Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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918 rows where party = "Republican", state = "CA" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397861 | These are the 10 most effective lawmakers in the U.S. Congress | 2015-12-28 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Public approval of Congress is near historic lows. Journalists, scholars, and presidential candidates regularly express frustration with Congresss inability to get anything done. So which members of the U.S. House are skilled at overcoming gridlock and successfully making laws?Building on our existing research on legislative effectiveness in the United States Congress, we have updated our Legislative Effectiveness Scores (LES) to include those House members who served in the 113th Congress (2013-14). As described in our recently published book, the Legislative Effectiveness Score is constructed to measure how successful a given representative is at moving his or her own legislative agenda items (meaning, sponsored bills) through different stages of the legislative process, where each of those bills is also coded for its substantive significance. The specific formula for the LES can be found here. Drawing on these updated scores, the following tables identify the five most effective representatives from the Republican and Democratic Parties, respectively. Most Effective Republican Representatives (Name/State and District) Dave Camp (MI-4) Darrell Issa (CA-49) Ed Royce (CA-39) Doc Hastings (WA-4) Don Young (AK) Most Effective Democratic Representatives (Name/State and District) Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Richard Nolan (MN-8) Elijah Cummings (MD-7) Kurt Schrader (OR-5) Derek Kilmer (WA-6) All of them except Camp and Hastings are now serving in the current 114th Congress. Our research suggests that effective lawmakers in one Congress are more likely to produce landmark laws in the next. Given the success of these representatives, should we be optimistic that the current Congress can tackle major issues? On the Republican side, we see that these most-effective representatives have introduced many bills (H.R.s) into the House. Despite an arguably contentious environment, they have had a good deal of success. Issa, for example, sponsored the FOIA Act (H.R. 653) and the First Responders Passp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hunter.house.gov/press-release/reps-hunter-kinzinger-commend-air-force-decision-miley-gate-controversy | Reps. Hunter & Kinzinger commend Air Force decision in Miley-Gate controversy | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Duncan Hunter | H001048 | hunter.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Hunter & Kinzinger commend Air Force decision in Miley-Gate controversy Washington, DC--The Air Force today informed several of its instructor pilots involved in the Laughlin texting controversyreferred to as Miley-Gatethat their aeronautical orders will be immediately reinstated. U.S. Representatives Duncan Hunter (CA-50) and Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) intervened in the case, after learning that several instructor pilots were wrongfully accused and punished for illegal drug use due to suggestive personal text messages that were recovered during an unrelated investigation. It was determined, through a review process ordered by the Air Force Chief of Staff, that allegations of drug use are unsubstantiated. Representatives Hunter and Kinzinger made the following statement after their respective conversations with the Air Force Chief of Staff this morning: While its our belief that the initial action taken against the pilots by the Air Force was unjust, we have been impressed with the seriousness and speed by which these cases have been corrected. Overall, we are content with the outcome and commend the Air Force for doing the right thing. General Welsh demonstrated quality leadership and sound judgment throughout this processand we are grateful for his personal attention to these cases. We do remain concerned, however, with the parts of the military justice system that seem to permit the unjustified seizure and misrepresentation of personal text messagesand we intend to address this issue. Its important that this doesnt happen again. We wish the pilots all the best in their flying careers and thank them for their service. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccathy-congress-leaders-tell-administration-to-follow-the-visa-waiver | McCarthy, Congressional Leaders Tell Administration to Follow the Visa Waiver Program Law | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on a letter sent by Congressional leaders urging the Administration to follow the new visa waiver program law in regards to Iran: As I have stated before, Secretary Kerrys concerning letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif implying that the Administration could choose to exempt those who travel to and from Iran from the new visa waiver program requirements goes against Congresss express intent and the spirit of the law. "The Administration was an active participant in discussions when Congress drafted the visa waiver program legislation and it knows full well that those who travel to and from Iran cannot be granted a blanket exception from the law. Several House chairmen and I sent a letter to Secretaries Kerry and Johnson underscoring the meaning of the law and Congresss concern over Secretary Kerrys letter. There is no ambiguity. The Administration should follow the law as written and agreed to. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/editorial-tax-legislation-benefits-the-economy | Editorial: Tax legislation benefits the economy | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | It is pleasing to see Congress approve federal tax legislation that gives people a break, especially those provisions which ensure taxpayers will get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Late last week, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a bipartisan legislative package. The legislation makes more than 20 tax provisions permanent, prevents tax increases for millions of Americans, and provides tax relief for small businesses. The tax package is especially beneficial for farmers, noted California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger, who said: This legislation will bring relief to farms and ranches in two ways. It relieves farmers, ranchers and other small business owners from tax rules that discourage investment in upgraded equipment, and it relieves us of the year-to-year uncertainty about what tax rules we live under. The legislation was part of the $1.14 trillion government-wide spending measure to fund every Cabinet agency through next September, and a $680 billion tax package extending dozens of breaks touching all sectors of the economy, making several of them permanent and tossing the entire cost onto the deficit. The tax portion of the bill makes permanent several tax breaks that had to be renewed each year, taking uncertainty away from farmers. It also extends the time a small business can expense immediately rather than depreciate over time. It also ensured tax deductions for teachers who use their own money for classroom expenses. The bill also extended the Earned Income Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Hard-working Americans deserve a break and it is the tax burden that is sending many middle class Americans below the middle class line. This legislation should not only help those Americans, but also help the nations economy. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397477 | Op-Ed: 'War on terror' comes to the Inland Empire | 2015-12-19 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | As Printed in The Press Enterprise share: f t The 9/11attacks seared many images into our collective memory. One of those unforgettable moments took place in the days after the attacks when President George W. Bush stood atop the rubble and addressed the firefighters digging through the still-smoldering debris from the World Trade Center. Through a bullhorn, President Bush told the firefighters, the country and the world, I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon. To our shock and horror, the barbaric and perverse interpretation of Islam that motivated 9/11recently manifested in the Inland Empire. Fourteen members of our community were taken from us and 22 others were injured by radical Islamic extremists. Inland Empire residents are left wondering: How did this happen, how did we get here, and how do we stop this from happening again? The rise of ISIS coincides with the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011. That withdrawal took place despite recommendations by Pentagon officials, including former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, to keep between 10,000 and 16,000 troops in Iraq to train Iraqi soldiers and work with them on counterterrorism missions. The failure by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to successfully negotiate a Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government ultimately led to a power vacuum and an environment that invited Islamic extremists. Similarly, President Obamas toothless approach to the ongoing civil war in Syria has exacerbated the turmoil, the fleeing of refugees and again provided Islamic extremists another vulnerable region to exploit. The growing strength of Islamic extremists goes far beyond the territories controlled by ISIS. Boko Haram continues to secure territory throughout West Africa. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is making gains in southern Yemen. Al Shabab controls territory in Somalia. Secr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/op-edcalifornians-need-genuine-drought-solution-from-congress | OP-ED:Californians need genuine drought solution from Congress | 2015-12-19 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Californians need genuine drought solution from Congress San Diego Union Tribune Kevin McCarthy 12/19/15 https://bit.ly/1TZNzOL Water policy has vexed lawmakers in Congress for years. I understand that as much as anyone. But as elected legislative leaders for Californians, we must rise to the occasion and give Californians policies that will offer genuine drought relief. The House passed a drought relief bill in late July and urged the Senate to act. And despite the Senate not passing its own bill, California Republicans and Democrats have still been negotiating water legislation in my conference room for months. More progress has been made this time than in years past. But with the calendar racing toward the rainy season, it is clear we are still a ways out from a long-term solution. Time is of the essence. Our neighbors have been suffering under epic drought conditions for years. So when Mother Nature presents an opportunity to ease this pain with El Nio storms, we must act. That is why California Republicans have done everything we could to get a short-term, emergency bill signed into law before the new year that achieves the very real goal of capturing the excess water from the coming storms. And this short-term, emergency bill reflects a compromise of different priorities from our negotiations, such as promoting desalination, water reuse and recycling, and the conservation of habitats, as well as offering relief for drought-stricken communities. These are all items reasonable-minded folks, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, can agree to. This is why the response from Sens. Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to our plan is so disappointing. For members of a chamber known as the saucer to cool the hot cup, Feinstein and Boxer have instead turned a prudent approach into a poison pill. We know that legislative action is needed, which is why I tried to put drought relief in legislation that could pass Congress and be signed into law before the year ends. Because we need to get on with it. No more delays, no more … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397475 | Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process f t # e Washington, D.C, December 18, 2015 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Secure Accountability for Emigres and Refugees (SAFER) Act, H.R. 4291.The SAFER Act would add requirements to the Syrian and Iraqi refugee security vetting process. It has become all too clear to many Americans that our security screening processes for individuals wishing to enter our country are insufficient, said Rep. Calvert. Peaceful people who wish to come to our country with good intentions have nothing to fear with these additional measures.I believe these are responsible steps we must take to protect Americans. The SAFER Act builds upon the SAFE Act (HR 4038) which passed the House on November 19, 2015. The SAFE Act empowered our security agencies to set strict requirements for entry as refugees and halted admissions until such standards are set. The SAFER Act would define the requirements to fully vet Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they can be admitted into the United States: All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must pass a certified polygraph examination.A polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions. It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities. All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397476 | Rep. Calvert Votes to Fund Key Priorities | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (316 to 113) to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill funds the federal discretionary budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. Rep. Calvert serves as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. The funding priorities the House approved today will curb the Obama administrations dangerous bureaucracy while investing in programs that are essential to American families, said Rep. Calvert. Ive worked hard to protect our economy from the regulatory overreach at the EPA and in this bill we hold the EPA staffing to its lowest level since 1989. The funding the Appropriations Committee has provided for our military, veterans and for critical infrastructure investments is a significant achievement. The bill also lifts the 40-year-old ban on U.S. oil exports. According to studies, lifting the ban could create approximately one million jobs in the U.S. and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. Lifting the oil export ban is a big win for American consumers, workers, and our economy, said Rep. Calvert. The U.S. continues to have significant resources that can help strengthen our economy and provide our allies with an alternative to their long-standing reliance on Russian or Middle Eastern energy resources. KEY PROVISIONS Defense $613.9 million for four additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. March Air Reserve Base maintains a schoolhouse for training Reaper pilots and currently maintains a fleet of six Reapers. $635 million for additional Afloat Forward Staging Base vessels, which are utilized for mine countermeasure helicopters, special operations forces and U.S. Marines. The vessels are built in San Diego, CA. $1.5 billion for additional UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard. This is a priority for the California National Guard. $27.2 million for SPS-48 Radars, which are used as the primary air search sensor for anti-aircraft warships. $72.3 mil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issa-issues-statement-in-response-to-u-n-vote-on-syria/ | Issa Issues Statement in Response to U.N. Vote on Syria | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Darrell Issa | I000056 | issa.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC - In response to reports that the United Nations Security Council has passed a Resolution on the peace process for Syria, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement: I'm cautiously hopeful regarding the Resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council today outlining a peace process for Syria. It sets a timeline for elections to take place in 18 months, but makes no mention of whether or not Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be allowed to participate in them. The transition away from Assad's rule is long past due. His ruthless, authoritarian regime has left hundreds of thousands of his own people dead in a brutal, multi-year civil war that has destabilized the region and created the conditions for ISIS to flourish. The new government must protect the rights of Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, as well as provide for the safe return home of large numbers of Syrians who have sought refuge elsewhere. The five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bakersfield-observed-lifting-the-ban-on-exporting-oil-allows-producers | BAKERSFIELD OBSERVED: Lifting the ban on exporting oil allows producers to search for new markets | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | House Majority Lifting the ban on exporting oil allows producers to search for new markets Bakersfield Observed Kevin McCarthy 12/18/15 https://www.bakersfieldobserved.com/2015_12_13_archive.html "Over forty years ago, the United States responded to an oil supply crisis driven by Iran and theMiddle East by instituting a ban on American exports of crude oil. The reasoning was simple: given the conventional wisdom that oil was a resource of limited supply, any discovery of it in the U.S. should be kept within our borders for the use and benefit of our economy. With this acknowledgment we were essentially bracing for a world without oil. "But like so many other instances, American ingenuity rejected this belief. The advent of innovative techniques and technologies that uncovered and extracted newly found oil and gas has reshaped Americas energy future into a world leader. A game changer. "A focal point of this influence continues to be right here in Kern County. Our ties to the black gold that powers our way of life run deep. This is why my commitment to a strong American oil and gas portfolio is steadfast. I believe that greater times of prosperity in this country can only be achieved if we have the energy to achieve it. "So while the U.S. has flexed its energy muscle to the world (and quite impressively so) the economics have been a boon to consumers but is placing our producers and the communities they support in perilous times. Unfortunately, our community is not exempt from these conditions. "Given the economic situation, the domestic abundance, and the reentry of Iran to global marketplace thanks to Obamas dangerous nuclear pact, the most obvious policy response was to lift the relic that is the ban on crude exports. In doing so our producers can search for new markets while offering our allies a reliable trading partner and limiting the influence the Iranian regime can impose on the world. "This week, Congress successfully lifted the ban on oil exports, which the President is expected to sign into law… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-will-vote-to-repeal-obamacare-defund-planned-parenthood | House Will Vote to Repeal Obamacare, Defund Planned Parenthood | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. CongressmanKevin McCarthyreleased the following statement announcing a House vote on reconciliation in January: As one of our first actions next year, the House will vote on a budget reconciliation bill sending two Republican priorities to the Presidents desk. The bill will repeal Obamacare, setting America up for a new patient-centered health care system. It will also stop taxpayer dollars from going to abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood, as we continue to investigate allegations of the horrific harvesting of childrens organs and the handling of infant lives. Obamacare is a failure, and the videos of grisly Planned Parenthood practices are a stain on our nations conscience. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-opposes-11-trillion-omnibus-spending-bill | Rep. LaMalfa Opposes $1.1 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement regarding his vote against the $1.1 trillion spending package to fund the government through September 2016. We knew going in that Speaker Ryan was working to make the best of the bad hand he was dealt when he was chosen to lead the House. However, I could not support the final product of negotiations. This bill contains some very positive components. It increases pay for our troops, closes loopholes in our Visa Waiver Program so we know who is entering our country, and funds health benefits for 9/11 first responders. It accelerates approval of Sites Reservoir, completing the decades-long study of a project that Californians so clearly need. The measure also frees up millions in federal funds provided to North State transportation projects that were never built, allowing more highway and road improvements without spending new funds. However, the bill increases spending at a time when the federal debt has reached astounding levels and leaves a number of issues on the table. The administrations Waters of the United States power grab, already rejected by two federal courts, remains in place, as does the Presidents immigration plan. Ultimately, the growing deficit and the likelihood of interest rate increases indicate that debt service will be an increasingly larger responsibility for Congress, a problem this bill makes worse. In order to truly reform the government, we must look beyond the third of federal spending in this bill and address the autopilot programs that run the nation farther into the red every year. I am committed to working with the Speaker to put our nation back on sound footing by simplifying our tax code, reforming autopilot spending, and replacing Obamacare. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/house-amendment-1-to-hr-2029-omnibus-spending-act-no | House Amendment 1 to HR 2029 Omnibus Spending Act: NO | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | House Amendment 1 to HR 2029 Omnibus Spending Act: NO. This is the 2,000-plus page $1.15 trillion spending act to fund the government through September 30, 2016. A bill of this complexity always has good and bad provisions, and the question comes down to whether in balance it moves the government in the right direction. On the plus side: It stops bailouts of insurance companies required by Obamacare. It ends the oil-export ban on American petroleum. (Although it should be noted that the president has the authority to do so on his own, and in 13 months we are likely to have a president who will anyway). It blocks the proposed IRS rule that would formalize the harassment of Americans because of their political views. It extends the victims compensation fund for 9/11 responders. It provides major increases in defense spending. It requires all travelers entering the United States who recently visited such rogue states as Syria and Iran to obtain visas, notwithstanding the Visa Waiver Program. These features have to be balanced against some decidedly negative features including: It increases taxpayer support of the International Monetary Fund which bails out irresponsible foreign governments like Greece. It funds a wide variety of highly objectionable Obama policies, including the EPAs Waters of the U.S. initiative that asserts EPA control over all waters in the United States; the illegal Obama executive orders on amnesty; the terrorist-friendly admission of poorly vetted Syrian refugees and support of Planned Parenthoods barbaric practices. It QUADRUPLES the H-2B visas for foreign workers from 66,000 to 250,000, taking American jobs and depressing American wages. It funds the administrations war on coal, making it virtually impossible for coal-generated electricity to continue. It reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is used to increase federal land holdings. It provides for massive increases in solar and wind tax subsidies. It delays the Obamacare… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398102 | House Passes FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | House Passes FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill f t # e Washington, December 18, 2015 | Anna R. Vetter ((202) 815-1685) U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and the entire House of Representatives voted on the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, legislation that will provide discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year. share: f t WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and the entire House of Representatives voted on the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, legislation that will provide discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year. The bill includes full Appropriations legislation and funding for the twelve annual Appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2016. This level reflects the increased domestic discretionary funding provided by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. In addition, the legislation includes a myriad of important policy items to stop waste and abuse, increase transparency and accountability, and halt administrative overreach. The package also contains emergency Global War on Terror (GWOT) and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding to conduct successful military operations and maintain a well-equipped and prepared military force. This funding will be especially useful in combatting increased threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other U.S. enemies. In addition to the twelve Appropriations bills, the package contains additional provisions such as Visa Waiver program reforms and lifts the ban on U.S. oil exports. Following passage of the bill, Congressman David G. Valadao, Member of the House Committee on Appropriations made the following statement: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-legislation-would-enhance-refugee-vetting-process | Rep. Calvert Legislation Would Enhance Refugee Vetting Process | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Secure Accountability for Emigres and Refugees (SAFER) Act, H.R. 4291.The SAFER Act would add requirements to the Syrian and Iraqi refugee security vetting process. "It has become all too clear to many Americans that our security screening processes for individuals wishing to enter our country are insufficient," said Rep. Calvert. "Peaceful people who wish to come to our country with good intentions have nothing to fear with these additional measures.I believe these are responsible steps we must take to protect Americans." The SAFER Act builds upon the SAFE Act (HR 4038) which passed the House on November 19, 2015. The SAFE Act empowered our security agencies to set strict requirements for entry as refugees and halted admissions until such standards are set. The SAFER Act would define the requirements to fully vet Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they can be admitted into the United States: All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must pass a certified polygraph examination.A polygraph will be essential in determining whether a refugee is truly coming to the United States to escape oppression or if they are coming here with possibly violent intentions. It is also necessary since for many refugees we only have their word to rely on as to who they are, where they are from and why they are coming here.There are no corresponding government databases to verify their claims nor is there the ability to conduct a sufficient background check due to the conflicts in the region and displacement of entire communities. All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide biometric data and have that data compared to known databases in order to validate they have no known history of terrorist activities. All Syrian and Iraqi refugees regardless of background or religious affiliation must agree to provide DNA samples and have those samples compared to known databases in order to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-fund-key-priorities | Rep. Calvert Votes to Fund Key Priorities | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (316 to 113) to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill funds the federal discretionary budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. Rep. Calvert serves as the Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. "The funding priorities the House approved today will curb the Obama administration's dangerous bureaucracy while investing in programs that are essential to American families," said Rep. Calvert. "I've worked hard to protect our economy from the regulatory overreach at the EPA and in this bill we hold the EPA staffing to its lowest level since 1989. The funding the Appropriations Committee has provided for our military, veterans and for critical infrastructure investments is a significant achievement." The bill also lifts the 40-year-old ban on U.S. oil exports. According to studies, lifting the ban could create approximately one million jobs in the U.S. and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. "Lifting the oil export ban is a big win for American consumers, workers, and our economy," said Rep. Calvert. "The U.S. continues to have significant resources that can help strengthen our economy and provide our allies with an alternative to their long-standing reliance on Russian or Middle Eastern energy resources." KEY PROVISIONS Defense $613.9 million for four additional MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. March Air Reserve Base maintains a schoolhouse for training Reaper pilots and currently maintains a fleet of six Reapers. $635 million for additional Afloat Forward Staging Base vessels, which are utilized for mine countermeasure helicopters, special operations forces and U.S. Marines. The vessels are built in San Diego, CA. $1.5 billion for additional UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard. This is a priority for the California National Guard. $27.2 million for SPS-48 Radars, which are used as the primary air search sensor for anti-aircraft warships. $72.3 million for t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-one-year-spending-bill | Rep. Mimi Walters on One-Year Spending Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2029 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill that funds the federal government through September 30, 2016. Said Rep. Mimi Walters, While this bill is not perfect, it contains responsible funding levels that keep our government open and operating and includes several Republican priorities that will, boost national security and improve our economy. This legislation represents conservative values,by providing: a significant boost in defense funding to protect national security; a repeal of the antiquated 40-year ban on crude oil exports, which will support economic growth and help our allies; a prohibition on funds for certain Obamacare programs, putting us on the path towards dismantling this ineffective law; and provisions that will protect the U.S. from terrorists seeking to exploit our Visa Waiver Program. Im hopeful that the Senate will act quickly in passing this long-term spending bill so we can avoid a shutdown and Congress can fulfill its Constitutional duty to appropriate funds for the federal government. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397472 | Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases f t # e Washington, D.C, December 17, 2015 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (318 to 109) of the House to approve the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act.The bill extends a number of expiring tax provisions. I am happy to support this bill and protect American families and job creators from tax increases they simply cant afford, said Rep. Calvert.Im pleased that the House has been able to permanently codify a number of these expiring tax provisions and provided some much needed certainty in our tax code. Highlights of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (Provided by the House Ways and Means Committee) Delivers Certainty to American Taxpayers By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies. Prevents Tax Increases The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans. And in years to come, individual Americans and U.S. businesses will no longer have to worry if Congress will take action to extend important tax relief policies like: Allowing State sales tax deductions; Providing small business tax relief, including increased small business expensing; and; Offering incentives for innovation, including the research and development tax credit. Grows our Economy By delivering permanent tax relief to Americas job creators, this legislation will make it easier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hunter.house.gov/hunter-make-no-mistake-fbi-and-army-retaliated-against-hero | Hunter: Make no mistake - the FBI and Army retaliated against a hero | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Duncan Hunter | H001048 | hunter.house.gov | legacy | When I first met Jason Amerine, it was hard not to be impressed. Hes got the right stuff. His resume flush with the type of things that would make a Hollywood movie producer drool isnt too bad either. In politics, trust is important and often what a person has done says a lot about who they truly are. In this case, Amerine is a war hero. Its a characterization he loathes and will never attribute to himself, but I will. So of course I was on board to help save American lives when he came to me to talk about the problems with our countrys policy on hostages. I committed to giving my best effort to change the U.S. governments approach to recovering Americans civilian and military held captive in warzones. Amerine was first tasked by Gen. John Campbell who is now leading the ground war in Afghanistan to develop plans to recover Bowe Bergdahl. Nobody in their right mind thought the State Department-induced and -led five-for-one prisoner exchange was a good idea. Amerine quickly determined that not only could he recover Bergdahl, but he could also secure the release of other American captives without firing a shot. He also spotted inherent dysfunction and conflict within government. Our response was quick. I wrote to former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel twice. He called me to say he agreed that these problems needed to be solved. He told me what he planned to do and who he would task to do it. In that same span of time, Jason was getting close to making something happen, but it was the Federal Bureau of Investigation that first took offense to his efforts. Not the Army. The FBI argued that hostage recovery in a warzone or not was entirely under their purview even if the agents in charge of certain cases never stepped foot in Afghanistan. And forget that Jason had personal relationships at the highest levels of the Afghan government as well as other close and well-placed friends in the region. None of it mattered to the FBI. So what did the FBI do? They informally suggested to the Army that it look at Amerine fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issa-applauds-passage-of-first-responders-passport-act-of-2015/ | Issa Applauds Passage of First Responders Passport Act of 2015 | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Darrell Issa | I000056 | issa.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49), a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement after the House passage of the bipartisan H.R. 3750, First Responders Passport Act of 2015: America is one of the most generous countries on earth. Following natural disasters, our first responders often travel to assist foreign communities in the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other catastrophes. This legislation will remove one small hurdle in their journey to assist by waiving passport fees for these first responders to ensure they are always ready to render life-saving aid to those in need. Issa joined with Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania on the legislation, whichHouse Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel cosponsored along with 24 other members. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved the First Responders Passport Act unanimously on November 4, 2015. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-tax-certainty-to-give-americans-the-stability-needed-for | House Passes Tax Certainty to Give Americans the Stability Needed for Success | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act: The end of each year is traditionally met with anticipation for a new year ahead. But when it comes to planning, ad hoc tax policies have made it more difficult for individuals and businesses to prepare for the year ahead and make next year better than the last. This uncertainty is not only stressful, but it also prevents us from doing what we do bestinvesting in people to create opportunity and earn success. If people dont actually know how much they will have to pay in taxes, they hold off spending their hard-earned money to improve their lives or grow their businesses. To give people stability and certainty on tax rates, the House passed a bill to make many temporary tax provisions permanent and extend others for several more years. The bill also increases taxpayer protections to prevent the IRS from targeting Americans based on their political beliefs. Our tax system should be certain, simple, and, above all, fair. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-supports-passage-of-major-tax-credit-measure-for-families | Rep. LaMalfa Supports Passage of Major Tax Credit Measure for Families, Small Businesses & Farms | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today supported a measure that extends a wide array of tax credits for American families, students, farms and employers, creating more certainty and decreasing costs for taxpayers. The bill ends a cycle of last minute, retroactive extensions that have inhibited investment and prevented economic growth. Passed on a 318-109 vote, the proposal will now be considered by the Senate. This package will not only decrease taxes for families across the nation, it will spur more investment and growth by small businesses and farms in Northern California. Its simply unconscionable that Americans have had to wait until the last days of each year to find out under which laws theyll be taxed. Today we ended that vicious cycle, and Americans can finally make financial decisions with greater stability to plan for the future. This package supports education through tax credits for students and teachers, and increases protections to rein in the IRS, said LaMalfa. Particularly important components for the First District are provisions that allow farmers and ranchers to make informed decisions about how new tractors and other equipment will be taxed. Tax credits for families, students and teachers include the following: Permanent extension of the child tax credit of up to $3,000 to help working families meet their needs. Permanent extension of the K-12 teacher classroom expenses credit of up to $250 to offset the out-of-pocket expenses many teachers incur. A two-year extension of the tax deduction of up to $4,000 for tuition and related expenses for higher education. Permanent extension of higher education tax credit up to $2,500 for qualified tuition and related postsecondary education expenses. An expanded definition of qualified higher education expenses for which tax-preferred distributions from 529 accounts are eligible to include computer equipment and technology. Pro-business tax credits aimed at creating economic growth and certainly for employers include the following: The bill makes perm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/house-amendment-2-to-hr-2029-tax-extenders-act-yes | House Amendment 2 to HR 2029 Tax Extenders Act: YES | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | House Amendment 2 to HR 2029 Tax Extenders Act: YES. Called the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act this 233-page bill provides a complex list of changes to the tax code. Once again, there is both good and bad. It makes a variety of temporary business tax deductions, most notably the Research and Development Tax Credit and a provision that allows businesses to deduct the cost of many major equipment purchases in the year they are made. Permanency of these business tax deductions is essential if they are to serve their purpose of promoting growth and investment policies. On the negative side, the bill also makes permanent the failed stimulus package as it affects welfare programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. These are not true tax credits, solely deducted from actual tax liability, but rather are welfare payments administered through the tax code. The three biggest of these programs, (EITC, Earned American Opportunity Credit and Enhanced Child Tax Credit) amount to $198 billion over the next ten years one third of the projected cost of the bill. This doesnt include a wide variety of additional tax credits that fund the administrations Green energy initiative and an array of other special interest sops. Which brings us to the $622 billion gorilla in the room the ten-year increase in the nations debt that the Joint Committee on Taxation projects as a result of this measure. It is important to understand exactly how this figure is calculated. First, two-thirds of the cost is associated with extending or making permanent the various business tax provisions discussed above. These are defined as tax cuts therefore reductions in revenue -- but this is true only in theory and not reality. The reality is that current taxes will not be cut as a result of this measure they are simply not going to be increased. Without this bill, struggling job creators would be hit with massive tax increases over what they are currently paying, with severe economic consequences. Second, it increases the debt on paper b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397859 | Royce Applauds FHFA on 2016 Scorecard Goals | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and leading proponent of housing finance reform, released the following statement on today's release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) 2016 Scorecard: The FHFA should be commended for further laying the 'building blocks' of comprehensive housing finance reform. Ramping up risk sharing with the private sector reduces the burden on taxpayers and opening up the Common Securitization Platform will bring more private sector capital into the system. The Agency alludes to improving its underwriting criteria; an excellent start would be the GSEs evaluating multiple credit scoring models." Rep. Royce recently introduced legislation that requires the FHFA to develop new underwriting guidelines for Fannie and Freddie, allowing consideration of alternative credit scoring models the GSEs currently don't examine. On November 25, the President signed legislation modeled on H.R. 2243, the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015, as introduced by Rep. Royce. The bill, which reversed a FHFA directive and capped the salaries of the CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, was the first major standalone legislation enacted that dealt with the GSEs since they were placed into conservatorship. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397860 | Rep. Royce Supports Permanent Tax Relief for California Families and Businesses | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) voted for the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a $629 billiontax relief package:"The more you tax something, the less of it you get. That's why lowering taxes on economic productivity and Americans' take-home pay is so critical. California's businesses and families should be able to keep more of what they earn, it's as simple as that," said Rep. Royce. "Today's legislation makes certain temporary tax breaks permanent, encourages more investments in research and development, and lays the groundwork for comprehensive tax reform. The PATH Act includes a number of provisions to lower the tax burden on individuals and small businesses. Included in the legislation are: Research and development (R&D) credits Allows a company to deduct from their tax liability the amount of their R&D expenditures. Section 179 - Allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. Employer wage credit for employees on active duty - Employers receive a tax credit of 20% on wages paid, up to $20,000 for a maximum credit of $4,000, for the time the employee is on active duty. Deduction for teacher classroom expenses Allows a teacher to deduct from his or her income tax liability any classroom supplies he or she personally purchased. 100% exclusion on gains from the sale of small business stock Money earned from the sale of small business stocks is exempted from federal income taxes. Food inventory deduction Allows individuals to deduct the cost of food purchased and donated to food banks. IRA charitable rollover - Allows individuals to deduct charitable donations from their IRA Program Integrity Requirements. Section 174 - Imposes a two-year moratorium (through calendar year 2017) of the 2.3% medical device excise tax enacted by the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Royce represents California's 39th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Los Angeles, O… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398101 | House Passes Tax Extenders | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | Today, Thursday, December 17, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a legislative package to help American taxpayers. share: f t Washington Today, Thursday, December 17, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a legislative package to help American taxpayers.The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, is bipartisan legislation that aims to ensure American taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars while simultaneously growing our economy. The legislation makes more than twenty tax provisions permanent, prevents tax increases for millions of Americans, and provides tax relief for small businesses. After voting in support of the legislation, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement: By making these tax provisions permanent, we are providing certainty to Americans and simplifying the tax process. I believe Americans should get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, and that is exactly what this bill does, stated Congressman Valadao. Since coming to Congress, I have supported legislation to ensure tax deductions for teachers who use their own money for classroom expenses, a provision included in the package today. These are common sense reforms. He continued, The package passed in the House today is just the beginning. The PATH Act is the first step in overhauling our entire tax code. Under the bill, the following tax credits will be be made permanent: Deduction for Teacher Classroom Expenses Earned Income Tax Credit American Opportunity Tax Credit Child Tax Credit Section 179 Expensing Further more, the legislation temporarily extends the Charitable Donations to Agricultural Research Organizations tax credit. The Protecti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-stop-tax-increases | Rep. Calvert Votes to Stop Tax Increases | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (318 to 109) of the House to approve the "Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes" Act.The bill extends a number of expiring tax provisions. "I am happy to support this bill and protect American families and job creators from tax increases they simply can't afford," said Rep. Calvert."I'm pleased that the House has been able to permanently codify a number of these expiring tax provisions and provided some much needed certainty in our tax code." Highlights of the "Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes" Act (Provided by the House Ways and Means Committee) Delivers Certainty to American Taxpayers By making a number of temporary tax provisions permanent, this legislation delivers predictability, clarity, and certainty for individuals, families and job creators. Americans will no longer have to worry each December if Congress will take action to extend certain tax relief policies. Prevents Tax Increases The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans. And in years to come, individual Americans and U.S. businesses will no longer have to worry if Congress will take action to extend important tax relief policies like: Allowing State sales tax deductions; Providing small business tax relief, including increased small business expensing; and; Offering incentives for innovation, including the research and development tax credit. Grows our Economy By delivering permanent tax relief to America's job creators, this legislation will make it easier for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities. Serves as a Bridge to Comprehensive Tax Reform This bill lays the groundwork for historic reforms that will fix our broken tax code. Instead of spending months each year debating temporary tax extensions, Congress will be able to focus on the comprehensive tax reform we all agree our country needs. Americans deserve a simpler, fairer a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-demands-answers-doj-va-misconduct | Rep. Mimi Walters Demands Answers from DOJ on VA Misconduct | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Mimi Walters Demands Answers from DOJ on VA Misconduct Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today sent the following letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, demanding answers regarding the Department of Justices (DOJ) investigations into the various scandals plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). On November 17th, 2015, Rep. Walters questioned AG Lynch during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the DOJs investigations into the VA. AG Lynch was unable to provide answers, but insisted that the DOJs Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) would be able to provide information to Rep. Walters office. Yesterday, on December 16th, 2015, OLA broke that promise by refusing to answer the questions posed by Rep. Walters at the November 17th hearing and failed to provide any information related to the DOJs investigations. In response to this egregious stonewalling by the DOJ, Rep. Walters sent a letter to AG Lynch requesting an in-person meeting with an appropriate DOJ official who can provide answers to the questions asked, as promised during the hearing. Click the picture above to see the November 17th interaction between Rep. Walters and Attorney General Lynch Said Rep. Mimi Walters, Like most Americans, I am horrified by the scandals that took place at the VA our veterans risked life and limb to serve our nation, and they deserve the utmost quality care. As my interaction with Attorney General Loretta Lynch shows the DOJ has failed to provide answers regarding their investigations, effectively blocking Congress ability to address the problems in the VA for the betterment of our veterans. I am appalled by DOJs obstruction of legitimate congressional oversight and I will not stand by while our veterans continue to suffer as the VA and DOJ play political games. I will continue to fight for justice and ensure our veterans get the answers and care they earned. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-protecting-americans-tax-hikes-act | Rep. Mimi Walters on the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. This legislation would make permanent over 20 tax relief provisions, extend several tax provisions, and place a 2-year moratorium on Obamacares medical device tax. H.R. 2029 passed the U.S. House by a vote of 318-109 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate. Said Rep. Mimi Walters, This important piece of legislation will provide certainty and relief to the American people by making several tax provisions permanent. Imagine the yearly frustration businesses and individuals across the country are faced with when Congress cannot resolve their differences on temporary tax provisions. Providing permanent tax relief will give businesses the confidence to hire new employees and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks - which will result in a more robust and dynamic economy. Furthermore, this legislation puts a moratorium on one of Obamacares most harmful taxes - the medical device tax. Im pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle were able to come together and put forward this common-sense, pro-growth bill that will pave the way for comprehensive tax reform. I urge the Senate to act swiftly in sending this bill to the Presidents desk. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-to-combat-terrorist-use-of-social-media | Rep. Paul Cook Votes to Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R Apple Valley) voted for H.R. 3654, the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation requires President Obama to lay out a strategy to counter terrorist use of social media. This bill also requires the President to come up with a policy to enhance the exchange of information and dialogue between the federal government and social media companies. Cook said, Its become normal for terrorists to use social media to fundraise, indoctrinate, and recruit future members. This bipartisan legislation will require the President to come up with a strategy to stop terrorists from using social media to advance their message of hate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-announces-nominees-to-the-united-states-service-academies-0 | Rep. LaMalfa Announces Nominees to the United States Service Academies | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington DC- Representative Doug LaMalfa today announced the eleven individuals he has nominated as candidates to the United States Service Academies. The U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy each require a Congressional nomination in order to attend. To say that I am proud of each of these impressive individuals is an understatement. These candidates have excelled, both in the classroom and in their service to our community and our nation, stated Rep. LaMalfa. Not only have they undergone a highly competitive application process, each has an earnest desire to serve and defend their country. I am pleased to offer them as nominees for nationwide Service Academy Appointments. Representative LaMalfas nominees were recommended by a committee of North State community leaders and veterans from various branches of the military. The committee recommended a slate of nominees after interviewing and carefully considering the files of North State students who applied for the nomination. Having been nominated, the students must now compete with other nominees for an appointment to the academies. Academy officials will begin announcing appointments in January. California First Congressional District Service Academy Nominations: Trent Foster- Nevada City U.S. Naval Academy Christiana Jackman- Redding U.S. Air Force Academy Nicholas Katz- Chico U.S. Military Academy Anna Lewis- Lakehead U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Garret Reader- Nevada City U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Mason Royse- Redding U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy Kody Rulofson- Cottonwood U.S. Naval Academy Bradley Salyer- Redding U.S. Military Academy David Shattuck- Redding U.S. Naval Academy Rory Sprague Chico U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy Wyatt Wyckoff- Magalia U.S. Military Academy Rep. LaMalfa announced and congratulated these nominees on the House Floor. To view his remarks, please click here: https://youtu.be/RLSjJDw4wHY Any student… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-15-2015 | Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 15, 2015 | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Cooks bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA), continued to gain local support and took a significant step toward becoming law.On Monday, the Town of Yucca Valley voted 5-0 to support H.R. 3668. This bill places over a million acres of existing scenic federal lands into conservation for future generations, while protecting recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and continuing to allow important economic activity such as mining in the California desert. The Cities of Barstow, Hesperia, Twentynine Palms, and Banning, the Town of Apple Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have already announced their support of the bill.Additionally, H.R. 3668 took a significant step forward in the legislative process. On Wednesday, HR 3668 was heard at a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. At the hearing, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood testified in support of the bill.Cook said, Im thrilled to have the support of the Town of Yucca Valley for the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conversation Act. They join numerous other local communities in supporting my bill that protects our desert, addresses the needs of our off- highway vehicles users, and maintains our economic vitality.The Town of Yucca Valley supports CMORCA because its a balanced approach to conserving our desert, keeping our public lands open for recreational activities, and keeping our economic best interests at the forefront. Id like to thank Congressman Cook for engaging local constituents and stake holders about what they would like to see move forward, said Yucca Valley Mayor George Huntington. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-celebrates-the-anniversary-of-the-bill-of-rights | Rep. LaMalfa Celebrates the Anniversary of the Bill of Rights | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement in celebration of the two hundred and twenty fourth anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that became effective on December 15, 1791. Today marks a historic day for our nation. On this very day two hundred and twenty four years ago, ten of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States were ratified by the states, forming the Bill of Rights. Including the right to free speech and religion, the right to bear arms, the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the right of states to self-govern, these amendments helped form the foundation of a federal Republic with limited powers. Sadly, the Bill of Rights could be dissolved to mere pen strokes on a page unless we resolve in America to work to preserve it each day, and I dont mean simply preserving it in the National Archives down the street. I mean we must preserve these rights in the legislation we pass, in the conduct of our government, and in our actions as citizens of this great nation. The Bill of Rights isnt just a snap shot in time, but must remain as a way of life here in America. However, maintaining these rights requires our vigilance. Freedom is fragile, and God forbid that we ever take our rights for granted, or that these amendments become just a dusty historical document instead of principles to protect. I remain grateful for the opportunity to do just that in Congress. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-responds-to-gao-report-confirming-epa-deceit-in-wotus | Rep. LaMalfa Responds to GAO Report Confirming EPA Deceit in WOTUS Rulemaking Process | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -Today, Congressman LaMalfa released the following statement after the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violated a federal law in promoting the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation by engaging in covert propaganda and grassroots lobbying to support the rule: Its nosurprise that the Government Accountability Office found that the EPA violated federal laws and engaged in a propaganda campaign. In fact, this is the status quo for the EPA. From the start, agency officials showed little hesitancy in pushing their Waters of the U.S proposal to give unelected bureaucrats control of nearly every body of water in the country. Instead of adhering to the formal rulemaking process and taking into account public opposition, serious stakeholder concerns, and considerable questions of legality, EPA used illegal propaganda to promote extreme partisan priorities. Using taxpayer funds to deceive the American public is completely unacceptable, which is why I will continue using every tool available to block funding for EPAs WOTUS overreach and uphold our rule of law. The full text of the GAO report can be found by CLICKING here. A video of Rep. LaMalfa speaking in opposition to EPAs WOTUS rule on the House floor can be found by CLICKING here. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398533 | Chairman Nunes Introduces Iran Terrorism Bill | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (CA-22) today introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to crack down on international funding of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a sprawling branch of the Iranian military responsible for numerous terrorist attacks throughout the world, including its provision of weapons and other support for Iraqi terrorists who killed U.S. soldiers. The organization also controls wide swathes of the Iranian economy, using income from its business interests to fund its terrorist activities. As a result of President Obamas nuclear agreement with Iran, an array of institutions controlled by the IRGC will be removed from the Treasury Departments list of Specially Designated Nationalities. This action will allow IRGC-affiliated banks and companies to increase their international business activities, creating a new flow of funds for Irans primary terror apparatus. Co-sponsored by eighteen Members of Congress, the IRGC Sanctions Act will ban any U.S. person from engaging in financial transactions with IRGC-affiliated companies. Additionally, the bill will: Create a Watch List for IRGC-affiliated individuals. Specify that Congress must approve a decision to remove a country from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Require all U.S. securities issuers to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission any transaction with the IRGC. Prevent Iran from gaining normal trade ties with the United States unless the U.S. President certifies that the Iranian regime grants its citizens the freedom to emigrate. The IRGC is one of the primary supporters of international terrorism in the world, said Chairman Nunes. Its tentacles reach throughout the Iranian economy and into international commerce. In light of the relief provided to the IRGC in President Obamas nuclear agreement, Congress needs to ensure that this dangerous organization cannot attain new financial means to exp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jean-fuller-mccarthy-s-space-act-continues-final-frontier | JEAN FULLER: McCarthys Space Act continues final frontier | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Space, the final frontier ... To boldly go where no man has gone before. That famous quote from the Star Trek series of the 1960s rings true today as America continues to explore space and thepossibilities offered by this new frontier. Those possibilities, and the jobs they create for our region, were enhanced recently when Congress unanimously passedH.R. 2262, otherwise known as the Space Act. This important piece of legislation will provide opportunities for privatebusinesses and entrepreneurs looking to advance space exploration. The Space Act was authored by my friend and our neighbor, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He pointed out thatpassage of the Space Act will, ensure the men and women in Mojave and east Kern County can continue to lead ourjourney into the final frontier. Supported by every aerospace leader in the area including the Mojave Air and Space Port, the Commercial SpaceflightFederation, XCOR Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, The SpaceShipCompany, SpaceX, Masten Space Systems, and the SatelliteIndustry Association, this legislation will extend the International Space Station for four years, until at least 2024. The billalso secures a level playing field for U.S. commercial space enterprises. The significance of the aerospace industry to Californias economy cannot be overstated. Aerospace employs more than200,000 Californians in high-paying jobs and supports more than 500,000 jobs in related fields. Not only does theaerospace industry create meaningful opportunities for California families, these jobs help fund public priorities likeeducation and law enforcement to the tune of nearly $3 billion annually through income tax revenue contributions. According to Stuart Witt, Chief Executive Officer of the Mojave Air and Space Port, H.R. 2262 brings long-awaitedlegislative stability to the aerospace industry. Witt believes this measure demonstrates that the full Congress finallyunderstands the importance of an extended regulatory learning period, during which the Federal AviationAdministration will … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/california-gop-members-stick-a-fork-in-talks-over-drought-relief | California GOP members stick a fork in talks over drought relief legislation | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2015 - A frustrated group of House Republicans from California today declared drought relief legislation for their parched state dead for the year. Our good-faith negotiations have come to no positive resolution, Rep. Ken Calvert said at a Capitol Hill press conference. The true losers in this process are the people of California. Then, alluding to heavy precipitation expected as part of this winter's El Nio weather conditions, he added, We'll never have this opportunity again. The 14 GOP members blamed the collapse of negotiations on Sen. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who insisted in a statement today that there was still an opportunity to make headway on a water bill by going through regular order - passing a bill in the Senate and then hashing out differences with the House in a conference committee. [Rabo AgriFinance: Growing Ambition] But House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R.-Calif., said, I think she probably doubts that herself. Last week, Feinstein called regrettable an attempt by House Republicans to include water legislation in an omnibus bill that would fund the federal government for fiscal 2016. Then yesterday, the Los Angeles Times published an editorial blaming House Republicans for the failure of the negotiations. That editorial was the final straw, Calvert said. It's sad when the LA Times editorial page gets the story wrong, but it is a tragedy for so many Californians when the Senate gets the policy wrong, Calvert said. The Times editorial board said California's GOP House delegation took a foolish step last week when members stuck an unfinished drought relief bill onto the omnibus spending bill, then suggested that Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with whom they had been negotiating for months, was on board. She wasn't. But the GOP members said Feinstein had suggested using the omnibus, and that the compromise language had been worked on for months. The language retains Democratic priorities as well as Republican priorities that the Obama Administration had largely agreed not t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-urges-interior-and-epa-to-assess-iron-mountain-mine-drainage | Rep. LaMalfa Urges Interior and EPA to Assess Iron Mountain Mine Drainage | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today released the following statement after authoring a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding federal efforts to contain highly toxic drainage at Iron Mountain Mine in Redding, CA. The EPA and Interior halted work at Iron Mountain after the Gold King Mine disaster in Colorado released millions of gallons of waste into two rivers. Similar to the Gold King Mine, Iron Mountain Mine has extremely toxic wastewater that could contaminate the water source of much of California. Iron Mountain mine is one of the most toxic sites in America and is located perilously close to the Sacramento River, which provides drinking water for millions of Californians. Given the fact that EPA contractors have failed to adequately contain similar sites in other states, I believe the EPA and the Department of Interior must act to ensure the drainage from this inactive mine is being handled appropriately,said LaMalfa.Failing to secure this highly toxic drainage could have devastating consequences for our state. I urge Secretary Jewell and EPA Administrator McCarthy to make Iron Mountain mine a top priority. During a House Committee on Natural Resources hearing last week, Rep. LaMalfa had the opportunity to directly question Secretary Jewell on this topic. A copy of their exchange may be found here (CLICK here). A copy of the letter sent to Interior Secretary Jewell and EPA Administrator McCarthy may be found here (CLICK here). Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-host-mobile-office-hours-laguna-woods-0 | Rep. Mimi Walters to Host Mobile Office Hours in Laguna Woods | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Irvine, CA U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) will host mobile office hours in Laguna Woods on Thursday, January 14th, 2016. The mobile office hours will take place at Laguna Woods City Hall from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Rep. Walters staff will be present to meet with constituents and assist them with federal casework issues dealing with Veterans Affairs, Social Security, IRS, immigration/passports, housing, grants, DC tours, and more. To schedule an appointment, please contact Donovan Higbee at (949) 263-8703 or Donovan.Higbee@mail.house.gov. **Appointments are encouraged, but not required. What:Rep. Walters Mobile Office Hours in Laguna Woods When:Thursday, January 14th, 2016 from 9:00 AM 12:00 PM Where:Laguna Woods City Hall 24264 El Toro Road Laguna Woods, CA 92637 Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397470 | Rep. Calvert Statement on CA Drought Legislation | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement at a press conference regarding the California House delegations attempt to pass drought relief legislation: As the Chairman of the Californian Republican Delegation and one of the negotiators for a California water bill, I come here today more in sadness than in anger. California families, farmers and businesses up and down the state continue to suffer with our ongoing drought. Over the past several years, and in earnest over the past few months on this specific legislation, I have been actively engaged with members of our delegation to seek out appropriate federal solutions to address the California drought. I am so disappointed to be here today. I was hopeful that we would get a deal done. Unfortunately, we could not get the Senators to accept a good, reasonable compromise. All 14 members of our delegation got to yes. Our two senators could not. I am no stranger to the complex and highly charged nature of water policy, having been intimately involved with the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement negotiations in 2003 as well as being the author of the CALFED law that I worked directly with Senator Feinstein to get across the finish line in 2004. I can tell you that our recent bipartisan and bicameral negotiations have been equally daunting, yet equally promising. Because of success in those past negotiations, I truly felt that my optimism was justified throughout this one. The members of our delegation, along with our staff, have put in hundreds of hours and untold energy to identify a package of policy changes that all sides can live with. I am so proud of the optimism, flexibility and discipline that I saw from the members here before you. One of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season which we are very optimistic about because of the El Nino forecast… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397471 | Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM f t # e Washington, D.C, December 11, 2015 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) was named as one of the three House Republicans who will lead a Joint Task Force to investigate allegationsthat senior U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials manipulated intelligence products. Americans expect our military and civilian security officials to produce reports and analysis that are factual and accurately assesses security conditions around the globe, said Rep. Calvert.I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine what took place and how we can ensure intelligence products meet the high standards all of us expect them to. The House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Appropriations Committee established the Joint Task Force to investigate whether these allegations reflect systemic problems across the intelligence enterprise in CENTCOM or any other pertinent intelligence organizations. Congressmen Calvert, Mike Pompeo (KS-4), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) will lead the investigation, which is expected to produce preliminary results early next year. The Committees have invited their Minority members to participate, and are hopeful that they will join in the effort. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fight-in-congress-over-drought-aid-is-all-wet | Fight in Congress over drought aid is all wet | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Even as Californians have done their collective part to conserve water during the drought, Congress is engaged in a water fight over reforming federal law to help us. For the five months through October, the state cut water use by 27.1 percent, above Gov. Jerry Browns 25 percent target. In Congress, meanwhile, agreement on drought relief has been shelved for the rest of this year because of a feud between farm-area Republicans, led by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, and the states two Democratic U.S. senators, Barbara Boxer, who is leaving office in a year, and Dianne Feinstein. The Republicans had been in talks with Feinstein for months to meld two starkly different approaches to Californias water shortages, reported the San Francisco Chronicle, before discussion dried up. House Republicans today were set to hold a news conference to advance their side of the battle. We also hope some compromise can be reached early next year, complementing the $7 billion in water bonds state voters passed a year ago. Democrats want more water for conservation and preserving endangered wildlife, Republicans seek more water for farms that have been hard hit by the drought. In their five-year bill, the California Emergency Drought Relief and Water Storage Act of 2015, we think the Republicans went far enough in accommodating Democratic demands, such as saving fish and assistance to communities hit by drought. As Fox News reported in October, Drought-stricken California farmers say environmental regulations barring them from irrigating their parched lands are makingthemthe endangered species. With the drought in its fourth year, anger is building in Central California at state and federal agencies, who critics say are putting wildlife ahead of jobs, families and the food supply. This should be one of the top subjects of debate in the race to replace Sen. Boxer. The Democratic candidates, especially, need to advance more realistic solutions than she and Sen. Feinstein have produced despite months, even years, of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-california-republicans-on-drought-senators-fail-californians | Rep. LaMalfa, California Republicans on Drought: Senators Fail Californians Again | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), joined by the Republican members of Californias delegation in the House of Representatives, held a press conference today to comment on the rejection by Californias senators of moderate, bipartisan legislation to address the states historic water supply crisis. LaMalfa made the following comments during the conference: The people of California have demanded that we address water storage and water supply, passing Proposition 1 last year to fund that work. Unfortunately, our senators walked away from a bipartisan, earnest effort, pulling the football away from us once again. This is disheartening, especially given that it was Senator Feinsteins idea to include a drought measure in the omnibus appropriations bill; in fact, shes repeatedly stated publicly that waiting until next year to act will be too late. This measure we proposed is very modest, taking the water above and beyond whats needed by the Endangered Species Act and storing it so that we have more water for families and farms in the coming year.Unfortunately, Democrat Senators do not seem to share the same priorities. After months of negotiations which included California Republicans and Democrats, both California Senators, and the Obama and Brown administrations, the Republican delegation offered a proposal which would bolster water storage during winter storms, protect water rights, build new storage like Sites Reservoir, and address Democrat priorities like salmon conservation and water recycling. Senator Feinstein rejected the proposal, claiming that action could wait until 2016 a direct contradiction with her previous statements about the need to act this year. The attached photo of Rep. LaMalfa and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is shared courtesy of photographer Greg Nash of The Hill: Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397857 | Rep. Royce Makes Statement on Water Legislation Negotiations | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | House Members of the California Republican delegation, including U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), held a press conference today to address the status of California drought relief legislation negotiations. Rep. Royce's remarks can be read below: I think the reason why you see such frustration on the part of the Members here from California, is because year after year, for three years, we've faced a drought and we've tried to move legislation to do something about it. "Now we have a window of opportunity that next week is about to close. That window of opportunity is because finally we have El Nino coming through the state. Finally we have the opportunity to pump some of that water into Southern California and to the Central Valley; to the parts of the state that frankly have experienced now half a million acres that have gone fallow. And It will soon be a million if we don't get this relief. "We agreed with Senator Feinstein that we had this last opportunity to do this before we adjourned, and we had been working on this. Now the absolutists, those who say 'no compromise on this', lean in to make certain once again we don't get this done at the end of the year. And the reason this is so different is it's not going to be possible next year after El Nino passes. We can't grab this asset. "From L.A. County and Orange County, yes, we paid for this water, we contracted for this water. We feel that to allow it not to be captured and sent south is foolish; to let it just drain out to the Pacific. "But for the farmers and for the farm workers, this is their livelihood. This is why you see the passion up here from these Members. There is not going to be another opportunity for those farmers if they lose that acreage because they cannot get this relief because we cannot move this legislation. "That is why we're asking our colleagues in the Senate not this time, not to walk away. This time, please allow us in these negotiations to go forward and do something that will provide the relief for those who otherwise wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-named-joint-task-force-centcom | Rep. Calvert Named to Joint Task Force on CENTCOM | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) was named as one of the three House Republicans who will lead a Joint Task Force to investigate allegationsthat senior U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials manipulated intelligence products. "Americans expect our military and civilian security officials to produce reports and analysis that are factual and accurately assesses security conditions around the globe," said Rep. Calvert."I look forward to working with my colleagues to determine what took place and how we can ensure intelligence products meet the high standards all of us expect them to." The House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Appropriations Committee established the Joint Task Force to investigate whether these allegations reflect systemic problems across the intelligence enterprise in CENTCOM or any other pertinent intelligence organizations. Congressmen Calvert, Mike Pompeo (KS-4), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) will lead the investigation, which is expected to produce preliminary results early next year. The Committees have invited their Minority members to participate, and are hopeful that they will join in the effort. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-ca-drought-legislation | Rep. Calvert Statement on CA Drought Legislation | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement at a press conference regarding the California House delegations attempt to pass drought relief legislation: "As the Chairman of the Californian Republican Delegation and one of the negotiators for a California water bill, I come here today more in sadness than in anger. California families, farmers and businesses up and down the state continue to suffer with our ongoing drought. Over the past several years, and in earnest over the past few months on this specific legislation, I have been actively engaged with members of our delegation to seek out appropriate federal solutions to address the California drought. I am so disappointed to be here today. I was hopeful that we would get a deal done. Unfortunately, we could not get the Senators to accept a good, reasonable compromise. All 14 members of our delegation got to "yes." Our two senators could not. I am no stranger to the complex and highly charged nature of water policy, having been intimately involved with the Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement negotiations in 2003 as well as being the author of the CALFED law that I worked directly with Senator Feinstein to get across the finish line in 2004. I can tell you that our recent bipartisan and bicameral negotiations have been equally daunting, yet equally promising. Because of success in those past negotiations, I truly felt that my optimism was justified throughout this one. The members of our delegation, along with our staff, have put in hundreds of hours and untold energy to identify a package of policy changes that all sides can live with. I am so proud of the optimism, flexibility and discipline that I saw from the members here before you. One of our top priorities throughout these negotiations was to create flexibility in the operation of the pumps in the Delta in order to capture as much water as possible during the upcoming rainy season which we are very optimistic about because of the El Nino forecast. After m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-water-negotiations | California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought. Negotiation Timeline 2011 H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean. 2012 The House passes H.R. 1837. The Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill. 2014 The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply. Senator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964. Senator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference. House members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns The House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein. Senators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill. 2015 The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate. The Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has noch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cooks-bill-continues-to-gain-local-support | Rep. Paul Cook's Bill Continues to Gain Local Support | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This week, Rep. Paul Cooks (R-Apple Valley) bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA), continued to gain local support and took a significant step toward becoming law. On Monday, the Town of Yucca Valley voted 5-0 to support H.R. 3668. This bill places over a million acres of existing scenic federal lands into conservation for future generations, while protecting recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and continuing to allow important economic activity such as mining in the California desert. The Cities of Barstow, Hesperia, Twentynine Palms, and Banning, the Town of Apple Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have already announced their support of the bill. Additionally, H.R. 3668 took a significant step forward in the legislative process. On Wednesday, HR 3668, was heard at a legislative hearing before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. At the hearing, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood testified in support of the bill. Cook said, Im thrilled to have the support of the Town of Yucca Valley for the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conversation Act. They join numerous other local communities in supporting my bill that protects our desert, addresses the needs of our off- highway vehicles users, and maintains our economic vitality. The Town of Yucca Valley supports CMORCA because its a balanced approach to conserving our desert, keeping our public lands open for recreational activities, and keeping our economic best interests at the forefront. Id like to thank Congressman Cook for engaging local constituents and stake holders about what they would like to see move forward, said Yucca Valley Mayor George Huntington. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-on-water-negotiations | California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought. Negotiation Timeline 2011 H.R. 1837 theSacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean. 2012 The House passes H.R. 1837. The Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill. 2014 The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, theSacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act,another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply. Senator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, theCalifornia Emergency Drought Relief Act,which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964. Senator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, theEmergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference. House members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns The House quickly passes H.R. 5781, theCalifornia Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein. Senators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill. 2015 The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, theWestern Water and American Food Security Act of 2015,which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate. The Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it has nocha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-members-issue-statements-on-water-negotiations | California Members Issue Statements on Water Negotiations | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought. Negotiation Timeline 2011 H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Actis introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions onthe pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean. 2012 The House passes H.R. 1837. The Senate, with a Democratic majority,does not consider H.R. 1837 or passits ownwater bill. 2014 The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply. Senator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964. Senator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference. House members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill,but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns. The House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein. Senators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill. 2015 The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate. The Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, meaning it … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397850 | Reps. Royce and Sewell Push for Competition Between Credit Score Providers | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) and U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced H.R. 4211, the Credit Score Competition Act of 2015. The bill enables Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider credit scoring models they currently don't evaluate when making mortgage purchasing decisions: The GSEs' use of a single credit score is an unfair practice that stifles competition and innovation in credit scoring. Breaking up the credit score monopoly at Fannie and Freddie will also assist them in managing their credit risk and decreases the potential for another taxpayer bailout," said Rep. Royce. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the largest mortgage purchasers in the nation, but they rely on credit score models that dont necessarily take into account something as simple as whether borrowers have paid their rent on time. Home ownership is an integral part of the American Dream that shouldnt be out of the reach for low-income, rural, and minority borrowers who lack access to traditional forms of credit. This legislation takes an important step towards addressing this issue and helps make homeownership a reality for more Americans across the country, said Rep. Sewell. Allowing Fannie and Freddie to make mortgage purchasing decisions with access to multiple empirically derived, statistically sound credit scoring models (like FICO) mitigates the risk in their portfolios and lowers the chance of systemic risk in our housing market. Additionally, Fannie and Freddies 90% share of the secondary mortgage market and reliance on one credit scoring model has created a near monopoly in this field. Opening the GSEs up to other credit scoring models will foster competition and innovation in the credit scoring industry. Potential homebuyers without a FICO score or with one below 620 are ineligible for a mortgage that can be sold to Fannie or Freddie and are often frozen out of the housing market. Lower-to-middle income Americans that are qualified to buy a home but are unable to gain entry to the market due to their FICO scor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397853 | Rep. Royce Supports Orange County Coastal Preservation Measure | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) served as an original cosponsor on legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) to preserve several rocks, reefs, and small islands along the coast of Orange County: "We live in the most beautiful part of the country and have a duty to keep it that way for future generations. As someone who enjoys hiking and time on the beach, I look forward to advancing this protection of Orange County's coastline." In 1931, Congress temporarily reserved, "pending enactment of appropriate legislation by the Congress, rocks, reefs, and small islands off the coast of Orange County for park, scenic, or other public purposes. However, the offshore rocks from the 1931 Act were never subjected to the jurisdiction of a federal agency despite being federal property. In 2000, President Bill Clinton created the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) in order to protect and preserve Californias unique coastline. But because the 1931 Act reserved Orange Countys offshore rocks, these lands were not absorbed into the CCNM and still remain in a state of limbo. This legislation will place these offshore rocks, reefs, and small islands within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to be managed as part of the CCNM. If enacted, the proposal would ensure that legitimate existing economic and recreational activities on and around these structures will not be prohibited. The bipartisanlegislation was authored by Rep. Rohrabacher and cosponsored by Rep. Royce, U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-San Clemente), U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Garden Grove) and U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (R-Irvine). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397854 | California Republicans Issue Statements on Water Legislation Negotiations | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, California Members of the House of Representatives released a timeline outlining water negotiations between the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dating back to 2011. In addition, Members issued statements regarding their ongoing, years-long efforts to alleviate the impacts of Californias drought. Negotiation Timeline 2011 H.R. 1837 the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act is introduced in the House. The bill would roll back government restrictions on the pumping of water for use by California communities and would ease regulations that result in hundreds of billions of gallons of fresh water getting flushed out into the ocean. 2012 The House passes H.R. 1837. The Senate, with a Democratic majority, does not consider H.R. 1837 or pass its own water bill. 2014 The House introduces and passes H.R. 3964, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Emergency Water Delivery Act, another attempt to ease government water regulations that restrict the water supply. Senator Feinstein introduces S. 2016, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, which would provide far less water for California families than H.R. 3964. Senator Feinstein then pushes House Republicans to instruct Senate Republicans to allow passage of a second bill, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, S. 2198, which allowed the two Chambers to enter a negotiating conference. House members and Senators begin talks on a compromise water bill, but Senator Feinstein walks away from the negotiations shortly before Congress adjourns The House quickly passes H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, that reflects negotiated language with Senator Feinstein. Senators Boxer and Feinstein block H.R. 5781 from being included in an omnibus spending bill. 2015 The House introduces and passes H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015, which reflects the 2014 negotiations with the Senate. The Senate introduces a water bill that spends $1.3 billion without an offset, mean… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hunter.house.gov/don%E2%80%99t-stifle-vaping | Hunter: Dont stifle vaping | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Duncan Hunter | H001048 | hunter.house.gov | legacy | Yes, I vape. On occasion, I might even smoke a real cigarette. Through my military career, including three combat tours, I even experienced chewing tobacco. Now that I vape, does it mean I am one step closer to dying than say, someone who might drink too much, eat too much red meat or live an all-around unhealthy lifestyle? No way. To vape is to smoke an electronic cigarette, for those who dont know. An e-cigarette is different from a regular cigarette, mainly because it does not contain tobacco. E-cigarettes contain a liquid that is vaporizedhence, the word vapeand inhaled. It might taste and smell like tobacco, but its not. Its true that vaping isnt as sexy as smoking old-fashioned cigarettes. Generations of Americans were brought up smoking traditional tobacco products and to them, vaping may appear to be nothing more than a fad, set to eventually burn out. Theyre wrong. The reason I vape is simple: Its so I dont smoke cigarettes. I vape knowing that Im not inhaling tobacco. Most importantly, I vape because I believe it could save my life. There are millions of Americans like me, who are choosing e-cigarettes over their traditional counterpart. Now the Food and Drug Administration wants to force me and millions of others to revert to cigarettes through the issuance of new regulations. What the FDA is proposing is a date of February 15, 2007, to require approval for e-cigarettes, even if they are already being sold. Not so bad, right? Wrong. To comply, any company that manufactures e-cigarettes must submit an application, to include test results on health risks. Doesnt sound so bad, right? Wrong again. The problem is that most e-cigarettes didnt exist before February 15, 2007. So if the FDA gets its way, not only will modern day e-cigarettes, with all their advancements and improvements, no longer be available for purchase, but thousands of small businesses specializing in the sale of vaping pens and accessories will be forced to close their doors. Also, whatever products did exist before 2007which people ar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-8-2015 | Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 8, 2015 | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional open house meetings on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project, released earlier in 2015. The meetings provide an additional opportunity for the public to receive information and provide feedback on the plan.Meetings will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville and Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Kerr-McGee Center, 100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest. Both meetings will be held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, and include a presentation and an open house format to review maps, ask questions and provide written comments to the BLM. The BLM will review input received through the public comment period, which closes January 25, 2016, when making a decision on the final plan.The draft plan delivers a proposed solution for adaptive and responsible travel management planning and off-highway vehicle use within the West Mojave planning area while protecting important resources and maximizing public accessibility in the desert. The plan also outlines conservation provisions for sensitive areas including providing for threatened and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and plays an active role in recovery of their habitat.For more information about the Draft SEIS, including interactive mapping, please visit the BLM Websitehttps://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/west_mojave__wemo.html.To submit a comment, or for additional questions, please contact Edy Seehafer, West Mojave Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, cawemopa@blm.gov, (760) 252-6021. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-to-keep-terrorists-out-of-the-us | Rep. Paul Cook Votes to Keep Terrorists out of the US | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for HR 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. This bill closes gaps existing in the program and adds additional layers of protection. Currently, citizens of all 38 approved Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel more easily to the United States than travelers from other countires. Rather than going to the US consulate to obtain a visa, citizens of VWP countries must provide detailed background information through an online form that is screened against US security systems. VWP applicants are approved or denied for travel to the US more quickly than citizens from non-VWP countries. This program enhances US security because the VWP countries must agree to strengthen their own security screening measures and to share crucial counterterrorism and law enforcement information with the US. In light of the high terror threat environment, more needs to be done to close VWP security gaps and keep terrorists from entering into the US. HR 158 denies VWP travel to travelers who are nationals of or have visited during the past five years- Iraq, Syria, and other countries with significant terrorist activity. These travelers will be required to seek a visa for entry into the United States through a more stringent process. This bill also demands strong intelligence sharing by law enforcement, enhances screening of all travelers in VWP countries, prevents extremists from using fraudulent documents to evade detection, and takes steps to ensure VWP travelers do not falsify their background information. Cook said, We need strong leadership to defeat ISIS. Despite our Presidents assertion, ISIS is not a junior varsity organization. They control more territory than al-Qaeda ever did in the Middle East. With the recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, its clear we need to be doing more to improve our security screening to prevent future attacks. This bill takes an important step in the right direction by closing loopholes in the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397846 | Rep. Royce Questions FSOC on OFR Transparency and Insurance Designations | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned members of the Financial Services Oversight Council (FSOC) regarding regulators creating systemic risk, transparency at the Office of Financial Research (OFR), and the designation of insurers as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) during today's House Financial Services Committee hearing "Oversight of the Financial Stability Oversight Council." "Last month, in ahearingbefore this Committee about due process issues with the FSOC, Professor Jonathan Macey of Yale Law School stated 'that with respect to the actions that the FSOC have already taken, there is a significant danger of increasing, rather than decreasing, systemic risk.' And his point as he explained was this because the FSOC is ignoring certain risk mitigation strategies and herding entities into particular risk strategies, which decreases diversification and then increases the systemic risk," beganRep. Royce. "This could also happen indirectly with companies making choices to merge, sharing in the cost of compliance and creating greater economies of scale; we have seen this in the banking sector. Or more directly with the implied or explicit backing of the government as in the case with the GSEs. So I was going to askMr. Curry, do you view the potential for regulators to create systemic risk as a problem? And what actions have you taken to make sure that... the FSOCs designations and the enhanced prudential standards of the Fed are not increasing systemic risk per the thesis that the Yale professor puts forward?" askedRep. Royce. "Congressman, the FSOC actually is looking at, and this is referenced in our annual report, some of the consequences of changes within the marketplace including regulatory changes. There are behaviours that have changed, institutions have either left or entered different types of business, the impact to non-banks. Those are all things that we have identified as emerging, or potential emerging, risks that require further monitoring and potent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397848 | Royce Highlights Unresolved Data Breach Liability Issues | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) highlighted the lack of clarity on data breach liability issues between retailers and financial services providers by offering and withdrawing an amendment during themarkupof H.R. 2205, the Data Security Act: "I thank Chairman Neugebauer for his leadership on this important issue of breach notification and data protection. In May, at a Committee hearing, I asked witnesses from both the financial industry and the retail industry: 'When a data breach occurs, how should we allocate financial responsibility for that breach?' Both witnesses agreed that entities negligent in protecting customer financial information should be responsible for any costs associated with that breach. I have drafted an amendment that codifies that question and that answer from that hearing. It would require that in the case of a major data breach one that harms more than a million consumers the cost would be borne by the entity at fault when the breach is caused by its failure to implement, develop and maintain a comprehensive information security program, as H.R. 2205 in fact mandates. To be fair, at the earlier hearing, the representative from the retail industry agreed those responsible should pay, but said that they already do and this issue is settled through contracts. Well, I wish that were the case. The fact is that most major breaches have resulted in litigation to settle reimbursement, and even then the rate of repayment does not come close to the cost of the breach, especially for community financial institutions. A recent survey by the American Bankers Association found that, between 2009 and 2014, two-thirds of all banks surveyed did not receive any reimbursement for breaches. For those who did receive reimbursement, over 80% received no more than 10% of their total losses and almost half said they received less than 1%. Credit unions in California have also been hard hit. The Target breach cost the Credit Union of Southern California $35,000. The Home Depot breach cost SchoolsF… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-visa-waiver-program-legislation | Rep. Mimi Walters on Visa Waiver Program Legislation | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. This legislation would strengthen the Visa Waiver Program to protect the U.S. from terrorists seeking to exploit the program. Said Rep. Mimi Walters, The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has been in place for thirty years, providing residents of 38 countries the ability to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without attaining a visa by passing background security checks. While the VWP has an enormously positive economic impact supporting one million U.S. jobs and $190 billion in 2014 - the growing threat from extremists and terrorists groups like ISIS, highlight the need to close security gaps in the VWP. This legislation would strengthen U.S. national security by requiring participating countries to share counterterrorism intelligence with the U.S., allow DHS to suspend a high-risk countrys participation, and prohibit those who have recently traveled to Syria or Iraq from using the program. It is critical that we take every step possible to protect American citizens and send this bill to the presidents desk without delay. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hunter.house.gov/hunter-why-obama-letting-china-beat-us-global-drone-sales | Hunter: Why is Obama letting China beat the US at global drone sales? | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Duncan Hunter | H001048 | hunter.house.gov | legacy | If American allies are given a choice when they purchase military weapons, its a sure bet that theyll look to buy American every time. The U.S. military has the most technologically advanced fighting force in the world and its no wonder so many of our global partners clamor for the cutting-edge weaponry that sets our defense forcesapart. This is the case now, but the technology gap is closing in some areas. At a certain point, the Obama administrations persistent refusals and denials to transfer U.S. weaponry abroad will lead to an even greater expansion of foreign military sales, especially from the Chinese. This is apparent already in the area of unmanned aerial systems, or drones. While the U.S. maintains a slight advantage in drone capability and production, the failure of the State Department to do business on this front has created a new market for China. And China is seizing theopportunity. An obvious example involves equipment requests from Jordan, which is on the front line in the war against the Islamic State, or ISIS. In fact, Jordans interests in destroying ISIS coincide with our own. The asset most sought by the Jordanians, as shown by their direct requests, is the Reaper drone. With the Reapers range and firepower, Jordan would be able to more effectively strike Islamic State fighters deeper in enemy territory and with far less risk to its personnel. Jordan could better control its borders and support additional combat needs as theyarise. Clearly, Reaper transfers to Jordan would constitute a win-win: Jordan acquires the resources and capability it needs to fight an enemy on its doorstep, while the U.S., in supporting a critical ally, would continue taking the fight to ISIS, as well as and secure market ownership and access which also happen to be of deep interest to China and its droneindustry. This wasnt near enough for the State Department. Jordans requests for Reaper were outright denied. So what did the Jordanians do? They turned to China. They turned toIsrael. Now the Chinese are arranging th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2015/12/issas-response-to-presidents-televised-address-on-isis/ | Issas Response to Presidents Televised Address on ISIS | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Darrell Issa | I000056 | issa.house.gov | legacy | Press Releases Issa's Response to Presidents Televised Address on ISIS The Presidents intention tonight was to reassure a concerned nation about his Administrations efforts to combat ISIS and keep the homeland secure. But there was no clear strategy for victory over ISIS, just a rehashing of rhetoric weve heard for the last year, and a renewed commitment to a halfhearted plan that has allowed a determined enemy to always be one step ahead of this Presidents proclamations of containment or assurances about our nations security. ISIS-inspired violence has now reached us here in California, and a group of dedicated public servants in San Bernardino have lost their lives. We cant afford another year, or even another day of failed Presidential leadership in the face of radical Islamic extremism. This crisis demands a commander-in-chief with a comprehensive military and counter-terrorism strategy to defeat ISIS and ISIS-inspired attacks, not another lecture on gun control or primer on the religion of peace. Wake up, Mr. President! | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/editorial-commercial-launch-sector-gets-what-it-needs | EDITORIAL: Commercial Launch Sector Gets What It Needs | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. Space Launch Competitiveness Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama Nov. 25, is a victory for one industry sector that only recently returned to U.S. territory and another, fledgling sector that finally appears on the verge of becoming a reality. Perhaps most importantly, the measure extends by nine years the government indemnification regime that has traditionally protected U.S. launch companies against ruinous lawsuits filed by uninvolved third parties. The indemnification regime, in which the government agrees to cover third-party damages in excess of the insured amount, was slated to expire at the end of 2016. Its extension was absolutely necessary to maintain the viability of an industry that effectively went overseas for other reasons a decade or so ago but has returned in recent years thanks largely to SpaceX. The law also bars, for another 10 years, the government from imposing safety regulations on the commercial human spaceflight industry, the exception being rules that specifically respond to fatal accidents or near misses. The extended grace period grants emerging suborbital spaceflight companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, the latter fresh from a successful unmanned flight and recovery of its reusable New Shepard vehicle, the latitude they need to complete vehicle development and build up a base of experience that will inform future regulations. The original Senate version of the bill had proposed shorter extensions for both the learning period and indemnification regime, but the House provision prevailed in conference. The final measure did not pass without some controversy. Leading Democrats in the House opposed, albeit unsuccessfully, a provision that shields commercial human spaceflight operators against passenger lawsuits except in cases where negligence can be proved. These protections, modeled after those that apply to other voluntary high-risk activities like recreational parachuting, are appropriate for commercial spaceflight as well. Nobody know… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397858 | Royce Pushes Credit Union Lending Regulatory Relief | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) spoke in support of credit union lending regulatory relief and presented an amendment mirroring his previously introduced legislation, H.R. 1422 or the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act, during a House Financial Services Committee markup: "This amendment mirrors legislation Ive introduced, H.R. 1422 or the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act. What I'm doing here is drawing attention to the need for credit union regulatory relief and hopefully I'm not belaboring the point. If I could point out again, the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act makes a small but significant change to the MBL cap calculation for credit unions. And that change alone unleashes $11 billion in capital for small businesses, and would do that of course without costing taxpayers a dime. This discussion is especially timely considering the Wall Street Journals recent report on the biggest banks in the U.S. making far fewer loans to small businesses and ceding market share to alternative, non-bank lenders that frankly charge significantly higher rates," said Rep. Royce. "Credit unions, if I could wrap up here, have a history of stepping into the small business lending space at times of economic hardship. The SBA finds that 80% of new credit union lending beyond the current cap would go to small businesses. We should allow them to do more. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your continued interest in this issue and I look forward to working with you to advance credit union regulatory relief. With that, I ask that the amendment be withdrawn Mr. Chairman and I yield back," concluded Rep. Royce. Rep. Royce and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 1422, the Credit Union Residential Loan Parity Act, on March 18, 2015. Specifically, the bill removes loans made for the purchase of non-owner occupied, 1-4 unit dwellings from the calculation of the member business lending (MBL) cap currently imposed on credit unions.Importantly, the bill maintains the ability of the National Credit Union A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398025 | Valadao Introduces Legislation to Increase California Water Storage | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | Valadao Introduces Legislation to Increase California Water Storage H.R. 2749Amends the Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to Increase Dam Capacity f t # e Washington, June 12, 2015 | Anna Raquel Vetter ((202) 815-1685) This morning, Friday, June 12, 2015, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives to improve water storage capabilities in California. share: f t Washington This morning, Friday, June 12, 2015, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced legislation in the United States House of Representatives to improve water storage capabilities in California. H.R. 2749; the Dam Authorization, Maintenance, and Safety (DAMS) Act amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to develop additional project benefits if certain provisions are met.The average age of the 84,000 dams in the United States is 52 years old. In order to avoid dam failures, which would cause substantial economic damage and, more importantly, loss of human life, significant investment and regular maintenance is necessary.Under current law, the Bureau of Reclamation may only identify dam repairs and modifications which result from new hydrologic or seismic data or those actions that are deemed necessary for safety purposes. The Secretary of the Interior is not allowed to authorize additional assessments of the dam unrelated to the qualifying issue, meaning repairs or modifications resulting from normal deterioration or lack of maintenance are prohibited.If such a repair or modification were identified by the Bureau of Reclamation, Rep. Valadaos legislation would allow the Secretary to not only address the specific issue but to also evaluate whether additional modificatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397469 | Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism f t # e Washington, D.C, December 4, 2015 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to additional reportsindicating the female San Bernardino attacker pledged her support to ISIS: The reports and overwhelming evidence make it clear to me that the attack in San Bernardino was an act of terrorism. This is an attack by radical, violent Islamic extremists, one who had openly stated her support for ISIS. While residents from the Inland Empire have bravely fought against these extremists around the globe, we have now seen the violence from the war on terror come to our region. In order to defend and protect the liberties and freedoms that make America and the Inland Empire an extraordinary place to live, we must restate our commitment and strengthen our resolve to defeat violent Islamic extremists around the world. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398524 | When will Obama say the San Bernardino attackers were terrorists? | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | When will Obama say the San Bernardino attackers were terrorists? f t # e Washington, December 4, 2015 I issued a statement today commending the FBI for investigating the San Bernardino massacre as an act of terrorism, and calling on President Obama to acknowledge that the shooting was a terrorist attack. You can read the statement here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397841 | Chairman Royce Statement on FBI Investigating San Bernardino Shooting as an Act of Terror | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Chairman Royce Statement on FBI Investigating San Bernardino Shooting as an Act of Terror f t # e Washington, December 4, 2015 House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued this statement following todays announcement by the FBI that they are now investigating the shooting in San Bernardino as an act of terrorism: We now have yet another case of radicalization fueled by the internet and social media a method that terrorists have exploited for years. When is this administration going to wake up? If we're going to keep the American people safe, the administration must put forward the broad and aggressive strategy needed to defeatIslamist terrorism and protect our country." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-san-bernardino-attack-was-terrorism | Rep. Calvert: San Bernardino Attack was Terrorism | 2015-12-04 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to additional reportsindicating the female San Bernardino attacker pledged her support to ISIS: "The reports and overwhelming evidence make it clear to me that the attack in San Bernardino was an act of terrorism. This is an attack by radical, violent Islamic extremists, one who had openly stated her support for ISIS. While residents from the Inland Empire have bravely fought against these extremists around the globe, we have now seen the violence from the war on terror come to our region. In order to defend and protect the liberties and freedoms that make America and the Inland Empire an extraordinary place to live, we must restate our commitment and strengthen our resolve to defeat violent Islamic extremists around the world." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397468 | Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting f t # e Washington, D.C, December 3, 2015 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the shooting in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Center: As a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, Im heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and the wounds suffered as a result of the attack in San Bernardino. I know that our region will come together and provide the families of the victims with the support and compassion that they so desperately need in this trying time. I want to thank all of our law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to the incidents. Their heroism and bravery, in the face of unimaginable evil, is what restores our faith in humanity. I stand ready to work with our local and federal authorities to ensure the availability of all necessary resources. It is imperative that we pursue all possible accomplices and leads to ensure that anyone who was associated with this attack is brought to justice. We will not and cannot let cowards with evil intentions terrorize our communities and our country. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-votes-to-modernize-us-energy-policy | Rep. Cook Votes to Modernize US Energy Policy | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for HR 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. This bipartisan bill updates and modernizes outdated energy policies. This bill helps America continue on the path to energy independence and creates new jobs. The North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act updates and modernizes outdated policies that were created during a time of energy scarcity. The United States continues to undergo an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation, and a skilled workforce. The bill focuses on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure America has the necessary infrastructure to meet todays energy challenges. In an effort to protect our electrical grid, this legislation enhances emergency preparedness and utilization of advanced technologies to address threats to the grid, including physical and cyber-attacks, electromagnetic pulses, geomagnetic disturbances, severe weather, and seismic events. The bill also takes important steps by strengthening partnerships with American allies and reforming the approval process for energy exports. It promotes simple and affordable methods to address energy demand and lower electric bills, while also reducing government waste, and prioritizing budget dollars in existing programs. Rep. Cook said, America is the worlds leading energy producer, but our infrastructure just hasnt kept pace. This bill will help modernize and update that infrastructure, while also building a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce, and strengthening America's energy security. Lets make these upgrades, create good paying jobs, and secure our energy independence. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-education-bill-with-civics-ed-support | House Passes Education Bill With Civics Ed Support | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement upon House passage yesterday evening of the Every Student Succeeds Act, legislation that reforms and decentralizes elementary and secondary education and include support for civics education: “Freedom can only be preserved with knowledge and vigilance, and when people understand the history of our founding and how our government works. So it is undeniably important to the well-being and continuity of our nation’s ideals to support civics education. This week, Congress will pass legislation supporting civics education throughout the United States so the next generation can preserve our great tradition of liberty and build an even stronger America. “In our community, students have already been challenged to learn about our founding and engage with their government. Our ‘We the People’ competitions teach American values while instilling a sense of cooperation and hard work. But ultimately, raising a civics-minded generation is impossible without the dedication of our teachers and community members. Congress supports their efforts, and I personally thank them for the passion they have in their important work.” Additionally, leaders of our community’s civics education program provided the following statements: “I feel certain that Kern County students and educators will benefit from legislative support to provide teacher training and student resources focused on civic education. The efforts of Congressman Kevin McCarthy to move this legislation forward will have an impact on our county which goes far beyond the classroom.” – Terri Richmond, Golden Valley High School social studies teacher & Center for Civic Education California state coordinator “Leading educators from throughout the nation would like to thank House Majority Leader McCarthy for conveying his strong support for the American History and Civics Education National Activities section (Sec. 2233) that was incorporated in the final conference agreement of the reaut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-first-long-term-highway-bill-in-a-decade | The First Long-Term Highway Bill in a Decade | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on House adoption of the Conference Report of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act: “Congress is getting things done the way they’re supposed to be done. Moving through the traditional processes, the House and Senate have come to an agreement to fund our transportation infrastructure for five years, the first long-term highway bill in 10 years. “Among the many reforms in this bill, the Surface Transportation Program will now operate as a block grant, giving states the flexibility they need to fund the most necessary transportation projects. This bill also streamlines the environmental review and permitting process so that our infrastructure improvements don’t get bogged down in unnecessary red tape. Moreover, this bill wisely rejects the notion from some in Washington that we must burden middle class families with a gas tax increase to fund critical infrastructure programs. Thanks to Chairman Shuster’s (PA-09) leadership, we have a bill negotiated and paid for that is a responsible way to fund transportation infrastructure and keep America moving.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/hr-22-tea-21-the-highway-bill-no | H.R. 22 TEA 21 The Highway Bill: No | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | H.R. 22 TEA 21 The Highway Bill: No. The Highway Trust Fund accent on the Trust was a promise made to highway users that the gas taxes they paid at the pump would be used for highways.Period. That promise was broken long ago and now shattered by this act. HR 22 is a five-year, $305 billion highway bill, but only $207.4 billion will be spent on anything remotely resembling highways (and much of that wasted on environmental mitigation, inflated labor costs and highway beautification projects). $48.7 million will be raided to prop up failing mass transit systems. (I have nothing against mass transit; I simply believe that highway users should pay for highways and mass transit users should pay for mass transit). But in addition to raiding our highway taxes, this bill demands more revenues derived in a variety of undesirable ways. It sells off 66 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at the very bottom of the market (a board of directors that managed its assets so recklessly would be sued); hires private debt collectors to turn the screws on taxpayers (doesnt that sound like fun?); raids the Federal Reserve of funds set aside to protect depositors and raids interest paid to large banks that are required to purchase Federal Reserve stock. Oh, and to add insult to injury, this highway bill reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank, a posterchild of crony capitalism that puts U.S. taxpayers at risk for loans made to foreign corporations to buy American products with which to undercut American companies. If there is any question why Congress is held in such low esteem, I submit HR 22 as Exhibit A. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397839 | Royce Supports Transportation Bill to Provide for California's Infrastructure Needs | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) voted in favor of H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The five-year reauthorization bill passed the House by a vote of 359 to 65. Rep. Royce successfully amended the bill to allow California to receive a waiver from federal HOV regulations that would harm the state. Our ports are the nations gateway to world trade, and projects like the 57/60 confluence expansion are critical to the movement of commuters and goods throughout our region. This bill will further enable our state to repair, modernize, and expand California's infrastructure, said Rep. Royce. "Prior to adoption of my amendment, the bill could have made construction of California's highways more expensive, reduced the incentive to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, and negatively impacted our air quality." Rep. Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, represents parts of Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-san-bernardino-shooting | Rep. Calvert Statement on San Bernardino Shooting | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the shooting in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Center: "As a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, I'm heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and the wounds suffered as a result of the attack in San Bernardino. I know that our region will come together and provide the families of the victims with the support and compassion that they so desperately need in this trying time. I want to thank all of our law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to the incidents. Their heroism and bravery, in the face of unimaginable evil, is what restores our faith in humanity. I stand ready to work with our local and federal authorities to ensure the availability of all necessary resources. It is imperative that we pursue all possible accomplices and leads to ensure that anyone who was associated with this attack is brought to justice. We will not and cannot let cowards with evil intentions terrorize our communities and our country." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-long-term-highway-bill-0 | Rep. Mimi Walters on Long-Term Highway Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of the Conference Report for the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Click the picture above to see Rep. Walters speak on the FAST Act on the House floor Said Rep. Mimi Walters, Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of the Conference Report for the FAST Act. As a member of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am pleased this bill reflects the Committees hard work. This legislation makes a fundamental investment in our nations roads, bridges, and infrastructure - providing long-term certainty for local governments and ensuring the efficient movement of consumer goods. Importantly, it also streamlines the environmental review and permitting processes to ensure transportation projects stay on time and on budget. I was pleased that three provisions of significance to my district were included in the final bill one directs DOT to study the effects of marijuana impaired driving; the second would incentivize the use of innovative pavement material; and the third would help address congestion in HOV lanes. This five-year bill is fully paid for, and will put a stop to short-term extensions that are costly to taxpayers and create significant uncertainty for local and state governments. Im pleased to support this historic bill coming before the House floor today and I thank Chairman Shuster for his hard work in making this bill a reality. I yield back. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-supports-landmark-energy-bill | Rep. Mimi Walters Supports Landmark Energy Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Mimi Walters | W000820 | walters.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives Mimi Walters (CA-45) today released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. H.R. 8 passed in the U.S. House by a vote of 249-174 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate. Said Rep. Mimi Walters, As one of the worldsleading energy producers, the U.S. has the immense potential to create jobs, grow our economy, and increase energy security by maximizing our nations energy abundance. Unfortunately, unnecessary roadblocks, such as bureaucratic red tape and overregulation, are significantly delaying the permitting process for new energy projects. This important bill would address these hurdles by modernizing our energy infrastructure, streamlining the current approval process for energy exports, and providing regulatory relief for U.S. energy producers and manufacturers. I was pleased to stand for energy and jobs today by voting in support of this landmark bill. Walters represents Californias 45th District and sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/federal-lands-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-national-park-centennial-act | Federal Lands Subcommittee Hearing on the National Park Service Centennial Act | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | Congressman McClintock is the Chairman of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. The subcommittee held a legislative hearing on draft legislation for the "National Park Service Centennial Act" (authored by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop). The Park Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016, and the legislation addresses the second century of the National Park Service. Witnesses at the hearing included Jonathan Jarvis, Director, National Park Service. Congressman McClintock delivered the following opening statement at the hearing: Chairmans Opening Statement Federal Lands Subcommittee Hearing on the National Park Service Centennial Act December 2, 2015 Today, the Federal Lands Subcommittee meets to hear testimony on a discussion draft of the National Park Service Centennial Act. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. This year-long celebration of our National Parks affords us a unique opportunity to reflect on the past, assess the present, and make adjustments for the future. The centennial pays tribute to the uniquely American notion that our most beautiful and historic lands should be set aside for the use and enjoyment of the people of the United States. In the words of the Organic Act of 1916, to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same. Yet, as we approach the centennial, the Park Service faces considerable challenges to achieving the goals sets forth in the Organic Act, chief among them being the massive 11.5 billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog. As the Park Service has gradually taken on new responsibilities and Congress has voted to add new units to the system, the Park Service has fallen behind on necessary projects. With 409 units now included in the system, the Park Service is spread thin. In addition to deferred maintenance projects, the Park Service also faces challenges with fee collection, technological upgrades, management of concessions contracts fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/s-1177-every-student-succeeds-act-or-the-bill-formerly-known-as-no-child-left | S. 1177 - Every Student Succeeds Act (or the Bill Formerly Known as No Child Left Behind): YES | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | S. 1177 - Every Student Succeeds Act (or the Bill Formerly Known as No Child Left Behind): YES. George W. Bushs No Child Left Behind has been a disaster. Its stated goal was to bring every child to grade-level proficiency by 2014. Instead, for the first time in 25 years student achievement is declining with just 33 percent of 8th graders proficient in math and 34 percent in reading. So what to do? States desperate to escape the bureaucratic nightmare of this act have been required to adhere to the Obama Administrations one-size-fits-all Common Core curriculum in order to receive waivers. This bill SHOULD repeal the whole program and return the money to local schools to administer as they (and the parents) see fit. It doesnt. It sets up several new federal education programs (albeit desirable ones STEM and Civics), continues failed pre-school programs and locks them in for another four years. That said, its a clear improvement over the Bush NCLB disaster that would otherwise continue in place if this bill is not adopted. This bill removes the Administrations ability to extort policy for NCLB relief and forbids federal imposition of Common Core. It consolidates 49 categorical programs into one more flexible fund. It reduces overall spending about $16 billion a year (about $130 of savings for an average family). It requires a more honest accounting of student performance, which is likely to give parents ammunition in demanding local school improvements. It provides solid protections for home schoolers against federal interference. In short, a big disappointment from what could and should be but a huge improvement over current law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397838 | Royce Statement on the San Bernardino Shooting | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Chino Hills) released the following statement on the shooting in San Bernardino: "As the situation continues to unfold, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of San Bernardino and the first responders at the scene.Rep. Royce represents California's 39th Congressional District, which includes parts of Chino Hills and Chino in San Bernardino County. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397840 | Reps. Royce and Meng Move to Remove the Term "Oriental" From Federal Law | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) successfully amended H.R. 8, theNorth American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015, to strike the term "Oriental" from preexisting federal law and replace it with Asian American. The amendment also removes the terms "Negroes," "Indians," and "Eskimos" from the same law. "Orientals is an offensive and antiquated term, especially so when referring to America's vibrant Asian American community," said Rep. Royce. "Using this term in federal law lends it a legitimacy it doesn't deserve, which is why Congresswoman Meng and I have moved to remove it." The word Oriental is an offensive and derogatory term that should no longer be used by the federal government, said Rep. Meng. Nobody in our country, regardless of ethnicity, should be referred to in an insulting manner by the government. Its well past time to strike the legal use of this outdated term. It no longer has a place in federal law, and I look forward to the day when its finally gone for good. Specifically, the Meng-Royce amendment removes all references to "Orientals," "Negroes," "Indians," and "Eskimos," inTitle 42 of the United States Code, and replaces them with "Asian Americans," "African Americans," "Native Americans," and "Alaska Natives." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398100 | Valadao, House Pass ESEA Reauthorization | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | During the 50th Anniversary Year of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the U.S. House of Representatives considered legislation to improve elementary and secondary education for students across the United States. share: f t Today, during the 50th Anniversary Year of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the U.S. House of Representatives considered legislation to improve elementary and secondary education for students across the United States. Despite good intentions, No Child Left Behind failed to provide students the quality education they deserve. In an effort to address these flawed policies, both the House and Senate passed separate bills to reform Kindergarten through 12th grade education, which resulted in a final proposal from the Joint Conference Committee. Today, Wednesday, December 2, 2015, the House of Representatives considered and passed S. 1177, theEvery Student Succeeds Act, a proposal approved by a House and Senate Conference Committeewhich will replace longstanding principles of No Child Left Behind. Following the vote, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) stated, One of my priorities in Congress is ensuring our nations youth receive a quality education. Regardless of race, religion, income level, age, geographical location, or learning ability - everyone should have access to a strong education. He continued, I believe the one-size-fits-all approach to education often favored by those in Washington only interferes with our local schools. The legislation passed today, will cut red-tape tying the hands of local educators and will give parents and teachers the resources and flexibility they need to ensure every student receives the best education possible. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step to usher in a new era in public education, said National Education Association (NEA) President Lily Eskelsen Garca. As a result of todays vote, we are now on a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-december-1-2015 | Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: December 1, 2015 | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional open house meetings on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the West Mojave Route Network Project, released earlier in 2015. The meetings provide an additional opportunity for the public to receive information and provide feedback on the plan.Meetings will be held Tuesday, December 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville and Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at the Kerr-McGee Center, 100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest. Both meetings will be held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, and include a presentation and an open house format to review maps, ask questions and provide written comments to the BLM. The BLM will review input received through the public comment period, which closes January 25, 2016, when making a decision on the final plan.The draft plan delivers a proposed solution for adaptive and responsible travel management planning and off-highway vehicle use within the West Mojave planning area while protecting important resources and maximizing public accessibility in the desert. The plan also outlines conservation provisions for sensitive areas including providing for threatened and endangered species such as the desert tortoise and plays an active role in recovery of their habitat.For more information about the Draft SEIS, including interactive mapping, please visit the BLM Website https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/west_mojave__wemo.html.To submit a comment, or for additional questions, please contact Edy Seehafer, West Mojave Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, cawemopa@blm.gov, (760) 252-6021. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-to-host-paradise-community-meeting | Rep. LaMalfa to Host Paradise Community Meeting | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Paradise, CA Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today announced that he will be hosting a community meeting in Paradise this Friday, December 4. This event is a great opportunity for me to listen your thoughts on issues facing the North State and update you on the work Im doing in Washington, stated Rep. LaMalfa. Its important that I hear directly from the Paradise community, and I hope youre able to attend. Paradise Community Meeting Friday, December 4, 2015 4:00pm 6:00pm Sierra Hall 6165 Center Street Paradise, CA 95969 For more information or to RSVP, contact Representative LaMalfas Oroville District Office at (530) 534-7100. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398522 | Fox News discussions of intel manipulation | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | Fox News discussions of intel manipulation f t # e Washington, November 25, 2015 I'd like to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. During the holiday week, please take a look atsome Fox News discussionsabout allegations of intelligence manipulation at U.S. Central Command. To watch the reports, click onthe picture below: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397835 | Royce-Vitter GSE CEO Salary Cap Signed Into Law | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, President Barack Obama signed legislation modeled on H.R. 2243, the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015, as introduced by U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.). The bill, which caps the salaries of the CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is the first major standalone legislation enacted that deals with the GSEs since they were placed into conservatorship. "Reaching a similar bipartisan consensus on winding down Fannie and Freddie is critical, as the federal government's dominance of the housing market is unsustainable. We should encourage more private capital in the system to ease the way for future comprehensive housing finance reform," said Rep. Royce. Rep. Royce introduced the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015 on May 8, 2015, and itpassed out of the House Financial Services Committee by a 57-1 voteon July 29, 2015. U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) authored the Senate version of the bill that passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 15, 2015. Both Rep. Royce's bill as amended and Sen. Vitter's legislation suspend the recently announced $4 million a year compensation packages for the CEOs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and limit their total compensation to the prior level of $600,000 a year each. Earlier this year, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt authorized the GSEs to propose new executive compensation plans for the position of CEO that may be as high as the 25th percentile of the market, or approximately $7.26 million a year. The GSEs shortly thereafter announced that their CEOs would receive $4 million a year compensation packages, a dramatic raise from their prior annual salaries of $600,000 at a cap set by former FHFA Director Edward DeMarco. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/james-madison-project-forging-a-more-perfect-union-between-students-and-us | James Madison project: forging a more perfect union between Students and U.S. Constitution | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Fortified with a federal grant, local educators want to form a more perfect union between middle and high school students and the U.S. Constitution. But first, they need a few good high school teachers. It’s all part of the James Madison Legacy Project, named for the fourth President of the United States, considered the father of the U.S. Constitution, and the first three words of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Kern County educators have long participated in continuing education to hone their skills in teaching middle and high school government and civics classes. That is, until federal funding lapsed several years ago. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, helped revive it earlier this year, generating bipartisan support in the House for the Center for Civic Education's grant application to the federal Secretary of Education. The Center got its three-year grant, estimated at nearly $17 million nationwide, and early next year local teachers will host colleagues from the eighth and 12th grades as they learn more about the Constitution. In fact, area educators are managing the state’s program, which is expected to directly train at least 150 teachers and reach more than 7,500 students. It will include 30 hours of professional development in January, February and March, including a close review of the Constitution and one-on-one time with teacher mentors. In April, 40 teachers from around the state will come to Cal State Bakersfield for Earl Warren Scholarship Day, and the following month a similar group including 25 Kern teachers will tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. “I’ll be training teachers statewide, but right now the focus on the activities for this first group will be in Kern County,” said Terri Richmond, who teaches 12th grade social studies at Golden Valley High School. So far, 15 local eighth grade teachers have indicated they want to be involved, but the group needs more 12th grade teachers — and, of course, sponsors. California’s portion of this ye… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398520 | Syrian refugees and my appearance on CNN Sunday | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | Yesterday I voted for the SAFE Act, which passed the House of Representatives on an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The bill would suspend President Obama's program to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States until much stronger security standards are adopted for vetting the refugees. One of the main problems in vetting these refugees is that we often don't have any information about them in our databases. FBI Director James Comey has acknowledged these security gaps. He told Congress that"the challenge we're all talking about is that we can only query against that which we have collected. And so if someone has never made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interest reflected in our database, we can query our database until the cows come home, but there will be nothing [to] show up because we have no record on that person." ISIS operatives openlyproclaim that they aresmuggling terrorists into the West amid the current wave of refugees. InISIS videos,the group explicitly vows to attack the United States.Under these circumstances, I don't believe we can risk taking in thousands of Syrian refugees for whom our security agencies "have no record." The Paris terror assault shows that ISIS is ruthless, dedicated, effective, and treacherous in attacking the West. Our response requiresfierce vigilance. I'll be discussing these issues and othertopicson CNN's State of the Unionon Sunday in the 6:00 amhour PST. The show will rebroadcast at 9:00 am PST.If you missed my interview on Fox News' Special Report this week, you can watch it at this link. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397832 | Chairman Royce Applauds Treasury and USTR for Initiating E.U. Covered Agreement Negotiations | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to news that the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will initiate negotiations with the European Union on establishing a covered agreement: Word that Treasury and USTR are initiating negotiations to establish a covered agreement with the E.U. is welcome relief, considering the negative impact that a delay would have on American companies abroad. As I stressed to Treasury and USTR in September, time is of the essence when it comes to creating an international level playing field for insurers and reinsurers, and now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. On September 29, Chairman Royce sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew and USTR Michael Froman urging them to move forward on a covered agreement with the European Union regarding prudential measures related to the business of insurance or reinsurance. In the letter, Chairman Royce wrote: The time is now for the Department of Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to use the statutory authority to begin formal negotiations of a covered agreement with the EU on a number of prudential issues, including reinsurance collateral requirements." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397467 | Rep. Calvert Votes to Halt Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Programs | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (289 to 137) of the House in approving the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 4038, of which Rep. Calvert is a cosponsor. The most important responsibility that my constituents place on my shoulders is keeping them safe, said Rep. Calvert. Americans are sympathetic to innocent civilians who have been forced to flee their war-torn nations but we must take effective measures to ensure all refugees coming here have been screened.There is bipartisan concern, including from senior Obama administration officials (FBI, DHS and CIA), that the current security screening process in place is not sufficient.Halting the Syrian and Iraqi refugee programs is not a matter of compassion; its a matter of competency and confidence in our security screening process. To ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United State, this the SAFE Act will require two actions: The FBI director must certify the background investigation of each refugee. The secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must unanimously concur that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States and make a certification to Congress. This bill constitutes an effective pause until we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country. During a House Homeland Security hearinglast month, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson spoke about his concerns with the Syria refugee program: We know that organizations such as ISIL might like to try to exploit this program. It is true that were not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process. That definitely is a challenge. At the same hearing, FBI Director James Comey also expressed his concerns about the Syria refugee program: We do see a risk. We can query our databases un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-votes-to-protect-americans-from-isis | Rep. Cook Votes To Protect Americans From ISIS | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) voted for H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. The bill passed the House 289-137 with bipartisan support. Senior US Law enforcement and intelligence officials have previously expressed concern that they lack the information necessary to screen Syrian refugees to make sure they do not have ties to terrorism. The recent attacks in Paris showed weaknesses in security systems; at least one of the attackers reportedly infiltrated Europe by posing as a Syrian refugee. The US Administration admitted 1,682 Syrian refugees during fiscal year 2015, and US Secretary of State John Kerry has stated that the U.S. will admit at least 10,000 during fiscal year 2016. HR 4038 prohibits the United States from admitting refugees from Iraq and Syria without a thorough security screening. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, FBI Director, and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat prior to his or her admission to the United States. It also creates an additional layer of protection by requiring the DHS Inspector General to assess refugee approvals independently ensuring that high risk individuals do not slip through the cracks. Rep. Cook said, With the attacks in Paris, weve seen firsthand the dangers posed by terrorists posing as refugees. We need to remain vigilant in our screening process to ensure that we are verifying the backgrounds of the individuals and not allowing ISIS to exploit the system to plan attacks. We need to show the American people that we are doing everything possible to prevent an attack on US soil. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-votes-to-halt-resettlement-program-for-iraq-and-syria | Rep. LaMalfa Votes to Halt Resettlement Program for Iraq and Syria | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted in favor of H.R. 4038, a bill he cosponsored to halt the resettlement of Iraqis and Syrians in the United States until the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of National Intelligence can certify that every refugee has been thoroughly vetted and is not a security threat. The House acted rapidly to pass the bill after one of the perpetrators of the Paris terror attacks was found to have infiltrated Europe with refugees fleeing strife in Syria and Iraq. The United States is one of the most generous countries in the world in terms of resettling refugees, admitting immigrants, and providing humanitarian assistance. We know that terrorists have exploited the generosity of our European allies, and now more than ever the security of our country must be our top priority, said LaMalfa. The heads of both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have testified that we lack the means to safely screen refugees. If our leading intelligence and law enforcement officials cannot verify that foreigners claiming refugee status are not a security risk, then we have no choice but to halt this program. The measure addressed security gapshighlighted by testimony from FBI Director James Comey, who told the House Committee on Homeland Security that federal agencies lack the data needed to properly screen those applying for refugee status. DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson also testified about the lack of information on refugee applicants, stating that one of the challenges we will have is that were not going to know a whole lot about the individual refugees. In addition to co-sponsoring and voting in favor of H.R. 4038, which passed the House on a vote of 289-137, Rep. Doug LaMalfa has also taken the following steps to address the security risks involved with the refugee resettlement program: Co-sponsored H.R. 3314, the Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2015 which places a moratorium on the admission of refugees into the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/hr-4038-american-safe-act-yes | H.R. 4038 American SAFE Act: Yes | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Tom McClintock | M001177 | mcclintock.house.gov | legacy | H.R. 4038 American SAFE Act: Yes. This bill requires that refugee applicants from Iraq and Syria not be admitted to the United States until and unless the FBI Director, Homeland Security Secretary and Director of National Intelligence all certify that the applicant is not a security threat. To the extent that it requires an official to take direct responsibility for this certification, it is a small improvement over current law, but I am afraid will simply be used as a rubber stamp. Indeed, unless they come into contact with government agencies, we know NOTHING about them, and the fundamental problem is that this IS the screening process under which they will be certifying. Furthermore, our wide-open southern border is a vastly greater security problem which feel-good measures like this one studiously avoid. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-halt-syrian-and-iraqi-refugee-programs | Rep. Calvert Votes to Halt Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Programs | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (289 to 137) of the House in approving the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 4038, of which Rep. Calvert is a cosponsor. "The most important responsibility that my constituents place on my shoulders is keeping them safe," said Rep. Calvert. "Americans are sympathetic to innocent civilians who have been forced to flee their war-torn nations but we must take effective measures to ensure all refugees coming here have been screened.There is bipartisan concern, including from senior Obama administration officials (FBI, DHS and CIA), that the current security screening process in place is not sufficient.Halting the Syrian and Iraqi refugee programs is not a matter of compassion; it's a matter of competency and confidence in our security screening process." To ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United State, this the SAFE Act will require two actions: The FBI director must certify the background investigation of each refugee. The secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must unanimously concur that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States and make a certification to Congress. This bill constitutes an effective pause until we are certain that no refugee from Iraq and Syria who is a threat will be allowed in the country. During a House Homeland Security hearinglast month, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson spoke about his concerns with the Syria refugee program: "We know that organizations such as ISIL might like to try to exploit this program. It is true that we're not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process. That definitely is a challenge." At the same hearing, FBI Director James Comey also expressed his concerns about the Syria refugee program: "We do see a risk. We can query our databases until the cows come hom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/desert-cities-support-rep-cooks-cmorca | Desert Cities Support Rep. Cook's CMORCA | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- Local support continues to build for Rep. Paul Cooks bill, HR 3668, the California Minerals, Off-Road Recreation, and Conservation Act (CMORCA). Today, the City of Barstow, the City of Hesperia, and the Town of Apple Valley, announced their support for the bill. Hesperia Mayor Eric Schmidt said, CMORCA strikes the right balance between protecting our desert, ensuring public access for recreational opportunities, and allowing important economic activities like mining to continue. We appreciate Congressman Cooks efforts to work with local officials and stakeholders on this issue and I look forward to its passage in Congress. Apple Valley Mayor Larry Cusack said, I want to thank Congressman Cook for working with town officials to make sure CMORCA addresses the needs of our region. His inclusion of a land conveyance is vital to the completion of the towns Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, which will streamline the permitting process in our sphere of influence. Barstow Mayor Pro-Tem Timothy Silva said, CMORCA is a great bill for the City of Barstow because it permanently protects OHV areas while also preserving the deserts economic potential. I applaud Congressman Cook for drafting a reasonable solution to protecting our desert. Rep. Cook said, I am glad to see even more community support for this bill. It preserves majestic landscapes for future generations, addresses the needs of off-highway vehicle users, and protects economically vital mineral sites. The bill which was introduced on October 1, 2015, presents a balanced approach to protecting, managing, and using public lands in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Inyo counties. The bill involves management of existing federal land and would not result in an increase in federal landownership. The City of Twentynine Palms, the City of Banning, the San Gorgonio Pass Regional Water Alliance, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission have also announced their support of the bill. A member of the House Armed Services, Natural Resou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397828 | Rep. Royce Advocates for More Private Capital in the Housing Market | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White on the SEC's actions related to risk-sharing by the GSEs during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled Examining the SECs Agenda, Operations, and FY 2017 Budget Request." What weve been trying to do, under [Chairman Hensarlings] leadership, is to take a strong interest in housing finance reform and see how we can move forward the concept of bringing more private sector credit risk-sharing into the GSEs. Wed like to get as many positive things done as we possibly can in this quarter. So Real Estate Investment Trusts are a logical investor in these transactions. Weve seen the communication from the FHFA that it does not perceive any drawback from greater involvement by REITs in credit risk transfers. This is might be an area where sooner rather than later we can move forward additional steps to get more private capital. Could you work with us to clarify that all of these risk transfer deals are viewed as good REIT assets that do not undermine investor protections? asked Rep. Royce. Certainly Id be happy to work with you on that. I think the staff may be working with you on that, but Ill make sure that they are, replied Chair White. I think thatd be helpful. I think its very clear, as the Federal Housing Finance Agency says in the end of the day, theres a clear benefit in getting credit risk transfers to get more private capital back in here for this part of this equation. REITs can do this according to them, according to us, we certainly see the benefit to this. When youre looking at a significant source of private capital like this, it just doesnt make sense because of regulatory hurdles to prevent that capital from being deployed. Wed appreciate that assistance, concluded Rep. Royce. Absolutely, said Chair White. Watch Rep. Royce's questioning of Chair Whitehere or by clicking on the image below: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397829 | Rep. Royce Pushes the SEC on Investor Transparency and Protection | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White regarding the slow progress made on Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) adoption in the United States during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled Examining the SECs Agenda, Operations, and FY 2017 Budget Request." If we look back to the collapse of Lehman Brothers, one of the lessons was the need to quickly understand the relationship of corporate entities to one another. So out of the ashes of Lehmans downfall came the Financial Stability Boards concept, and this was actually at the direction of the G-20, this concept of Legal Entity Identifiers or LEIs as we call them, where each entity has to register that unique 20-digit code. That makes their identity very clear when youre trying to unravel something in real-time in terms of all their financial transactions," said Rep. Royce. "Last month, this Committee passed out legislation, which I authored, requiring the Office of Financial Research to provide an annual update on the progress of adoption of these LEIs here in the United States. Now the global adoption, I think, is at 400,000 LEIs in 180 countries. So if the OFR were to conduct its report today, Im afraid the SEC would lag behind its global counterparts in terms of the adoption in other countries. As we move towards more transparency, this is obviously part of our mission. I think the Commission did mandate the use of LEIs in its security-based swap rules; it didnt require it in other rules. Should we expect the SEC is going to require greater use of this important risk management tool in the future? Is there anything holding you back in that regard?" asked Rep. Royce. Theres nothing holding us back, obviously if its appropriate to the space you want to make sure it fits. I think LEI is an enormously important tool. The SEC has been a very strong proponent in those global efforts that you mentioned. We frankly look for, are looking for, opportunities to use it more, I guess is the way Id an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/newsletter/congressman-paul-cooks-newsletter-november-19-2015 | Congressman Paul Cook's Newsletter: November 17, 2015 | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Cook (CA-08) and Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31) introduced HR 4024, the Santa Ana Wash Plan Land Exchange Act, which is a land-use plan that allows the transfer of land between the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management. The land exchange takes place in a designated region within the Santa Ana Wash, at the junction of the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek.Currently, land within the Santa Ana Wash is owned by both the San Bernardino Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Parcels owned by the district are currently used for the purpose of recharging water in more than 77 basins, and also provide Riversidian Sage Scrub habitat. New lands would be set aside for conservation purposes near land managed by BLM. The wash area is occupied by two mining companies, Cemex and Robertsons Ready Mix, which extract aggregate for cement and concrete production. The production of aggregate will support approximately $8.5 million in infrastructure projects and $36 million annually in payroll from this site alone. The exchange of land between the district and BLM will connect a patchwork of land ownership to create a consolidated open space for conservation purposes and will optimize mining efficiency and water conservation efforts.This important legislation will complete the land swap at the center of the Santa Ana River Wash Plan. This will align local land ownership with appropriate uses, setting aside already disturbed land for aggregate mining and setting aside important habitat for conservation purposes. Its a win for the economy and a win for the environment. I look forward to working with Rep. Aguilar to get this done for our communities. said Cook.Im glad to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Cook and businesses, local governments and environmental groups to make this land transfer a success, said Aguilar. He continued, The Wash Plan will empower industries to take root and flourish, continue investments in our transportation and infra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-and-rep-pete-aguilar-introduce-initiative-to-balance | Rep. Paul Cook and Rep. Pete Aguilar Introduce Initiative to Balance Conservation and Economic Development | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Rep. Paul Cook (CA-08) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) introduced HR 4024, the Santa Ana Wash Plan Land Exchange Act, which is a land-use plan that allows the transfer of land between the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management. The land exchange takes place in a designated region within the Santa Ana Wash, at the junction of the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek. Currently, land within the Santa Ana Wash is owned by both the San Bernardino Water Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Parcels owned by the district are currently used for the purpose of recharging water in more than 77 basins, and also provide Riversidian Sage Scrub habitat. New lands would be set aside for conservation purposes near land managed by BLM. The wash area is occupied by two mining companies, Cemex and Robertsons Ready Mix, which extract aggregate for cement and concrete production. The production of aggregate will support approximately $8.5 million in infrastructure projects and $36 million annually in payroll from this site alone. The exchange of land between the district and BLM will connect a patchwork of land ownership to create a consolidated open space for conservation purposes and will optimize mining efficiency and water conservation efforts. This important legislation will complete the land swap at the center of the Santa Ana River Wash Plan. This will align local land ownership with appropriate uses, setting aside already disturbed land for aggregate mining and setting aside important habitat for conservation purposes. Its a win for the economy and a win for the environment. I look forward to working with Rep. Aguilar to get this done for our communities. said Cook. Im glad to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Cook and businesses, local governments and environmental groups to make this land transfer a success, said Aguilar. He continued, The Wash Plan will empower industries to take root and flourish, continue investments in our transportat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tribes-should-be-able-to-set-their-own-labor-rules | Tribes Should Be Able to Set Their Own Labor Rules | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015: “Despite years of precedent allowing tribes to set their own labor policies on their own land, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has chosen—once again—to overstep its authority in its attempts to claim jurisdiction over Native American tribes. Tribal leaders have repeatedly spoken out against this overreach, and Congress has listened. Representative Todd Rokita’s (IN-04) bill stops yet another example of needless and illegitimate federal intervention, restoring the sovereignty of tribes to create labor policies that are best for their members.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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