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4,066 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "CA" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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  • 2015 · 4,066 ✖

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  • Democrat · 4,066 ✖

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  • House 4,066
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-says-hate-crime-against-fresno-sikh-man-inexcusable-and Costa Strongly Condemns Hate Crime Against Fresno Sikh Man 2015-12-30 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jim Costa C001059 costa.house.gov     legacy Fresno, CA Rep. Jim Costa released the following statement strongly condemning the hate crime against Amrik Singh Bal, a Sikh man from Fresno, California. The hate crime that took place in Fresno on Saturday is both inexcusable and intolerable. Sadly, since September 11, 2001, the Sikh community has endured discrimination because of the lack of understanding about Sikhism, which is based on equality and love. As a nation of immigrants, we have the opportunity to learn and benefit from thousands of different cultures, and that is part of what makes the United States special. We must never forget that. Every American citizen regardless of race, creed, or gender has the right to live free of discrimination and fear. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Singh and his family. I commend all of the agencies that are working diligently to find the two individuals who are responsible for the attack. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice added Sikh to the categories they track for hate crime offenses in the United States, and Rep. Costa applauded that decision. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-chu-statement-japans-apology-comfort-women Rep. Chu Statement on Japan's Apology to "Comfort Women" 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Judy Chu C001080 chu.house.gov     legacy PASADENA, CA - On Monday, Japan and South Korea announced an historic agreement regarding the issue of "comfort women" - women who were captured and used as sex slaves by the Japanese Army during World War II. Under the agreement, Japan will apologize to the Korean women for the physical and emotional pain and contribute approximately $8.3 million to a fund for the survivors. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) has repeatedly called on Japan to acknowledge this wrong, most recently during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Washington in April. Rep. Chu welcomed the agreement and released the following statement: "This is an historic apology for an historic wrong by Japan. For the women who were forced into sex slavery by the Japanese Army during World War II, the wounds have stayed open for decades. Unfortunately for these women, Japan has often denied responsibility and blamed their suffering on war. This has made it difficult for the survivors to recover and offers a shield to those who would repeat these horrors in the future. We have a responsibility to close this painful chapter and help the survivors move forward. By acknowledging both Japan's role and remorse, and by contributing to a fund for the survivors, Japan is setting an example for the world that such crimes cannot be forgotten, ignored, or repeated. I hope that this will help the survivors and the people of Korea and Japan to move forward in peace." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-historic-comfort-women-agreement-between-south-korea-and Pelosi Statement on Historic Comfort Women Agreement Between South Korea and Japan 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George,202-226-7616 San Francisco Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement today following the agreement between South Korea and Japan that accepts the latter government's formal acknowledgment and apology for the Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women, known as 'comfort women', into sexual slavery during Japan's occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands during the World War II era: Today, so-called comfort women who lived in terror during the Second World War have finally received the apology they have demanded for decades. This historic agreement between South Korea and Japan represents a victory for the survivors and a victory for global human rights. By formally acknowledging and apologizing for this World War II-era atrocity, Japan atones for its past and asserts that human dignity and liberty are universal human rights. May the hundreds of thousands of women forced by the Japanese Imperial Army into sexual slavery know that the world will forever remember their courage and determination to win justice. For the women who survive, may this agreement bring peace. For the South Korean and Japanese people, may this agreement signal the start of a new era of brotherhood. Following years of international efforts, including the Comfort Women Resolution passed by the House in 2007, the global community applauds this agreement. As we work together with our allies to transform a painful past into a brighter future, we commend the determined, bold leadership of South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This agreement brings honor to both the South Korean and Japanese people and hope for a better, more harmonious future. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-harris-launches-new-prescription-drug Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Launches New Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, CURES 2.0 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mark DeSaulnier D000623 desaulnier.house.gov     legacy SACRAMENTO Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and the California Department of Consumer Affairs today announced the universal launch of the new Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES 2.0), a state-of-the-art overhaul of Californias prescription drug monitoring program that will allow health providers and pharmacists to more effectively flag at-risk patients and curb prescription drug abuse. This innovative prescription drug database ensures that California continues to lead the fight against our countrys prescription drug abuse epidemic, said Attorney General Harris. Through the use of new technology, CURES 2.0 will save lives and improve public health while also providing a vastly improved user experience for healthcare professionals, regulatory boards, and law enforcement. Starting January 8, 2016, current CURES users logging in with up-to-date and secure web browsers will be automatically redirected to the new 2.0 system. In anticipation of the launch, Attorney General Harris also sent a letter to members of the medical community urging them to only use secure software to access confidential and sensitive patient information. CURES 2.0 will give Californias healthcare professionals who prescribe and dispense potent prescription drugs a powerful tool to better access and utilize patient information to help them identify individuals who are abusing these drugs, said Awet Kidane, Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. It is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration between the Department of Justice, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the regulatory boards funding this project. The online CURES database enables healthcare providers to review a patients medication history before prescribing new drugs, storing prescription records for all controlled substances classified as Schedule II, III, and IV. Over 5.5 million such requests have been processed so far in 2015 alone. In addition to providing users with faster and more reliable access to patient acti… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lee-responds-to-fda-policy-change-to-blood-donor-deferral-policy-for-msm Rep. Lee Responds to FDA Policy Change to Blood Donor Deferral Policy for MSM 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Barbara Lee L000551 lee.house.gov     legacy 12.22.15 Rep. Lee Responds to FDA Policy Change to Blood Donor Deferral Policy for MSM Oakland, CA Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) policy change of the blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM) from lifetime ban to one-year deferral: I applaud today's decision from the Food and Drug Administration to lift the discriminatory lifetime blood donation ban for members of the MSM community. However, the policy of one year deferral still maintains the long outdated policies concerning blood donations from the MSM community without scientific justification, said Congresswoman Lee. Blood and blood products are critical to the treatment of many medical conditions and blood supplies are chronically low, especially around the holidays. Our blood donation policies should be based on science, not fear. I have called and will continue to call for blood donation policies that are based on the best possible science, data and technical capacity to ensure public health. The previous lifetime ban on MSM donating blood was put in place during the rise of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980's, but is no longer scientifically justified with current blood screening technology. In 2010, the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA) found the ban to be suboptimal and asked for re-evaluation of this policy. In response to a letter from legislators in 2013, HHS indicated that the Department will finish deliberations on a policy change to the blood ban by the end of 2014. In 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution opposing the current lifetime ban as discriminatory and not based on sound science. Instead, the AMA supports new donation deferral policies that are based on an individual's level of risk. The blood banking community, including the American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers, has also long-supported a change in policy. ### Congresswoman Lee is a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-schiff-announces-extension-of-lautenberg-amendment-for-iranian-religious-minorities-fleeing-persecution-included-in-omnibus Rep. Schiff Announces Extension of Lautenberg Amendment for Iranian Religious Minorities Fleeing Persecution Included in Omnibus 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Adam Schiff S001150 schiff.house.gov     legacy 12.22.15 Rep. Schiff Announces Extension of Lautenberg Amendment for Iranian Religious Minorities Fleeing Persecution Included in Omnibus Washington, D.C. Congress included a one-year extension of a program to assist Iranian religious minorities fleeing persecution in the FY 2016 omnibus spending bill as the result of a bipartisan effort led by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ). The bill was signed into law by President Obama this week. Commonly referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment, the provision extends a program established by the State Department and the government of Austria to provide a safe pathway to asylum for Iranian refugees at a critical time when the Iranian regime perpetuates campaigns that vilify Christians, deny the Holocaust and persecute Jews, and incarcerates Baha'i leaders who are put on trial for their beliefs. The provision today predominantly facilitates the resettlement of Iranian Jews, Christians, Bahais, as well as other historically persecuted religious minorities from the Former Soviet Union, Eastern Ukraine, and Crimea. The provision previously expired on September 30, 2015, and will now be extended through September 2016. The Lautenberg Amendment has served as a lifeline for over two decades to tens of thousands of Jewish, Christian, Bahai, and other religious minorities fleeing Iran and the FSU, Schiff said. Without it, there would be no recourse or refuge for many of these individuals. I am pleased that Congress supported my request for its extension, which will continue to provide a beacon of hope for those seeking safety from discrimination and abuse solely for their religious beliefs. Background: The Lautenberg Amendment was first enacted in 1990 at the request of former Senator Frank R. Lautenberg to provide expedited refugee processing and a presumption of eligibility for historically persecuted religious minority groups from the former Soviet Union and Southeast Asia. It was then expanded in 2004 to include minority grou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bera.house.gov/media-center/amis-updates/email-update-grateful-to-serve-you Email update: Grateful to serve you 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ami Bera B001287 bera.house.gov     legacy I sent an email update on Monday about some of the new bipartisan successes of 2015. Join my email updates now so you don't miss any in the future! Happy Holidays! As we approach the end of 2015, I continue to be grateful for the privilege of serving you in Congress. And despite the name calling in Washington, I'm glad both parties came together and made crucial progress these past few weeks. For instance,last week both parties came together to pass a bipartisan government funding bill.This will keep our government open and makes critical investments in America's future. It includes permanent tax credits to help working families and small businesses, full funding for upgrades to Folsom Dam, and more support to fight prescription drug abuse. I was also pleased this bill includes my proposal to rollback a health insurance tax. This will save the average personmore than $200in insurance costs and seniors on Medicare Advantage plans willsave $350. In addition, earlier this monthI was proud to vote for a major bipartisan infrastructure bill.This is a long-term, five year bill that was widely supported by both parties. It will help ensure that we continue to rebuild our roads, bridges, and public transportation. Reinvesting in our infrastructure is critical to the economic growth of our area and creating good jobs. And as a former educator,Im pleased both parties passed a major education bill, the Every Student Succeeds Act.This new law eliminates the unworkable standards created by No Child Left Behind. It means more fairness and flexibility for both teachers and students while maintaining accountability. Instead of a one-size fits all approach, states and local school districts will be able to implement what they know works best. It also ensures funding goes to schools that need it and is targeted for at-risk students so all may realize the American dream. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-announces-funding-and-next-steps-for-french-camp-va-clinic Rep. McNerney Announces Funding and Next Steps for French Camp VA Clinic 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jerry McNerney M001166 mcnerney.house.gov     legacy French Camp, CA Building upon his long-standing commitment to our nations veterans, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09), today, joined with local veterans and community leaders to announce the planned construction of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in French Camp, CA. Funding for the CBOC was included in the FY16 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Obama last week. Securing funding for the project is a critical step to move the clinic forward to the construction phase. With this funding, our veterans are virtually assured of having a facility in their community that will make it easier for them to access the health benefits they have earned. Construction on this clinic is long-overdue. Over the years, Rep. Jeff Denham and I fought tirelessly and took every measure possible to secure funding for the project in the budget. Im glad to see that Congress is finally making this important investment in the health and well-being of our veterans who will benefit once the project is completed, said Rep. McNerney. We cannot waiver on our commitment to the men and women whove served our country, and I will continue working with the VA and all of our partners and stakeholders to ensure that this facility provides them with the best health care services possible. The FY16 omnibus spending bill provides $1.24 billion for major VA construction projects. These funds are sufficient to start construction on the long-overdue $139 million CBOC in French Camp, CA, one of the projects included in the Administrations FY16 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our veterans cannot and should not have to wait any longer to see the French Camp CBOC completed. I will not rest until I see this facility, which will serve thousands of Valley vets, built, said Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10). The French Camp CBOC will serve 87,000 veterans across a wide geographic area that includes San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Amador Counties, among others. The French Camp site is a 52-a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397949 Reps. Roybal-Allard, Boyle, Farr and Titus Lead Letter to National Institutes of Health Calling for Retirement of Monkeys from Government Laboratory 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Lucille Roybal-Allard R000486 roybal-allard.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-13), Congressman Sam Farr (CA-20), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1), and 24 additional members of Congress sent a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins requesting that the agency make plans to transfer 300 monkeys from a shuttering federal laboratory in Maryland to reputable sanctuaries. The letter can be read here.The request follows NIHs announcement in early December that, after more than 30 years, it is ending controversial psychological experiments on baby monkeys and closing down the facility by September 30, 2018. Since 2014, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) has been leading efforts in Congress to end these experiments, including by sending letters to NIH and by successfully including report language in the FY 2016 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill calling for a critical review of the project. Having closely worked on this issue for more than a year, I applaud the NIH for making history by ending decades of traumatizing experiments on baby monkeys, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. I am pleased to join my congressional colleagues in urging Dr. Collins to now make arrangements to send these monkeys to sanctuaries, rather than sending them to other laboratories to be subjected to further experiments. NIH has done the right thing by ending its controversial and expensive psychological experiments on monkeys, said Congressman Boyle. The responsible next step is transferring these primates to reputable sanctuaries, as the agency has committed to doing with government-owned chimpanzees. This cruel monkey laboratory has been operating for more than 30 yearssince before I was elected to Congressand I am proud to be a part of efforts that have ensured it begins closing down before I leave office. Now I want to make sure that these monkeys get to retire by the time I do in 2017, said Congressman… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-awards-san-diego-veteran-overdue-bronze-star Rep. Peters Awards San Diego Veteran Overdue Bronze Star 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Scott Peters P000608 scottpeters.house.gov     legacy SAN DIEGO Today at his San Diego office, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) awarded La Jolla resident and former Private First Class Donald Breitenberg a long overdue Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during World War II. Breitenberg reached out to Peters San Diego office in October after learning that he was eligible to receive the Bronze Star because of his combat service as an infantryman in Europe. Breitenberg joined the U.S. Army on March 1st, 1942 at the age of seventeen and went on to earn a Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. It was my honor to give Donald Breitenberg this long overdue recognition for his brave service, Peters said. Getting our San Diego World War Two veterans the recognition they have earned is the very least we can do to honor our greatest generation and the sacrifices they made for our nation. I am glad that my office and I were able to make this possible, and encourage other veterans and their families to reach out if they need help getting the benefits or recognition they earned through their service. After the ceremony, Breitenberg reflected on his service including jumping into France seven hours before the D-Day landings, fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and liberating a German concentration camp. It just opens up a lot of doors and memories, Breitenberg said of receiving the Bronze Star. Rep. Peters pins the Bronze Star Medal on former Private First Class Donald Breitenberg. Soon after becoming the Chief of Staff of the Army in 1948, General Omar Bradley chose to recognize all World War II combat veterans by making them eligible to receive the Bronze Star Medal. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-supports-omnibus-appropriations-bill-s-increased-0 Congresswoman Waters Supports Omnibus Appropriations Bill’s Increased Funding for Minority AIDS Initiative 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, announced her support of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill's inclusion of robust funding the Minority AIDS Initiative. This bill funds this initiative for Fiscal Year 2016. Despite the fact that Congresswoman Waters did not agree with all of the allocations in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, she is appreciative of the increased funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative that she led the efforts to establish. "I have fought for funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative throughout the year. I am pleased that my colleagues in Congress have voted to ensure that the Minority AIDS Initiative is a top priority," said Congresswoman Waters. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill allocates $53.9 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative Secretary's Fund, one of the four Minority AIDS Initiative accounts. This is an increase of $1.9 million above the 2015 enacted level. Congresswoman Waters sent a letter to appropriators in March requesting $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative, and it was signed by 66 Members of Congress. The Congresswoman also sent a second letter to appropriators on December 9th requesting robust funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative, and it was signed by 48 Members of Congress. The Minority AIDS Initiative is needed to help minority communities combat disproportionate HIV/AIDS infection rates. African Americans account for 44% of new HIV infections, Latinos account for 21%, and Asian Americans account for about 2% of new HIV infections. Congresswoman Waters said, "Racial and ethnic minorities continue to be severely and disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Minorities represent the majority of new HIV infections, people living with HIV/AIDS, and deaths from AIDS. The Minority AIDS Initiative is a critical tool in the effort to combat these unacceptable disparities, and this funding will help continue the progress that has already been made." Oth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-supports-omnibus-appropriations-bill-s-increased-2 Congresswoman Waters Supports Omnibus Appropriations Bill’s Increased Funding for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Programs to Assist Caregivers 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, announced her support of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill's inclusion of robust funding for Alzheimer's disease research, programs for Alzheimer's caregivers and the Minority AIDS Initiative. This bill funds these initiatives for Fiscal Year 2016. Despite the fact that Congresswoman Waters did not agree with all of the allocations in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, she is appreciative of the additional funding for Alzheimer's disease initiatives due to the work she has done to obtain additional resources to help Alzheimer's patients and caregivers. "I have fought for additional resources for the Alzheimer's disease research and caregivers throughout the year. I am pleased that my colleagues in Congress have voted to ensure that Alzheimer's disease initiatives are top priorities," said Congresswoman Waters. The omnibus bill allocates $936 million for Alzheimer's disease research at the National Institutes of Health in Fiscal Year 2016, an increase of $350 million over the Fiscal Year 2015 level. The Congresswoman has fiercely advocated for additional funding and resources for Alzheimer's disease research. Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) and Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3) sent a letter to appropriators requesting a substantial increase in funding for Alzheimer's research, and it was signed by a total of 63 Members of Congress. The omnibus bill also includes funding for the Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSPP), which aids families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease. ADSSP funds competitive grants to states to expand evidence-based interventions and long-term services to help patients with dementia and their caregivers. Last March, Congresswoman Waters and Congressman Christopher Smith circulated a letter in support of this program, which was signed by 21 Members of Congress. "I was pleased to learn that funding for this program was increas… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/pelosi-updates/a-win-for-working-families A Win for Working Families 2015-12-19 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy A Win for Working Families Ending the specter of another Government Shutdown, Congress today passeda bill to keep the government open, create jobs, invest in the future and grow the paychecks of hardworking families. While imperfect, the Omnibus bill is a bipartisan compromise that stands as a major victory for working families over the Republican Congresss special interest priorities. As always, House Republicans fought to put the special interests first insisting on giftwrapping a giveaway for Big Oil by lifting the 40-year old ban on crude oil exports. Yet thier desperate thirst to help Big Oil empoweredDemocrats to win sweeping victoriesfor working families throughout the bill: We won major new investments in clean and renewable energy, adding wind and solar tax credits that will eliminate close to ten times more carbon pollution than the exports of oil will add. We secured substantial increases in investments for research and development, education & early learning, medical research, infrastructure and law enforcement. We forced them to remove numerous toxic policy provisions known as riders that would have attacked womens health, weakened our oversight of big Wall Street banks, undermined the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, assaulted our climate, dismantled campaign finance reform, and hurt workers and children. We reauthorized the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, affirming our deep commitment to the heroes of September 11th, 2001 struggling from illnesses after their time at Ground Zero. With this bill, Congress has averted another disastrous Government Shutdown and we have taken bipartisan action to create jobs, strengthen the middle class and enhance our national security. Today, we secured an enormous win for working families, and for Americas future. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi delivers remarks on the floor of the House opposing the tax extenders bills. A Trojan Horse On Thursday,House Republicans passed legislationto lock into place hund… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-delivers-good-news-alzheimer-s-disease-caregivers-0 Congresswoman Waters Delivers Good News to Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers Support Group in Los Angeles 2015-12-19 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, delivered good news to attendees at the Actively Caring Through Sharing Support Group for Women and Men Caregivers Meeting (ACTS) on Saturday, December 19, 2015 in Los Angeles. As a longtime advocate for Alzheimer's disease caregivers, the Congresswoman educated the caregivers on the robust funding for Alzheimer's disease research and Alzheimer's caregivers programs included in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget that Congress passed last week. "I am very pleased that this robust funding will help caregivers offer emotional, physical and financial support to their loved ones who are battling Alzheimer's disease. This additional funding will help provide caregivers with the resources that they need to provide the best care for their loved ones," stated Congresswoman Waters. The omnibus bill includes funding for the Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSPP), which aids families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease. ADSSP funds competitive grants to states to expand evidence-based interventions and long-term services to help patients with dementia and their caregivers. The funding for this program was increased by more than 25 percent, from $3.8 million in fiscal year 2015 to $4.8 million in fiscal year 2016. Last March, Congresswoman Waters and Congressman Christopher Smith (NJ-4) circulated a letter in support of this program, which was signed by 21 Members of Congress. In addition, the budget appropriates $14.7 million for the Alzheimer's disease Initiative - Specialized Supportive Services program. This initiative provides specialized, person-centered services that help caregivers and Alzheimer's patients to remain independent and safe in their communities. This initiative was launched in 2011 with a new website – alzheimers.gov – and a variety of outreach materials were developed. The initiative will continue to promote the new website to caregivers and associated organizations usi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
http://bera.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bera-praises-omnibus-provision-to-lower-health-insurance-premiums Bera Praises Omnibus Provision to Lower Health Insurance Premiums 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ami Bera B001287 bera.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. praised the passage of a one year pause of the Health Insurance Tax, highlighting how it will lower the cost of health care for seniors, families and small businesses. By delaying the tax, the average individual will save more than $200 on health insurance costs and seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will save $350. I introduced the Small Business and Family Relief Act in 2013 to help make insurance more affordable for middle class Americans and am pleased to see a version was finally included in the spending package. We should not be imposing this financial burden on small businesses for doing the right thing and providing their workers with quality health care. The tax makes it more expensive to provide health insurance to employees, hinders job growth, and could force layoffs. We must continue to work to increase health care enrollment to help drive down health care prices, but in the meantime this delay will protect small businesses, seniors, and families from potentially harmful costs. River City Printers, a Rancho Cordova-based business that employs 31 people emphasized the benefit that this delay will have for the small business. Congressman Bera has been fighting toprovide relief for California small businesses from the Health Insurance Tax, saidKasey Cotulla, owner of River City Printersin Rancho Cordova, CA. We appreciate his leadership in securing a 1-year delay of the tax, which will allow small businesses like ours to re-invest those costs in our company and employees. We hope Congress will continue to fight for a long-term solution to this harmful tax on small businesses. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. Hes fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our countrys debt in a responsible way. One of Beras first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://bera.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bera-statement-on-government-funding-bill Bera Statement on Government Funding Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ami Bera B001287 bera.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. made the following statement after voting for the tax credit and government funding bills. This package represents a true compromise that will not only keep the government open, but for the first time in two years it will lift harmful spending caps and increase investment in programs that families and businesses rely on to get ahead. The package includes permanent tax credits that support working families, make college more affordable, and help small businesses grow. It also fully funds upgrades to Folsom Dam to increase safety and storage. The package encourages innovation by increasing funding for critical research into cures for some of our most pressing diseases at the National Institutes of Health. Im also happy my proposal to reduce health insurance premiums was included in the package. And, in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic, Im glad to see an increase in funding to address prescription drug abuse. Several important issues were left out of this package, including measures to address Californias drought. Im also disappointed that lawmakers did not take the opportunity to lift the ban on research into gun violence at the Centers for Disease Control. We must do more to keep our communities safe. At a time when too many families and businesses in my district are still struggling, this spending package includes multiple measures to help keeps millions out of poverty and grow our economy. Im glad members from both parties were able to come together and pass this bill to provide stability and support to hardworking Americans. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. Hes fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our countrys debt in a responsible way. One of Beras first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress dont pass a bud… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-chu-statement-omnibus-spending-bill-0 Rep. Chu Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Judy Chu C001080 chu.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House voted 316-113 to pass a $1.1 trillion bill to fund the government through 2016. The omnibus spending bill provides appropriations for all government agencies at the higher levels agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that replaced much of the Sequester and includes health coverage for 9/11 first responders, a two-year delay of the ACA Cadillac Tax, funding for environmental programs, and more. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who voted for the omnibus, released the following statement: After long bipartisan negotiations, I am glad that we were able to do the right thing for our constituents and country and vote to keep the government open without the destructive and partisan policy riders that some wanted. The Production Tax Credit and the Solar Investment Tax Credit will help us move towards the clean energy commitments necessary to slow global warming. And the three year extension of Land and Water Conservation Fund will help ensure our stewardship of our environment. For California, this bill will mean an additional $1.2 billion in funding for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund projects and $100 million for western drought response double the amount in last years bill. And I am particularly excited that the final omnibus included language from my bill, the CREED Act, that will extend the Small Business Administrations successful 504 loan refinancing program, allowing thousands of small business owners to free up more capital for growth and hiring. I am deeply disappointed that this package includes a provision to lift the crude oil export ban, a policy I strongly oppose and voted against this year. But while this bill was not perfect, it offers much needed assurance that we can keep our government functioning while also supporting a number of priorities that will help families, economy, and our environment. I applaud our leadership for their work and hope to continue this bipartisan cooperation in the year ahead. The FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed both the House and Sena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://eshoo.house.gov/issues/economy/eshoo-votes-for-omnibus-legislation-against-unpaid-for-tax-breaks/ Eshoo Votes for Omnibus Legislation & Against Unpaid-For Tax Breaks 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Anna Eshoo E000215 eshoo.house.gov     legacy Eshoo Votes for Omnibus Legislation & Against Unpaid-For Tax Breaks December 18th, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) released the following statement regarding votes she cast this week on two bills: 1) an Omnibus bill to fund the entire federal government through October 2016, and 2) a bill to renew several tax extensions, some permanently. Eshoo voted in favor of the Omnibus funding bill and against the tax bill. Both bills passed the House with bipartisan approval. Unlike most bills passed by the House, an Omnibus covers funding for the entire federal government in one big bill. Without its passage the government would be unfunded and a shutdown could have occurred. Eshoo said of the Omnibus: This bill is far from perfect. With any legislation of this magnitude come many pluses and minuses. The bill makes significant progress in key national policy areas, including environmental protection, renewable energy, medical research, critical resources for veteran health care, disaster preparedness, and nuclear non-proliferation. Importantly, Democrats secured the exclusion of a number of harmful Republican policy riders that would have defunded Planned Parenthood; blocked Syrian refugees from entering the U.S.; dismantled net neutrality rules; and stopped implementation of the Presidents Clean Power Plan. The bill also averts a costly and disruptive government shutdown. I vigorously opposed the giveaway in the bill to Big Oil by eliminating the 40-year ban on crude oil exports, a measure I voted against in the Energy and Commerce Committee. I also opposed provisions that rollback protections for Americans from government surveillance online, as well as a measure that permits continued consolidation in media ownership, a setback to diversity of ideas and viewpoints over the public airwaves. After careful examination of the legislation, I concluded that attempting to block a giveaway to Big Oil should not come at the e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/congressman-garamendi-votes-bipartisan-omnibus-bill-fund-government-2016 Congressman Garamendi Votes for Bipartisan Omnibus Bill to Fund Government in 2016 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA John Garamendi G000559 garamendi.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City) voted for the year-end omnibus bill to fund the government through the 2016 fiscal year. The $1.1 trillion spending bill provides critical money for education, environmental policy, medical research and transportation safety while avoiding destructive riders on California water policy and womens health. Compromises like this bill are never perfect, but this one is definitely good enough to vote for, said Congressman Garamendi. This bill accomplishes many of the priorities I have been fighting for throughout my career: it will increase funding for Alzheimers research, renew much-needed environmental programs, and increase spending for education and veterans programs. I am also pleased that many of the more controversial provisions did not make their way through the negotiating process. Highlights of the omnibus bill include: Reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and a five-year extension of tax credits for solar and wind Increases funding for the Maritime Security Program to $210 million, a big victory for the domestic maritime industry $1.3 billion for water resources projects within the Department of Interior, with no controversial riders on the California drought Prohibitions on retirement or divestment of the RQ-4 Global Hawk and KC-10 extender Requirement that the Secretary of Transportation finalize a rule on response plans to oil train spills within one year $2.65 billion for Wildland Fire Management $936 million in NIH funding for Alzheimers Researchan increase of $350 million Over $71.4 billion in funding for veterans services, an increase of $6.5 billion of 2015 levels. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://garamendi.house.gov/video/krcr-news-garamendis-cosponsorship-football-concussion-legislation KRCR News on Garamendi's cosponsorship of football concussion legislation 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA John Garamendi G000559 garamendi.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Office 2438 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-1880 Fax: (202) 225-5914 Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM ET 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-casts-final-congressional-votes-of-2015-opposing-permanent Huffman Casts Final Congressional Votes Of 2015, Opposing Permanent Unfunded Tax Giveaways and Supporting Omnibus Funding Bill That Avoids Government Shutdown 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jared Huffman H001068 huffman.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today issued a statement strongly opposing the package of permanent, unfunded tax expenditures that passed the House yesterday, and reluctantly supporting a government funding bill today that contains both good and bad policy riders: Yesterday, the House voted to pass a huge unfunded tax extender bill that will increase the deficit by $622 billion, undermine comprehensive tax reform, reward special interests and the wealthiest taxpayers, and put serious pressure on our domestic priorities. While Democratic negotiators won some victories in the bill such as permanent extension of the child tax credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit the overall effect of this tax package leaves future Congresses with two choices to prevent our national debt from becoming unmanageable: we could try to overcome Republicans categorical opposition to tax increases; or we could continue slashing discretionary budget priorities that are under constant assault including nutrition, housing, education, infrastructure, research, and the environment. In every budget, Republicans target these vital programs for massive cuts in the name of deficit reduction, but now the double standard is revealed:when it comes to tax breaks for the mega-rich, congressional Republicans will happily spend like drunken sailors without concern for the deficit. Thats because they know future Congresses will probably have to pay for these tax giveaways by cutting social and environmental programs. I vehemently opposed this part of the budget deal because it is so shortsighted:it plays into the GOPs long game of lavishing tax favors on the wealthiest Americans and using deficits as justification to starve programs for families and the environment. The other final vote of the year, the Omnibus appropriations bill that funds the government through the fall of 2016, was a much closer call. When the bill was released Tuesday night and I saw that it included the controversial… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-announces-more-than-44-million-in-federal-grants-for-local Rep. Huffman Announces More than $4.4 Million in Federal Grants for Local Health Centers 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jared Huffman H001068 huffman.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded more than $4.4 million in federal funds to four health centers in Huffmans 2nd Congressional District for 2016. With these federal grants, health centers in Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties will be able to continue providing primary care to populations in need, including low-income and homeless populations, children and families, and medically-vulnerable individuals. Health centers provide critical services for their patients, many of whom have no other access to preventative and primary care. These funds will allow health centers across Californias North Coast to continue providing the excellent and essential services that my constituents depend on. said Huffman. Making sure these organizations have reliable federal support is vital not only to their operations, but to the well-being of thousands living in their communities. Alexander Valley Healthcare, which received $345,748 in discretionary funds, is the only safety net provider in its 561 square-mile rural section of Northern Sonoma County, and is the only area dental provider that accepts uninsured patients or patients with Medicare. Mendocino Community Health Clinic, which received more than $1.7 million, operates across three sites and serves approximately 60,000 people, primarily rural, low-income, and elderly individuals, and those diagnosed with chronic illnesses or dual diagnoses. Open Door Community Health Centers, which received over $2 million, serves populations in largely-rural Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The target population at the Ritter Center, which received $342,175, includes the more than five thousand homeless or at-risk of homelessness individuals living in Marin County. The Health Center Program supports over 1,300 patient-directed organizations across the nation that provide primary and preventative care to medically underserve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-reports-progress-toward-consensus-on-last-chance-grade Rep. Huffman reports progress toward consensus on Last Chance Grade issues 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jared Huffman H001068 huffman.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Jared Huffman today announced the release of a white paper by the Last Chance Grade stakeholder group which outlines a number of points of consensus reached on the proposed project to date. Convened by Huffman this spring, the stakeholder group is made up of twenty representatives of diverse interests, including members of environmental groups, businesses, government and elected representatives, tribes and landowners. The group has been meeting to gather information about potential routes around Last Chance Grade and the implications of such a project on cultural and natural resources, as well as commerce and travel. The stakeholder groups efforts pave the way for a permanent solution to the troubled stretch of U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City, Rep. Huffman said. While there is still significant technical information that is needed for the group to reach agreement on specific routes, this paper represents a big step forward. Last Chance Grade is a landslide-prone stretch of highway between Crescent City and Klamath. CalTrans has spent millions of dollars to keep the roadway open over the past decade. A complete failure at Last Chance Grade is a serious threat to the travelling public and could cost the regional economy $130 million a year. At the same time, building a route around the slide area involves passing through or near old growth redwoods within Redwood National and State Parks. Huffman convened the stakeholders group to try to reach consensus on the major issues such a large project would raise. The mediator for the group, Joy Keller-Weidman, was recently hired by the federal Udall Foundation as senior program manager for its U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution. Keller-Weidman will continue her work with the stakeholders group over the coming months. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brownley-supports-bipartisan-omnibus-appropriations-bill BROWNLEY SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Julia Brownley B001285 juliabrownley.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bipartisan bill was approved in a vote of 316 to 113. Today, I voted for the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Not only does the Omnibus prevent another government shutdown, but it also makes critical investments in key Ventura County priorities, like our veterans, Naval Base Ventura County, our local schools, local law enforcement, and agriculture programs, said Congresswoman Brownley. While the bill is not perfect, it is overall a big win for Ventura Countys families and for our country. I am especially pleased with the increased funding for VA healthcare, including additional funds that will allow facilities like the VA-run Oxnard community clinic to move forward. As Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have been working with the VA to improve healthcare for veterans in Ventura County and increase the availability of specialty care in our local community. The bills investments in priorities include the following: National Defense: Provides an increase for defense programs that will improve military readiness, increase health research for TBI, invest in military housing and schools, and provides a 1.3% pay increase for our troops. Veterans: Provides a robust increase in funds for veterans programs to improve VA health care and medical services. Increases funds for the Caregiver Program, for mobile Vet Centers, and medical and prosthetics research. Homeland Security: Increases funds for Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, and other critical homeland security priorities, and provides $50 million in new funds to help state and local law enforcement counter violent extremism and prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. Renewable Energy: Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment Tax Credit fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-announces-launch-of-second-annual-student-app-challenge THOMPSON ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SECOND ANNUAL STUDENT APP CHALLENGE 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mike Thompson T000460 mikethompson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced today the launch of the second annual Congressional App Challenge for the 5th Congressional District. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this nationwide competition invites high school students from all participating congressional districts to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. It is designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields. The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to get involved in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, said Thompson. Over the next ten years, nearly 9 million STEM jobs are expected to be created. However, we also face a shortage of STEM graduates. The Congressional App Challenge will help build interest and encourage our students to pursue an education in STEM fields. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students who live in or are eligible to attend public high schools located in the 5th Congressional District. In order to participate in the competition, students must submit their apps source code online by midnight on January 15, 2016 EST, as well as provide a video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process. More details on submitting a contest entry, the rules of the competition, and helpful programming resources can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent Californias 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-votes-for-federal-spending-bill THOMPSON VOTES FOR FEDERAL SPENDING BILL 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mike Thompson T000460 mikethompson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) voted today to pass H.R. 2029, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This measure funds the government for FY 2016. This bill is far from perfect but it averts a disastrous government shutdown, makes investments that help working people, and will benefit communities in our district, said Thompson. Next year we need to build on this compromise and avoid governing from crisis-to-crisis and cliff-to-cliff. The legislation includes these important measures: Infrastructure: Maintains the funding for the popular TIGER Grants at the 2015 level of $500 million, and provides $353 million for proposed small starts projects. The Small Starts program provides grants for capital costs associated with new fixed guideway systems, extensions, and bus corridor improvements such as Sonoma Countys SMART Train. Fire Management: Invests $4.2 billion for wildland fire management. Solar energy: Extends the solar investment tax credit through 2021 much as Thompsons New Energy for America Act (H.R.2412) would do. National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): Provides $73 million to strengthen our background check system to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill. Housing Assistance: Provides $17.7 billion for Section 8 housing assistance, which is a $195 million increase from 2015. Conservation: Includes a three year reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation fund which has contributed nearly $10 million dollars to Californias 5th District since the program started. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the Pittman-Robertson funding for North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants. Salmon: Provides $91.5 million for salmon management, including funding for threatened and endangered Pacific salmon species. Crude by Rail: Provides Crude oil training program for first responders. This was part of Rep. Mike Thompsons Crude-By-Rail Safety Act (HR 1804). National Guard: Provides $125 million increas… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-introduces-puerto-rico-emergency-financial-stability-act Pelosi Introduces Puerto Rico Emergency Financial Stability Act 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George,202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after introducing H.R. 4290, the Puerto Rico Emergency Financial Stability Act, legislation to provide Puerto Rico a short-term stay of legal actions by certain creditors while Congress considers debt restructuring legislation for the territory over the coming months: It is profoundly disappointing that debt restructuring authority for Puerto Rico was not included in the Omnibus. Puerto Rico faces a dire economic crisis, and we have a moral responsibility to help our fellow Americans. The Puerto Rico Emergency Financial Stability Act would protect the 3.5 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home from economic catastrophe while Congress advances a more comprehensive solution to the Commonwealths financial emergency. The bill would give Puerto Rico temporary but essential breathing room from creditor lawsuits until Congress can act. It is a common sense proposal based on existing legal standards and short-term legal protections that were enacted during the Great Depression to protect hard-pressed homeowners from arbitrary and sudden foreclosures. The moratorium on legal action it provides would expire on March 31 the same date by which Speaker Ryan has promised Congress will complete meaningful debt restructuring legislation. With the outstanding leadership of Congresswoman Nydia Velzquez, Resident Commissioner PedroPierluisi, Congressmen Jos Serrano and Luis Gutirrez, and Puerto Rico's many friends in the Congress, we will continue to demand action for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico as soon as possible. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397947 Rep. Roybal-Allard Issues Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Lucille Roybal-Allard R000486 roybal-allard.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) voted for the omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2016. She issued the following statement about the bill:As the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I can attest that Division F of the bill before us today, which provides funds for the Department of Homeland Security, is the result of careful consideration, intense scrutiny, and bipartisan collaboration. I want to thank Chairman Carter for his leadership and his partnership in crafting our portion of the bill. The bill provides significant resources for critical priorities, including funding to recapitalize the Coast Guard air and marine fleets; to fully fund FEMAs disaster relief activities, including wildfire management assistance grants, and to significantly enhance support for flood mapping and pre-disaster mitigation; to maintain funding for FEMA terrorism preparedness grants, including $50 million in new funding to help communities counter violent extremism and prepare for complex, coordinated terrorist attacks; to allow the Secret Service to continue implementing the recommendations of the Protective Mission Panel; and to enhance cybersecurity across the federal government, along with significant additional funds to help protect DHSs own cyber systems. I am pleased that the bill does not include the harmful immigration policy riders that were adopted during committee consideration of the House bill. I am also pleased that the omnibus incorporates a number of amendments and priorities I fought for during the Appropriations Committee markups. These include my amendment with Congresswoman Lee which creates and funds a comprehensive, non-partisan child poverty study, and my amendment to defund the licensing or relicensing of Class B animal dealers who sell random source dogs and cats for use in research. It is also important to note that my colleagues and I were successful in preserving funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Qual… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-help-pass-bipartisan-spending-bill-to-boost-investments Rep. Peters Helps Pass Bipartisan Spending Bill to Boost Investments Critical to San Diego & National Security 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Scott Peters P000608 scottpeters.house.gov     legacy Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass a federal spending plan that boosts investment in areas critical to the San Diego priorities Peters has fought for since being elected to Congress. It increases investment in science, provides tax credits and incentives for private sector investment in clean energy, and responsibly funds wildfire prevention. This spending plan supports several critical San Diego priorities Ive been fighting for since coming to Congress, Peters said. Ive argued that if Congress cant do its job and pass a budget, then Congress shouldnt get a paycheck. Today, Congress did its job and passed a bipartisan spending bill that delivers for San Diego. We also added $21 billion to our defense budget which is essential to defeating terrorism and keeping Americans safe both home and abroad, Peters continued. In San Diego, where the military represents about a quarter of our economy, its also important to our prosperity, and to the livelihoods of the thousands of active duty military that live here. The Omnibus Appropriations Act, which appropriates Federal spending for the 2016 fiscal year, passed by a broad bipartisan vote of 316 to 113. The package includes $32.1 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $2 billion more than last year. Peters was recognized as the local biotech industrys legislator of the year in 2014 and 2015, in part, for his effective advocacy for increased NIH investment. Earlier this year, Peters helped pass the 21st Century Cures Act which would increase NIH funds by an additional $8 billion if it passes in the Senate next year. San Diegos universities and research institutions, which rely heavily on NIH funds, generate $4.6 billion to the regions economy, and support more than 37,000 jobs. San Diego is the top metro area in the country for NIH research funding, receiving more than $768 million in funding in 2015, which benefits a number of institutions including the University of California San Diego, the La Jolla Institute for Allergy an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://vargas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-vargas-highlights-funding-for-programs-in-the-district-included-in Rep. Vargas Highlights Funding for Programs in the District Included in the FY2016 Omnibus 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Juan Vargas V000130 vargas.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC (December 18, 2015) - Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) voted in favor of the $1.15 trillion government spending bill voted on and approved by the House of Representatives today. Over 100 programs supported by Rep. Vargas were included in the bill. Rep. Vargas issued the following statement after voting on the Fiscal Year 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act: This bill is the result of long hours of hard work and compromise through a bipartisan effort. Although not everything I wanted to see funded was included in this spending bill, I was pleased to see that it tackles issues that go beyond party lines, said Rep. Vargas. The omnibus spending bill includes significant funding for programs that benefit our District. The following is a list of some of the programs Rep. Vargas worked on with his colleagues in Congress to secure funding for the FY16 budget: Department of Defenses Operations and Maintenance, Navy: Funded at $39.6 million U.S. Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program: Funded at $10 million Veterans Treatment Courts: Funded at $6 million Bureau of Reclamations Salton Sea Research Project: Funded at $300,000 Alfalfa and Forage Research: Funded at $2 million ($1 million less than the original request) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): Funded at $450 million Head Start: Funded at $9,168 billion National Institutes of Health: Funded at $32 billion Refugee and Entrant Assistant Program: Funded at $1,674 billion The bill provides $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an incredible $2 billion above the enacted 2015 level. The funding will provide a general increase to all NIH Institutes and Centers, for the continuation of critical biomedical research that leads to the discovery of new cures. Vargas represents Californias 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and Californias entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4F44B6DB-FCCD-4E87-87B5-BA2A328809CF Feinstein Bill Would Ensure California VA Construction Projects Proceed 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced a bill to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to advance critical seismic safety and construction projects at VA facilities in San Francisco, Long Beach, Alameda Point, Fremont, French Camp and Los Angeles. The omnibus bill passed by the House and Senate includes $563 million for California projects: $161 million for Long Beach, $158 million for Fort Miley in San Francisco, $70 million for Alameda Point; $139 million for Fremont and French Camp, and $35 million for West Los Angeles. The bill also includes $75 million for Louisville, KY; $11 million for American Lake, WA; $90.1 million for medical facility improvements and expansions in St. Louis, MO; and $83.7 million for new community living center in Perry Point, MD. However, VA will not be able to spend the money appropriated by Congress due to a technical requirement that the projects also be approved by the Veterans Affairs Committees. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that California suffers a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake every 6.3 years, on average. It also reports that Californias risk of being struck by a magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake has increased by nearly 50 percent since the agency completed its last estimate in 2008. "The next California earthquake is a question of when, not if. The seismic safety upgrades planned at some of our largest VA facilities are critical to ensure the safety of veterans, health care providers and staff, said Senator Feinstein. These projects are also critical to meeting health care and housing needs for veterans throughout California. Feinsteins bill would provide for the authorization of the seismic upgrades and construction projects, allowing them to quickly move forward. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6DB9487C-9AE2-42FE-9DAE-F848F0D02C0B Feinstein Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy Legislation includes Feinstein priorities, vital California projects WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today announced her support for the omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through fiscal year 2016. I voted for the omnibus and tax extenders because I think our nation is best served by fiscal certainty, Feinstein said. Stability and predictability in our tax code will help promote economic growth. Additional legislation Senator Feinstein also supports the omnibus because it includes several key pieces of legislation she has worked on. These include: The intelligence authorization bill; The cybersecurity information sharing bill; Tightening the visa waiver program; and Strengthening school accreditation standards for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. I am pleased these bills have been added to the omnibus, Feinstein said. This will be the seventh consecutive intelligence authorization bill after a period of five years without any bill. Its critical to authorize funding and enact oversight provisions for the intelligence community. After working on legislation that addresses the cyber threat for more than five years, this cyber bill will be the first legislative effort to promote information sharing between companies and between companies and the government. The bill provides strong liability protections and strict privacy safeguards. I support including provisions to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program, as this is a national security priority for me. Importantly, the House version of the bill includes a requirement to obtain a traditional visa if you have been to Iraq or Syria recently. Im disappointed that provisions I proposed on biometrics were not included and I intend to remedy that by continuing to push to require biometric submissions for first time visa waiver travelers before they enter the United States. We also need addi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-supports-bipartisan-spending-bill Costa Supports Bipartisan Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jim Costa C001059 costa.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill that will keep government funded for the current fiscal year. From repealing the Country-of-Origin-Labeling requirement for pork and beef to making over $3 billion in non-tax payer money available to crime victims, the spending bill passed today by the House has several wins for Californias San Joaquin Valley, said Rep. Costa. Responsible governance requires compromise, and this legislation is the result of Democrats and Republicans working together for the greater good of our country. Costa continued saying, I am pleased that provisions in the Dams Accountability, Maintenance, and Safety (DAMS) Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Valadao and me, are part of the spending bill passed today. The measure will authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to update and modernize our nations federal dams when critical safety work is being performed, and increase storage capacity of San Luis Reservoir. While long-term solutions like the DAMS Act are necessary to fixing Californias broken water system, we desperately need to pass legislation that will help in the short-term. My hope was to get language in the spending bill that would provide short-term solutions, and unfortunately, that did not happen. I am optimistic that the House and Senate will come together and pass California water legislation at the beginning of the new year. Failing to do so would be a disservice to all Californians, and is both unacceptable and avoidable. The spending legislation includes the following provisions: $100 million for drought relief. Funding for early learning, primary, and secondary education. Funding for medical research at National Institute of Health. $500 million for TIGER grants which are used across the country to repair infrastructure and contribute to economic growth. Funding for law enforcement, including $187 million COPS hiring grants, $80 million for the Community Poli… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-supports-bipartisan-omnibus-appropriations-bill/ Brownley Supports Bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Julia Brownley B001285 juliabrownley.house.gov juliabrownley https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bipartisan bill was approved in a vote of 316 to 113. “Today, I voted for the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Not only does the Omnibus prevent another government shutdown, but it also makes critical investments in key Ventura County priorities, like our veterans, Naval Base Ventura County, our local schools, local law enforcement, and agriculture programs,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “While the bill is not perfect, it is overall a big win for Ventura County’s families and for our country.” “I am especially pleased with the increased funding for VA healthcare, including additional funds that will allow facilities like the VA-run Oxnard community clinic to move forward. As Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have been working with the VA to improve healthcare for veterans in Ventura County and increase the availability of specialty care in our local community.” The bill’s investments in priorities include the following: National Defense: Provides an increase for defense programs that will improve military readiness, increase health research for TBI, invest in military housing and schools, and provides a 1.3% pay increase for our troops. Veterans: Provides a robust increase in funds for veterans programs to improve VA health care and medical services. Increases funds for the Caregiver Program, for mobile Vet Centers, and medical and prosthetics research. Homeland Security: Increases funds for Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, and other critical homeland security priorities, and provides $50 million in new funds to help state and local law enforcement counter violent extremism and prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. Renewable Energy: Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lieu-ecstatic-over-fda-s-proposed-ban-tanning-beds-minors CONGRESSMAN LIEU ECSTATIC OVER FDAS PROPOSED BAN ON TANNING BEDS FOR MINORS 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ted Lieu L000582 lieu.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) has issued the following statement in light of the Food and Drug Administrations proposed rules regulating tanning beds. I am thrilled the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released their proposed rule to ban tanning-bed use for those under the age of 18. This past June, I led a letter, signed by 18 members of Congress, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) asking that they release FDAs proposed tanning bed regulations, General and Plastic Surgery Devices: Restriction of Sunlamp Products (RIN 0910-AH14), for public comment as soon as possible. For many years, I have led the fight to regulate and restrict ultraviolet tanning bed use, such as authoring the first state law in the nation to ban tanning bed use by minors. Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States and costs $8.1 billion to treat annually. UV tanning beds cause skin cancer. The new rules released by FDA today are critical in the fight to eradicate skin cancer, and I look forward to the rules becoming final. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-statement-omnibus-appropriations-bill Lofgren Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Zoe Lofgren L000397 lofgren.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) issued the following statement today after voting against the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act: "I was unable to vote for the Omnibus spending bill today because it included an extraneous provision purported to facilitate cybersecurity information sharing that in effect will function as a surveillance tool. "Congress has debated cybersecurity for the past year. I voted for a bill passed by the House that addressed cybersecurity while also protecting the private digital information of Americans. This bill received substantially more support than any other cybersecurity bill considered by either chamber. "Information sharing requires measures to protect Americans' privacy. It should also be debated in regular order. But this so-called "cybersecurity legislation" was inserted into a must-pass Omnibus at the 11th hour, without debate. The protective measures that such a bill should have including those I believe the Constitution requires were removed. While the Omnibus had both pros and cons, my obligation to protect constitutional rights isn't negotiable. I made clear to House Leadership and the White House that I could not support the Omnibus with this cyber surveillance measure included. I have enclosed several letters crafted in the last two days outlining my concerns related to the bill." # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lofgren.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398042 Lofgren Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Zoe Lofgren L000397 lofgren.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) issued the following statement today after voting against the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act: I was unable to vote for the Omnibus spending bill today because it included an extraneous provision purported to facilitate cybersecurity information sharing that in effect will function as a surveillance tool. Congress has debated cybersecurity for the past year. I voted for a bill passed by the House that addressed cybersecurity while also protecting the private digital information of Americans. This bill received substantially more support than any other cybersecurity bill considered by either chamber. Information sharing requires measures to protect Americans privacy. It should also be debated in regular order. But this so-called cybersecurity legislation was inserted into a must-pass Omnibus at the 11th hour, without debate. The protective measures that such a bill should have including those I believe the Constitution requires were removed. While the Omnibus had both pros and cons, my obligation to protect constitutional rights isnt negotiable. I made clear to House Leadership and the White House that I could not support the Omnibus with this cyber surveillance measure included. I have enclosed several letters crafted in the last two days outlining my concerns related to the bill. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory-rep-mcnerney-to-host-press-conference-to-announce-funding MEDIA ADVISORY: Rep. McNerney to Host Press Conference to Announce Funding, Next Steps for French Camp VA Clinic 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jerry McNerney M001166 mcnerney.house.gov     legacy French Camp, CA Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) will host a press conference with veterans and community leaders to announce funding and next steps for the construction of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in French Camp, CA. Funding for the CBOC was included in the FY16 omnibus spending bill passed by Congress today. What: Press Conference Rep. McNerney will host a press conference to announce funding and next steps for the construction of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in French, Camp, CA. When: Monday, December 21, 2015 12:30 p.m. PST Where: Health Plan of San Joaquin First Floor Conference Room 7751 S. Manthey Road French Camp, CA The French Camp CBOC will serve 87,000 veterans across a wide geographic area that includes San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Amador Counties, among others. Rep. McNerney has been a strong advocate for securing the authorization and funding for the French Camp clinic, repeatedly calling for the financial resources to complete the project. ### Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of California's 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney's work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-applauds-funding-for-french-camp-va-clinic-in-omnibus-bill Rep. McNerney Applauds Funding for French Camp VA Clinic in Omnibus Bill Passed by the House 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jerry McNerney M001166 mcnerney.house.gov     legacy Washington Today, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement applauding the House passage of the FY16 omnibus spending bill that includes the funding needed to construct the French Camp Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC): The omnibus spending bill my colleagues and I passed in the House is a necessary compromise that will fund the government for the next year. While the bill reflects some tough choices, it also provides funding for critical programs that support job creation, health care for families and children, investments in renewable energy production, environmental protection, small business loans, and VA construction. The omnibus is a tremendous victory for thousands of our veterans who will have better access to health care because it includes funding to build the long-overdue Community Based Outpatient Clinic in French Camp, California. Veterans across my district and throughout the San Joaquin and Central Valleys have waited more than a decade for this clinic so they can gain access to state-of-the-art medical care and services that they deserve. Many veterans have difficultly accessing the health care benefits they've earned serving our country due to a lack in quality clinics and services in their region. This places an unnecessary and unfair burden on veterans who have to travel significant distances for simple medical appointments and check-ups. I have worked in a bipartisan manner for years to get funding for the French Camp clinic, a project that has been construction ready' for some time. This facility will serve nearly 87,000 veterans, and I am glad to finally see Congress commit the proper resources so this project can break ground in the near future. The FY16 omnibus appropriations package provides $1.24 billion for major VA construction projects. These funds are sufficient to fund the VA's top FY16 major construction projects, including the long-overdue project at French Camp. The French Camp CBOC will serve 87,000 veterans across a wide geographic area that incl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/posey-sherman-policyholder-protection-act-passes-house-senate Posey-Sherman Policyholder Protection Act Passes House & Senate 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Brad Sherman S000344 sherman.house.gov     legacy Washington DC The Policyholder Protection Act introduced by Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) passed the House and Senate today and is expected to be signed into law as part of the Omnibus spending bill. The bipartisan passage of this legislation proves that there is still room for common sense legislation that protects consumers, said Congressman Sherman. It is unfair to policy holders at risk, because of the actions of some Wall Street firm. That is why the assets of an insurance company should be walled off from the risky practices of their affiliated financial institutions. The assets of an insurance company are needed to pay claims of their policyholders, and those dollars should not be jeopardized by complex bets, risk taking, or poor management elsewhere within a large financial firm. I want to thank Congressman Posey for his great work and leadership on this bill. The Policyholder Protection Act affirms that resources from an insurance company may not be used to bail out an affiliated financial institution from liquidation under Title II of Dodd-Frank unless the state insurance commissioner consents. This bill clarifies Dodd-Frank to ensure that resources set aside to satisfy insurance policyholder claims cannot be used to satisfy non-insurance liabilities within a holding company system. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-royce-bill-successfully-pushes-183-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan Sherman-Royce Bill Successfully Pushes $1.83 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Brad Sherman S000344 sherman.house.gov     legacy Washington DC Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the Asia Subcommittee, praised the Administration's decision to sell $1.83 billion in arms to Taiwan, including two Navy Perry-class frigates. Last week, Congressman Sherman and House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) introduced The Taiwan Naval Support Act, legislation designed to cause this action. The bill, which unanimously passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee, would have required the President to submit a timeframe for the sale of arms to Taiwan, including two surplus U.S. naval vessels. The transfer was initially authorized by the Naval Vessel Transfer Act, but no action had been taken for over a year. The purpose of the bill was to prod the Administration to transfer these important warships. I'm pleased the Administration has done just that. As I said in Committee, after all these delays, it was time to transfer the friggin frigates. The fact that China is responding with bluster and threats shows how important this transfer is. The more bellicose China's rhetoric, the more clear it is we need to provide Taiwan with the tools it needs for its defense. If China takes any action against any American company involved in the arms transfer, we must impose tariffs on Chinese goods equal to at least ten times the effect of Chinese sanctions, said Congressman Sherman. Chairman Royce has been a forceful and tireless advocate for transferring the frigates and other defense items to Taiwan, Sherman added. The Sherman-Royce legislation was introduced with the support of Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ), the Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee. Watch Congressman Sherman speech in the House Foreign Affairs Committee from last week here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUU0wT5ZYsY -30 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://susandavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-susan-davis-supports-investment-priorities-for-san-diego-s-middle Rep. Susan Davis Supports Investment Priorities for San Diegos Middle Class Families 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Susan Davis D000598 susandavis.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) cast a vote in favor of the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations bill that included a number of investment priorities for San Diego, and avoids a government shutdown. Throughout the appropriations process Davis pushed to ensure local priorities were included in the bill. Many San Diego priorities focusing on the middle class are included in this bipartisan omnibus spending bill, said Rep. Davis. While not perfect by any means, this bill has critical investments for medical research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and supports many jobs in our region. Just as importantly it avoids an economically damaging government shutdown. As we head into the new year, Congress should resolve pass funding measures on time and avoid past practices of stopgap spending bills that only cause economic uncertainty. The Omnibus Appropriations bill includes: Health Care: Davis led an effort to set funding for the NIH at $32 billion. The Omnibus contains funding of $32 billion for medical research funded by the NIH. The San Diego region gets a significant portion of NIH funding, around $800 million yearly. Education: Increases funding for Impact Aid for schools in close proximity of federally owned land (military installations) by $17 million. Davis joined a letter advocating for an increase. $250 million for Preschool Development Grants, which is the same as the FY2015 enacted level. Davis pushed to keep the funding from being eliminated. Defense: Omnibus bill contains up to $25 million to recruit, integrate, retain, and train women in the Afghan National Security Forces, as well encourage participation in elections. Davis included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that authorized this funding to ensure Afghan women play an increasing role in the rebuilding of their country. Shipbuilding: Contains funding to accelerate NASSCO's next Navy ship, the third Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) ship, supporting 4000 plus jobs in the San Diego region. Renewable … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://susandavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392494 Rep. Susan Davis Supports Investment Priorities for San Diegos Middle Class Families 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Susan Davis D000598 susandavis.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) cast a vote in favor of the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations bill that included a number of investment priorities for San Diego, and avoids a government shutdown. Throughout the appropriations process Davis pushed to ensure local priorities were included in the bill. Many San Diego priorities focusing on the middle class are included in this bipartisan omnibus spending bill, said Rep. Davis. While not perfect by any means, this bill has critical investments for medical research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and supports many jobs in our region. Just as importantly it avoids an economically damaging government shutdown. As we head into the new year, Congress should resolve pass funding measures on time and avoid past practices of stopgap spending bills that only cause economic uncertainty. The Omnibus Appropriations bill includes: Health Care: Davis led an effort to set funding for the NIH at $32 billion. The Omnibus contains funding of $32 billion for medical research funded by the NIH. The San Diego region gets a significant portion of NIH funding, around $800 million yearly. Education: Increases funding for Impact Aid for schools in close proximity of federally owned land (military installations) by $17 million. Davis joined a letter advocating for an increase. $250 million for Preschool Development Grants, which is the same as the FY2015 enacted level. Davis pushed to keep the funding from being eliminated. Defense: Omnibus bill contains up to $25 million to recruit, integrate, retain, and train women in the Afghan National Security Forces, as well encourage participation in elections. Davis included a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that authorized this funding to ensure Afghan women play an increasing role in the rebuilding of their country. Shipbuilding: Contains funding to accelerate NASSCO's next Navy ship, the third Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) ship, supporting 4000 plus jobs in the San Diego region. Renewable Energy:… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-votes-yes-bipartisan-government-funding-bill-keep-government Swalwell Votes YES on Bipartisan Government Funding Bill to Keep the Government Open and Strengthen Homeland Security 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Eric Swalwell S001193 swalwell.house.gov swalwell https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15), released the following statement after voting YES on the bipartisan $1.1 trillion omnibus funding bill that will keep the government open and funded: "This bipartisan compromise funding deal keeps the government open, and protects programs that help working families. The compromise deal does not include extremely partisan anti-environmental or anti-refugee provisions, and it is a compromise I am able to support. Importantly, the funding bill rightly re-authorizes the long-stalled Zadroga Act, which ensures our 9/11 heroes receive long-term care and support. "In addition, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am grateful that the funding bill includes key intelligence bills that address the growing cyber threat facing our nation, while adequately safeguarding civil liberties. I'm particularly pleased the funding bill also contains a provision I authored in the Intelligence Authorization Act to ensure Department of Energy National Labs like Lawrence Livermore and Sandia are clearly available to work with recipients of federal homeland security grants such as state and local governments. "I am hopeful in the New Year we can build upon the bipartisan nature of this funding bill and continue to invest in hardworking Americans and our national security." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vargas-highlights-funding-for-programs-in-the-district-included-in-the-fy2016-omnibus Rep. Vargas Highlights Funding for Programs in the District Included in the FY2016 Omnibus 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Juan Vargas V000130 vargas.house.gov vargas https://vargas.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, DC (December 18, 2015) - Representative Juan Vargas (CA-51) voted in favor of the $1.15 trillion government spending bill voted on and approved by the House of Representatives today. Over 100 programs supported by Rep. Vargas were included in the bill. Rep. Vargas issued the following statement after voting on the Fiscal Year 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act: "This bill is the result of long hours of hard work and compromise through a bipartisan effort. Although not everything I wanted to see funded was included in this spending bill, I was pleased to see that it tackles issues that go beyond party lines," said Rep. Vargas. "The omnibus spending bill includes significant funding for programs that benefit our District." The following is a list of some of the programs Rep. Vargas worked on with his colleagues in Congress to secure funding for the FY16 budget: Department of Defense's Operations and Maintenance, Navy: Funded at $39.6 million U.S. Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program: Funded at $10 million Veterans Treatment Courts: Funded at $6 million Bureau of Reclamation's Salton Sea Research Project: Funded at $300,000 Alfalfa and Forage Research: Funded at $2 million ($1 million less than the original request) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): Funded at $450 million Head Start: Funded at $9,168 billion National Institutes of Health: Funded at $32 billion Refugee and Entrant Assistant Program: Funded at $1,674 billion "The bill provides $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an incredible $2 billion above the enacted 2015 level. The funding will provide a general increase to all NIH Institutes and Centers, for the continuation of critical biomedical research that leads to the discovery of new cures. " Vargas represents California's 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California's entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-supports-los-angeles-unified-school-district-s-0 Congresswoman Waters Supports Los Angeles Unified School District’s Decision to Close All Schools after Receiving Electronic Threat 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement after the Los Angeles Unified School District closed 900 schools after receiving a threat via email on Tuesday. Congresswoman Waters' statement follows: "I fully support the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) decision to close all schools on Tuesday after receiving an electronic threat. After thorough investigation by officials, the electronic threat against LAUSD on was determined not to be credible. "While it is unsettling and disturbing that someone would engage in a hoax of this nature and magnitude, I am grateful that the students and citizens of Los Angeles are safe, and I remain committed to ensuring that the more than 660,000 students in the District are protected and potential dangers are thwarted. "Although the threat was ultimately determined not to be credible, I believe that LAUSD officials carefully considered the threat and took appropriate and timely actions in the best interest of thousands of students, teachers and staff. "Therefore, I commend the efforts of the LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines, LAUSD Police Chief Steve Zipperman, LAUSD President Steve Zimmer and the other School Board members, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council members, and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck for working collaboratively to be proactive, intentional and deliberate. "I also commend the cooperation of the entire Los Angeles community, including parents, students and businesses that were gracious in allowing flexible work hours to accommodate parents picking up their children. Safety is the main priority, and I am committed to working with LAUSD officials and other city leaders to evaluate emergency protocol and plans when these types of threats are issued." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
http://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/former-cal-bears-lineman-garamendi-cosponsors-sports-concussion-legislation Former Cal Bears Lineman Garamendi Cosponsors Sports Concussion Legislation 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA John Garamendi G000559 garamendi.house.gov     legacy DAVIS, CA - Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City, CA), a former offensive and defensive lineman for the Cal Bears and NFL prospect before deciding to pursue a career in public service, is helping lead the fight in Congress to raise awareness about the need for improved safety in high school sports by cosponsoring H.R. 3986, the High School Football Safety Study Act of 2015. The bill directs the Centers for Disease Control, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, to conduct a study on the causes of deaths in high school football and to develop recommendations to prevent death and serious injury in the future, including innovative ways of harnessing technology and data analytics to keep student-athletes healthy. High school and college sports helped keep me fit and taught me the importance of self-discipline and cooperation at an early age. Looking back on it, I also realize I was one of the lucky ones. Many people in my situation walked away with brain injuries that stuck with them for life, Congressman Garamendi said. I helped make high school football safer with state legislation in the 1970s, and were long overdue for science-driven reforms on the federal level too. The High School Football Safety Study Act is an important step forward to better protect many of our nations brightest and most driven student athletes from injuries that could hold them back or lead to death. In 1976, Garamendi, then a state legislator, authored legislation to ensure that helmets worn by high school football players gave them better protection. Since then, there have been major advances in our understanding of concussion-related injuries. The forthcoming movie Concussion, starring Will Smith, centers around the pioneering research by Dr. Bennet Omalu about the prevalence of brain injuries in football. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brownley-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-tax-relief-for-working-families BROWNLEY APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Julia Brownley B001285 juliabrownley.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Earlier today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) voted to support passage of the tax extenders package. The bipartisan legislation was approved in a vote of 318 to 109. I supported the tax extenders package because it includes important relief for working families and the middle-class, by improving the child and earned income tax credits, which are critical to keeping children out of poverty, stated Congresswoman Brownley. The legislation would also provide certainty for individuals and businesses to invest, create jobs, and further improve Ventura Countys economy. Im especially proud of the provisions I championed to make the research and development tax credit permanent while giving start-ups the ability to use the tax credit when they need it most. Congresswoman Brownley previously authored and championed the Innovation, Research, and Manufacturing Act (H.R. 1536), legislation to permanently extend the research and development tax credit and to permit start-ups to utilize the credit as a refundable credit. The legislation approved by the House today includes those provisions. The House-approved tax measure also includes individual income tax provisions to improve and make permanent the child tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, the earned income tax credit (EITC), the deduction for elementary and secondary school teachers, incentives for charitable giving, and the deduction of state and local taxes. The bill also extends certain business and energy tax credits. ### Julia Brownley represents Californias 26th Congressional District, which includes most of Ventura County, and Westlake Village in Los Angeles County. She serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and as the Ranking Member on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398709 Congressman Lowenthal Denounces Arrest Of Human Rights Lawyer Nguyen Van Dai By Vietnamese Government 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Alan Lowenthal L000579 lowenthal.house.gov     legacy Congressman Alan Lowenthal today issued the following statement on the arrest yesterday in Vietnam of human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai on charges of propaganda against the state: I am, along with the Vietnamese-American community and many in the international community, shocked and outraged about the arrest of Nguyen Van Dai for doing nothing more than standing up for freedom and human rights in his country. Sadly this is just the latest example of the failed human rights record of the Hanoi government and casts a stark spotlight on the fact that cases of human rights abuse and repression are the government-sponsored norm in Vietnam, not the exception. Today, I have asked Secretary of State John Kerry to press the Vietnamese government to immediately release Dai and drop all charges against him. Moreover, I calling on the Vietnamese government to unequivocally put an end to attacks on human rights activists. When I visited Vietnam earlier this year as part of a congressional delegation, I had the pleasure of meeting Dai in person. It saddens me to think that Dai and other activists must live in fear for their own safety simply for exercising their most basic human rights--the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom of religion. A stronger relationship with Vietnam would benefit our nation and the people of Vietnam. But the possibility of a stronger relationship remains soured by the government of Vietnams continuing record of attacks and abuses against the freedoms of its own people.To view the letter, please click here: /UploadedFiles/12-17-15-Lowenthal-letter-Dai-arrest.pdf 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-votes-against-unpaid-for-tax-package THOMPSON VOTES AGAINST UNPAID FOR TAX PACKAGE 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mike Thompson T000460 mikethompson.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today voted against H.R. 2029, legislation that extends or makes permanent numerous tax provisions but isnt paid for and would add upwards of $680 billion to the national debt. Those tax provisions made permanent include conservation easements, the research and development tax credit, Section 179 capital expensing for small businesses, and expanded versions of the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college expenses. This bill contains a number of polices that I have long supported, and it even includes a conservation provision that Ive championed since coming to Congress, said Thompson. The fact that Im voting against todays bill, speaks volumes to just how fiscally reckless this legislation is. We should enact polices like conservation easements and the R&D Tax Credit. Theyre good for our country. But we cant do it by forcing our kids and grandkids to foot a nearly $700 billion bill. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 318-109. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/transcript-of-pelosi-press-conference-today-94 Transcript of Pelosi Press Conference Today 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George,202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi held her weekly press conference today. Below is a transcript of the press conference. Leader Pelosi. Good afternoon. Since last we met here in this room, a great thing happened for the world and for the future. The world came together in Paris for a historic agreement to confront the climate crisis. The success of the Paris climate summit is truly a monumental moment in the history of the world. Nearly 200 countries participated. Nearly 150 heads of state attended and participated personally there, adding to the seriousness of the discussion. I congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz for their great leadership and others, and their negotiators, Brian Deese and others, in the negotiations. They really were essential in securing a solid, bold, global commitment to act on climate. As you know, His Holiness spoke about this to the Congress when he was here. Pope Francis wrote his encyclical, "Laudato Si," about protecting the environment. I feel particularly close to that because "Laudato Si" he is praising St. Francis, who was one of the earliest environmentalists, and he is our patron saint in the city of San Francisco. It just comes down to only the Republicans in the Congress of the United States continue to cling to their denial on the subject. Before all of you were born, there was a play called "Stop the World I Want to Get Off." And I think that could be their slogan. As you know, today the House will vote on a permanent, unpaidfor Republican tax extender bill that will give hundreds of billions of dollars to special interests at the expense of hard-working Americans. My problem with most of it is that it is unpaid for. Many of the initiatives in the bill have Democratic origins issues that relate to the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Act for education. 179, an initiative to help small businesses, came from us. The issue of R&D tax credit is so… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-helps-pass-tax-cuts-for-hardworking-students-and-families Rep. Peters Helps Pass Tax Cuts for Hardworking Students and Families 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Scott Peters P000608 scottpeters.house.gov     legacy Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) voted in favor of a large tax policy package that reduces the tax burden of tens of millions of Americans. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 makes permanent a number of credits that lower Federal Income Tax bills for working families, including the Child Tax Credit, the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Increasing opportunity for hardworking Americans means making it easier for them to provide for their families, pay off their mortgages, and afford college for their children. Rep. Peters said. Federal Income Taxes should not be a barrier to families working hard toward the American dream, and this bipartisan legislation will keep thousands of dollars in the pockets of parents, students, and working people. The Child Tax Credit allows families to save $1,000 on their Federal Income Taxes for every dependent they claim. The American Opportunity Tax Credit credits students up to $2,500 on their taxes for tuition and college-related expenses. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces the tax burden for working and middle class Americans, and is adjusted based on income and number of dependents. In 2012, 3.2 million Californians claimed an average of $2,271 in returns via the EITC. Rep. Peters continued by highlighting provisions that benefit San Diegos innovation and research economy, including a permanent extension of the Research and Development Tax Credit, and a delay of the implementation of the medical device tax. For research and development, we have had the worst of both worlds we would give a last minute extension whenever it was about to expire, but we never extended the incentive far enough in advance to actually spur investment. Now, with the credit made permanent, innovators know they can rely on this tax incentive to invest in their ideas, Peters said, adding, Since coming to Congress, I was in repeated contact with both the White House and Congressional leadership to make clear the importance of repealing… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://speier.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1815:congresswoman-speier-s-statement-on-the-pentagon-s-decision-to-select-a-single-variant-of-the-littoral-combat-ship-lcs-and-reduce-the-number-purchased&catid=20&Itemid=14 Congresswoman Speiers Statement on the Pentagons Decision to Select a Single Variant of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Reduce the Number Purchased 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jackie Speier S001175 speier.house.gov     legacy About Jackie Jackie Speier (pronounced SPEAR) represents Californias 14th Congressional District, which stretches from the southern portion of San Francisco through San Mateo County to East Palo Alto. She is a recognized champion of womens rights, privacy, and consumer safetyas well as an avowed opponent of government inefficiency and waste. In 2012, she was named to Newsweeks list of 150 "Fearless Women" in the world. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://speier.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1815:congresswoman-speier-s-statement-on-the-pentagon-s-decision-to-select-a-single-variant-of-the-littoral-combat-ship-lcs-and-reduce-the-number-purchased&catid=20&Itemid=7 Congresswoman Speiers Statement on the Pentagons Decision to Select a Single Variant of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Reduce the Number Purchased 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jackie Speier S001175 speier.house.gov     legacy About Jackie Jackie Speier (pronounced SPEAR) represents California’s 14th Congressional District, which stretches from the southern portion of San Francisco through San Mateo County to East Palo Alto. She is a recognized champion of women’s rights, privacy, and consumer safety—as well as an avowed opponent of government inefficiency and waste. In 2012, she was named to Newsweek’s list of 150 "Fearless Women" in the world. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9DEE19DE-AAF8-4972-B7EA-FE07245BB94A Chiefs of Police Support Bill to Prevent Terrorists from Buying Weapons 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced leading chiefs of police from across the country support legislation to prevent known or suspected terrorists from buying firearms or explosives. Under current law, there are nine categories of prohibited purchasers under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Feinsteins legislation would add a 10th: those determined by the attorney general to be known or suspected terrorists who may use a weapon in connection with terrorism. Local law enforcement officers are the first to respond in the event of a terrorist attack. In fact, law enforcement and military personnel are often targeted by terrorist suspects. Law enforcement personnel know full well the dire threat posed by known and suspected terrorists with easy access to weapons, said Senator Feinstein. The fact that we cannot stop individuals on terrorist watch lists from purchasing guns and explosives in the United States makes it harder for our countrys law enforcement officers to do their jobs to keep us safe. Chiefs of police in support of the bill include: William Bratton, New York Police Department Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Cathy Lanier, Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Charles Ramsey, Philadelphia Police Department Greg Suhr, San Francisco Police Department Shelley Zimmerman, San Diego Police Department Art Acevedo, Austin Police Department Ray Kelly, former commissioner, New York Police Department Ed Davis, former commissioner, Boston Police Department Chief Bratton: The purpose of the police is to prevent crime and disorder, and, in todays world, terrorism. As Police Commissioner of the City of New York, a place terrorists have struck before and a place they wish to strike again, I and the New York City Police Department do everything in our power to keep the cityand, by extension, the nationsafe. New York Citys residents, workers, and visitors deserve no less. It is my fervent belief, however, that public safety is … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-votes-support-valley-families-and-businesses Costa Votes to Support Valley Families and Businesses 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jim Costa C001059 costa.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Today, Representative Jim Costa (CA-16) voted in support of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. This legislation includes tax credits for working families, businesses, and research and development. Many of the tax extenders that passed today in the House will directly benefit individuals, businesses, and communities in the San Joaquin Valley, said Rep. Costa. Furthermore, the tax credits for research and development will help the United States continue as the global leader in research advancements, and that is vital for moving this country forward. Costa continued saying, Getting a comprehensive tax reform bill passed and signed into law is what this country needs, but the unfortunate reality of today is that the political differences in this Congress are too strong for real tax reform. It is my hope that the legislation passed today is a first step in Congress coming together to craft a robust tax reform package that will allow our economy to grow and provide more certainty for families and businesses in the Valley. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 makes about 50 tax provisions permanent, including: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which benefits low- and middle-income working families. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) helps individuals pay down college debt. The Small Business Expensing credit allows for small businesses that have less than $2 million in assets to expense as much as $500,000 in property. And the R&D Credit benefits a broad range of industries, including defense, health care, and technology. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-tax-relief-for-working-families/ Brownley Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Tax Relief for Working Families and Businesses 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Julia Brownley B001285 juliabrownley.house.gov juliabrownley https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) voted to support passage of the tax extenders package. The bipartisan legislation was approved in a vote of 318 to 109. “I supported the tax extenders package because it includes important relief for working families and the middle-class, by improving the child and earned income tax credits, which are critical to keeping children out of poverty,” stated Congresswoman Brownley. “The legislation would also provide certainty for individuals and businesses to invest, create jobs, and further improve Ventura County’s economy. I’m especially proud of the provisions I championed to make the research and development tax credit permanent while giving start-ups the ability to use the tax credit when they need it most.” Congresswoman Brownley previously authored and championed the Innovation, Research, and Manufacturing Act (H.R. 1536), legislation to permanently extend the research and development tax credit and to permit start-ups to utilize the credit as a refundable credit. The legislation approved by the House today includes those provisions. The House-approved tax measure also includes individual income tax provisions to improve and make permanent the child tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, the earned income tax credit (EITC), the deduction for elementary and secondary school teachers, incentives for charitable giving, and the deduction of state and local taxes. The bill also extends certain business and energy tax credits. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-announces-27m-federal-grant-to-support-job-training-and-affordable-housing Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.7M Federal Grant to Support Job Training and Affordable Housing 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Barbara Lee L000551 lee.house.gov     legacy 12.17.15 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces $2.7M Federal Grant to Support Job Training and Affordable Housing Oakland, CA Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced that the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) was awarded a $2.7 million Job Plus grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide employment and educational opportunities that improves the quality of life for West Oakland's public housing residents. I am pleased that the Oakland Housing Authority has been selected to receive this highly competitive funding and I am proud to have supported their grant application, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Federal investments, such as this one, are critical to decreasing Oakland's unemployment rates and helping families build pathways out of poverty. The Jobs Plus Pilot grant program was created to develop locally-based, job-driven approaches to increase earnings and advance employment outcomes through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement technology skills and financial literacy for residents of public housing. With this funding, the Oakland Housing Authority will implement West Oakland Works (WOW), a place-based program targeting unemployed and underemployed West Oakland public housing residents. In partnership with the Private Industry Council, OHA designed Skilled Training Employment Pathways (STEP) academies to provide job readiness training, wrap around services and certifications and skills-development options through partnerships with the Peralta Community College system. Linking public housing residents to these critical workforce services empowers them to take control of their lives and prepares them to succeed along with the rest of the East Bay, said Congresswoman Lee. I am pleased to know this great work is happening in our community and I will continue working to bring federal resources back to the East Bay to support this and other vital programs. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committee… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lee-celebrates-one-year-of-renewed-relations-with-cuba Rep. Lee Celebrates One Year of Renewed Relations with Cuba 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Barbara Lee L000551 lee.house.gov     legacy 12.17.15 Rep. Lee Celebrates One Year of Renewed Relations with Cuba Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the bipartisan Congressional Cuba Working Group's Steering Committee, released this statement marking the first anniversary of President Obama's historic announcement of renewed relations between the U.S. and Cuba: One year ago, I joined many of my colleagues and the vast majority of the American people in applauding President Obama's bold action to end more than five decades of failed policy toward Cuba. The President's announcement was a historic step and renewed relations between our two nations have and will continue to benefit both the Cuban and American people. Over the past year, we have made significant progress toward fully normalizing relations between the U.S. and Cuba with expanded travel, technology transfers and formalized relations. Earlier this year, I was honored to attend the re-opening of the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. and the re-opening of the American Embassy in Havana. By re-establishing formal relations, our countries have laid the groundwork to continue addressing areas of shared interest. These rapid changes have been remarkable but more work remains and Congress must join these efforts. It's past time for Congress to stop clinging to more than fifty years of failed policy and instead help chart a new path for relations between our two nations. Yesterday, I joined eleven of my colleagues in launching the bipartisan Cuba Working Group and I look forward to working with my colleagues to repeal the failed embargo, lift the travel ban and modernize our relations with Cuba. As we mark the anniversary of President Obama's historic announcement, let us recommit to once and for all ending more than five decades of failed policy toward Cuba. BACKGROUND Congresswoman Lee has been working on U.S.-Cuba policy since 1977 and has traveled to the island more than 20 times, leading several Congressional delegations. Congresswoman Lee is proudly co-spon… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lieu-tim-robbins-take-part-white-house-event-arts-innovation CONGRESSMAN LIEU & TIM ROBBINS TO TAKE PART IN WHITE HOUSE EVENT ON ARTS, INNOVATION & PRISON REFORM 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ted Lieu L000582 lieu.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County)has issued the following statement in advance of todays White House event: Arts & Innovation - Prison Reform & Reentry in the 21st Century. The event will be a unique opportunity to discuss innovative ways to transform the prison experience, criminal justice system, and the reentry process through arts-based initiatives. The event will focus on implementing creative programs in prisons across the country that create meaningful experiences and reduce rates of recidivism. The event will feature actor, director and advocate Tim Robbins, a tireless champion for the arts and prison reform. This past September, Congressman Lieu, along with 19 fellow House Democrats, sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons encouraging that they expand arts education and engagement in their prisons. I am very excited to join with actor Tim Robbins and the Actors Gang to take part in the White Houses event on Arts & Innovation: Prison Reform & Reentry in the 21st Century. Americas criminal justice system is at a critical juncture with over 2.2 million adults incarcerated in our prison system. Arts education in prisons has a history of proven success.Data shows that arts education in prison can result in improved behavior among inmates, fewer disciplinary actions, cost savings, and reduced recidivism.Despite these impressive results, there are too few of these programs in our prison system. I hope that as Congress looks at criminal justice reform, arts education will remain a fundamental part of the conversation. Mr. Tim Robbins, Founder of the Actors Gang and Academy Award honored actor and director, also made comment. We at the Actors Gang are grateful for Congressman Ted Lieus continued support and look forward to seeing him at our Arts and Innovation event at the White House. Ted has been to see our work at the California Institute for Women and understands firsthand the transformative effect the arts can have in rehabilitation. I look for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-calls-dhs-reverse-policy-not-reviewing-social-media-foreigner-0 REP. LIEU CALLS ON DHS TO REVERSE POLICY OF NOT REVIEWING SOCIAL MEDIA OF FOREIGNERS AND TO APOLOGIZE FOR MISLEADING CONGRESS 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ted Lieu L000582 lieu.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement in light of todays House Oversight Committee hearing on vetting terrorist travel for national security concerns. As a Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I find it outrageous that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rejected a secret policy to review social media of foreigners seeking entry to the US through the visa program. Based on an USCIS memo recently released by MSNBC and reporting by multiple media organizations, I am deeply troubled that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Leon Rodriguez apparently misled the Committee today during his testimony when he repeatedly denied any such secret policy. I am proud to be an American because being a citizen of the greatest country in the world comes with it many benefits, including the critical fact that the US Constitution applies to US citizens. But the US Constitution does not apply to a foreign national seeking entry to the US. Yet DHS apparently believes foreign nationals seeking entry to the United States have more rights than US citizens when it comes to social media. In America, if a US citizen applies for a job in the private or public sector, their social media postings can certainly be reviewed. The federal government also apparently reviews social media as a factor in determining whether persons, including US citizens, should be placed on the Terrorist Watch List. In a perversion of the US Constitution, DHS apparently believes foreigners seeking entry to the US have some sort of reasonable expectation of privacy under the Constitution. They do not have those rights. This is an urgent matter of national security and the DHS' current policy makes no sense. DHS needs to have a department-wide policy of reviewing social media of foreign nationals seeking a visa, and they need to change their policy NOW. DHS also needs to apologize for the misleading testimony they gave under oath tod… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-and-franks-introduce-bipartisan-wireless-tax-fairness-act Lofgren and Franks Introduce Bipartisan Wireless Tax Fairness Act 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Zoe Lofgren L000397 lofgren.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) introduced the Wireless Tax Fairness Act, a bipartisan, consumer-friendly bill to place a 5-year moratorium on new taxes and fees for wireless services. On average, wireless customers pay nearly 18% in taxes and fees, largely imposed on state and municipal levels. These wireless taxes effect a growing number of consumers and fall disproportionately on younger, lower-income, and working Americans who tend to rely more exclusively on wireless devices for telephone and Internet access and therefore pay a greater percentage of their income in wireless taxes. With wireless broadband access rapidly becoming a key platform for innovation, the Wireless Tax Fairness Act will help foster greater access and investment in this key market by halting discriminatory and increasingly onerous tax treatment. "Wireless connectivity is one of the simplest and easiest routes to the Internet, but rather than encouraging wireless growth, we've burdened it with taxes," said Lofgren. "It's time to hit the pause button on any further discriminatory taxes. This will help boost job growth and innovation, and allow customers to choose wireless services based on merit and need." "Access to wireless networks represents a key component of millions of Americans' livelihoods, providing the efficient communications capabilities -- whether phone, broadband internet, or otherwise -- necessary to run a successful business," said Franks. "Exorbitant taxes on wireless customers are discriminatory, adding costly impediments to the success of so many American businesses and affecting low-income and senior Americans who frequently rely on wireless service as their sole means of telephone and internet access." The nearly 18% in taxes and fees wireless customers pay today is more than twice the 7.5% average rate on goods and services. In many localities, this cumulative tax burden is even higher. For example, the wireless tax rates are as high as: 36% in Chicago 29.9% in B… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lofgren.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398041 Lofgren and Franks Introduce Bipartisan Wireless Tax Fairness Act 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Zoe Lofgren L000397 lofgren.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) introduced the Wireless Tax Fairness Act, a bipartisan, consumer-friendly bill to place a 5-year moratorium on new taxes and fees for wireless services. On average, wireless customers pay nearly 18% in taxes and fees, largely imposed on state and municipal levels. These wireless taxes effect a growing number of consumers and fall disproportionately on younger, lower-income, and working Americans who tend to rely more exclusively on wireless devices for telephone and Internet access and therefore pay a greater percentage of their income in wireless taxes. With wireless broadband access rapidly becoming a key platform for innovation, the Wireless Tax Fairness Act will help foster greater access and investment in this key market by halting discriminatory and increasingly onerous tax treatment. "Wireless connectivity is one of the simplest and easiest routes to the Internet, but rather than encouraging wireless growth, we've burdened it with taxes," said Lofgren. "Its time to hit the pause button on any further discriminatory taxes. This will help boost job growth and innovation, and allow customers to choose wireless services based on merit and need." "Access to wireless networks represents a key component of millions of Americans' livelihoods, providing the efficient communications capabilities -- whether phone, broadband internet, or otherwise -- necessary to run a successful business, said Franks. Exorbitant taxes on wireless customers are discriminatory, adding costly impediments to the success of so many American businesses and affecting low-income and senior Americans who frequently rely on wireless service as their sole means of telephone and internet access." The nearly 18% in taxes and fees wireless customers pay today is more than twice the 7.5% average rate on goods and services. In many localities, this cumulative tax burden is even higher. For example, the wireless tax rates are as high as: 36% in Chicago … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=174 Congresswoman Matsui Announces HUD Grant to Support Pathways to Employment in Sacramento Region 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Doris Matsui M001163 matsui.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, December 17, 2015 CONTACT: LAUREN DART(202) 225-7163 Congresswoman Matsui Announces HUD Grant to Support Pathways to Employment in Sacramento Region $2.7 Million Jobs Plus Grant Will Advance Employment Outcomes for Residents of Public Housing Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award the Housing Authority of the City of Sacramento $2,700,000 in grant funding for the Jobs Plus Pilot program. The locally-based program aims to increase earnings and advance employment outcomes for residents of public housing through work readiness programs, employer linkages, job placement, and financial literacy. The Jobs Plus Grant builds on Sacramento's Promise Zone designation and Choice Neighborhoods planning grant, equipping public housing residents with the resources they need to feel empowered in their job search, said Congresswoman Matsui. The Jobs Plus Pilot Program will connect low-income residents with employment opportunities, which is ultimately foundational to Sacramento families' long-term prosperity, and our region's continued growth. I am thankful to Secretary Castro and SHRA for their work in securing this critical grant. "SHRA is proud to be selected to receive a $2.7 million Jobs Plus award which will greatly enhance our efforts to break down barriers to employment for residents at our Marina Vista and Alder Grove public housing communities where over 50 percent of the residents age 18 - 64 are able to work yet are unemployed," said La Shelle Dozier, Executive Director for Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. "We are grateful to Congresswoman Doris Matsui for her tireless efforts to benefit Sacramento residents. This award will significantly enhance our capacity to build on our Choice Neighborhoods workforce strategy with support from over 40 partners to create pathways to self-sufficiency." The grant will benefit Marina Vista and Alder Grove, two public housing communities in Sacramento … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-introduces-consumers-rebate-legislation-to-reduce-emissions Rep. McNerney Introduces Consumers REBATE Legislation to Reduce Emissions 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jerry McNerney M001166 mcnerney.house.gov     legacy Washington On the heels of the successful United Nations Climate Conference in Paris where nearly 200 nations agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) is showing his leadership on the issue by introducing the Consumers REBATE (Rebate to ban Emissions and Boost AlTernative Energy) Act. This new climate legislation is aimed at reducing emissions, boosting the economy, and promoting cleaner air and healthier communities. Combating the dangerous effects of a changing climate begins with growing the economy in a way that reduces carbon emissions from polluters and fossil fuels that dirty our air, harm the health of our families and communities, and hinder our country's long-term energy independence. My Consumers REBATE Act takes the revenue generated from pricing carbon over time and puts it in the hands of consumers to empower individuals to become more efficient in their energy choices, said Rep. McNerney. We must look at climate change, one of the great challenges facing future generations, as an opportunity for America to be the leader of a new clean energy economy. Now is the time to build on the innovative technologies and investments we've already made with market-based approaches that will further drive renewable energy production, promote job creation and produce a cleaner environment. The Consumers REBATE Act puts a price on carbon extracted from coal, oil, and natural gas and returns that revenue back to the consumer. Under the legislation, the applicable price for taxable carbon is $15/per ton of carbon emission. The price is paid by the producer, miner, or importer of the oil, coal or natural gas. The U.S. Treasury is instructed to make quarterly payments or reinvestments back to all eligible consumers. The Consumers REBATE Act is built to increase American innovation and leadership in manufacturing and energy production by including a tariff on goods imported from countries that do not have carbon markets or pricing. A recent study from Regional Economic Modeling, In… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-adam-schiff-announces-major-funding-increase-for-west-coast-earthquake-early-warning-system-of-82-million Rep. Adam Schiff Announces Major Funding Increase for West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System of $8.2 Million 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Adam Schiff S001150 schiff.house.gov     legacy 12.17.15 Rep. Adam Schiff Announces Major Funding Increase for West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System of $8.2 Million Washington, DCToday, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank, CA) announced that Congress has included $8.2 million in the FY 2016 funding bill specifically designated for a West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System. The $8.2 million is a substantial increase over what the President requested in his budget and is a great victory for California and the West Coast. Congress included funds allocated for the system in a spending bill for the first time last year at $5 million. The Earthquake Early WarningSystem is currently being developed by Caltech, UC-Berkeley,the University of Washington, and the University of Oregonin conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey(USGS). It can provide users with seconds to even a minute or more of warning before shaking hits, depending on the distance to the epicenter. A limited system already been deployed for test users has proved that the early warning technology is sound. It will cost an estimated $38.2 million to build out a full system for the west coast, with annual operating and maintenance costs of $16.1 million. By increasing the funding for the West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System, Congress is sending a message to the western states that it supports this life saving system. But the federal government cannot do it alone and will need local stakeholders, both public and private, to get behind the effort with their own resources, said Rep. Adam Schiff. This year, Congress allocated an additional eight million dollars, a very substantial sum in these budget constrained times, and I thank Chairman Calvert for his support.The Early Warning System will give us critical time for trains to be slowed and surgeries to be stopped beforeshakinghits saving lives and protecting infrastructure. This Early Warning System is an investmentwe need to make now, not after the big one hits. Earlier this year, Schiff led a group of 35 Members of Congress pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://speier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-speier-s-statement-pentagon-s-decision-select-single Congresswoman Speiers Statement on the Pentagons Decision to Select a Single Variant of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Reduce the Number Purchased 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jackie Speier S001175 speier.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) released the following statement today about reports that Defense Secretary Ash Carter has directed the Navy to reduce the planned LCS/FF procurement from 52 to 40 and then downselect to one variant by FY 2019. I applaud Secretary Carter's decision to downselect to one LCS variant and reduce the number of ships purchased. Common sense is finally catching up with the Littoral Combat Ship, and we know that a plan to keep purchasing two LCS variants indefinitely is not survivable in such an encounter. The LCS program has long been hobbled by hazy conceptual justifications and serious acquisition malpractice. We must be good stewards of taxpayer money and direct it to programs that will be the most effective at keeping our servicemembers safe and defending the American people. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), future versions of which will use the Navy designation FF because it has been reclassified as a frigate, has had a troubled design and procurement history. In 2010, the Pentagon completed a competition between two proposed LCS variants, but decided not to select a winner and instead to continue producing both models. The LCS has also been plagued by concerns about mission suitability, design flaws and corrosion issues, crew workload, weight restrictions, and survivability in a combat environment. The Pentagon's decision to downselect would finally limit purchases to a single version of the LCS/FF and reduce the amount purchased from 52 to 40 so that taxpayer money can be used on other defense priorities. ## 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-thompson-statement-on-gun-violence-research-ban-in-omnibus CHAIRMAN THOMPSON STATEMENT ON GUN VIOLENCE RESEARCH BAN IN OMNIBUS 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mike Thompson T000460 mikethompson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released the following statement on the Dickey Amendments, which bans gun violence research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inclusion omnibus bill: The inclusion of this rider is outrageous. 30-plus people are being killed every day by someone using a gun, and House Republicans refuse to even take the most basic steps to help lesson this loss of life. Heres how you know the Dickey Amendment needs to be thrown out: medical professionals say so, scientific researches say so, and Jay Dickey himself says so. No one can offer one good reason to keep this ban in place. This rider has prohibited experts at the CDC from researching the causes and best ways to prevent gun violence for nearly 20 years. The omnibus bill gave us a chance to fix that, but once again Republicans refused to simply get out of the way and let our experts do what they do best conduct research that will save some lives. On December 1st, former Republican U.S. Rep. Jay Dickey sent a letter to Thompson in which he called for the Dickey Amendment to be repealed, and for federal research to be conducted on the causes of gun violence, provided that nothing is done to infringe the rights of gun ownership. In his letter Dickey writes, Research could have been continued on gun violence without infringing on the rights of gun owners, in the same fashion that the highway industry continued its research without eliminating the automobile it is my position that somehow or someway we should slowly but methodically fund such research until a solution is reached. Doing nothing is no longer an acceptable solution. The Dickey Amendment, authored in 1996, effectively blocked the CDC from carrying out the necessary research to better understand how to prevent gun violence The full text of Dickeys letter is below. GUN VIOLENCE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH NEEDED December 1, 2015 Many years ago the highway industry took on studying from a scienti… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-omnibus-and-tax-extenders-legislation Pelosi Statement on Omnibus and Tax Extenders Legislation 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George,202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the Omnibus and tax extenders bills: Republicans have filed their tax extender and omnibus legislation. On the Omnibus bill to keep government open, while I commend our Ranking Member Nita Lowey and the Democratic appropriators for their strong, principled leadership for Americas hard-working families during these tough negotiations, a number of concerns have arisen. House Democrats are now reviewing the Omnibus bill language. Republicans tax extender bill provides hundreds of billions of dollars in special interest tax breaks that are permanent and unpaid for. These massive giveaways to the special interests and big corporations are deeply destructive to our future. We have a responsibility to pass legislation that grows the paychecks of hard-working families and invests in the future of our children. The tax extender bill fails to meet that test. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=08AFF965-B4DE-41B6-B602-BC9C66418ABC Senators Introduce Legislation to Honor Heroes Killed in Benghazi Attacks 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy WashingtonSenators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.),Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.), Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Stevens, Doherty, Woods and Smith were killed in the attack on the U.S. facility in Benghazi, Libya in September 2012. Stevens was serving as United States Ambassador to Libya during the attack. Doherty, a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL, was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. Woods, a native of Portland, Oregon was also a former combat-decorated Navy SEAL. Smith had served in the Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. A copy of the legislation can be found here. The attacks against American facilities in Benghazi received an enormous amount of attention over the past three years. This legislation redirects the focus where it should beon the four men who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving the national security and foreign interests of our nation,said Senator Feinstein.We owe them our gratitude and recognition. These distinguished public servants and warriors made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and their memories will live on as an inspiration to everyone for their bravery and commitment, said Senator Markey. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to honor their courage with the Congressional Gold Medal. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget their last full measure of devotion to our nation. Four brave Americans died serving our country in Benghazi, and they deserve the recognition of a grateful nation, said Senator Warren. The Congressional Gold Medal the most prestigious award that the American people's elected representatives can bestow is a fitting honor. I am especially proud that this legisla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B43DA4B-052D-416A-9F73-A79494B73F7F Post Office Sells 1 Billionth Breast Cancer Research Stamp 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy Stamp has raised $81 million for research programs since 1998 WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced that the 1 billionth breast cancer research stamp was sold this month. The stamp has raised $81 million for breast cancer research since its creation in 1998, and President Obama last week signed legislation to extend the stamp through 2019. The breast cancer research stamp provides first-class postage and currently costs 60 cents. The additional 11 cents over the regular postal rate helps fund breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense. The idea for the stamp was devised by Dr. Ernie Bodai, a Sacramento breast cancer surgeon. Dr. Bodai partnered with Betsy Mullen, a breast cancer survivor from San Diego, and David Goodman from Orinda, who lost his wife to breast cancer, to advocate for the creation of the stamp. The breast cancer research stamp has reached a tremendous milestone1 billion stamps sold, said Senator Feinstein. We must take steps to ensure the stamp continues to provide meaningful support for lifesaving research, and I look forward to working with the Post Office and nationwide retailers to increase awareness of the stamp and make sure its widely available. With the Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp, Americans have used the power of the mail to raise awareness about this disease as well as hope for the cure, said Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan. We appreciate the tremendous support from our postal employees and our customers, which has resulted in over one billion stamps being sold and more than $80 million in stamp sales to date for vital breast cancer research. Proceeds from the stamp help fund the National Cancer Institutes breast cancer research programs. These programs focus on how to improve early detection of breast cancer. Scientists study how cancers originate and develop in order to improve prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Scientists also research how… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2D9DBE1C-6086-47C3-A3D9-B4910B03D9A0 Feinstein Statement on Visa Waiver Provisions in Omnibus 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the Visa Waiver Program provisions included in the omnibus: The provisions included in the omnibus bill are a significant step in strengthening the security of the Visa Waiver Program. I am pleased a number of provisions in the bill I introduced with Senator Flake are incorporated, including the requirement for the use of electronic passports, which are more secure and harder to tamper with, as well as improved information-sharing between the United States and participating countries. The risk of foreign fighters exploiting the program will also be reduced by requiring individuals who have traveled to high-risk countries to use the traditional visa process, which requires an in-person interview and the collection of biometric information such as photographs and fingerprints. I do believe we must take additional action to improve the program, including looking at ways to collect biometrics from first-time visa waiver travelers before they depart their home countries. Congress must examine this issue in the coming months as we consider additional steps to keep our country safe. Photographs of the apparent ringleader of the Paris attacks, a French national, were prominently featured in the magazine produced by ISIL, known as Dabiq, nine months before the attacks took place. That is why biometric checks like facial recognition are important to protecting our security. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=31F74127-F2FC-4AF1-B335-EBD47FB0AAB6 Feinstein Statement on Cybersecurity Information-Sharing Agreement 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Dianne Feinstein F000062 www.feinstein.senate.gov     legacy WashingtonSenator Feinstein released the following statement today regarding the agreement to include cybersecurity information sharing legislation in the omnibus funding bill: Im pleased the cybersecurity information sharing bill is in the omnibus funding bill well be voting on later this week. This is an important first step to fight back against dangerous cyber attacks. The bill encourages the voluntary sharing of cyber-threat information, both company-to-company sharing as well as between companies and the government. This type of information sharingwith strict safeguards for private informationis key to countering cyber attacks. The agreement in the omnibus maintains Senate language on use of a Department of Homeland Security portal to share information. It also maintains liability protections for companies, limited to the actions authorized in the bill. And it restricts the governments use of cyber information to cybersecurity purposes and specific instances of major harm to people or the economy. The agreement incorporates the Senate bills robust privacy protections. In short, this is a strong bill that takes an important first step to address a significant drain on our economy and threat to our national security. Im glad we finally reached this agreement after years of work and I look forward to seeing it signed into law soon. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aguilar.house.gov/2015/12/16/aguilar-leads-house-moment-silence-honor-san-bernardino-victims/ Aguilar Leads House in Moment of Silence in Honor of San Bernardino Victims 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Pete Aguilar A000371 aguilar.house.gov aguilar https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/ scraper Press Releases Aguilar Leads House in Moment of Silence in Honor of San Bernardino Victims This morning, Rep. Pete Aguilar led the House of Representatives in a moment of silence in honor of those lost and affected by the terrorist attack in San Bernardino on December 2, 2015. “Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent lives lost on December 2nd in San Bernardino, California, in the terrorism attack at the Inland Regional Center. In the wake of this terrorist act, our San Bernardino community has come together and supported one another during this dark chapter of our region and our nation. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues, fellow Americans and those who hear this message around the world, to pray for the families of the fourteen victims, the speedy recovery of the 22 injured, the countless first responders who helped that day, and for the health and resilience of the San Bernardino community. In the aftermath of this pain, I have seen firsthand the tenacity and spirit of the area we call the Inland Empire. We have said loudly as one community that this tragedy will not define us and it will not divide us. We will not be afraid to come together in fellowship, to work together, to mourn together, or to rebuild together. Across faith and culture we will support one another in this time of need. Mr. Speaker, San Bernardino has been forced to soldier through difficult times before. As we face this new and different hurdle, I know my community will continue to stand together to show our country and our region the resolve of this city and of these people to heal. We are San Bernardino United. Mr. Speaker, I am joined by my colleagues and I ask the House to pause for a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the terrorist attack in San Bernardino on December 2nd.” 1 2026-04-08T20:00:17Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-leads-house-moment-silence-honor-san-bernardino-victims Aguilar Leads House in Moment of Silence in Honor of San Bernardino Victims 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Pete Aguilar A000371 aguilar.house.gov     legacy This morning, Rep. Pete Aguilarled the House of Representatives in a moment of silence in honor of those lost and affected by the terrorist attack in San Bernardino on December 2, 2015. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the fourteen innocent lives lost on December 2ndin San Bernardino, California, in the terrorism attack at the Inland Regional Center. In the wake of this terrorist act, our San Bernardino community has come together and supported one another during this dark chapter of our region and our nation. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues, fellow Americans and those who hear this message around the world, to pray for the families of the fourteen victims, the speedy recovery of the 22 injured, the countless first responders who helped that day, and for the health and resilience of the San Bernardino community. In the aftermath of this pain, I have seen firsthand the tenacity and spirit of the area we call the Inland Empire. We have said loudly as one community that this tragedy will not define us and it will not divide us.We willnot be afraid to come together in fellowship, to work together, to mourn together, or to rebuild together. Across faith and culture we will supportone another in this time of need. Mr. Speaker, San Bernardino has been forced to soldier through difficult times before. As we facethisnewand differenthurdle, I know my community will continue to stand together to show our country and our region the resolve of this city and of these people to heal. We are San Bernardino United. Mr. Speaker, I am joined by my colleagues and I ask the House to pause for a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the terrorist attackin San Bernardinoon December 2nd. Rep. Aguilars remarks can be viewed in full here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/new-bipartisan-cuba-working-group-announced New Bipartisan Cuba Working Group Announced 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Barbara Lee L000551 lee.house.gov     legacy 12.16.15 New Bipartisan Cuba Working Group Announced Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Serve on Steering Committee Washington, D.C. Today, a bipartisan group of twelve Members of Congress announced the formation of a Cuba Working Group to develop policies that modernize relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a long-time leader in efforts to normalize relations between the U.S. and Cuba, will serve on the Working Group's Steering Committee. The formation of this bipartisan Working Group is another step forward in the effort to finally end more than fifty years of failed policy and open a new chapter in relations between our nation and our Cuban neighbors, said Congresswoman Lee. The President has shown bold leadership in ending failed U.S. isolationist policies toward Cuba. It's past time for Congress to follow his lead by repealing the embargo and lifting the travel ban. The group announced its formation in a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). The Steering Committee writes: Increasingly, the American people are indicating their desire for a new, more pragmatic approach to Cuba. More people are traveling from the U.S. to Cuba, more businesses are looking for opportunity on the island, and more sectors are eager for trade. The bi-partisan Cuba Working Group will promote a U.S.-Cuba policy that reflects the interests of the American people in engagement with Cuba. They conclude stating, Our goal is to raise the level of understanding inside of Congress for the need to build a new policy framework for U.S.-Cuban relations. The Members of the Steering Committee include Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congresswomen Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Nydia Velzquez (D-NY) and Congressmen Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Reid Ribble (R-WI) and Mark Sanford (R-SC.) BACKGROUND Earlier this year, Congresswoman Lee attended the re-opening of th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=175 Congress Unanimously Passes Life-Saving Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Doris Matsui M001163 matsui.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 16, 2015 CONTACT: LAUREN DART(202) 225-7163 Congress Unanimously Passes Life-Saving Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Bill Legislation Co-Authored by Congresswoman Matsui Heads to the President's Desk for Signature Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Senate-amended version of H.R. 2820, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, a bill co-authored by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) that will reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI). H.R. 2820 will renew federal funding for the vital national bone marrow and cord blood registry and coordinating centers, which facilitate bone marrow and cord blood donations that provide transplants to treat diseases like blood cancer, sickle cell anemia, and inherited metabolic or immune system disorders. Passage of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act provides hope to the thousands of Americans and their families who suffer from painful and potentially life-threatening blood cancer or other bone marrow disorders, said Congresswoman Matsui, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood Disorders. The Be a Match' National Registry makes possible life-saving transplants by connecting patients with donors, and funding the services and research needed to eradicate these devastating diseases. It is incredibly timely to reauthorize this life-giving program during this gift-giving time of year, said Congressman Chris Smith, Co-Author of H.R.2820. Americans willing to give the gift of life to others are at the heart of the success of this program. In reauthorizing it we are grateful for the adult donors willing to provide bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, as well as mothers who donate their child's cord blood through public cord blood banks. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for approving this bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the C.W. B… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mcnerney-issues-statement-on-energy-provisions-in-omnibus-bill Rep. McNerney Issues Statement on Energy Provisions in Omnibus Bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jerry McNerney M001166 mcnerney.house.gov     legacy Washington Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement on the renewable energy tax credits and oil export ban provisions in the omnibus spending bill: The purpose of the oil export ban was to help America ensure the maximum supply of oil for domestic consumers to prevent shortages and price gouging. Our situation today is substantially different than it was in the 1970's. New oil recovery technology has made the United States the world's biggest oil producer, even though our country still consumes more oil than it produces. As Congress considers lifting the oil exports ban as part of the omnibus spending legislation, I believe that such a policy change cannot just be a free giveaway to oil companies at the expense of energy consumers and American families. Any shift on the oil ban should occur in a manner that protects the economy, creates American jobs, and invests in our clean energy future. I am encouraged to see that the omnibus proposal includes renewable energy tax credits to offset some of the potential negative economic effects of lifting the ban. These tax credits are an important tool that will help spur an innovative, robust clean energy economy, create good jobs, and reduce carbon emissions. The United States just signed an agreement with nearly 200 countries signaling a move toward a clean fuel future. Our national energy priorities should reflect that commitment, and with these multi-year renewable energy tax credits, we are taking steps to promote greater wind, solar, and renewable power production and increased energy efficiency. These critical investments in clean energy will also help boost our economy, and I will support the omnibus bill in its current form when it comes to floor. ### Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of California's 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerney's work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sherman-statement-on-lausd-threat Congressman Sherman Statement on LAUSD Threat 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Brad Sherman S000344 sherman.house.gov     legacy Washington DC - Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Los Angeles), former chair of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism and senior member of House Foreign Affairs Committee issued the following statement: There are important differences between the email received by school officials in Los Angeles and those received by school officials in New York City the New York City email was considerably less credible:: The Los Angeles email claims that the author had 32 accomplices ready to strike on Tuesday. In the New York email the author claims to have 138 accomplices. To think that there would be a conspiracy in the Los Angeles involving 33 individuals, including the email author, without the federal government having at least heard enough to raise the threat level is somewhat unlikely. To think that there would be a conspiracy in the New York area involving 139 active shooters ready to act on a single day, all without the federal government at least raising the threat level, is not credible at all. The email author claims to be a student of the Los Angeles Unified district. This is terminology that someone familiar with the Los Angeles schools would use. In the other email, the author claims to be a student of the New York City School District. Someone who is actually familiar with the New York would use the term New York City Schools or DOE (Department of Education). The email was received at roughly 10 pm Monday night in Los Angeles, meaning that Los Angeles officials had enough time to announce the closure of schools before they opened the next morning, thus forcing L.A. School Officials to make a decision. Apparently the New York email was received at 5am local time (and may not have been read until later) when it was too late to close the New York City Schools. A few hours later, New York City became aware that a near identical email had been sent to Los Angeles, thus indicating that both emails were not credibleThere are at least three reasons to believe that the author of the email may not be a Muslim: 1. The Los … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://susandavis.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-susan-davis-moves-to-protect-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge Rep. Susan Davis Moves to Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Susan Davis D000598 susandavis.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) cosponsored bipartisan legislation in the House to protect one of the remaining pristine locations in America. The Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act (H.R. 239) would set aside over 1 million acres in the Coastal Plain of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and preserve its beautiful wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy and be inspired by, said Davis. Loss of wilderness space contributes to damage to the climate. While we fight to address climate change, preservation of open spaces must be a component of that. In Congress, Davis has long fought to protect ANWR, opposing proposals to open it up for oil drilling, as well as also protecting federal lands and parks. Environmental groups have recognized Davis for her efforts. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://susandavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392499 Rep. Susan Davis Moves to Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Susan Davis D000598 susandavis.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) cosponsored bipartisan legislation in the House to protect one of the remaining pristine locations in America. The Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act (H.R. 239) would set aside over 1 million acres in the Coastal Plain of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and preserve its beautiful wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy and be inspired by, said Davis. Loss of wilderness space contributes to damage to the climate. While we fight to address climate change, preservation of open spaces must be a component of that. In Congress, Davis has long fought to protect ANWR, opposing proposals to open it up for oil drilling, as well as also protecting federal lands and parks. Environmental groups have recognized Davis for her efforts. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-approves-swalwell-lobiondo-bipartisan-tracking-foreign House Unanimously Approves Swalwell-LoBiondo Bipartisan “Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act” 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Eric Swalwell S001193 swalwell.house.gov swalwell https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives today approved the "Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act" (H.R. 4239) which was introduced last week by House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence members Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) to ensure greater oversight by Congress over the intelligence agencies. The vote to pass the bill was unanimous. "Recent events have made it clear that our national security agencies have not had access to all tools needed to fully combat the threat of terrorism. Furthermore, the disclosure to Congress on the exact nature of the threat we face has been inadequate. I applaud my colleagues for recognizing the need for greater Congressional oversight and a clear assessment of the number of terrorists being trained in safe havens across the globe. Only then can our strategic counterterrorism efforts succeed and we prevent future attacks like San Bernardino," said House CIA Subcommittee Chairman LoBiondo. "I appreciate Ranking Member Swalwell's partnership in this legislation and urge the Senate to support our bipartisan bill." "To defeat ISIL, we must be more coordinated than they are. Today, we are vulnerable to ISIL fighters who travel to terrorist safe havens and then to the United States to carry out attacks against innocent Americans. We must know more about them. This bipartisan legislation makes sure our intelligence community tracks and reports to Congress any individual, across the globe, who travels to terrorist safe havens. To best understand the threats to Americans, we must know who is fighting and/or training in terrorist hot zones and capable of coming to the United States. America's leaders work best to protect Americans when we work together. Today's bipartisan legislation should be a foundation for this Congress to build upon to address America's greatest threat," said House CIA Subcommittee senior Democrat Swalwell. As directed by the legislation, every six months the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) shall submit to t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-torres-port-cybersecurity-legislation House Passes Torres Port Cybersecurity Legislation 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Norma J. Torres T000474 torres.house.gov torres https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015. "More than $1.3 trillion in cargo moves annually through our nation's 360 commercial ports, and many of the goods that enter through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach come to my district before being shipped to the rest of the country," said Torres. "With this much economic activity and the increased use of cyber technology to manage port operations ranging from communication and navigation to engineering, safety, and cargo, it is critical to protect our maritime cyber infrastructure." The Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act would improve information sharing and cooperation in addressing cybersecurity risks at our nation's ports. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish voluntary guidelines for reporting of cybersecurity risks, to develop and implement a maritime cyber security risk model, and to make recommendations on enhancing the sharing of cyber information. It also requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to direct Area Maritime Security Committees to ensure area maritime security and facility security plans address cybersecurity risks. "During a recent homeland security hearing, we learned of significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities at our nation's ports," continued Torres. "There appears to currently be little coordination between port landlords and tenants in addressing cyber threats, and federal agencies have only recently started to consider the impact that a cyber-attack could pose to our maritime infrastructure. This legislation will ensure the necessary planning and coordination is in place to protect the ports that form the backbone of our nation's economy." H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015, was introduced by Rep. Torres on November 2, 2015 and voted favorably ou… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398707 Congressman Lowenthal Calls on Sec. Kerry and Sec. Perez To Investigate Labor Charges Against El Super Markets 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Alan Lowenthal L000579 lowenthal.house.gov     legacy Congressman Lowenthal Calls on Sec. Kerry and Sec. Perez To Investigate Labor Charges Against El Super Markets f t # e Washington, D.C., December 15, 2015 Today, I spearheaded letters to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez asking them to each expedite an investigation of unfair and inappropriate labor practices by the parent company of El Super grocery stores, Grupo Comercial Chedraui, in Mexico. I was joined by 18 other Members of Congress, who also have El Supers in their congressional districts. We believe that workers rights must be protected and workers must be allowed to organize and work in an environment that is free from intimidation and unfair and unlawful labor practices.Click here to read the letter to Secretary Kerry and click here to read the letter to Secretary Perez. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397946 Reps. Roybal-Allard, Becerra, Schiff Lead Letter to President Obama Calling for LA River Project Funding in Next Years Budget 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Lucille Roybal-Allard R000486 roybal-allard.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28), and ten additional members of the Los Angeles-area congressional delegation sent a letter to President Obama calling for $4.2 million in Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) funding for the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration project to be included in next years budget request. The project would restore and revitalize the areas where the LA River flows, from Burbank to Los Angeles to Glendale, and would benefit over one million people living in the area. The letter can be read here.I am pleased to join my congressional colleagues in urging the president to include funding for the LA River Ecosystem Restoration project in his fiscal year 2017 budget, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. Such funding is critical to our plan to revitalize the LA River. Including these funds in the presidents budget will send a strong message that the administration is committed to helping us realize our dream of a rich and vibrant LA River which will be enjoyed by Angelenos for decades to come. The Los Angeles River is becoming the beloved treasure we know it can be, said Congressman Becerra. We must continue moving forward on its restoration for the sake of guaranteeing Angelenos an outdoor space that they can enjoy with their families today and for generations to come. I urge President Obama to consider the LA River Restoration as part of his fiscal year 2017 budget request to Congress. A project to revitalize the LA River is now closer than ever. After years of strong advocacy by Los Angeles residents wanting more green space as a retreat from urban life, we are finally within striking distance, said Congressman Schiff. It is my hope that the Presidents budget will include necessary federal funding for this project especially given its recent approval by the Army Corps of Engineers. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-applauds-paris-climate-agreement Rep. Peters Applauds Paris Climate Agreement 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Scott Peters P000608 scottpeters.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement in support of the agreement reached by 196 nations at the COP 21 Paris Climate Summit: The Paris Climate Change Agreement is a historic and important step to reduce emissions and limit the damage to our climate. I applaud the work of Secretary Kerry, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Sterns, and all of the private sector and government leaders from around the world who came together to make this happen. The Paris Agreement comes to the same conclusion that we did in San Diego a long time ago: we do not have to choose between a clean environment and a prosperous economy. As much as reducing emissions is a challenge, it is also an opportunity. This agreement is a clear signal that the transition to a clean energy economy is happening now. As Chairman of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalitions Climate Task Force, I defended efforts to expand the United States climate leadership leading up to the Paris talks, and will work to ensure we keep our commitments as part of this agreement. Earlier this year I led the effort in Congress to support the Green Climate Fund to assist developing countries in adapting to and mitigating climate change, and am glad to see that it will play a central role in ensuring the success of the Paris Agreement. This agreement also follows the November breakthrough in Dubai to reduce the disproportionate role superpollutants like hydrofluorocarbons play in damaging our climate. Tackling this low hanging fruit can quickly mitigate the worst effects of climate change, and I have worked in Congress to ensure U.S. leadership in reducing superpollutant emissions by introducing the SUPER Act. San Diegos innovation has left its mark on this agreement, and will be crucial in ensuring that America keeps its commitments. Qualcomm, the University of California San Diego, and San Diego State University took pledges to curb emissions and invest in energy efficiency and clean energy. The in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-introduces-bi-partisan-legislation-improve Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bi-partisan Legislation to Improve Accountability & Oversight of Megaprojects 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Mark DeSaulnier D000623 desaulnier.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) introduced bi-partisan legislation to improve accountability and oversight of so-called “megaprojects.” The “Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act” (H.R. 4228) would establish an independent peer review group to assess the quality assurance, cost containment, and risk management of federal highway and transportation projects that cost over $2.5 billion. While current law requires financial reporting requirements for projects costing more than $500 million, no additional oversight mechanisms exist for large, complex megaprojects. “Large infrastructure projects are vital to our country’s development and its economic growth. Yet, nine out of every 10 megaprojects experience cost overruns and many suffer significant delays that cost taxpayers millions of additional dollars. We’re building large scale projects all across the country and we should have both the benefit of lessons learned from existing projects and an independent outside analysis of future endeavors. The public deserves a system that manages costs, foresees risks, and holds decision-makers accountable,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. Examples of such projects include: the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the I-265 Bridge between Kentucky and Indiana, the Big Dig in Boston, the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, and Denver International Airport. H.R. 4228 would require agencies that receive federal funds for projects over $2.5 billion to submit a comprehensive risk management plan that includes a description of identified risks associated with the project, proposed mechanisms to manage such risks, updated cost estimates, among others. Additionally, it would establish an independent peer review group, with conflict of interest for greater transparency, consisting of a minimum of five individuals tasked with giving expert advice on scientific, technical, and management aspects of the megaproject. As the former Chairman of the California Senate Transportation Committee, DeSaulnier helped… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-appalled-vandalism-two-mosques-hawthorne-0 Congresswoman Waters Appalled By Vandalism at Two Mosques in Hawthorne 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement after the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Baitus-Salaam Mosque and the Islamic Center of Hawthorne were vandalized in Hawthorne, California. Congresswoman Waters' statement follows: "I am saddened, shocked and appalled that two Hawthorne mosques, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community-Baitus-Salaam Mosque and the Islamic Center of Hawthorne, were vandalized on Sunday. These mosques are sacred places where families go to worship and to pay reverence to their religious ideals and beliefs. It is sacred ground that should never face such damage and disrespect. "In light of the recent events, many in the Muslim community are concerned that they are being targeted and persecuted for their religious beliefs. There is also no proof that members of the mosques in Hawthorne have been radicalized or have engaged in any terroristic behavior. These types of fears and trepidations should not exist in America. Our country was founded on principles that allow Americans to be able to worship freely and without threat of danger. The Constitution gives every American the right to religious freedom, a freedom etched in the fabric of our country's ideals and values. "These egregious acts of divisiveness at the mosques in Hawthorne have no place in our society. It goes against who we are as a country. No religious group or culture should face harassment or be made to fear their beliefs are forbidden. Making Muslims – or any other religious group – feel threatened, intimidated or unwelcome in local communities conflicts with our Founders' vision of religious liberty and tolerance." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-delivers-remarks-torrance-area-chamber-commerce-0 Congresswoman Waters Delivers Remarks at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce 14th Annual State of the Region Event 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Maxine Waters W000187 waters.house.gov waters https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33) delivered remarks at the 14th Annual State of the Region event sponsored by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday, December 14th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay in Torrance. Congresswoman Waters and Congressman Lieu were invited by the Chamber to give updates about the legislation and economic development opportunity affecting the South Bay region. Congresswoman Waters opened her remarks by giving an update on budget negotiations in Congress. She informed the audience of the continuing negotiations in Congress pertaining to finalizing a budget and educated them on policy riders that jeopardize negotiations. In addition, Congresswoman Waters discussed the impending interest rate increase being discussed by Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen. As Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, Congresswoman Waters' remarks focused on the historic efforts she led to renew the Export-Import Bank, which provides critical support to the United States exporters looking to compete and sell products to foreign markets. Some of those suppliers such as Boeing and Space X are in the South Bay region. "We worked with a diverse coalition, including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, small businesses and labor groups such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to ensure the Bank could get back to the business of growing jobs and supporting American exporters," said Congresswoman Waters. The Congresswoman also discussed job creation, business development and major developments in the South Bay Region, such as the $200 million dollar renovation of the Del Amo Mall in Torrance and the football stadium in Inglewood that is scheduled to open in 2018. "These new developments and initiatives will bring more revenue to the region. When the local economy thrives, more people in this region will start… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-chu-praises-historic-paris-agreement-climate-change Rep. Chu Praises Historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Judy Chu C001080 chu.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC On Saturday night, after two weeks of negotiations in Paris, negotiators from 195 countries agreed to an historic agreement to curb emission and fight climate change. Under the Paris Agreement, every country has agreed to promote and pursue voluntary cuts to greenhouse gas emission to keep average global temperatures from rising significantly. Scientists have argued that an increase of 2 degrees Celsius would mean significant risks to people and the environment. Wealthier countries have also pledged financial support to help developing countries adopt new energy plans. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), released the following statement: What we have witnessed in Paris is truly historic. For years, we have been warning that climate change is a global problem, and now we finally have a global solution. I want to congratulate all of our negotiators who worked so hard on this agreement. Curbing emissions is an achievable goal that will spur new innovations and help our economy while protecting our environment. I am committed to doing my part to ensure we meet our goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 26% below 2005 levels by 2025 by supporting the Clean Power Plan, the EPA, investments in new technology, and more. We know the risks of climate change. The stakes could not be higher. This agreement is finally putting the entire world in action to ensure a livable environment for future generations. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398702 Congressman Lowenthal Calls Paris Climate Agreement a Game-Changer 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Alan Lowenthal L000579 lowenthal.house.gov     legacy Congressman Alan Lowenthal today issued the following statement regarding the COP-21 Paris Climate Summit agreement: "When the history of our generations response to climate change is fully written, 2015 will be a major milestone. "This year the United States announced groundbreaking cooperation statements with China, India, and Brazil to limit greenhouse gas emissions, develop clean energy, and protect rainforests from deforestation. "Pope Francis issued his historic encyclical, Laudato Si, which was emblematic of a larger faith community push to care for the earth by acting to reduce the drivers of climate damage and assist vulnerable communities in adapting to a changing world. "The Obama administration finalized the Clean Power Plan to curb emissions from the power sector, the most significant federal action the Unites States has taken to date. "And now, to finish out this already momentous year, more than 190 countries, both rich and poor, and representing 96 percent of global emissions, have come together in agreement on an ambitious framework to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. "Make no mistake -- the Paris Climate Summit is not only historic, it is a game-changer. "The Paris agreement is a loud signal that the world is united in moving forward on a new, cleaner path to a safer and more secure, common home. "It also signals a universal understanding among these nations that the sunset of the unconstrained fossil fuel age is at hand and the age of a cleaner global economy is truly dawning. "We have finally moved past the question of if we are going to do something, and shifted to how to implement a solution. It is a global acknowledgement that denial and delay are no longer acceptable, and the only way forward is through cooperation and action. "Paris is only the beginning. The road ahead will require vision and leadership. As chair of the House Safe Climate Caucus, I believe Congress should embrace this opportunity and I am working across the aisle to advance the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-demands-action-on-third-anniversary-of-shooting-at-sandy-hook Rep. Peters Demands Action on Third Anniversary of Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Scott Peters P000608 scottpeters.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement on the third anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut: I was elected to Congress just weeks before this horrific day. Ill never forget thinking about my own children and I vowed that I would use my position to make a difference, Peters said. Yet here we are, three years later and Congress has done nothing because House Republican leadership cannot summon the courage to challenge the gun lobby and let us take a stand and vote on bipartisan proposals to honor these victims these children with action. Today, we remember the lives of the twenty children and six educators that were brutally murdered at Sandy Hook. We honor the resiliency of those families and all the people of Newtown who persevered as they continue to heal from this heartbreaking tragedy. Since Sandy Hook, at least 161 communities have experienced school shootings, our country has lost 90,000 people to gun deaths, and Congress has done nothing. For as long as it takes, I will remind the Speaker of the human cost of his inaction. Speaker Ryan: its time to let Congress take action and pass universal background checks. Last week, Peters began reading the names of mass shooting victims since the tragedy at Sandy Hook in a series of speeches in front of the House of Representatives. The speeches will continue until Speaker Paul Ryan allows Congress to vote on one of a number of bipartisan proposals to curb the national epidemic of gun violence. Peters read 63 names during three speeches last week, and will carry on the series tomorrow. Videos of these speeches and an updated list of names read in front of the House of Representatives can be found here. Rep. Peters is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan King-Thompson background check legislation and an active member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, loopholes in our gun safety laws allow many firearms purchases onlin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-says-working-together-key-passing-california-water-legislation Costa Says Working Together is Key to Passing California Water Legislation 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jim Costa C001059 costa.house.gov     legacy Fresno, CA Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement regarding California water legislation. For months, my Republican and Democratic colleagues have been working on short- and long-term solutions for Californias drought stricken economy. Those of us from the San Joaquin Valley have been working on it for years. Many of us are fearful that California will receive the much anticipated El Nio rains and snow in the mountains over the next four months, and yet we will not be able to move as much water through the Delta as we need, and many farm communities will end up with another zero allocation of water. This would be devastating, and is both unacceptable and avoidable. My colleagues and I all agree that we have come very close to reaching an agreement on how we can take advantage of excess flows during these storms. I urge Senators Feinstein and Boxer and my Republican and Democratic colleagues in the House to not give up. We can all retreat to our political corners and point fingers to lay blame, but that will not bring us desperately needed water next year, nor will it address the very real harm done to the very people we have the honor to represent. The fact is we still have to work together to accomplish this very difficult task, and I will continue to work with the multiple parties involved in these negotiations to try to bridge the conflicts. I understand we are all frustrated, but it is our responsibility to the people of California to come together and agree on solutions that will reach our goal of bringing water to regions of our state that could receive no water allocation next year, even with an exceptional El Nio event. Doing anything else would be irresponsible and a disservice to all Californians. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lieu-statement-historic-paris-climate-agreement CONGRESSMAN LIEU STATEMENT ON HISTORIC PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Ted Lieu L000582 lieu.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement in light of the delegates to the COP21 Paris Climate Summit reaching a final agreement to limit carbon pollution and address the climate crisis: I am thrilled by the climate agreement reached at the Paris talks. The Paris Agreement involves 190 countries and commits each nation, for the very first time, to lowering its carbon pollution and keeping Earths global temperature well below the devastating 2 degree Celsius rise. This is a historic moment not only for the United States, but the entire world, as we work to save our planet from the destruction of climate change. My home state of California has long been a world leader in tackling climate change, and I am proud of the Golden States presence at the Paris talks. I am also particularly proud of the University of California for being the only university to join Bill Gatess Breakthrough Energy Coalition, a group of investors committed to green innovation and technologies. I hope that Congress will support the historic progress that the Paris Agreement represents. The economic vibrancy, national security and health of our nation of our world in great part depends on Congress willingness to forge urgent, bipartisan solutions to address the global peril of climate change. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=176 Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Historic Paris Climate Summit Agreement 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Doris Matsui M001163 matsui.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, December 14, 2015 CONTACT: LAUREN DART(202) 225-7163 Congresswoman Matsui Statement onHistoric Paris Climate Summit Agreement Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) issued the following statement on the historic climate agreement reached at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21): I commend President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and the entire Administration for their leadership in securing an ambitious climate agreement at the COP21 Paris Climate Summit, said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. Nearly 200 nations have taken an historic step forward in securing a cleaner and healthier world for our children and grandchildren. The world community has sent a message that the climate crisis is real and should be taken seriously, and our country's leadership is more critical than ever. I hope my colleagues in Congress will work together on climate solutions that adequately answer the challenge put forth by our leaders in Paris. In the decades ahead, we must continue to do our part to prevent further damage to the climate by implementing the President's Clean Power Plan and increasing investments in our clean energy future. ### ###From Subject Received Size Categories Matsui Press RELEASE: Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Historic Paris Climate Summit Agreement 5:46 PM 7 KB 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/pelosi-updates/no-more-silence No More Silence 2015-12-12 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Ending the Epidemic Monday marks three years since the heartbreaking shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. It has been a little more than 1,000 days since that attack. In that time, there have been more than 1,000 mass shootings -- almost one for each day. Gun violence is a public health epidemic that claims the lives of 30,000 Americans each year. Sandy Hook and San Bernardino are the bookends of a daily tragedy of gun violence that tears at communities across the country. Congress has no right to hold moments of silence for the victims of gun violence without honoring them with action. Yesterday, I brought a privileged resolution to the Floor of the House demanding we vote on theDenying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Actto close the outrageous loophole that allows those on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist to legally purchase guns. Seven times in the past two weeks, Republicans have blocked the House from even debating closing this loophole and Democrats will continue to demand action with our discharge petition to force a vote. Within the ongoing omnibus bill negotiations, House Democrats are also pushing to end the 19-year-old ban on federal research into gun violence. The American people deserve the facts. Members of Congress need the data. Republicans cannot use willful ignorance to justify their inaction on gun violence. This week, my office was contacted by a constituent who had applied for her daughters passport over one month ago using the expedited processing service offered by the Passport Agency. With her familys planned international travel approaching later this week, she was concerned that the Passport Agency would not process the passport application in time for the trip. Immediately after contacting my office, my staff relayed the details of my constituents situation to the Passport Agency, and was able to ensure that the passport was printed and overnighted to my constituents home. My constituent and her family will now be… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-historic-paris-climate-summit-agreement Pelosi Statement on Historic Paris Climate Summit Agreement 2015-12-12 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Nancy Pelosi P000197 pelosi.house.gov     legacy Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George,202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after delegates to the COP21 Paris Climate Summit announced a final agreement to limit carbon pollution and address the climate crisis: The success of the Paris Climate Summit is truly a monumental moment in the history of the world. I congratulate President Obama for his indispensable leadership in getting this agreement. Secretary Kerry and our negotiators are to be commended for securing such a bold, global commitment to act on climate. With the Paris Agreement, the world has come together to affirm that clean energy is the future. As we move toward more ambitious action in the decades ahead, we must ensure that America is equipped to lead in the clean energy economy. We will continue to advance the landmark Clean Power Plan that reduces carbon pollution, lowers energy bills, and protects the air our children breathe. President Hollande is to be congratulated on this successful conference on this challenging issue under challenging circumstances. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chu.house.gov/press-release/reps-chu-marino-introduce-bill-historic-reforms-copyright-office Reps. Chu, Marino Introduce Bill with Historic Reforms to the Copyright Office 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Judy Chu C001080 chu.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) introduced H.R. 4241 the Copyright Office for the Digital Economy Act or the CODE Act. This comes after months of discussion with various stakeholders, including several joint Member roundtables. As a result, improvements were made to the bill which reflect a consensus across various industries and public interest groups since the discussion draft bill was released for comment in June. Among the new changes are: Housing the Copyright Office in the Legislative Branch Requiring ongoing technology studies to ensure the office remains current with technology to be more user friendly which includes improving upon the searchable database The establishment of an advisory board representing a variety of interests and views tasked with providing the Office with candid feedback on the office current field of copyright to ensure neutrality and objectivity Technical provisions to ensure a more seamless transition away from the Library of Congress Congresswoman Chu said the following of the bill: I am proud to join Rep. Marino to introduce legislation that would modernize the Copyright Office. The copyright industries are responsible for millions of jobs and billions of dollars in our economy, yet the office responsible is running on analog in a digital world. Over the course of this year, we met with interested stakeholders to discuss the needs of the Copyright Office and the changes we must make to bring it into the modern age. I appreciate their participation and the feedback we received that helped shape this legislation. As a result, this bill would make operational improvements, provide budgetary control to the Copyright Office, and ensure that it has sound legal ground to perform its core mission. I look forward to continuing my work with colleagues and interested parties on the improvements needed to ensure that our country has a Copyright Office that reflects the 21st century. Congress… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-huffman-proposal-to-increase-available-affordable-housing House Approves Huffman Proposal to Increase Available Affordable Housing in West Marin 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jared Huffman H001068 huffman.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved his proposal to increase the availability of badly-needed affordable housing in West Marin, by requiring the Coast Guard to convey its roughly 30-acre property located in Point Reyes Station to the County of Marin. The County intends to work with local partners to repurpose the property as affordable housing and community space. In May, Huffman was able to successfully pass a legislative initiative allowing the County exclusive first rights to purchase the property. Since that time, the Congressman has worked with bipartisan colleagues on both sides of the Capitol to secure stronger language and require by law the sale of the property to the County within four years. The House has now approved an updated Coast Guard authorization bill that includes this stronger language. The legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring that the Coast Guard property will benefit working families in West Marin. This is the strongest mandate to date: it requires by law that the Coast Guard transfer its Point Reyes Station housing site to Marin County for permanent affordable housing, Huffman said. I thank Senators Boxer and Feinstein for introducing companion legislation, and I look forward to working with colleagues in the House and Senate to swiftly move the legislation to the Presidents desk. Initially the Coast Guard planned to auction the property, designated as surplus, to the highest bidder. However, after well over a year of legislative efforts by Congressman Huffman and persistent advocacy from the local community, including the Community Land Association of West Marin (CLAM) and County Supervisor Steve Kinsey, the Coast Guard formally agreed in October to sell the property to the County. Todays House-passed legislation provides a legal backstop to ensure the sale proceeds promptly. A previous press release from the Congressman on the subject is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-leads-congressional-letter-to-irs-don-t-tax-homeowners-for Huffman Leads Congressional Letter to IRS: Dont Tax Homeowners for Saving Water 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House CA Jared Huffman H001068 huffman.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) today led a letter signed by 32 other Members of Congress to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of the Treasury, urging they act to clarify that homeowners who receive rebates for water conservation and stormwater management improvements to their home should not be required to pay federal taxes on those rebates. Currently, the IRS considers water rebates to be taxable income. The letter sent by the lawmakers argues instead that the IRS should consider these rebates a reduction of the purchase price of the home improvement. This change would establish parity between water and energy efficiency rebates. Currently, rebates provided for energy efficiency home improvements, such as the installation of Energy-Star-certified windows or doors or energy efficient appliance, are not subject to federal tax. This is a perfect opportunity to help homeowners and businesses who are doing the right thing, said Congressman Huffman. The IRS should not be in the business of taxing rebates for home improvements that address water conservation and green infrastructure. Every consumer in America understands that rebates like these are not income, but an effort to defray costs. Its time for the IRS to get up to speed by making water conservation rebates tax-free, just like we do with energy conservation rebates. This tax impacts communities across the nation not just California, but from Washington to Maryland and Florida. I look forward to pushing this common-sense, pro-consumer, pro-conservation reform forward. For many families, these water conservation improvements projects are too expensive to be installed without some financial incentive, said Congressman Sherman. These rebates are not income, and they should not be subject to tax. Rebates are used to reimburse consumers for implementing environmentally conscious improvements, and these efforts should be rewarded, not penalized. Encouraging residents to reduc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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