalination and water recycling programs. It's a shame that Democrats have abandoned the negotiating table instead of helping deliver California the relief it so desperately needs. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)  \r\nThe current drought and water crisis demands a response. The California Republican delegation has put forth a proposal to provide our communities immediate relief as El Nino is likely to bring a wetter than usual winter. Continued opposition from California Democrats in Congress to any solution that is designed to allow more water to flow to central and southern California only exacerbates the current drought and hurts our state. The response from Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer is disappointing given our proposals inclusion of many California Democrat priorities but unfortunately not surprising as they have opposed every legislative effort to find bipartisan agreement. The stakes are too high not to act. Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)  \r\nOne of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season (El Nio). After many lengthy discussions with the Senate, the Administration, conservation groups, water districts throughout the state, and other interested stakeholders, we arrived at a compromise that would have provided some relief to the drought-stricken communities of California. The language that was proposed did not violate the Endangered Species Act or the biological opinions; a view that was shared by the Administration. We entered into good faith omnibus negotiations at Senator Feinsteins request. The deal was close to done but unfortunately, Senator Feinstein took umbrage to what was at most a staffer error in a closed-door meeting. Our 14 California Republican members remained hopeful, and quiet, until the 11th hour trying to resolve small differences with a bipartisan coalition to help the state of California. Our good faith negotiations came to naught. Its unfortunate when the LA Times gets the story wrong, but it is tragic when the Senate gets the policy wrong. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21)  \r\n\"The House of Representatives has repeatedly tried to provide a federal solution to drought conditions impacting our constituents. However, our Senators from California have failed to get a single piece of legislation, even vaguely related to the drought, passed in the Senate this year. To no avail, the House has exhausted all legislative resources. My House-passed bill, H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act remains in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources pending further action. The House of Representatives looks forward to the Senate passing legislation so that the two Chambers may go to Conference to reconcile differences between the Chambers.\" Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22)  \r\n\"The House has proposed a compromise to ease the California water crisis -- one that satisfies the Senate's demands -- and once again Senate Democrats are rejecting our efforts by prioritizing fish over families. If anyone still wonders why Congress has not approved pumping more water for California communities, they should look at the Senate's inexplicable refusal to take yes for an answer.\" Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-10)  \r\nWhile Californians suffer through a horrific drought, our senators continue to request secret negotiations only to stall the process. More storage equals jobs. I will settle for nothing less. Congressman Paul Cook (CA-08)  \r\nCalifornia is facing the worst drought in a century. California Republicans have been trying for weeks to work with the administration and our California Senators on a drought bill to bring relief to California and capitalize on the upcoming El Nio season. The time to act is now and I urge our California Senators to join us in getting a water deal done. Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-04)  \r\nFor many critical months, House Republicans have negotiated in good faith with Congressional Democrats led by Senator Feinstein for a water policy that balanced the desperate needs of the people of California with the demands of the environmental Left. The events of the last week make it obvious that neither she nor the Democratic delegation has been dealing in good faith and that their plan from the outset is to run out the legislative clock. Droughts are natures fault, but water shortages are a public policy choice. And regrettably, the Democrats continue to choose scarcity over abundance. Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)  \r\nEvery aspect of this proposal was developed by a working group of Californias Republican and Democratic members of the House and Senate, in cooperation with the Obama administration, Governor Browns administration, agricultural and urban water districts, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. Any member who claims that they werent included has willfully chosen not to be a part of this process and is choosing not to be part of a workable solution to Californias water crisis. The simple facts are that time has run out, that these proposals have received broad, bipartisan, bicameral support, and that the people of California has been waiting for action for three long years. Congresswoman Mimi Walters (CA-45)  \r\nFinding a solution to Californias drought problem is one of my top priorities and we must seize the opportunity to address this issue immediately. With over 37 million people throughout the state impacted by the drought, it is critical that Congress take action and pass legislation that will provide relief to Californias families, farmers, and businesses. We simply cannot afford to stand by and continue to allow existing policies to mismanage our water resources. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to address this problem. Congressman Stephen Knight (CA-25)  \r\nCalifornias water issue will require swift, coordinated action between local, state, and federal agencies. By refusing to act on this measure, Congress will miss a critical opportunity to do its part, which will further hurt Californias families and communities. Congressman Darrell E. Issa (CA-49)  \r\nThe purpose of this drought relief bill is to expeditiously bring water to California communities, which have been suffering from a devastating drought for more than four years. House Republicans have been diligently working with Senator Feinstein for months, crafting a bill ideal for bipartisan and bicameral support. It is disingenuous for someone who has been a critical participant in these discussions to say that the process was secretive. I am hopeful that the Senator can put our communities first and help us bring drought relief to our state as soon as possible. Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50)  \r\nMillions of Californians are suffering from the worst drought conditions in our states history. We must take action to address Californias water crisis without further delay, and enact real solutions that will provide relief to citizens across our state. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48)  \r\nCalifornians can no longer be treated as second-class citizens by congressional Democrats and radical environmentalists who insist on putting fish first. Democrats must stop interfering with our efforts to make sure that Californians have the water they need.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hunter.house.gov/don%E2%80%99t-stifle-vaping", "Hunter: Dont stifle vaping", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yes, I vape. On occasion, I might even smoke a real cigarette.\nThrough my military career, including three combat tours, I even experienced chewing tobacco. \nNow that I vape, does it mean I am one step closer to dying than say, someone who might drink too much, eat too much red meat or live an all-around unhealthy lifestyle?\nNo way.\nTo vape is to smoke an electronic cigarette, for those who dont know. An e-cigarette is different from a regular cigarette, mainly because it does not contain tobacco. E-cigarettes contain a liquid that is vaporizedhence, the word vapeand inhaled. It might taste and smell like tobacco, but its not. \nIts true that vaping isnt as sexy as smoking old-fashioned cigarettes. Generations of Americans were brought up smoking traditional tobacco products and to them, vaping may appear to be nothing more than a fad, set to eventually burn out. Theyre wrong.\nThe reason I vape is simple: Its so I dont smoke cigarettes. I vape knowing that Im not inhaling tobacco. Most importantly, I vape because I believe it could save my life. \nThere are millions of Americans like me, who are choosing e-cigarettes over their traditional counterpart. Now the Food and Drug Administration wants to force me and millions of others to revert to cigarettes through the issuance of new regulations. What the FDA is proposing is a date of February 15, 2007, to require approval for e-cigarettes, even if they are already being sold.\nNot so bad, right? Wrong.\nTo comply, any company that manufactures e-cigarettes must submit an application, to include test results on health risks.\nDoesnt sound so bad, right? Wrong again.\nThe problem is that most e-cigarettes didnt exist before February 15, 2007. So if the FDA gets its way, not only will modern day e-cigarettes, with all their advancements and improvements, no longer be available for purchase, but thousands of small businesses specializing in the sale of vaping pens and accessories will be forced to close their doors.\nAlso, whatever products did exist before 2007which people are sure to continue buyingwill lack all the improvements that have transformed e-cigarettes into a more acceptable alternative. Other consumers may choose to go back to real thing. \nTheres no science behind the FDAs proposed date. Its completely arbitrary. This is not to say that a grandfather date shouldnt exist, maybe one should, but theres no other motive behind the FDAs date than to deny Americans a product that is becoming a suitable replacement to cigarettes.\nIf the FDA wont change the proposed grandfather date then Congress mustat least to the date a regulation is issued. Pertinent legislation has already been introduced in the House and discussions are underway to possibly include a date change in forthcoming omnibus legislation.\nIts hard to imagine images from past, of soldiers storming beachheads with vaping pens in their mouths, men in workshops and factories billowing clouds of vaporized smoke, or men and women in bars and social gatherings talking to each other as they vape. But this is 2015and surely, had the technology been around then, were sure to see much of what we see today: Americans turning to a product that reduces their urge to put a cigarette to their lips and keeps tobacco out of their mouths and lungs.\nThe FDA should wise up. And if their true goal is to reduce cigarette use, then imposing a prohibition of sorts on e-cigarettes is senseless. Then again, maybe the FDA is counting on a surge in lighter sales to account for the costpersonal and financialof their ill-conceived regulation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-8-2015", "Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 8, 2015", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional open house meetings on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project, released earlier in 2015. The meetings provide an additional opportunity for the public to receive information and provide feedback on the plan.Meetings will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville and Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Kerr-McGee Center, 100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest. Both meetings will be held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, and include a presentation and an open house format to review maps, ask questions and provide written comments to the BLM. The BLM will review input received through the public comment period, which closes January 25, 2016, when making a decision on the final plan.The draft plan delivers a proposed solution for adaptive and responsible travel management planning and off-highway vehicle use within the West Mojave planning area while protecting important resources and maximizing public accessibility in the desert. The plan also outlines conservation provisions for sensitive areas including providing for threatened and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and plays an active role in recovery of their habitat.For more information about the Draft SEIS, including interactive mapping, please visit the BLM Websitehttps://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/west_mojave__wemo.html.To submit a comment, or for additional questions, please contact Edy Seehafer, West Mojave Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, cawemopa@blm.gov, (760) 252-6021.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-to-keep-terrorists-out-of-the-us", "Rep. Paul Cook Votes to Keep Terrorists out of the US", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for HR 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. This bill closes gaps existing in the program and adds additional layers of protection. Currently, citizens of all 38 approved Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel more easily to the United States than travelers from other countires. Rather than going to the US consulate to obtain a visa, citizens of VWP countries must provide detailed background information through an online form that is screened against US security systems. VWP applicants are approved or denied for travel to the US more quickly than citizens from non-VWP countries. This program enhances US security because the VWP countries must agree to strengthen their own security screening measures and to share crucial counterterrorism and law enforcement information with the US. In light of the high terror threat environment, more needs to be done to close VWP security gaps and keep terrorists from entering into the US. HR 158 denies VWP travel to travelers who are nationals of  or have visited during the past five years- Iraq, Syria, and other countries with significant terrorist activity. These travelers will be required to seek a visa for entry into the United States through a more stringent process. This bill also demands strong intelligence sharing by law enforcement, enhances screening of all travelers in VWP countries, prevents extremists from using fraudulent documents to evade detection, and takes steps to ensure VWP travelers do not falsify their background information. Cook said,  We need strong leadership to defeat ISIS. Despite our Presidents assertion, ISIS is not a junior varsity organization. They control more territory than al-Qaeda ever did in the Middle East. With the recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, its clear we need to be doing more to improve our security screening to prevent future attacks. This bill takes an important step in the right direction by closing loopholes in the Visa Waiver Program and now is the time to pass it. Terrorists are not welcome in the United States of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397846", "Rep. Royce Questions FSOC on OFR Transparency and Insurance Designations", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned members of the Financial Services Oversight Council (FSOC) regarding regulators creating systemic risk, transparency at the Office of Financial Research (OFR), and the designation of insurers as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) during today's House Financial Services Committee hearing \"Oversight of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.\" \"Last month, in ahearingbefore this Committee about due process issues with the FSOC, Professor Jonathan Macey of Yale Law School stated 'that with respect to the actions that the FSOC have already taken, there is a significant danger of increasing, rather than decreasing, systemic risk.' And his point as he explained was this because the FSOC is ignoring certain risk mitigation strategies and herding entities into particular risk strategies, which decreases diversification and then increases the systemic risk,\" beganRep. Royce. \"This could also happen indirectly with companies making choices to merge, sharing in the cost of compliance and creating greater economies of scale; we have seen this in the banking sector. Or more directly with the implied or explicit backing of the government  as in the case with the GSEs. So I was going to askMr. Curry, do you view the potential for regulators to create systemic risk as a problem? And what actions have you taken to make sure that... the FSOCs designations and the enhanced prudential standards of the Fed are not increasing systemic risk per the thesis that the Yale professor puts forward?\" askedRep. Royce. \"Congressman, the FSOC actually is looking at, and this is referenced in our annual report, some of the consequences of changes within the marketplace including regulatory changes. There are behaviours that have changed, institutions have either left or entered different types of business, the impact to non-banks. Those are all things that we have identified as emerging, or potential emerging, risks that require further monitoring and potential action down the road,\" repliedMr. Thomas Curry, Comptroller of the Currency at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). \"I think it's certainly something that we need to be constantly keeping in mind with all of our regulations, what impacts they're having, what mitigators we ought to be considering in addition,\" addedChair Mary Jo Whiteof the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) when prompted. I'm trying to better understand how the interaction, on another subject here, between the Office of Financial Research and the FSOC members works. After criticism by this Committee and the public on an OFR report regarding the asset management industry, the FSOC sought public views on the industry and later issued a request for notice and comment on Asset Management Products and Activities. Separately, the SEC put out the OFR report for public comment. Can I ask the panel, do any of you see a reason why all OFR public reports should not be open to public notice and comment? Does anyone take exception to that concept?\" askedRep. Royce,author of theOffice of Financial Research Accountability Act of 2015that would open OFR reports to public notice and comment. \"For the record Mr. Chairman, I'd like to say that the witnesses for the record saw no reason to continue the practice of the OFR not allowing for public comment on their reports. That's the point I wanted to make, I think it's important that they do so,\" saidRep. Royceafter no witness answered. \"The FSOC has not designated any asset managers as SIFIs  which is a step I support as these firms operate with little leverage, if any, and the risks they manage are borne by those whose funds they invest. But the FSOC is now apparently considering the industry under activities-based regulation, the second prong of Section 113 of the Dodd-Frank Act, rather than material financial distress, the first prong. My question is not about asset managers  but rather how FSOC came to this decision and why a similar process wasnt used when designating insurance companies.Mr. Woodall, is it fair for the FSOC to offer different amounts of process to different industries? Why not take the same amount of time and get it right?\" concludedRep. Royce. \"The Council is young, it's evolving. I welcome the idea of taking a pause and getting into looking at activities across a segment. I hope that they will do that for the insurance industry too,\" repliedMr. Roy Woodall, the Independent Member with Insurance Expertise of FSOC.\nWatch Rep. Royce's questioning of the witnesseshere or by clicking on the image below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397848", "Royce Highlights Unresolved Data Breach Liability Issues", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) highlighted the lack of clarity on data breach liability issues between retailers and financial services providers by offering and withdrawing an amendment during themarkupof H.R. 2205, the Data Security Act:\n\"I thank Chairman Neugebauer for his leadership on this important issue of breach notification and data protection. In May, at a Committee hearing, I asked witnesses from both the financial industry and the retail industry: 'When a data breach occurs, how should we allocate financial responsibility for that breach?' Both witnesses agreed that entities negligent in protecting customer financial information should be responsible for any costs associated with that breach. I have drafted an amendment that codifies that question and that answer from that hearing. It would require that in the case of a major data breach  one that harms more than a million consumers  the cost would be borne by the entity at fault when the breach is caused by its failure to implement, develop and maintain a comprehensive information security program, as H.R. 2205 in fact mandates. To be fair, at the earlier hearing, the representative from the retail industry agreed those responsible should pay, but said that they already do and this issue is settled through contracts. Well, I wish that were the case. The fact is that most major breaches have resulted in litigation to settle reimbursement, and even then the rate of repayment does not come close to the cost of the breach, especially for community financial institutions. A recent survey by the American Bankers Association found that, between 2009 and 2014, two-thirds of all banks surveyed did not receive any reimbursement for breaches. For those who did receive reimbursement, over 80% received no more than 10% of their total losses and almost half said they received less than 1%.  Credit unions in California have also been hard hit. The Target breach cost the Credit Union of Southern California $35,000. The Home Depot breach cost SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union $700,000, with a 65% increase in card fraud. And CoastHills Credit Union watched $71,000 in fraud, on seven cards, hit their system in the first four minutes of that breach. And that's all the same breach, so you get a sense of how that fans out among all of these issuers. I raise this issue, Mr. Chairman, not to point fingers. But to say we can do better. We must incentivize companies to put in place comprehensive security protections that work. If they fail to do that, they should pay the price of the breach. I will not offer my amendment today in the hope that we can work out the issue of liability as we continue the work on this subject with the many Committees involved,\" said Rep. Royce. \"I also want to raise one concern I have with the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute. The ambiguity in the notification trigger and the 'standard of harm' is troubling. As we move forward, we need to define what is meant by 'harm'. I think we should only be capturing consumers who are likely to be victims of identity theft. We dont want to create a situation where we sound like 'the boy who cried wolf,\" and when a real wolf comes a consumer doesnt hear us because they threw away the notice or ignored the call or email. We need to get this right,\" concluded Rep. Royce.\nWatch Rep. Royce's comments at the markup here or by clicking on the image below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-visa-waiver-program-legislation", "Rep. Mimi Walters on Visa Waiver Program Legislation", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. This legislation would strengthen the Visa Waiver Program to protect the U.S. from terrorists seeking to exploit the program.\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has been in place for thirty years, providing residents of 38 countries the ability to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without attaining a visa by passing background security checks. While the VWP has an enormously positive economic impact  supporting one million U.S. jobs and $190 billion in 2014 - the growing threat from extremists and terrorists groups like ISIS, highlight the need to close security gaps in the VWP. This legislation would strengthen U.S. national security by requiring participating countries to share counterterrorism intelligence with the U.S., allow DHS to suspend a high-risk countrys participation, and prohibit those who have recently traveled to Syria or Iraq from using the program. It is critical that we take every step possible to protect American citizens and send this bill to the presidents desk without delay.\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hunter.house.gov/hunter-why-obama-letting-china-beat-us-global-drone-sales", "Hunter: Why is Obama letting China beat the US at global drone sales?", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Duncan Hunter", "H001048", "hunter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If American allies are given a choice when they purchase military weapons, its a sure bet that theyll look to buy American every time. The U.S. military has the most technologically advanced fighting force in the world and its no wonder so many of our global partners clamor for the cutting-edge weaponry that sets our defense forcesapart.\nThis is the case now, but the technology gap is closing in some areas. At a certain point, the Obama administrations persistent refusals and denials to transfer U.S. weaponry abroad will lead to an even greater expansion of foreign military sales, especially from the Chinese. This is apparent already in the area of unmanned aerial systems, or drones. While the U.S. maintains a slight advantage in drone capability and production, the failure of the State Department to do business on this front has created a new market for China. And China is seizing theopportunity.\nAn obvious example involves equipment requests from Jordan, which is on the front line in the war against the Islamic State, or ISIS. In fact, Jordans interests in destroying ISIS coincide with our own. The asset most sought by the Jordanians, as shown by their direct requests, is the Reaper drone. With the Reapers range and firepower, Jordan would be able to more effectively strike Islamic State fighters deeper in enemy territory and with far less risk to its personnel. Jordan could better control its borders and support additional combat needs as theyarise.\nClearly, Reaper transfers to Jordan would constitute a win-win: Jordan acquires the resources and capability it needs to fight an enemy on its doorstep, while the U.S., in supporting a critical ally, would continue taking the fight to ISIS, as well as and secure market ownership and access  which also happen to be of deep interest to China and its droneindustry.\nThis wasnt near enough for the State Department. Jordans requests for Reaper were outright denied. So what did the Jordanians do? They turned to China. They turned toIsrael.\nNow the Chinese are arranging the sale of their drone, the Caihong 5, a Reaper equivalent that would otherwise fall under the same constraints imposed on U.S. drones. Reportedly, Israel is also providing two of its Heron drones. When asked about the rationale for denying Jordans request, the State Department stated very simply that loss of market share is no concern. Completenonsense.\nEven the head of Air Force acquisition agreed. On the heels of the Dubai Air Show, Bill LaPlante said the U.S. should act more quickly to allow allies to buy American weaponry, further citing the market threat posed by the Chinese. He cited drones specifically,saying, Guess whos [in Dubai] selling stuff? I dont know. China?  Our partners are saying: even if [a Chinese weapon] doesnt work, I can buy theirs, even if it doesnt work well and works about a third of the time. Its still worth it. Those guys are at war and its existential forthem.\nMy pointexactly.\nThe State Department is unlikely to change its position on Jordans drones request, even though it should. The fact that the U.S. is losing this opportunity, as well as the security, market share and economic benefits that come with it, is indicative of a bureaucracy that is constantly contradicting itself and impedingresults.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issas-response-to-presidents-televised-address-on-isis/", "Issas Response to Presidents Televised Address on ISIS", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases           \r\n                    \r\n                                    \r\n          \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \n    \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \n  \n  \n    \n      \n  \n      \n  \n  \n     Issa's Response to Presidents Televised Address on ISIS \n  \n  \n  \n\n  \n      \n  \n  \n      \n  \n  \n\n  \n      \n  \n  \n    The Presidents intention tonight was to reassure a concerned nation about his Administrations efforts to combat ISIS and keep the homeland secure.\nBut there was no clear strategy for victory over ISIS, just a rehashing of rhetoric weve heard for the last year, and a renewed commitment to a halfhearted plan that has allowed a determined enemy to always be one step ahead of this Presidents proclamations of containment or assurances about our nations security.\nISIS-inspired violence has now reached us here in California, and a group of dedicated public servants in San Bernardino have lost their lives. We cant afford another year, or even another day of failed Presidential leadership in the face of radical Islamic extremism. \nThis crisis demands a commander-in-chief with a comprehensive military and counter-terrorism strategy to defeat ISIS and ISIS-inspired attacks, not another lecture on gun control or primer on the religion of peace. Wake up, Mr. President!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/editorial-commercial-launch-sector-gets-what-it-needs", "EDITORIAL: Commercial Launch Sector Gets What It Needs", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Space Launch Competitiveness Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama Nov. 25, is a victory for one industry sector that only recently returned to U.S. territory and another, fledgling sector that finally appears on the verge of becoming a reality.\n\nPerhaps most importantly, the measure extends by nine years the government indemnification regime that has traditionally protected U.S. launch companies against ruinous lawsuits filed by uninvolved third parties.\n\nThe indemnification regime, in which the government agrees to cover third-party damages in excess of the insured amount, was slated to expire at the end of 2016. Its extension was absolutely necessary to maintain the viability of an industry that effectively went overseas for other reasons a decade or so ago but has returned in recent years thanks largely to SpaceX.\n\nThe law also bars, for another 10 years, the government from imposing safety regulations on the commercial human spaceflight industry, the exception being rules that specifically respond to fatal accidents or near misses.\n\nThe extended grace period grants emerging suborbital spaceflight companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, the latter fresh from a successful unmanned flight and recovery of its reusable New Shepard vehicle, the latitude they need to complete vehicle development and build up a base of experience that will inform future regulations.\n\nThe original Senate version of the bill had proposed shorter extensions for both the learning period and indemnification regime, but the House provision prevailed in conference.\n\nThe final measure did not pass without some controversy.\n\nLeading Democrats in the House opposed, albeit unsuccessfully, a provision that shields commercial human spaceflight operators against passenger lawsuits except in cases where negligence can be proved.\n\nThese protections, modeled after those that apply to other voluntary high-risk activities like recreational parachuting, are appropriate for commercial spaceflight as well.\n\nNobody knows when, or even if, recreational human spaceflight will make the transition to commercial viability, but the new law gives it a fighting chance, which is all the industry is asking for.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397858", "Royce Pushes Credit Union Lending Regulatory Relief", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) spoke in support of credit union lending regulatory relief and presented an amendment mirroring his previously introduced legislation, H.R. 1422 or the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act, during a House Financial Services Committee markup: \"This amendment mirrors legislation Ive introduced, H.R. 1422 or the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act. What I'm doing here is drawing attention to the need for credit union regulatory relief and hopefully I'm not belaboring the point. If I could point out again, the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act makes a small but significant change to the MBL cap calculation for credit unions. And that change alone unleashes $11 billion in capital for small businesses, and would do that of course without costing taxpayers a dime. This discussion is especially timely considering the Wall Street Journals recent report on the biggest banks in the U.S. making far fewer loans to small businesses and ceding market share to alternative, non-bank lenders that frankly charge significantly higher rates,\" said Rep. Royce. \"Credit unions, if I could wrap up here, have a history of stepping into the small business lending space at times of economic hardship. The SBA finds that 80% of new credit union lending  beyond the current cap  would go to small businesses. We should allow them to do more. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your continued interest in this issue and I look forward to working with you to advance credit union regulatory relief. With that, I ask that the amendment be withdrawn Mr. Chairman and I yield back,\" concluded Rep. Royce. Rep. Royce and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 1422, the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act, on March 18, 2015. Specifically, the bill removes loans made for the purchase of non-owner occupied, 1-4 unit dwellings from the calculation of the member business lending (MBL) cap currently imposed on credit unions.Importantly, the bill maintains the ability of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to apply stringent underwriting and servicing requirements to these loans, which often depend on rent as a chief contributor towards repayment.\nRep. Royce is also the author of H.R. 1188, the Credit Union Small Business Jobs Creation Act.The bill increases the member business lending (MBL) cap for qualified credit unions from 12.25% to 27.5%. To qualify for the higher cap a credit union must be well capitalized, have a history of member business lending experience, be operating near the cap for at least one year, and receive approval by the NCUA. Watch Rep. Royce's remarks during debate on H.R. 2287, or the National Credit Union Administration Budget Transparency Act, at the markup here or by clicking on the image below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398025", "Valadao Introduces Legislation to Increase California Water Storage", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Valadao Introduces Legislation to Increase California Water Storage\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      H.R. 2749Amends the Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to Increase Dam Capacity\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,\r\n        June 12, 2015 | \r\n      Anna Raquel Vetter\r\n      ((202) 815-1685) \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        This morning, Friday, June 12, 2015, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives to improve water storage capabilities in California.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington This morning, Friday, June 12, 2015, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives to improve water storage capabilities in California. H.R. 2749; the Dam Authorization, Maintenance, and Safety (DAMS) Act amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to develop additional project benefits if certain provisions are met.The average age of the 84,000 dams in the United States is 52 years old. In order to avoid dam failures, which would cause substantial economic damage and, more importantly, loss of human life, significant investment and regular maintenance is necessary.Under current law, the Bureau of Reclamation may only identify dam repairs and modifications which result from new hydrologic or seismic data or those actions that are deemed necessary for safety purposes. The Secretary of the Interior is not allowed to authorize additional assessments of the dam unrelated to the qualifying issue, meaning repairs or modifications resulting from normal deterioration or lack of maintenance are prohibited.If such a repair or modification were identified by the Bureau of Reclamation, Rep. Valadaos legislation would allow the Secretary to not only address the specific issue but to also evaluate whether additional modifications could be made to the dam facility to increase water storage capacity.H.R. 2749; would allow the Bureau to take proactive measures to maintain and improve our national water infrastructure more efficiently, preserving resources and taxpayer dollars. In doing so, increasing Californias water storage capabilities.\n    \n        \n            \n            Congressman Valadao explained,Californias water crisis is a multi-faceted issue caused by naturally occurring weather patterns, destructive environmental regulations, and burdensome government bureaucracy. While government cannot make it rain, Congress can expand our water infrastructure and storage to ensure a reliable water supply for future years.\n            \n        \n    \nH.R. 2749, was introduced by Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) in the House of Representatives on Friday, June 12, 2015 with Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) as the Democrat lead. Original cosponsors of the legislation include RepresentativesKen Calvert (CA-42), Paul Cook (CA-08), Kevin Cramer (ND-AL), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Jeff Denham (CA-10), Darrell E. Issa (CA-49), Stephen Knight (CA-25),Cynthia Lummis (WY-AL), Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Tom McClintock (CA-04) ,Devin Nunes (CA-22), Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48), Edward R. Royce (CA-39), Greg Walden (OR-02), and Mimi Walters (CA-45). A summary of the legislation can be found here.\nCongressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397469", "Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism \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 4, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to additional reportsindicating the female San Bernardino attacker pledged her support to ISIS:\r\n\r\nThe reports and overwhelming evidence make it clear to me that the attack in San Bernardino was an act of terrorism. This is an attack by radical, violent Islamic extremists, one who had openly stated her support for ISIS. While residents from the Inland Empire have bravely fought against these extremists around the globe, we have now seen the violence from the war on terror come to our region. In order to defend and protect the liberties and freedoms that make America and the Inland Empire an extraordinary place to live, we must restate our commitment and strengthen our resolve to defeat violent Islamic extremists around the world.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398524", "When will Obama say the San Bernardino attackers were terrorists?", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Devin Nunes", "N000181", "nunes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When will Obama say the San Bernardino attackers were terrorists? \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,\r\n        December 4, 2015\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      I issued a statement today commending the FBI for investigating the San Bernardino massacre as an act of terrorism, and calling on President Obama to acknowledge that the shooting was a terrorist attack. You can read the statement here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397841", "Chairman Royce Statement on FBI Investigating San Bernardino Shooting as an Act of Terror", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chairman Royce Statement on FBI Investigating San Bernardino Shooting as an Act of Terror \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,\r\n        December 4, 2015\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      House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued this statement following todays announcement by the FBI that they are now investigating the shooting in San Bernardino as an act of terrorism:\r\nWe now have yet another case of radicalization fueled by the internet and social media  a method that terrorists have exploited for years. When is this administration going to wake up? If we're going to keep the American people safe, the administration must put forward the broad and aggressive strategy needed to defeatIslamist terrorism and protect our country.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-san-bernardino-attack-was-terrorism", "Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to additional reportsindicating the female San Bernardino attacker pledged her support to ISIS:\n\n\"The reports and overwhelming evidence make it clear to me that the attack in San Bernardino was an act of terrorism. This is an attack by radical, violent Islamic extremists, one who had openly stated her support for ISIS. While residents from the Inland Empire have bravely fought against these extremists around the globe, we have now seen the violence from the war on terror come to our region. In order to defend and protect the liberties and freedoms that make America and the Inland Empire an extraordinary place to live, we must restate our commitment and strengthen our resolve to defeat violent Islamic extremists around the world.\"\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397468", "Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting \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 3, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the shooting in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Center:\r\n\r\nAs a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, Im heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and the wounds suffered as a result of the attack in San Bernardino. I know that our region will come together and provide the families of the victims with the support and compassion that they so desperately need in this trying time.\r\n\r\nI want to thank all of our law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to the incidents. Their heroism and bravery, in the face of unimaginable evil, is what restores our faith in humanity.\r\n\r\nI stand ready to work with our local and federal authorities to ensure the availability of all necessary resources. It is imperative that we pursue all possible accomplices and leads to ensure that anyone who was associated with this attack is brought to justice. We will not and cannot let cowards with evil intentions terrorize our communities and our country.\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-votes-to-modernize-us-energy-policy", "Rep. Cook Votes to Modernize US Energy Policy", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for HR 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. This bipartisan bill updates and modernizes outdated energy policies. This bill helps America continue on the path to energy independence and creates new jobs.\nThe North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act updates and modernizes outdated policies that were created during a time of energy scarcity. The United States continues to undergo an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation, and a skilled workforce. The bill focuses on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure America has the necessary infrastructure to meet todays energy challenges.\nIn an effort to protect our electrical grid, this legislation enhances emergency preparedness and utilization of advanced technologies to address threats to the grid, including physical and cyber-attacks, electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic disturbances, severe weather, and seismic events.\nThe bill also takes important steps by strengthening partnerships with American allies and reforming the approval process for energy exports. It promotes simple and affordable methods to address energy demand and lower electric bills, while also reducing government waste, and prioritizing budget dollars in existing programs.\nRep. Cook said, America is the worlds leading energy producer, but our infrastructure just hasnt kept pace. This bill will help modernize and update that infrastructure, while also building a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce, and strengthening America's energy security. Lets make these upgrades, create good paying jobs, and secure our energy independence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-education-bill-with-civics-ed-support", "House Passes Education Bill With Civics Ed Support", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement upon House passage\u00a0yesterday evening\u00a0of the Every Student Succeeds Act, legislation that reforms and decentralizes elementary and secondary education and include\u00a0support\u00a0for civics education:\n\u00a0\n\u201cFreedom can only be preserved with knowledge and vigilance, and when people understand the history of our founding and how our government works. So it is undeniably important to the well-being and continuity of our nation\u2019s ideals to support civics education. This week, Congress will pass legislation supporting civics education throughout the United States so the next generation can preserve our great tradition of liberty and build an even stronger America.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIn our community, students have already been challenged to learn about our founding and engage with their government. Our \u2018We the People\u2019 competitions teach American values while instilling a sense of cooperation and hard work. But ultimately, raising a civics-minded generation is impossible without the dedication of our teachers and community members. Congress supports their efforts, and I personally thank them for the passion they have in their important work.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAdditionally, leaders of our community\u2019s civics education program provided the following statements:\n\u00a0\n\u201cI feel certain that Kern County students and educators will benefit from legislative support to provide teacher training and student resources focused on civic education. The efforts of Congressman Kevin McCarthy to move this legislation forward will have an impact on our county which goes far beyond the classroom.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Terri Richmond,\u00a0Golden Valley High School social studies teacher & Center for Civic Education California state coordinator\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cLeading educators from throughout the nation would like to thank House Majority Leader McCarthy for conveying his strong support for the American History and Civics Education National Activities section (Sec. 2233) that was incorporated in the final conference agreement of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. That section provides for critical and greatly needed federal funding for elementary and secondary education programs that educate students about the U.S. Constitution --- the foundation of our freedom.\u00a0 Ultimately, Congressman McCarthy\u2019s support won the day for the acceptance by House conferees for this important provision.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Charles Quigley, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-first-long-term-highway-bill-in-a-decade", "The First Long-Term Highway Bill in a Decade", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Kevin McCarthy\u00a0released the following statement on House adoption of the Conference Report of the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act:\n\u201cCongress is getting things done the way they\u2019re supposed to be done. Moving through the traditional processes, the House and Senate have come to an agreement to fund our transportation infrastructure for five years, the first long-term highway bill in 10 years.\n\u201cAmong the many reforms in this bill, the Surface Transportation Program will now operate as a block grant, giving states the flexibility they need to fund the most necessary transportation projects. This bill also streamlines the environmental review and permitting process so that our infrastructure improvements don\u2019t get bogged down in unnecessary red tape. Moreover, this bill wisely rejects the notion from some in Washington that we must burden middle class families with a gas tax increase to fund critical infrastructure programs. Thanks to Chairman Shuster\u2019s (PA-09) leadership, we have a bill negotiated and paid for that is a responsible way to fund transportation infrastructure and keep America moving.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/hr-22-tea-21-the-highway-bill-no", "H.R. 22  TEA 21 The Highway Bill: No", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R. 22  TEA 21 The Highway Bill: No. The Highway Trust Fund  accent on the Trust  was a promise made to highway users that the gas taxes they paid at the pump would be used for highways.Period. That promise was broken long ago and now shattered by this act. HR 22 is a five-year, $305 billion highway bill, but only $207.4 billion will be spent on anything remotely resembling highways (and much of that wasted on environmental mitigation, inflated labor costs and highway beautification projects). $48.7 million will be raided to prop up failing mass transit systems. (I have nothing against mass transit; I simply believe that highway users should pay for highways and mass transit users should pay for mass transit).  \n\t  \n\tBut in addition to raiding our highway taxes, this bill demands more revenues derived in a variety of undesirable ways. It sells off 66 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at the very bottom of the market (a board of directors that managed its assets so recklessly would be sued); hires private debt collectors to turn the screws on taxpayers (doesnt that sound like fun?); raids the Federal Reserve of funds set aside to protect depositors and raids interest paid to large banks that are required to purchase Federal Reserve stock. \nOh, and to add insult to injury, this highway bill reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, a posterchild of crony capitalism that puts U.S. taxpayers at risk for loans made to foreign corporations to buy American products with which to undercut American companies. \nIf there is any question why Congress is held in such low esteem, I submit HR 22 as Exhibit A.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397839", "Royce Supports Transportation Bill to Provide for California's Infrastructure Needs", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) voted in favor of H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The five-year reauthorization bill passed the House by a vote of 359 to 65. Rep. Royce successfully amended the bill to allow California to receive a waiver from federal HOV regulations that would harm the state. Our ports are the nations gateway to world trade, and projects like the 57/60 confluence expansion are critical to the movement of commuters and goods throughout our region. This bill will further enable our state to repair, modernize, and expand California's infrastructure, said Rep. Royce. \"Prior to adoption of my amendment, the bill could have made construction of California's highways more expensive, reduced the incentive to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, and negatively impacted our air quality.\" Rep. Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, represents parts of Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-san-bernardino-shooting", "Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the shooting in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Center:\n\n\"As a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, I'm heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and the wounds suffered as a result of the attack in San Bernardino. I know that our region will come together and provide the families of the victims with the support and compassion that they so desperately need in this trying time.\n\nI want to thank all of our law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to the incidents. Their heroism and bravery, in the face of unimaginable evil, is what restores our faith in humanity.\n\nI stand ready to work with our local and federal authorities to ensure the availability of all necessary resources. It is imperative that we pursue all possible accomplices and leads to ensure that anyone who was associated with this attack is brought to justice. We will not and cannot let cowards with evil intentions terrorize our communities and our country.\"\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-long-term-highway-bill-0", "Rep. Mimi Walters on Long-Term Highway Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of the Conference Report for the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.\nClick the picture above to see Rep. Walters speak on the FAST Act on the House floor\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of the Conference Report for the FAST Act. \nAs a member of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am pleased this bill reflects the Committees hard work. This legislation makes a fundamental investment in our nations roads, bridges, and infrastructure - providing long-term certainty for local governments and ensuring the efficient movement of consumer goods. \nImportantly, it also streamlines the environmental review and permitting processes to ensure transportation projects stay on time and on budget.\nI was pleased that three provisions of significance to my district were included in the final bill  one directs DOT to study the effects of marijuana impaired driving; the second would incentivize the use of innovative pavement material; and the third would help address congestion in HOV lanes. \nThis five-year bill is fully paid for, and will put a stop to short-term extensions that are costly to taxpayers and create significant uncertainty for local and state governments. Im pleased to support this historic bill coming before the House floor today  and I thank Chairman Shuster for his hard work in making this bill a reality. \nI yield back.\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-supports-landmark-energy-bill", "Rep. Mimi Walters Supports Landmark Energy Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Mimi Walters", "W000820", "walters.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. H.R. 8 passed in the U.S. House by a vote of 249-174 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.\nSaid Rep. Mimi Walters, As one of the worldsleading energy producers, the U.S. has the immense potential to create jobs, grow our economy, and increase energy security by maximizing our nations energy abundance. Unfortunately, unnecessary roadblocks, such as bureaucratic red tape and overregulation, are significantly delaying the permitting process for new energy projects. This important bill would address these hurdles by modernizing our energy infrastructure, streamlining the current approval process for energy exports, and providing regulatory relief for U.S. energy producers and manufacturers. I was pleased to stand for energy and jobs today by voting in support of this landmark bill.\nWalters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/federal-lands-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-national-park-centennial-act", "Federal Lands Subcommittee Hearing on the National Park Service Centennial Act", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman McClintock is the Chairman of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. The subcommittee held a legislative hearing on draft legislation for the \"National Park Service Centennial Act\" (authored by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop). The Park Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016, and the legislation addresses the second century of the National Park Service. Witnesses at the hearing included Jonathan Jarvis, Director, National Park Service. Congressman McClintock delivered the following opening statement at the hearing: Chairmans Opening Statement  \n\tFederal Lands Subcommittee Hearing on the National Park Service Centennial Act  \n\tDecember 2, 2015\nToday, the Federal Lands Subcommittee meets to hear testimony on a discussion draft of the National Park Service Centennial Act.\nNext year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. This year-long celebration of our National Parks affords us a unique opportunity to reflect on the past, assess the present, and make adjustments for the future.\nThe centennial pays tribute to the uniquely American notion that our most beautiful and historic lands should be set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people of the United States. In the words of the Organic Act of 1916, to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same. \nYet, as we approach the centennial, the Park Service faces considerable challenges to achieving the goals sets forth in the Organic Act, chief among them being the massive 11.5 billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog. As the Park Service has gradually taken on new responsibilities and Congress has voted to add new units to the system, the Park Service has fallen behind on necessary projects. With 409 units now included in the system, the Park Service is spread thin.\nIn addition to deferred maintenance projects, the Park Service also faces challenges with fee collection, technological upgrades, management of concessions contracts for visitor services, and most disturbingly, a decrease in overnight stays at our parks. We have been told that visitation is at an all-time high, but this is an illusion created by new memorials in Washington D.C.  In fact, per capita visitation to our Parks has steadily declined since the peaks of the late 80s and early 90s. \n  click to watch hearing\n  \n\tFrom their all-time highs, in-park concessioner lodging is down by 722,000 persons annually, or about 17 percent. Tent campers are down by 1.37 million overnights, about 26 percent. The decline in visitation has been particularly high among young people.  RV camper overnight stays are down by 2.6 million camper nights  about 56 percent, despite the fact that RV ownership and RV stays at private campgrounds has grown dramatically.  Most ominously, recent reports indicate that visits to parks by those 15 and younger fell by 50% in the last decade.  This subcommittee is especially concerned over policies that are actively removing traditional tourist amenities from our national parks. \nTwo years ago, the National Park Service proposed removing long-standing tourist facilities from Yosemite Valley, including bicycle and raft rentals, snack facilities, gift shops, horseback riding rentals, the iconic ice-skating rink at Curry Village, the art center, the grocery store, swimming pools, and even the valleys landmark and historic stone bridges. Their current plan locks in a 30 percent reduction in campsites and lodging compared to historic highs, including loss of prime sites close to the river. Funds appropriated by Congress to restore campsite levels after the 1997 flood were not spent as Congress instructed. \nI cant think of a better way to approach the next century of our National Park Service than to restore the vision of its founders. Our national parks should be open to the public for all recreational pursuits hiking, biking, fishing, snow-mobiling, horseback riding, skiing, rafting, skating, RVing, camping, staying in an historic lodge  these are the priceless memories our parks are there to create for succeeding generations of Americans. \nThe discussion draft before the subcommittee today helps the Park Service to prepare for its nation-wide celebration in 2016, as well as better equips the Service for the next century of promoting and protecting our parks. Provisions in the bill help reduce the Services deferred maintenance backlog by creating new sources of revenue to pay for needed improvements. Other provisions will help the Service expand its Volunteers in Parks and Public Lands Corps programs as well as making needed changes to the National Park Foundation Board of Directors.\nOur witnesses today have come to share their views on how to best prepare the Park Service for its centennial and how we can improve park management and visitation. I thank each of them for their willingness to testify before this subcommittee today and for their dedication to ensuring that our National Parks are on a path toward greater sustainability.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/s-1177-every-student-succeeds-act-or-the-bill-formerly-known-as-no-child-left", "S. 1177 - Every Student Succeeds Act (or the Bill Formerly Known as No Child Left Behind): YES", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "S. 1177 - Every Student Succeeds Act (or the Bill Formerly Known as No Child Left Behind): YES. George W. Bushs No Child Left Behind has been a disaster. Its stated goal was to bring every child to grade-level proficiency by 2014. Instead, for the first time in 25 years student achievement is declining with just 33 percent of 8th graders proficient in math and 34 percent in reading. So what to do? States desperate to escape the bureaucratic nightmare of this act have been required to adhere to the Obama Administrations one-size-fits-all Common Core curriculum in order to receive waivers.\nThis bill SHOULD repeal the whole program and return the money to local schools to administer as they (and the parents) see fit. It doesnt. It sets up several new federal education programs (albeit desirable ones  STEM and Civics), continues failed pre-school programs and locks them in for another four years.\nThat said, its a clear improvement over the Bush NCLB disaster that would otherwise continue in place if this bill is not adopted. This bill removes the Administrations ability to extort policy for NCLB relief and forbids federal imposition of Common Core. It consolidates 49 categorical programs into one more flexible fund. It reduces overall spending about $16 billion a year (about $130 of savings for an average family). It requires a more honest accounting of student performance, which is likely to give parents ammunition in demanding local school improvements. It provides solid protections for home schoolers against federal interference.\nIn short, a big disappointment from what could and should be  but a huge improvement over current law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397838", "Royce Statement on the San Bernardino Shooting", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Chino Hills) released the following statement on the shooting in San Bernardino:  \r\n                       \r\n\"As the situation continues to unfold, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of San Bernardino and the first responders at the scene.Rep. Royce represents California's 39th Congressional District, which includes parts of Chino Hills and Chino in San Bernardino County.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397840", "Reps. Royce and Meng Move to Remove the Term \"Oriental\" From Federal Law", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) successfully amended H.R. 8, theNorth American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015, to strike the term \"Oriental\" from preexisting federal law and replace it with Asian American. The amendment also removes the terms \"Negroes,\" \"Indians,\" and \"Eskimos\" from the same law.\n\"Orientals is an offensive and antiquated term, especially so when referring to America's vibrant Asian American community,\" said Rep. Royce. \"Using this term in federal law lends it a legitimacy it doesn't deserve, which is why Congresswoman Meng and I have moved to remove it.\"\nThe word Oriental is an offensive and derogatory term that should no longer be used by the federal government, said Rep. Meng. Nobody in our country, regardless of ethnicity, should be referred to in an insulting manner by the government. Its well past time to strike the legal use of this outdated term. It no longer has a place in federal law, and I look forward to the day when its finally gone for good. Specifically, the Meng-Royce amendment removes all references to \"Orientals,\" \"Negroes,\" \"Indians,\" and \"Eskimos,\" inTitle 42 of the United States Code, and replaces them with \"Asian Americans,\" \"African Americans,\" \"Native Americans,\" and \"Alaska Natives.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398100", "Valadao, House Pass ESEA Reauthorization", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During the 50th Anniversary Year of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the U.S. House of Representatives considered legislation to improve elementary and secondary education for students across the United States. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, during the 50th Anniversary Year of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the U.S. House of Representatives considered legislation to improve elementary and secondary education for students across the United States. Despite good intentions, No Child Left Behind failed to provide students the quality education they deserve. In an effort to address these flawed policies, both the House and Senate passed separate bills to reform Kindergarten through 12th grade education, which resulted in a final proposal from the Joint Conference Committee. Today, Wednesday, December 2, 2015, the House of Representatives considered and passed S. 1177, theEvery Student Succeeds Act, a proposal approved by a House and Senate Conference Committeewhich will replace longstanding principles of No Child Left Behind.\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Following the vote, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) stated, One of my priorities in Congress is ensuring our nations youth receive a quality education. Regardless of race, religion, income level, age, geographical location, or learning ability - everyone should have access to a strong education. He continued, I believe the one-size-fits-all approach to education often favored by those in Washington only interferes with our local schools. The legislation passed today, will cut red-tape tying the hands of local educators and will give parents and teachers the resources and flexibility they need to ensure every student receives the best education possible. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step to usher in a new era in public education, said National Education Association (NEA) President Lily Eskelsen Garca. As a result of todays vote, we are now on a path to ensuring every child has equal opportunity to a high quality education regardless of ZIP Code. We applaud Rep. David Valadao for getting the job done and doing what works for students, educators, and public education. \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nHighlights of S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) include:  \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                Makes sure the unique needs of students learning English as a second language are met by providing easier access to funds and grants\r\n                Prohibits federal government from interfering in state and local decisions regarding accountability and school improvement\r\n                Maintains statewide assessments in grades 3-8 but gives states the ability to innovate their own assessments\r\n                Eliminates Common Core Testing Standards and allows states and local school districts to eliminate assessments that do not contribute to student learning\r\n                Ends federal mandates on teacher evaluations\r\n                Makes sure teachers in high poverty areas have more resources and funding to assist their students\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nFor more information, please visit www.edworkforce.house.gov/k12education/.\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-1-2015", "Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 1, 2015", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional open house meetings on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project, released earlier in 2015. The meetings provide an additional opportunity for the public to receive information and provide feedback on the plan.Meetings will be held Tuesday, December 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville and Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at the Kerr-McGee Center, 100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest. Both meetings will be held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, and include a presentation and an open house format to review maps, ask questions and provide written comments to the BLM. The BLM will review input received through the public comment period, which closes January 25, 2016, when making a decision on the final plan.The draft plan delivers a proposed solution for adaptive and responsible travel management planning and off-highway vehicle use within the West Mojave planning area while protecting important resources and maximizing public accessibility in the desert. The plan also outlines conservation provisions for sensitive areas including providing for threatened and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and plays an active role in recovery of their habitat.For more information about the Draft SEIS, including interactive mapping, please visit the BLM Website https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/west_mojave__wemo.html.To submit a comment, or for additional questions, please contact Edy Seehafer, West Mojave Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, cawemopa@blm.gov, (760) 252-6021.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-to-host-paradise-community-meeting", "Rep. LaMalfa to Host Paradise Community Meeting", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Paradise, CA Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today announced that he will be hosting a community meeting in Paradise this Friday, December 4.\nThis event is a great opportunity for me to listen your thoughts on issues facing the North State and update you on the work Im doing in Washington, stated Rep. LaMalfa. Its important that I hear directly from the Paradise community, and I hope youre able to attend.\nParadise Community Meeting\nFriday, December 4, 2015\n4:00pm  6:00pm\nSierra Hall\n6165 Center Street\nParadise, CA 95969\nFor more information or to RSVP, contact Representative LaMalfas Oroville District Office at (530) 534-7100.\nCongressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398522", "Fox News discussions of intel manipulation", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Devin Nunes", "N000181", "nunes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fox News discussions of intel manipulation \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,\r\n        November 25, 2015\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      I'd like to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. During the holiday week, please take a look atsome Fox News discussionsabout allegations of intelligence manipulation at U.S. Central Command. To watch the reports, click onthe picture below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397835", "Royce-Vitter GSE CEO Salary Cap Signed Into Law", "2015-11-25", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, President Barack Obama signed legislation modeled on H.R. 2243, the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015, as introduced by U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.). The bill, which caps the salaries of the CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is the first major standalone legislation enacted that deals with the GSEs since they were placed into conservatorship. \"Reaching a similar bipartisan consensus on winding down Fannie and Freddie is critical, as the federal government's dominance of the housing market is unsustainable. We should encourage more private capital in the system to ease the way for future comprehensive housing finance reform,\" said Rep. Royce.\nRep. Royce introduced the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015 on May 8, 2015, and itpassed out of the House Financial Services Committee by a 57-1 voteon July 29, 2015. U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) authored the Senate version of the bill that passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 15, 2015. Both Rep. Royce's bill as amended and Sen. Vitter's legislation suspend the recently announced $4 million a year compensation packages for the CEOs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and limit their total compensation to the prior level of $600,000 a year each. Earlier this year, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt authorized the GSEs to propose new executive compensation plans for the position of CEO that may be as high as the 25th percentile of the market, or approximately $7.26 million a year. The GSEs shortly thereafter announced that their CEOs would receive $4 million a year compensation packages, a dramatic raise from their prior annual salaries of $600,000 at a cap set by former FHFA Director Edward DeMarco.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/james-madison-project-forging-a-more-perfect-union-between-students-and-us", "James Madison project: forging a more perfect union between Students and U.S. Constitution", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fortified with a federal grant, local educators want to form a more perfect union between middle and high school students and the U.S. Constitution.\n\u00a0\nBut first, they need a few good high school teachers.\n\u00a0\nIt\u2019s all part of the James Madison Legacy Project, named for the fourth President of the United States, considered the father of the U.S. Constitution, and the first three words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.\n\u00a0\nKern County educators have long participated in continuing education to hone their skills in teaching middle and high school government and civics classes.\n\u00a0\nThat is, until federal funding lapsed several years ago.\n\u00a0\nRep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, helped revive it earlier this year, generating bipartisan support in the House for the Center for Civic Education's grant application to the federal Secretary of Education.\n\u00a0\nThe Center got its three-year grant, estimated at nearly $17 million nationwide, and early next year local teachers will host colleagues from the eighth and 12th grades as they learn more about the Constitution.\n\u00a0\nIn fact, area educators are managing the state\u2019s program, which is expected to directly train at least 150 teachers and reach more than 7,500 students.\n\u00a0\nIt will include 30 hours of professional development in January, February and March, including a close review of the Constitution and one-on-one time with teacher mentors.\n\u00a0\nIn April, 40 teachers from around the state will come to Cal State Bakersfield for Earl Warren Scholarship Day, and the following month a similar group including 25 Kern teachers will tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019ll be training teachers statewide, but right now the focus on the activities for this first group will be in Kern County,\u201d said Terri Richmond, who teaches 12th grade social studies at Golden Valley High School.\n\u00a0\nSo far, 15 local eighth grade teachers have indicated they want to be involved, but the group needs more 12th grade teachers \u2014 and, of course, sponsors.\n\u00a0\nCalifornia\u2019s portion of this year\u2019s federal stipend is only around $192,000, Richmond said.\n\u00a0\nCentennial High School educator Joseph Biron, who teaches world history, U.S. history and government classes, praised the Madison project highly and urged others to join.\n\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s a great program. I know that the training I attended really helped me with my content knowledge and really helped my teaching,\u201d Biron said. \u201cDeepening your own knowledge helps you not only teach students but it helps you keep your passion for the subject alive.\u201d\n\u00a0\nLiberty High School\u2019s Eric Ball, who teaches honors government and world history, said the project\u2019s impact on students is considerable.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019ve had one who became a lobbyist. I had another one who became president of the Young Republicans at the university she was at,\u201d Ball said. \u201cWe\u2019re educating the next generation of students who are going to be in charge of our democracy.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398520", "Syrian refugees and my appearance on CNN Sunday", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Devin Nunes", "N000181", "nunes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday I voted for the SAFE Act, which passed the House of Representatives on an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The bill would suspend President Obama's program to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States until much stronger security standards are adopted for vetting the refugees. One of the main problems in vetting these refugees is that we often don't have any information about them in our databases. FBI Director James Comey has acknowledged these security gaps. He told Congress that\"the challenge we're all talking about is that we can only query against that which we have collected. And so if someone has never made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interest reflected in our database, we can query our database until the cows come home, but there will be nothing [to] show up because we have no record on that person.\" ISIS operatives openlyproclaim that they aresmuggling terrorists into the West amid the current wave of refugees. InISIS videos,the group explicitly vows to attack the United States.Under these circumstances, I don't believe we can risk taking in thousands of Syrian refugees for whom our security agencies \"have no record.\" The Paris terror assault shows that ISIS is ruthless, dedicated, effective, and treacherous in attacking the West. Our response requiresfierce vigilance. I'll be discussing these issues and othertopicson CNN's State of the Unionon Sunday in the 6:00 amhour PST. The show will rebroadcast at 9:00 am PST.If you missed my interview on Fox News' Special Report this week, you can watch it at this link.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397832", "Chairman Royce Applauds Treasury and USTR for Initiating E.U. Covered Agreement Negotiations", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to news that the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will initiate negotiations with the European Union on establishing a covered agreement: Word that Treasury and USTR are initiating negotiations to establish a covered agreement with the E.U. is welcome relief, considering the negative impact that a delay would have on American companies abroad. As I stressed to Treasury and USTR in September, time is of the essence when it comes to creating an international level playing field for insurers and reinsurers, and now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. On September 29, Chairman Royce sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew and USTR Michael Froman urging them to move forward on a covered agreement with the European Union regarding prudential measures related to the business of insurance or reinsurance. In the letter, Chairman Royce wrote: The time is now for the Department of Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to use the statutory authority to begin formal negotiations of a covered agreement with the EU on a number of prudential issues, including reinsurance collateral requirements.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397467", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Halt Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Programs", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (289 to 137) of the House in approving the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 4038, of which Rep. Calvert is a cosponsor.\r\n\r\nThe most important responsibility that my constituents place on my shoulders is keeping them safe, said Rep. Calvert. Americans are sympathetic to innocent civilians who have been forced to flee their war-torn nations but we must take effective measures to ensure all refugees coming here have been screened.There is bipartisan concern, including from senior Obama administration officials (FBI, DHS and CIA), that the current security screening process in place is not sufficient.Halting the Syrian and Iraqi refugee programs is not a matter of compassion; its a matter of competency and confidence in our security screening process.\r\n\r\nTo ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United State, this the SAFE Act will require two actions:\r\n\r\n \r\n    The FBI director must certify the background investigation of each refugee.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    The secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must unanimously concur that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States and make a certification to Congress.\r\n \r\n\r\nThis bill constitutes an effective pause until we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country.\r\n\r\nDuring a House Homeland Security hearinglast month, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson spoke about his concerns with the Syria refugee program: We know that organizations such as ISIL might like to try to exploit this program. It is true that were not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process. That definitely is a challenge.\r\n\r\nAt the same hearing, FBI Director James Comey also expressed his concerns about the Syria refugee program: We do see a risk. We can query our databases until the cows come home butyou can only query what you have collected.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, after the Thanksgiving District Work Period, Rep. Calvert will be introducing legislation that defines the certification requirements for refugee resettlement in the United States for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.The requirements will include: biometric data (fingerprint, photograph, retinal scan), a DNA sample and a polygraph.\r\n\r\nA polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions, said Rep. Calvert.It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-votes-to-protect-americans-from-isis", "Rep. Cook Votes To Protect Americans From ISIS", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. The bill passed the House 289-137 with bipartisan support.\nSenior US Law enforcement and intelligence officials have previously expressed concern that they lack the information necessary to screen Syrian refugees to make sure they do not have ties to terrorism. The recent attacks in Paris showed weaknesses in security systems; at least one of the attackers reportedly infiltrated Europe by posing as a Syrian refugee. The US Administration admitted 1,682 Syrian refugees during fiscal year 2015, and US Secretary of State John Kerry has stated that the U.S. will admit at least 10,000 during fiscal year 2016.\nHR 4038 prohibits the United States from admitting refugees from Iraq and Syria without a thorough security screening. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, FBI Director, and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat prior to his or her admission to the United States. It also creates an additional layer of protection by requiring the DHS Inspector General to assess refugee approvals independently  ensuring that high risk individuals do not slip through the cracks.\nRep. Cook said, With the attacks in Paris, weve seen firsthand the dangers posed by terrorists posing as refugees. We need to remain vigilant in our screening process to ensure that we are verifying the backgrounds of the individuals and not allowing ISIS to exploit the system to plan attacks. We need to show the American people that we are doing everything possible to prevent an attack on US soil.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-votes-to-halt-resettlement-program-for-iraq-and-syria", "Rep. LaMalfa Votes to Halt Resettlement Program for Iraq and Syria", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Doug LaMalfa", "L000578", "lamalfa.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted in favor of H.R. 4038, a bill he cosponsored to halt the resettlement of Iraqis and Syrians in the United States until the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of National Intelligence can certify that every refugee has been thoroughly vetted and is not a security threat. The House acted rapidly to pass the bill after one of the perpetrators of the Paris terror attacks was found to have infiltrated Europe with refugees fleeing strife in Syria and Iraq.\nThe United States is one of the most generous countries in the world in terms of resettling refugees, admitting immigrants, and providing humanitarian assistance. We know that terrorists have exploited the generosity of our European allies, and now more than ever the security of our country must be our top priority, said LaMalfa. The heads of both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have testified that we lack the means to safely screen refugees. If our leading intelligence and law enforcement officials cannot verify that foreigners claiming refugee status are not a security risk, then we have no choice but to halt this program.\nThe measure addressed security gapshighlighted by testimony from FBI Director James Comey, who told the House Committee on Homeland Security that federal agencies lack the data needed to properly screen those applying for refugee status. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson also testified about the lack of information on refugee applicants, stating that one of the challenges we will have is that were not going to know a whole lot about the individual refugees.\nIn addition to co-sponsoring and voting in favor of H.R. 4038, which passed the House on a vote of 289-137, Rep. Doug LaMalfa has also taken the following steps to address the security risks involved with the refugee resettlement program:\n Co-sponsored H.R. 3314, the Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2015 which places a moratorium on the admission of refugees into the United States until Congress reviews and approves the program.\n\tCo-sponsored H.R. 4032, which ensures states have the right to refuse to accept refugees under the resettlement program.\n\tCo-signed a letter with 110 Members of Congress urging the Obama Administration to halt the resettlement of Syrians and Iraqis until we have assurances these individuals will not be a security threat.\n Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/hr-4038-american-safe-act-yes", "H.R. 4038  American SAFE Act: Yes", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R. 4038  American SAFE Act: Yes. This bill requires that refugee applicants from Iraq and Syria not be admitted to the United States until and unless the FBI Director, Homeland Security Secretary and Director of National Intelligence all certify that the applicant is not a security threat. To the extent that it requires an official to take direct responsibility for this certification, it is a small improvement over current law, but I am afraid will simply be used as a rubber stamp. Indeed, unless they come into contact with government agencies, we know NOTHING about them, and the fundamental problem is that this IS the screening process under which they will be certifying. Furthermore, our wide-open southern border is a vastly greater security problem which feel-good measures like this one studiously avoid.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-halt-syrian-and-iraqi-refugee-programs", "Rep. Calvert Votes to Halt Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Programs", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (289 to 137) of the House in approving the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 4038, of which Rep. Calvert is a cosponsor.\n\n\"The most important responsibility that my constituents place on my shoulders is keeping them safe,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"Americans are sympathetic to innocent civilians who have been forced to flee their war-torn nations but we must take effective measures to ensure all refugees coming here have been screened.There is bipartisan concern, including from senior Obama administration officials (FBI, DHS and CIA), that the current security screening process in place is not sufficient.Halting the Syrian and Iraqi refugee programs is not a matter of compassion; it's a matter of competency and confidence in our security screening process.\"\n\nTo ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United State, this the SAFE Act will require two actions:\n\n The FBI director must certify the background investigation of each refugee.\n \n The secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must unanimously concur that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States and make a certification to Congress.\n \nThis bill constitutes an effective pause until we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country.\n\nDuring a House Homeland Security hearinglast month, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson spoke about his concerns with the Syria refugee program: \"We know that organizations such as ISIL might like to try to exploit this program. It is true that we're not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process. That definitely is a challenge.\"\n\nAt the same hearing, FBI Director James Comey also expressed his concerns about the Syria refugee program: \"We do see a risk. We can query our databases until the cows come home butyou can only query what you have collected.\"\n\nAdditionally, after the Thanksgiving District Work Period, Rep. Calvert will be introducing legislation that defines the \"certification\" requirements for refugee resettlement in the United States for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.The requirements will include: biometric data (fingerprint, photograph, retinal scan), a DNA sample and a polygraph.\n\n\"A polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions,\" said Rep. Calvert.\"It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities.\"\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/desert-cities-support-rep-cooks-cmorca", "Desert Cities Support Rep. Cook's CMORCA", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- Local support continues to build for Rep. Paul Cooks bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA). Today, the City of Barstow, the City of Hesperia, and the Town of Apple Valley, announced their support for the bill.\nHesperia Mayor Eric Schmidt said, CMORCA strikes the right balance between protecting our desert, ensuring public access for recreational opportunities, and allowing important economic activities like mining to continue. We appreciate Congressman Cooks efforts to work with local officials and stakeholders on this issue and I look forward to its passage in Congress.\nApple Valley Mayor Larry Cusack said, I want to thank Congressman Cook for working with town officials to make sure CMORCA addresses the needs of our region. His inclusion of a land conveyance is vital to the completion of the towns Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, which will streamline the permitting process in our sphere of influence.\nBarstow Mayor Pro-Tem Timothy Silva said, CMORCA is a great bill for the City of Barstow because it permanently protects OHV areas while also preserving the deserts economic potential. I applaud Congressman Cook for drafting a reasonable solution to protecting our desert.\nRep. Cook said, I am glad to see even more community support for this bill. It preserves majestic landscapes for future generations, addresses the needs of off-highway vehicle users, and protects economically vital mineral sites.\nThe bill which was introduced on October 1, 2015, presents a balanced approach to protecting, managing, and using public lands in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Inyo counties. The bill involves management of existing federal land and would not result in an increase in federal landownership. The City of Twentynine Palms, the City of Banning, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have also announced their support of the bill.\nA member of the House Armed Services, Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397828", "Rep. Royce Advocates for More Private Capital in the Housing Market", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White on the SEC's actions related to risk-sharing by the GSEs during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled Examining the SECs Agenda, Operations, and FY 2017 Budget Request.\" What weve been trying to do, under [Chairman Hensarlings] leadership, is to take a strong interest in housing finance reform and see how we can move forward the concept of bringing more private sector credit risk-sharing into the GSEs. Wed like to get as many positive things done as we possibly can in this quarter. So Real Estate Investment Trusts are a logical investor in these transactions. Weve seen the communication from the FHFA that it does not perceive any drawback from greater involvement by REITs in credit risk transfers. This is might be an area where sooner rather than later we can move forward additional steps to get more private capital. Could you work with us to clarify that all of these risk transfer deals are viewed as good REIT assets that do not undermine investor protections? asked Rep. Royce. Certainly Id be happy to work with you on that. I think the staff may be working with you on that, but Ill make sure that they are, replied Chair White. I think thatd be helpful. I think its very clear, as the Federal Housing Finance Agency says in the end of the day, theres a clear benefit in getting credit risk transfers to get more private capital back in here for this part of this equation. REITs can do this according to them, according to us, we certainly see the benefit to this. When youre looking at a significant source of private capital like this, it just doesnt make sense because of regulatory hurdles to prevent that capital from being deployed. Wed appreciate that assistance, concluded Rep. Royce. Absolutely, said Chair White.\nWatch Rep. Royce's questioning of Chair Whitehere or by clicking on the image below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397829", "Rep. Royce Pushes the SEC on Investor Transparency and Protection", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Edward Royce", "R000487", "royce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White regarding the slow progress made on Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) adoption in the United States during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled Examining the SECs Agenda, Operations, and FY 2017 Budget Request.\" If we look back to the collapse of Lehman Brothers, one of the lessons was the need to quickly understand the relationship of corporate entities to one another. So out of the ashes of Lehmans downfall came the Financial Stability Boards concept, and this was actually at the direction of the G-20, this concept of Legal Entity Identifiers or LEIs as we call them, where each entity has to register that unique 20-digit code. That makes their identity very clear when youre trying to unravel something in real-time in terms of all their financial transactions,\" said Rep. Royce. \"Last month, this Committee passed out legislation, which I authored, requiring the Office of Financial Research to provide an annual update on the progress of adoption of these LEIs here in the United States. Now the global adoption, I think, is at 400,000 LEIs in 180 countries. So if the OFR were to conduct its report today, Im afraid the SEC would lag behind its global counterparts in terms of the adoption in other countries. As we move towards more transparency, this is obviously part of our mission. I think the Commission did mandate the use of LEIs in its security-based swap rules; it didnt require it in other rules. Should we expect the SEC is going to require greater use of this important risk management tool in the future? Is there anything holding you back in that regard?\" asked Rep. Royce. Theres nothing holding us back, obviously if its appropriate to the space you want to make sure it fits. I think LEI is an enormously important tool. The SEC has been a very strong proponent in those global efforts that you mentioned. We frankly look for, are looking for, opportunities to use it more, I guess is the way Id answer your question, replied Chair White. To get to that point, you might promulgate more rules in that direction in order to increase the adoption where appropriate? continued Rep. Royce. Essentially, as we are adopting whatever rules as we go forward, we would look for that opportunity, concluded Chair White.\nWatch Rep. Royce's questioning of Chair Whitehere or by clicking on the image below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-november-19-2015", "Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: November 17, 2015", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Cook (CA-08) and Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31) introduced HR 4024, the Santa Ana Wash Plan Land Exchange Act, which is a land-use plan that allows the transfer of land between the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management. The land exchange takes place in a designated region within the Santa Ana Wash, at the junction of the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek.Currently, land within the Santa Ana Wash is owned by both the San Bernardino Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Parcels owned by the district are currently used for the purpose of recharging water in more than 77 basins, and also provide Riversidian Sage Scrub habitat. New lands would be set aside for conservation purposes near land managed by BLM. The wash area is occupied by two mining companies, Cemex and Robertsons Ready Mix, which extract aggregate for cement and concrete production. The production of aggregate will support approximately $8.5 million in infrastructure projects and $36 million annually in payroll from this site alone. The exchange of land between the district and BLM will connect a patchwork of land ownership to create a consolidated open space for conservation purposes and will optimize mining efficiency and water conservation efforts.This important legislation will complete the land swap at the center of the Santa Ana River Wash Plan. This will align local land ownership with appropriate uses, setting aside already disturbed land for aggregate mining and setting aside important habitat for conservation purposes. Its a win for the economy and a win for the environment. I look forward to working with Rep. Aguilar to get this done for our communities. said Cook.Im glad to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Cook and businesses, local governments and environmental groups to make this land transfer a success, said Aguilar. He continued, The Wash Plan will empower industries to take root and flourish, continue investments in our transportation and infrastructure, and preserve our environment and regional wildlife. This is an important step forward for our communities.Robertsons Ready Mix employs 80 workers at the affected site. Property Manager Christine Goeyvaerts said, It is with sincere appreciation that we provide our enthusiastic support for the Santa Ana River Wash Plan land exchange. From the many employees that call this site their workplace, we thank both Congressmen for their tenacity and hard work representing our area.Daniel Cozad of the San Bernardino Water Conservation District added, The land transfer will lead to more protection efforts for habitat, improved connectivity in the wildlife corridor, expanded water recharge and storage capacity, and the future establishment of public access and trails which, once built, would connect and help complete the Santa Ana River Trail. He continued, This project has been 15 years in the making. Doing a Habitat Conservation Plan with this many Task Force Members is unusual, particularly when you consider each has a different mission to implement.In total, the land exchange will continue to support Inland Empire business and transportation projects, while safeguarding essential environmental conservation efforts. It also expands property for the development of a long-term water supply and storage. The Wash Plan has been an ongoing project since the late 1980s, when it was a proposal to the cities of Highland and Redlands. Years of meetings, studies and committee reports have culminated in the final presentation of the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-and-rep-pete-aguilar-introduce-initiative-to-balance", "Rep. Paul Cook and Rep. Pete Aguilar Introduce Initiative to Balance Conservation and Economic Development", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Paul Cook", "C001094", "cook.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Paul Cook (CA-08) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) introduced HR 4024, the Santa Ana Wash Plan Land Exchange Act, which is a land-use plan that allows the transfer of land between the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management. The land exchange takes place in a designated region within the Santa Ana Wash, at the junction of the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek. Currently, land within the Santa Ana Wash is owned by both the San Bernardino Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Parcels owned by the district are currently used for the purpose of recharging water in more than 77 basins, and also provide Riversidian Sage Scrub habitat. New lands would be set aside for conservation purposes near land managed by BLM. The wash area is occupied by two mining companies, Cemex and Robertsons Ready Mix, which extract aggregate for cement and concrete production. The production of aggregate will support approximately $8.5 million in infrastructure projects and $36 million annually in payroll from this site alone. The exchange of land between the district and BLM will connect a patchwork of land ownership to create a consolidated open space for conservation purposes and will optimize mining efficiency and water conservation efforts. This important legislation will complete the land swap at the center of the Santa Ana River Wash Plan. This will align local land ownership with appropriate uses, setting aside already disturbed land for aggregate mining and setting aside important habitat for conservation purposes. Its a win for the economy and a win for the environment. I look forward to working with Rep. Aguilar to get this done for our communities. said Cook. Im glad to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Cook and businesses, local governments and environmental groups to make this land transfer a success, said Aguilar. He continued, The Wash Plan will empower industries to take root and flourish, continue investments in our transportation and infrastructure, and preserve our environment and regional wildlife. This is an important step forward for our communities. Robertsons Ready Mix employs 80 workers at the affected site. Property Manager Christine Goeyvaerts said, It is with sincere appreciation that we provide our enthusiastic support for the Santa Ana River Wash Plan land exchange. From the many employees that call this site their workplace, we thank both Congressmen for their tenacity and hard work representing our area. Daniel Cozad of the San Bernardino Water Conservation District added, The land transfer will lead to more protection efforts for habitat, improved connectivity in the wildlife corridor, expanded water recharge and storage capacity, and the future establishment of public access and trails which, once built, would connect and help complete the Santa Ana River Trail. He continued, This project has been 15 years in the making. Doing a Habitat Conservation Plan with this many Task Force Members is unusual, particularly when you consider each has a different mission to implement. In total, the land exchange will continue to support Inland Empire business and transportation projects, while safeguarding essential environmental conservation efforts. It also expands property for the development of a long-term water supply and storage. The Wash Plan has been an ongoing project since the late 1980s, when it was a proposal to the cities of Highland and Redlands. Years of meetings, studies and committee reports have culminated in the final presentation of the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tribes-should-be-able-to-set-their-own-labor-rules", "Tribes Should Be Able to Set Their Own Labor Rules", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Kevin McCarthy", "M001165", "kevinmccarthy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Kevin McCarthy\u00a0released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015:\n\u00a0\n\u201cDespite years of precedent allowing tribes to set their own labor policies on their own land, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has chosen\u2014once again\u2014to overstep its authority in its attempts to claim jurisdiction over Native American tribes. Tribal leaders have repeatedly spoken out against this overreach, and Congress has listened. Representative Todd Rokita\u2019s (IN-04) bill stops yet another example of needless and illegitimate federal intervention, restoring the sovereignty of tribes to create labor policies that are best for their members.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 918, "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": "Republican", "p1": "CA", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 918, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CA&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 918, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 918, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 918, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-17,http~3A~2F~2Fkevinmccarthy~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Ftribes-should-be-able-to-set-their-own-labor-rules", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2015&_next=2015-11-17%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fkevinmccarthy~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Ftribes-should-be-able-to-set-their-own-labor-rules&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1159.419304691255, "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"}