Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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4,746 rows where state = "CA" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending
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party 2
- Democrat 3,802
- Republican 944
year 1
- 2014 · 4,746 ✖
state 1
- CA · 4,746 ✖
chamber 1
- House 4,746
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-indonesia-air-asia-flight-8501 | Pelosi Statement on Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501 | 2014-12-31 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 San Francisco — Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the crash of Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those lost on Indonesia Air Asia Flight 8501. In the midst of the holidays, as we gather together to celebrate with loved ones, we are acutely aware of the pain this tragedy represents. "The American people stand with all those mourning the passengers and crew, and hope we can be of assistance in the investigation and recovery efforts. “We hope it is a comfort to the families of the victims that so many around the world share in their sadness at this terrible time.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-ezell-ford-autopsy-and-lapd-shooting | Statement on Ezell Ford Autopsy and LAPD Shooting | 2014-12-30 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | LOS ANGELES, CA—Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after the release of the autopsy of Ezell Ford, an unarmed 25-year-old who was shot and killed by LAPD officers in August: "I appreciate Mayor Garcetti’s actions today in requesting Ezell Ford’s autopsy be released to the public. I join with Mr. Ford’s family in grieving his death as well as wanting to make sure that justice is served. “The information in the autopsy is one piece of evidence, but it does not tell the complete story. I echo calls for all witnesses to come forward to share their reports of what they saw last August. This information is vital to ensuring we have the full story of what happened. "Ezell Ford’s family and the South Los Angeles community deserve a full and impartial investigation surrounding the tragic events from this summer. There are many facts to consider—including the Mr. Ford’s mental illness as well Mr. Ford being shot in the back. "I will continue to closely monitor the Los Angeles Police Department’s, the office of inspector general’s and the district attorney's office’s investigations.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-possible-ambush-police-officers-south-la | Statement on Possible Ambush of Police Officers in South LA | 2014-12-30 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | LOS ANGELES, CA—Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after two people fired on Los Angeles Police Officers Sunday night: "I am deeply concerned about the shooting at two Los Angeles Police Officers Sunday night on 62nd and Hoover streets. This sort of gun violence has no place on our streets, and it only serves to make our communities less safe for all of our residents. At this point it is unclear whether the officers were the targets of the shooting, but I am relieved that no one was hurt in this incident. "As community members we must strive to work together to rid our neighborhood of senseless violence. "All lives matter." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://roybal-allard.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397795 | Rep. Roybal-Allard Issues Statement on Ezell Ford Autopsy Release | 2014-12-30 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Lucille Roybal-Allard | R000486 | roybal-allard.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) issued the following statement about the release of the autopsy of Ezell Ford, who was shot and killed in August by LAPD officers in the South Los Angeles area of her Congressional District:"It is critical that Ezell Ford's death be investigated thoroughly and impartially. That is why I thank Mayor Garcetti for ordering the release of Mr. Ford's autopsy results. This is an important step in making the fullest possible accounting of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ford's death. I also urge any and all witnesses to his death to come forward without delay, so that we have a clear and accurate picture of this event. I will continue to monitor the ongoing investigations into this tragedy. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ford's family, as they are with the family of Omar Abrego, who also died after an encounter with police in my District in August. I fully support the mission of our nation's law enforcement personnel to protect and serve the American people. At the same time, their work must always be done in a manner that respects the law and the rights of the people they protect. I also continue to support the right of the people to peacefully and legally express their First Amendment rights – including the right to assemble – in response to these deaths." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-named-most-valuable-house-member-in-the-nations-2014-honor-roll | Congresswoman Lee Named Most Valuable House Member in The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll | 2014-12-29 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.29.14 Congresswoman Lee Named Most Valuable House Member in The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll Oakland, CA The Nation has named Congresswoman Barbara Lee the Most Valuable House Member calling her a full-spectrum advocate for peace, civil rights, civil liberties and economic justice. It is with a sense of humility that I thank The Nation for the tremendous honor of being named the Most Valuable House Member' in its 2014 Honor Roll, said Congresswoman Lee. From ensuring economic justice and fairness to securing global peace and security, progressives have a lot of work to do in the 114th Congress. I look forward to continuing to work with advocates and my colleagues to promote freedom, equality and fairness. The Nation cites the Congresswoman as keeping her office door open to advocates and championship of causes that others neglect and waging the fights that others fear as key elements to the Congresswoman's ability to advance her progressive legislative agenda. Others honored by The Nation's 2014 Honor Roll include Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Attorney General elect Maura Healey, National Nurses United and others. A full list of honorees can be found here. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/pelosi-updates/a-year-of-progress | A Year of Progress | 2014-12-24 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Please feel free to forward this information to your family and friends. To learn more about these efforts, to express your views, or to sign up for email updates, please visit my website. I am also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NancyPelosi. Sincerely,Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov//media-center/amis-updates/email-update-end-of-year-report | Email Update: End of year report | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | I sent an email update on Tuesday with an end-of-year report on my first term serving you. Join my updates now so you don't miss any in the future! With 2014 coming to a close soon, this is a natural time for reflection. For me, this new year will mark the end of my first two-year term serving you in Congress, and the start of a new term. I’m so grateful for the privilege of continuing to represent you. Over the past two years, we’ve all unfortunately seen far too much partisan gridlock and finger pointing in Washington. While it's been difficult, we’ve also made progress. My office has fought to create jobs, to lower our debt, to honor the promises we've made to our seniors, and to help local families fix problems they’re having with the federal government. So as we come together to enjoy the holidays, here's an end-of-year report on some of the major ways I’ve been fighting for you. Please scroll down below to learn more. Please also feel free to forward this report to anyone you know, so they can learn about how I’m serving them too. Happy holidays! Fighting for you in Washington Even with the dysfunction in Washington, we've made progress in important areas like holding Congress accountable, caring for our veterans, keeping families safe from domestic violence and sexual assault, and more. Here are some examples: • Passing No Budget, No Pay: If Members of Congress don’t do their jobs and pass a responsible budget, then they shouldn't get paid. That’s why I became a lead sponsor of the No Budget, No Pay Act shortly after becoming your representative, and helped lead the effort to make it law for 2013. I’m now fighting to pass a stronger and more permanent version. • Passing the first bipartisan budget in years: I was also proud to vote for the first bipartisan budget to pass Congress in several years. This budget will help reduce our deficit by $23 billion. • Passing the Violence Against Women Act: One of my first acts was to vote for the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/bera-volunteers-at-christmas-in-cordova-holiday-toy-drive-for-local | Bera volunteers at Christmas in Cordova holiday toy drive for local children, families | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. and his local staff joined hundreds of volunteers on Saturday, December 20th for the annual Christmas in Cordova event. The Folsom Cordova Community Partnership has been organizing this holiday toy drive for years to help support hundreds of local families and children in need. “It was heartwarming to see how many volunteers came out and donated to help make this year's Christmas in Cordova such an incredible success,” said Bera. "This event is a shining example of our community coming together and I hope it continues to grow in the years to come. My staff and I had a great time getting to know the dedicated volunteers and helping the families who attended." The partnership works with other local non-profits and churches throughout the year to collect food donations, monetary donations, and toys and gifts for children. The event serves families in the community who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to make ends meet. “The families we serve often are faced with desperate decisions, such as buying food for their children, paying monthly rent and dealing with day-to-day challenges which often increase during the pressures of the holiday season,” said Robert Sanger, Executive Director of the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership. “This year, we were able to help bring cheer to more than 800 families, with more than 4,500 presents donated thanks to all of the support from our partners, the community, and our volunteers." The event featured three different play-care children sections for various age groups so that kids could play while parents went to the ‘toy shop’ to pick out Christmas presents. The gymnasium of Mills Middle School was converted into a toy shop and gift wrap area filled with volunteers ready to wrap and decorate the presents. Parents could select up to three gifts for each child and had the option of getting them giftwrapped before taking them home. In addition to the play-care areas and toy shop, families were treated to a hot lunch and received a basket of food to tak… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cardenas.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/c-rdenas-statement-on-iran-negotiations | CRDENAS STATEMENT ON IRAN NEGOTIATIONS | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Tony Cárdenas | C001097 | cardenas.house.gov | legacy | CÁRDENAS STATEMENT ON IRAN NEGOTIATIONS I am disappointed that the negotiations have not produced an agreement to end Iran’s nuclear program in the year since the adoption of the Joint Plan of Action in Geneva in 2013. However, I remain hopeful a diplomatic solution will ultimately be achieved with the announced extension and commitment to continue negotiating until the new deadline, June 30, 2015. Iran must recognize that negotiations cannot continue indefinitely. Congress and the American people cannot accept a deal that does not prevent an Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There must be independent verifiable evidence that Iran is living up to its end of the bargain in any agreement that is reached. We must also push for a strong agreement to ensure the security and integrity of our allies and partners in the region. An Iranian nuclear weapon threatens a delicate balance in the Middle East and could spark a dangerous arms race. I will continue to monitor the ongoing discussions and work with my colleagues in the 114th Congress on legislation to build new sanctions to encourage a timely settlement. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://juliabrownley.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brownley-statement-for-the-holidays | BROWNLEY STATEMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | legacy | THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement for the holidays: “As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate the holidays, let us thank the brave men and women in uniform for their valor and service. Our servicemembers are crucial to our community and are part of what makes Ventura County such a great place to live and work. “As the representative of the over 19,000 personnel who serve our country at Naval Base Ventura County – and a proud member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee – I want to take a moment to thank everyone who is serving in the armed forces for their selfless dedication to our country. They deserve our sincere gratitude for defending our country and our freedoms. Without their brave efforts, America would not have the liberties so many of us enjoy and often take for granted. Through their example, we remember that our nation is strongest when we work together to achieve common goals. And it is our solemn obligation to make sure that each servicemember and veteran receives all of the services and care they need when they return home. “So, from my family to yours, Happy Holidays and have a safe and healthy New Year.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mikethompson.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/thompson-statement-on-irrigation-restriction-ruling-by-federal-appeals-court | THOMPSON STATEMENT ON IRRIGATION RESTRICTION RULING BY FEDERAL APPEALS COURT | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Mike Thompson | T000460 | mikethompson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) released the following statement after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s 2011 ruling that said irrigation restrictions in California’s Central Valley lacked sufficient scientific justification. In overturning the lower court’s ruling, the circuit court upheld irrigation restrictions in the Central Valley that were created in 2009 after the National Marine Fisheries Service released a “biological opinion” which found that Central Valley irrigation projects endangered steelhead and chinook salmon. “The 9th Circuit’s ruling in this case affirms that while Delta water is important for farmers in the Central Valley, it’s also important for fish, wildlife and those who depend on the Delta for their drinking water and livelihoods. The Delta supports thousands of jobs in farming, fishing and tourism, and has an economic output of more than $4 billion a year. Neither the court, nor anyone else, should be in the business of picking winners and losers when it comes to our limited water supply. Instead, all decisions should be guided by the best available science – and the 9th Circuit let the best available science guide its decision making. I commend the ruling and look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, state leaders, and all stakeholders to find fair, science-based solutions to our water challenges.” Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398272 | What I saw in the Middle East | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | I recently returned from a trip to the Middle East that included visits to the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Erbil. There was some good news out of Iraq recently, as Kurdish fighters – helped by U.S. airstrikes – pushed back ISIS forces around the town of Sinjar. This advance broke ISIS’s siege of Mount Sinjar, where thousands of civilians had fled after ISIS launched a calculated campaign of mass murder. Despite this progress, ISIS’s recent publication of a manual approving the beating and trading of Christian and Jewish sex slaves, alongside harrowing reports of the widespread murder and forced conversion of Christians – including the killing of children – should remind us of the terrible fate that will befall millions if these depraved zealots are not defeated. Not many Americans would want to live amid this dangerous war. Yet in Iraq, I met U.S. servicemen and women who are risking their lives to assist the battle against ISIS. I am in awe of their selfless courage. These Americans are spending Christmas there – in a warzone far from friends and family – so that we can celebrate Christmas in safety here. So I’d like to offer my gratitude and appreciation to military veterans as well as active duty, reserve, and national guard servicemembers, especially those now on deployment, and wish my friends and constituents a Merry Christmas. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=bf28640c-b200-4c5f-a991-a0a5ebfded67 | Feinstein, Grassley Release Recommendations for Combatting Afghan Drug Trade | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today released a bipartisan report, “Future U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Afghanistan,” which provides recommendations for Congress and the administration to counter illicit activities and corruption surrounding the Afghan drug trade. The report’s recommendations have also been endorsed by Senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), James Risch (R-Idaho) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). “The Afghan drug trade funds the Taliban, fuels corruption and creates major public health challenges,” said Senator Feinstein. “Afghanistan could become a narco-state without an effective, comprehensive and coordinated counternarcotics strategy, coupled with unprecedented levels of international cooperation. If we don’t act, Afghanistan’s drug trade could undermine hard won gains and U.S. investments and threaten the safety of the citizens of Afghanistan and neighboring countries.” “Opium production in Afghanistan has rapidly increased as the U.S. military presence has been reduced,” said Senator Grassley. “Our report outlines the critical need for the Obama administration to put plans in place now to support continuing counternarcotics efforts without the current level of security provided by the United States. The administration should provide Congress with a comprehensive, multi-agency, workable strategy before any more gains made over the past 13 years are lost.” The report recommends that the United States: Work with the Afghan government to account for the inherent challenges that have previously stymied U.S. efforts to produce and implement a long-term, interagency counternarcotics strategy and develop goals and metrics to measure progress. Encourage additional countries to support counternarcotics programs in Afghanistan and provide resources to help better interdict narcotics leaving Afghanistan. Strengthen the rule of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-for-the-holidays/ | Brownley Statement for the Holidays | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | juliabrownley | https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Thousand Oaks, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement for the holidays: “As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate the holidays, let us thank the brave men and women in uniform for their valor and service. Our servicemembers are crucial to our community and are part of what makes Ventura County such a great place to live and work. “As the representative of the over 19,000 personnel who serve our country at Naval Base Ventura County – and a proud member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee – I want to take a moment to thank everyone who is serving in the armed forces for their selfless dedication to our country. They deserve our sincere gratitude for defending our country and our freedoms. Without their brave efforts, America would not have the liberties so many of us enjoy and often take for granted. Through their example, we remember that our nation is strongest when we work together to achieve common goals. And it is our solemn obligation to make sure that each servicemember and veteran receives all of the services and care they need when they return home. “So, from my family to yours, Happy Holidays and have a safe and healthy New Year.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:44:12Z |
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-applauds-step-in-the-right-direction-but-remains-disappointed-by-msm-blood-donation-ban | Congresswoman Lee Applauds Step in the Right Direction but Remains Disappointed by MSM Blood Donation Ban | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.23.14 Congresswoman Lee Applauds Step in the Right Direction but Remains Disappointed by MSM Blood Donation Ban Oakland, CA Congresswoman Lee released this statement on news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will recommend ending the lifetime blood donor deferral for MSM in favor of a one year deferral from last sexual contact: I am pleased to see the FDA take a step in the right direction by re-examining the outdated and discriminatory policy regarding blood donations from the MSM community. Yet, I remain disappointed that their recommendation continues blood donation deferrals without scientific justification. Blood and blood products are critical to the treatment of many medical conditions and blood supplies are chronically low. Our policies towards blood donation should be based on science, not fear. Deferral policy should only be based on actual risk factors. I have called and will continue to call for a blood donation policy based on science, data and technical capacity. ### Congresswoman Lee is a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, and is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and former co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cooks-bill-to-rename-29-palms-post-office-for-col-mac-dube | Rep. Paul Cook's Bill to Rename 29 Palms Post Office For Col. Mac Dube Signed by President | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today issued the following statement after the President signed HR 5331, renaming the post office in Twentynine Palms, located at 73839 Gorgonio Drive, as the “Colonel M.J. ‘Mac’ Dube, USMC Post Office Building: “I am pleased to honor Mac’s legacy by renaming the post office in his honor. Mac served his nation honorably and left a legacy for all those who come after him. He’ll always be remembered in Twentynine Palms for his hard work, dedication, and patriotism.” A member of the House Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired as a Colonel after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal with valor device and two Purple Hearts for actions in combat. For a copy of the press release when HR 5331 passed the House of Representatives, please click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mikethompson.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/thompson-and-brady-s-bipartisan-small-business-efficiency-act-signed-into | THOMPSON AND BRADYS BIPARTISAN SMALL BUSINESS EFFICIENCY ACT SIGNED INTO LAW | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Mike Thompson | T000460 | mikethompson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Kevin Brady’s (R-TX) bipartisan Small Business Efficiency Act (H.R. 3581) was signed into law on Friday by President Barack Obama. The legislation helps reduce burdens faced by small businesses and ensures better compliance with complex federal employment tax responsibilities. Specifically, the Small Business Efficiency Act provides clear rules for Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) that are voluntarily certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect and pay federal employment taxes for their small business clients. The legislation will provide certainty for small businesses that use certified PEO services and allow employers to focus on their business operations, not government paperwork. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they shouldn’t be held back because of Washington regulations and piles of government paperwork,” said Thompson. “This law will remove bureaucratic burdens so that small businesses can focus on what they do best – growing their business, producing quality products and creating good-paying jobs.” PEOs provide human resources services to small business clients. One of the most important tasks that PEOs perform for small businesses is the collection and payment of employment taxes, reducing the amount of burdensome paperwork for small businesses. Before the bill was enacted, there was ambiguity about a certified PEO’s (CPEO) ability to assume employment tax responsibility. The Small Business Efficiency Act eliminates this ambiguity by implementing safeguards for the CPEO’s small business clients. To become a certified PEO (CPEO) Thompson and Brady’s legislation requires a PEO to meet certain basic financial conditions, satisfy reporting obligations, and maintain ongoing certification with the IRS. After meeting certification requirements, the CPEO would assume full and sole responsibility and liability for employment taxes due as long as they are certified. The Small Business Efficiency Act creates a v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/pelosi-updates/a-new-beginning | A New Beginning | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | A New Beginning After more than 50 years, it is clear that the policy of isolating Cuba is serving neither the interests of the American people nor the democratic aspirations of the Cubans. We must acknowledge our policy towards Cuba is a relic of a bygone era that weakens our leadership in the Americas and has not advanced freedom and prosperity in Cuba. President Obama’s decision to normalize US-Cuban relations has achieved a historic diplomatic breakthrough that renews our leadership in the Western Hemisphere. I commend the President and Secretary of State John Kerry for their vision and leadership in this initiative, and in securing the release of American prisoner Alan Gross and the US intelligence agent who has languished in Cuban prison for two decades. The initiatives announced by President Obama this week, including those in the field of agriculture, build on the bipartisan work of many in the Congress over the years. We also recognize the role of the abiding moral leadership of Pope Francis in helping our nations reach this new beginning. However, we must also acknowledge that democratic activists and political prisoners have suffered for decades under the brutal reign of this oppressive regime, and the pain they and their families continue to face will not cease today. With clear eyes, we will continue to call on the Cuban regime to yield to the political, social, and economic dreams of the Cuban people. To follow Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi on Instagram, please click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sherman-letter-to-sony-pictures-entertainment | Congressman Sherman Letter to Sony Pictures Entertainment | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Brad Sherman | S000344 | sherman.house.gov | legacy | December 22, 2014 Mr. Michael Lynton CEO Sony Pictures Entertainment 10202 West Washington Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232 Re: Invitation to screen The Interview at the U.S. Capitol Dear Mr. Lynton I am extending an offer to screen The Interview in the U.S. Capitol facilities. As Chairman of the Entertainment Industries Caucus, I believe we should stand in solidarity with Sony Pictures and the American film industry. Threats from a dictator in North Korea should not stop Americans from seeing any movie. We have a responsibility to stand up against these attempts at intimidation. This is also about educating Members of Congress. Everyone is talking about The Interview. I think it's important for Congress to know, and see, what we are talking about. Screening The Interview will demonstrate the U.S. Congress's support of the freedom of speech. This is about our right to live without fear, and knowing that our values will not be compromised by the idle threats of a despotic regime. Good or bad, Americans should not be deprived of the opportunity to see this movie. It is now the responsibility of the U.S. government to allocate the necessary resources to ensure moviegoers' safety. We must help Sony Pictures, movie theater owners, and moviegoers regain the confidence to go see The Interview. If you have any questions please contact Lauren Wolman at lauren.wolman@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-5911. Sincerely, Brad Sherman Member of Congress CC: The Honorable Chris Dodd Chairman MPAA Mr. Keith Weaver Worldwide Government Affairs Sony Pictures Entertainment | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-double-voice-of-america-broadcasting-into-north-korea | Sherman: Double Voice of America Broadcasting into North Korea | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Brad Sherman | S000344 | sherman.house.gov | legacy | Washington DC - Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), the second Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee issued the following statement: Kim Jong-un has used vandalism and threats of violence to suppress speech in the United States. The North Korean government has prevented millions of Americans from seeing a particular movie, at least during December. Importantly, these threats are now causing movie and television producers to delay or abandon sensitive projects. It is time to give North Korea a double dose of free speech. Currently Radio Free Asia and Voice of America reach North Koreans eleven hours each night, at a cost to American taxpayers of $8 million annually (or roughly one tenth of what it cost Sony to make and advertise The Interview). We should ramp this up to $16 million. Dictators like Kim Jong-un fear nothing as much as the truth and it is time to bring a maximum supply of truth both to the North Korean people, and to the elites which form the core of the regime's support. We also maintain websites aimed at North Korea, but we do not provide television broadcasts. Our web efforts should be aimed at undermining Kim Jong-un among these elites, who have internet access. The BBG Report on North Korea (issued December 8, 2014) shows that our current eleven hour per day stream of broadcasting to North Koreans falls a bit short of our own 12 hour per day goal. Though nighttime hours are more effective than daylight hours, we should be broadcasting 24 hours a day into North Korea. (The BBG, Broadcasting Board of Governors, is the US government agency which oversees the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.) The Report also indicates that for medium wave (AM) we are dependent on leased transmission sites (usually leased from South Korean radio broadcasters). The Broadcasting Board of Governors is seeking to construct its own medium wave transmitter in South Korea at a location optimally suited to reach the North Korean people. This effort should be funded and expedited. We should explore using s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/nominees-announced-for-service-academies | Nominees announced for service academies | 2014-12-20 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Red Bluff Daily News Posted: 12/20/14, 7:22 AM PST Washington, DC >> Representative Doug LaMalfa Friday announced the names of the nine North State residents who will receive a nomination for admission to one of the United States service academies for the class of 2019. Among the nominees are Tyler Younkers of Red Bluff to the U.S. Air Force Academy and Kody Rulofson of Cottonwood to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to nominate these nine exceptional individuals from the North State to the U.S. Service Academies,” said LaMalfa. “Each of these applicants has excelled in their performance in the classroom and commitment to our country and communities. I am confident they will continue to make us proud and I offer my sincere gratitude for their willingness to serve our great nation.” The nominees were recommended by a committee of North State community leaders and veterans of all service branches. 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 this month. California First Congressional District Service Academy nominations include Riley Davis of Redding, Air Force; Austin Dowse of Grenada, Air Force; Trent Foster of Nevada City, Naval; Nicholas Katz of Chico, Military, Andrew Klassen of Chico, Naval; Kevin Williams of Yreka, Military Academy and Wyatt Wyckoff of Magalia, Military. Any student with a strong desire to serve the nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces is invited to contact LaMalfa in the spring of their junior year. Visit www.lamalfa.house.gov for nomination application and instructions. You may also call the Oroville District office and speak with the U.S. Service Academy Advisor at (530) 534-7100. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov//media-center/amis-updates/email-update-working-for-you | Email update: Working for you | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | I sent an email update on Friday on how I've been working for you over the past few weeks. Join my email updates now so you don't miss any in the future! It's been a busy few weeks, so here's a quick update on how I'm working for you. Important note: My Washington office has moved to 1535 Longworth House Office Building. We're just one floor above where we used to be. Please feel free to call us at (202) 225 5716 to share your views or even get help with tours of the Washington area. Fighting the U.C. Tuition Hike As you may know, the University of California regents recently voted to raise tuition for U.C. students. If their plan goes forward, students could see a 28 percent tuition increase over 5 years. I'm extremely disappointed by this vote. It breaks the promise of an affordable education for many students. As a co-chair of the bipartisan California Public Higher Education Caucus, I helped lead the opposition to this tuition hike. Several of my California congressional colleagues joined me to urge the U.C. regents to stop the hike so students aren't priced out of the American dream. Several state lawmakers have since proposed plans to avoid the hikes, but none have yet been adopted. We need to bring down the skyrocketing cost of education so that same dream is available to this and future generations. >> Please click here to read our letter urging a rejection of tuition hikes. Fairness for Pregnant Working Women Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard arguments on a major pregnancy discrimination case. This case may decide if women can expect reasonable accommodations at the workplace so they can keep providing for their families while they're pregnant. As a husband and a father of a daughter, I believe a woman shouldn't have to choose between her job and the health of her pregnancy. That's why I joined with dozens of my congressional colleagues to send a legal brief to the Supreme Court. We're urging the Court to rule in favor of pregnant working women. I’m also supporting the Pregnant Women’s … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/president-signs-rep-cook-s-mammoth-mountain-land-exchange-provision | President Signs Rep. Cooks Mammoth Mountain Land Exchange Provision | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama signed into law Rep. Paul Cook’s Mammoth Mountain Land Exchange. The original bill, HR 1241, passed the House of Representatives by voice vote in December, 2013. The measure was ultimately put into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law today. The Land Exchange allows the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to obtain the 21 acres surrounding the Mammoth Mountain Inn. This land is currently leased from the National Forest Service. In exchange, the National Forest Service would receive from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area over 1,500 acres of valuable wilderness along with a monetary offset. Rep. Cook stated, “This is about jobs. The land exchange will allow Mammoth Mountain to start construction, creating jobs to rebuild the Mammoth Mountain Inn. The new construction on the Inn will help facilitate not only new construction jobs during renovation, but will allow the ski area to expand, creating more permanent jobs.” A member of the House Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. #### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/interior-secretary-jewell-congressmen-garamendi-thompson-host-public-meeting-berryessa | Interior Secretary Jewell, Congressmen Garamendi & Thompson Host Public Meeting on Berryessa Snow Mountain Region | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | John Garamendi | G000559 | garamendi.house.gov | legacy | Following Tour of Region, Heard from Community on Proposals to Conserve Public Lands in Lake, Yolo, Solano, Napa, & Mendocino Counties NAPA, CA – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today visited the Berryessa-Snow Mountain Region of California where she joined Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA-03) and Mike Thompson (D-CA-02) for a public meeting to hear from the community about its vision for the management of public lands in Lake, Yolo, Solano, Napa, and Mendocino counties. "The Berryessa Snow Mountain Region is a natural treasure at the heart of the 3rd District. This region’s rugged beauty helps sustain outdoor recreation businesses, serves as a valuable source of water, and provides critical habitats for our wildlife," Congressman Garamendi said. "It was vitally important to hear from our friends and neighbors in the community on how we can best preserve Berryessa Snow Mountain now and into the future. I look forward to translating these ideas into sound public policy." "This is an incredibly beautiful area with great opportunities for outdoor recreation, so it’s no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation," said Secretary Jewell. "I’m grateful for today’s opportunity to get out and see the public lands and to hear directly from the local community about their vision for conservation and land management. I want to underscore our support of Congressman Thompson’s efforts to recognize this region as a National Conservation Area, which could also lead to additional economic benefits to the region." "Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region will help boost tourism, grow the local economy, improve recreation opportunities and protect important species found nowhere else on earth," said Congressman Thompson. "That is why I’ve proposed legislation that would permanently safeguard this important region. However, Congress has refused to consider this bill. If Congress won’t act, then I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary J… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-coast-guard-maritime-transportation-bill-law-ranking-member-garamendi | President Signs Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Bill Into Law that Ranking Member Garamendi Helped Author | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | John Garamendi | G000559 | garamendi.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan Law Strengthens Economy and National Security and Includes Garamendi’s Growing American Shipping Act FAIRFIELD, CA – Today, President Barack Obama signed into law S. 2444, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. Earlier this month, this bipartisan legislation passed both Chambers of Congress by unanimous consent. "Now that the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act is the law of the land, we are reminded that even in this deeply divided Congress, good and important legislation can sometimes make it to the finish line," Ranking Member Garamendi said. "I thank President Obama for signing this legislation. I also thank my colleague on the subcommittee, Chairman Duncan Hunter, as well as Chairman Bill Shuster, Ranking Member Nick Rahall, Senator Jay Rockefeller, and Senator John Thune, for working closely with me in an inclusive and bipartisan way. We didn’t craft a perfect law, but it’s a strong compromise that will strengthen our economy and improve our national security." The law reauthorizes funding for the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Federal Maritime Commission. It also provides policy direction and certainty for these entities and the entire maritime sector. As Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03) worked closely with Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA-5) to write the bill; negotiated a bipartisan, bicameral compromise; and built support for passage through both chambers of Congress and with the Administration. "With this law, we are modernizing the Coast Guard and strengthening businesses that depend on maritime transport – which is almost every business. We’re also strengthening American shipbuilding, the backbone of our maritime sector," Congressman Garamendi added. The law also incorporates legislation that Congressman Garamendi introduced, H.R. 5270, the Growing American Shipping Act, which requires… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huffman.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/huffman-calls-for-swift-renewal-of-the-secure-rural-schools-program | Huffman Calls for Swift Renewal of the Secure Rural Schools Program, Essential to Rural North Coast Communities | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today called on Congressional leaders to reauthorize a program that provides key support to rural communities. Representatives Huffman, Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) led a bipartisan letter urging the swift renewal of Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS) funding to help counties with large amounts of federally-owned National Forest land. Since National Forest land cannot be taxed by counties or states, for more than 100 years the U.S. Forest Service has shared revenues from timber harvests on federal lands with the nearby communities. In the letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi the members pointed out that SRS program provides vital funding to communities facing declining revenue from timber sales on federal lands. The program helps rural counties pay for infrastructure projects and supports local school districts. “Failing to renew the SRS program will cause significant harm to the ability of rural and timber communities to provide basic services to their residents,” the members wrote in the letter sent today. “We urge you to work quickly, in a bipartisan fashion, to reauthorize, fund and make payments under SRS as early as possible in the next Congress ensuring that local governments across the country can access these essential funds.” Across the nation SRS sends funds to more than 700 counties and 4,000 school districts. California is one of the top recipients of SRS funds, totaling more than $32.7 million in FY 2013, second only to Oregon. FY 2013 payments to counties in Huffman’s 2nd Congressional District totaled more than $5.7 million in SRS funds: Del Norte: $1,217,621 Trinity: $3,286,334 Humboldt $935,964 Mendocino: $307,490 Huffman’s letter was signed by 34 other members and is supported by the National Association of Counties, National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition, The School Superintendents Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, National Rural Education… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://juliabrownley.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brownley-welcomes-uclass-fleet-integration-team-to-point-mugu | BROWNLEY WELCOMES UCLASS FLEET INTEGRATION TEAM TO POINT MUGU | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | legacy | OXNARD, CALIF. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) announced that the U.S. Navy will be establishing an Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Fleet Integration Team (FIT) at Point Mugu. “I am proud to report that the UCLASS FIT will be based at Point Mugu, which is yet another example of Naval Base Ventura County’s increasing strategic importance for our nation’s 21st century defense posture,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “I look forward to welcoming the UCLASS FIT personnel and their families to our community.” According to the Department of the Navy, the UCLASS FIT will support the Navy’s persistent, aircraft carrier-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and strike requirements. The new command will be in place effective October 1, 2015, and will include 8 officers and 12 enlisted personnel. Its mission will be to plan, integrate, and execute the lines of effort required to establish the Initial Operational Capability of the UCLASS system and transition the program to Full Operational Capability. It will determine squadron requirements for manpower, training, maintenance, logistics, carrier integration, optimized fleet response plan, information technology, interoperability, security, and budget. The UCLASS FIT will also coordinate with facilities personnel to determine infrastructure and base operating support requirements, as well as determine associated fleet integration and support requirements for inclusion into the proper programs of record. ### | 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 | Rep. LaMalfa Announces Nominees to the United States Service Academies | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington DC- Representative Doug LaMalfa today announced the names of the nine North State residents who will receive a nomination for admission to one of the United States service academies for the class of 2019. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to nominate these nine exceptional individuals from the North State to the U.S. Service Academies,” said LaMalfa. “Each of these applicants has excelled in their performance in the classroom and commitment to our country and communities. I am confident they will continue to make us proud and I offer my sincere gratitude for their willingness to serve our great nation.” Rep. LaMalfa’s nominees were recommended by a committee of North State community leaders and veterans of all service branches. 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 this month. California First Congressional District Service Academy Nominations: Riley Davis- Redding U.S. Air Force Academy Austin Dowse- Grenada U.S. Air Force Academy Trent Foster- Nevada City U.S. Naval Academ Nicholas Katz- Chico U.S. Military Academy Andrew Klassen- Chico U.S. Naval Academy Kody Rulofson- Cottonwood U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Kevin Williams- Yreka U.S. Military Academy Wyatt Wyckoff- Magalia U.S. Military Academy Tyler Younkers- Red Bluff U.S. Air Force Academy Any student with a strong desire to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces is invited to contact Congressman LaMalfa in the spring of their junior year. Please visit his website www.lamalfa.house.gov for his nomination application and instructions. You may also call his Oroville District office and speak with his U.S. Service Academy Advisor at (530)534-7100. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mikethompson.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/thompson-hosts-interior-secretary-jewell-usda-under-secretary-bonnie-on | THOMPSON HOSTS INTERIOR SECRETARY JEWELL, USDA UNDER SECRETARY BONNIE ON VISIT TO BERRYESSA SNOW MOUNTAIN REGION | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Mike Thompson | T000460 | mikethompson.house.gov | legacy | NAPA, CA – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), joined by Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3), today hosted Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie on a visit to the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region. After a hiking tour of the region, Thompson held a public meeting to hear from constituents about Thompson’s conservation proposals for the Berryessa Snow Mountain region and what it means to the local communities. At the public meeting, a panel consisting of ranching, recreation, conservation, academic and elected leaders spoke in support of protecting the region. “Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region will help boost tourism, grow the local economy, improve recreation opportunities and protect important species found nowhere else on earth,” said Thompson. “That is why I’ve proposed legislation that would permanently safeguard this important region. However, Congress has refused to consider this bill. If Congress won’t act, then I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Jewell, Undersecretary Bonnie and the Obama Administration on plans to permanently protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a national monument.” As part of their visit, Thompson took Jewell, USDA officials and other state and local community members to portions of the proposed national conservation area within BLM’s Cache Creek Wilderness. The 27,245-acre wilderness contains spectacular scenery, including steep canyons, scenic rivers, rolling oak woodlands and elaborate springtime wildflower displays. "This is a beautiful area with cultural history and great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing so it's no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation," said Jewell. "Today's opportunity to get out and see the public lands and to hear directly from the local and tribal communities about their vision for conservation and land management is impo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397977 | Rep. Valadao Announces January Mobile Office Hours | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | Thursday, January 15, 2015 City of Corcoran Train Depot Office 1099 Otis Avenue Corcoran, California 93212 9:30 AM â 10:30 AM McFarland Community Center 103 West Sherwood McFarland, California 93250 10:00 AM -12:00 PM Lower Tule Irrigation District 357 East Olive Avenue Tipton, California 93272 2:00 PM â 3:00 PM Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Parlier Branch Library 1130 East Parlier Avenue Parlier, California 93648 10:00 AM â 11:30 AM Shafter Police Station 201 Central Valley Highway Shafter, California 93263 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sanger Branch Library 1812 Seventh Street Sanger, California 93657 1:00 PM â 2:30 PM Fowler Branch Library 306 South Seventh Street Fowler, California 93625 3:30 PM â 5:00 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Selma Branch Library 2200 Selma Street Selma, California 93662 10:00 AM â 11:30 AM Wasco Branch Library 1102 7th Street Wasco, CA 93280 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Kingsburg Branch Library 1399 Draper Street Kingsburg, California 93631 1:00 PM â 2:00 PM Thursday, January 22, 2015 Firebaugh Branch Library 1315 O Street Firebaugh, California 93622 10:00 AM â 11:30 AM Mendota Branch Library 1246 Belmont Avenue Mendota, California 93640 1:00 PM â 2:30 PM Casa De La Paloma Apartments 1301 Haven Drive Arvin, California 93203 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Lamont Family Apartments Community Center 700 DiGiorgio Road Lamont, California 93241 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kerman B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-announces-funding-help-homeless-veterans-fresno-and-merced | Costa Announces Funding to Help Homeless Veterans in Fresno and Merced Counties | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jim Costa | C001059 | costa.house.gov | legacy | FRESNO, CA- Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) announced that the Fresno Housing Authority has been awarded $121,319 and the County of Merced Housing Authority has been awarded $79,981 to provide case management and rental assistance to homeless veterans. The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is jointly operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Since 2008, the HUD-VASH program has served nearly 75,000 veterans nationwide. Our veterans have honored our nation through their service to our country's armed forces, putting the needs of our nation above their own. We must ensure that they have a place to call their own and the tools necessary to lead productive lives, said Costa. The funds awarded to the Housing Authorities of Fresno and Merced Counties will allow them to continue their efforts to end homelessness among Valley veterans. The funding provided through the HUD-VASH Program to the agency will help homeless veterans find permanent supportive housing, said County of Merced Housing Authority Executive Director Rennise Ferrario. Since 2012, we have been able to serve more than 25 homeless veterans through the HUD-VASH program locally. The current award will allow us to provide an additional 15 homeless veterans with housing assistance. The funding provides a critical resource in addressing homelessness among veterans in our community. We all have a responsibility to ensure that after serving our county and returning home, that all of our veterans have housing and a place they can call home. We owe it to them. Fresno Housing Authority Executive Director and CEO Preston Prince added, These important federal funds enable Fresno Housing to collaborate in community-wide efforts which focus on providing permanent supportive housing for veterans who have honorably served our country and are now experiencing homelessness. Fresno Housing, with the Department of Veterans Affairs, follows the Housing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-welcomes-uclass-fleet-integration-team-to-point-mugu/ | Brownley Welcomes UClass Fleet Integration Team to Point Mugu | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | juliabrownley | https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Oxnard, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) announced that the U.S. Navy will be establishing an Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Fleet Integration Team (FIT) at Point Mugu. “I am proud to report that the UCLASS FIT will be based at Point Mugu, which is yet another example of Naval Base Ventura County’s increasing strategic importance for our nation’s 21st century defense posture,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “I look forward to welcoming the UCLASS FIT personnel and their families to our community.” According to the Department of the Navy, the UCLASS FIT will support the Navy’s persistent, aircraft carrier-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and strike requirements. The new command will be in place effective October 1, 2015, and will include 8 officers and 12 enlisted personnel. Its mission will be to plan, integrate, and execute the lines of effort required to establish the Initial Operational Capability of the UCLASS system and transition the program to Full Operational Capability. It will determine squadron requirements for manpower, training, maintenance, logistics, carrier integration, optimized fleet response plan, information technology, interoperability, security, and budget. The UCLASS FIT will also coordinate with facilities personnel to determine infrastructure and base operating support requirements, as well as determine associated fleet integration and support requirements for inclusion into the proper programs of record. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:44:12Z |
| https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284 | Important Cruise Passenger Safety Provision Signed Into Law | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Doris Matsui | M001163 | matsui.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, December 19, 2014 CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER (202) 225-7163 Important Cruise Passenger Safety Provision Signed Into Law Bill includes language from Rep. Matsui's Cruise Passenger Protection Act requiring improvements to crime statistics website The President signed into law this week a Coast Guard reauthorization bill that includes a key provision ensuring the public has access to important safety information they need prior to booking a cruise. This provision was one of several cruise passenger safety provisions included in legislation Congresswoman Matsui introduced last year, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA). The bill language transfers the responsibility for maintaining the cruise vessel crime data website from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation and requires a number of changes to ensure the website is user-friendly and includes all important data. Specifically, it requires the website to be updated quarterly and sorted by cruise line. The website will be required to identify each cruise line by name, identify each crime committed or allegedly committed by a passenger or crewmember regardless of the status of the investigation, and identify the number of individuals alleged overboard. This is an important victory for cruise safety advocates and for the millions of Americans who have taken a cruise or are considering one in the future. While cruise ships are billed as safe, family-friendly vacations, the reality is that crime happens onboard these ships just as it does anyplace else, said Congresswoman Matsui. This key provision from the Cruise Passenger Protection Act will ensure that anyone considering a cruise can easily view a more accurate number of crimes that occurred on each cruise line, and the nature of the crime. This is a huge step forward toward transparency and ensuring the safety of cruise passengers. The members of ICV are deeply indebted to the many members of the House and Senate who have been dedicated to the protection of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-schiff-statement-on-sony-hacking | Rep. Schiff Statement on Sony Hacking | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Adam Schiff | S001150 | schiff.house.gov | legacy | 12.19.14 Rep. Schiff Statement on Sony Hacking Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a senior Member of the House Intelligence Committee, released the following statement: "The North Korean government's outrageous act of cyberterrorism against Sony demands a forceful response and I hope that President Obama will ensure that Kim Jong Un and his regime are held to account for an act of economic and political aggression against the United States. I applaud the work of the Intelligence Community and the FBI for their work in tracing the attack to its source. The DPRK, as does any country, has the right to express its displeasure over The Interview through proper diplomatic channels, but never by engaging in a sustained cyberattack combined with threats to physically harm American citizens who choose to watch a movie. Pyongyang’s power to stifle free speech and artistic freedom must be universally condemned and the Kim regime must be made to understand that acts such as these will only deepen its diplomatic and economic isolation."The Sony hack is also a wake-up call to America and the west, who have been far too complacent in the face of the demonstrated and growing cyber threat posed by Russia, China, and Iran, as well as North Korea. Our national security is not only dependent on physically safeguarding the American people, but also developing the means to prevent a rogue nation or a terrorist group from launching a cyberattack that results in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage or the loss of life. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have been working with my colleagues to address the cyber threats posed by state and non-state actors. When the 114th Congress convenes in January I expect that our committee will intensify its efforts to safeguard our critical infrastructure and economy. This must be a top priority."I am proud to count much of the entertainment industry as my constituents and I know how much this attack has hurt them and I pledge t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hunter.house.gov/newsletter-you-wont-want-miss | A Newsletter you won't want to miss... | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Duncan Hunter | H001048 | hunter.house.gov | legacy | BIG NEWS FOR SAN DIEGO AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION—Legislation I authored to reauthorize the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime transportation—an important piece of the San Diego regional economy—is now awaiting the President’s signature after nearly two years of collaborative work between the House and Senate. Southern Californians are very familiar with the mission of the Coast Guard and the economic contributions of our shipyards and commercial operators, and I am especially grateful for the opportunity to represent their interests and fight on their behalf. TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION—In September, four Turkish nationals who identified themselves as members of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front/Party (DHKP/C) were apprehended in Texas after crossing the U.S.-Mexico land border. Oddly, a judge recently ordered that two of the individuals be released, which the Secretary of Homeland Security described as not his “preference.” And there’s no evidence whatsoever that the Secretary either challenged or attempted to resist the order under his authority. The Department of Homeland Security then lost track of the subjects, who were recommended for terrorist watch lists at the time of their apprehension, only to learn later that they fled to Canada, where they are now requesting asylum. Read more on this and my reaction. SIREN: JUDGE RULES OBAMA IMMIGRATION ORDER UNCONSTITUTIONAL—A federal judge yesterday took a swipe at President Obama’s plan to ease deportations for as many as 5 million illegal immigrants, ruling it unconstitutional. The significance of the ruling cannot be overstated and even though this is the first salvo in a legal battle that is sure to continue, the decision sets the stage and tone for an even bigger clash ahead. A CIVICS 101 LESSON FOR THE WHITE HOUSE—The judge overseeing the case ruled that by taking executive action to curb deportations, the President is violating the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of separation of powers and the “take care clause,” which requires the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-mccarthy-returns-from-visiting-troops-overseas | Congressman McCarthy Returns from Visiting Troops Overseas | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congressman Kevin McCarthy just returned from leading a congressional delegation to the Middle East to examine the unfolding campaign against ISIL and to confer with some of America's close partners about regional security threats. The Majority Leader was joined by incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mac Thornberry (TX-13), incoming chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes (CA-22), and chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11). While also on his trip, Congressman McCarthy met with Bakersfield native, Sergeant Jodi Bradshaw who is currently serving in Iraq. Congressman McCarthy released the following statement: "The United States is continually mindful of the significant challenges posed by ISIL and other radical extremists to our country and our allies in the Middle East. Congress remains concerned about our strategy to confront these challenges, and we plan to conduct vigorous oversight on the President’s policies in the weeks and months to come. America must remain resolute in confronting terrorists and other adversaries that mean to harm us and our partners. "In our trip to the Middle East, I particularly appreciated the opportunity to personally express my gratitude to America's men and women in uniform, intelligence professionals, and diplomats who are spending this Christmas season away from their families in defense of our country. Many of our own neighbors are selflessly serving overseas and on this trip I was honored to meet Sergeant Jodi Bradshaw from Bakersfield. Sergeant Bradshaw is one of many from our communities who represent the very best America has to offer in defense of our freedoms in an increasingly hostile world. These brave and selfless Americans will remain in our thoughts and prayers throughout the Christmas season for their service." Note: The delegation traveled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rohrabacher.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-erdogan-must-reverse-crackdown-in-turkey | Rohrabacher: Erdogan Must Reverse Crackdown in Turkey | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Dana Rohrabacher | R000409 | rohrabacher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Concerning Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent sweeping arrests of journalists and political critics, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, released the following statement: "Turkey has long been our friend and ally, the bridge between the West and the East and, as such, an important go-between by which to mediate our differences and find common interests with the Muslim world. It has been a model of a modern, democratic state among Islamic countries. "President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent years has steadily placed that relationship into doubt, as he has eroded democratic values in his own country and proven an unsure bulwark against Islamist terrorism in the region. Last weekend's massive crackdown on journalists and other critics of the Erdogan government have dramatically worsened prospects for a workable relationship with Turkey. "I call on President Erdogan to release, immediately, those of his critics now being held in jail. He must understand that his authoritarian behavior signals to the world, not his strength and political popularity, but his growing weakness and desperation as a leader. He will find himself horribly disappointed if he imagines his show of political suppression will appease and mollify the Islamist extremists, such as ISIS, who have used Turkey as a passageway to Iraq. "Erdogan's brutal crackdown betrays the promise of a modern Turkey in which its cosmopolitan people enjoy the personal freedoms necessary for a strong social, political, and economic order, indeed an order in which the virtues and prosperity historically associated with Islam can flourish. If he persists in the course so startlingly on display these last days, he will find himself one of history's abject losers. He needs to return to those principles of a free and open society that he advocated when first elected by the Turkish people a decade ago." #####… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397598 | President Signs Royce Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Parity Act | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | Today, President Barack Obama signed the Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Parity Act, H.R. 3468, into law. The legislation, originally introduced by U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA) last November, passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on May 6, 2014, and the U.S. Senate on December 11, 2014. "The Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Parity Act strengthens national credit unions' commitment to IOLTAs and the legal services they help fund for local communities," said Rep. Royce. "I applaud the President for supporting my efforts to deliver regulatory relief to our nation's credit unions that currently serve over 100 million members.” “I applaud the President for signing this legislation into law because it is critical in ensuring IOLTA's full value in light of any potential credit union failure," said U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), a cosponsor of the legislation. "More importantly, the interest earned on Lawyer Trust Accounts goes to grants improving access to civil justice and legal services for the poor." The Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Parity Act expands federal deposit insurance to include Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTAs) and similar escrow accounts housed within credit unions. Unlike FDIC coverage, the current regulatory opinion of the National Credit Union Administration is that funds held by credit union members on behalf of those who are not federally-insured credit union members will not be insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. This has created a disparity in coverage when examining IOLTAs. Specifically, the bill amends the Federal Credit Union Act to require that pass-through share insurance coverage be provided when a credit union member holds funds on behalf of a nonmember in an IOLTA or other similar account. Rep. Royce is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and has served on the committee since 1995. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scottpeters.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-rename-downtown-courthouse-signed-into-law | Rep. Peters Bipartisan Bill to Rename Downtown Courthouse Signed Into Law | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Scott Peters | P000608 | scottpeters.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Rename Downtown Courthouse Signed Into Law WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Obama signed Congressman Scott Peters’ (CA-52) legislation to rename the Federal Courthouse and Judicial Center in Downtown San Diego into law. H.R. 1378 designates the Courthouse at 333 W. Broadway as the “James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse” and the surrounding center as the “John Rhoades Federal Judicial Center.” “These judges served the public with distinction,” Rep. Peters said. “This designation will honor their career-long commitments to justice. I want to thank the local legal community for their multi-year work to move this effort forward. It also would not have been possible without the bipartisan support from Congresswoman Susan Davis and Congressman Darrell Issa over the past few months.” The legislation passed the House of Representatives on December 9 and the Senate earlier this week. For more information on H.R. 1378 and background on Judges Carter, Keep, and Rhoades click HERE. To see Congressman Peters’ speech in the U.S. House supporting his legislation click HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-applauds-decision-increase-support-crime-victims-fund | Costa Applauds Decision to Increase Support for Crime Victims Fund | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jim Costa | C001059 | costa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX), along with U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) issued the following statement regarding enactment of a provision to increase disbursals from the Crime Victims Fund: We are pleased that Tuesday night the president signed into law a requirement that a larger share of already-available dollars go to crime victims. The Crime Victims Fund receives no taxpayer dollars; it is funded by criminal fines and penalties assessed in federal court. For over a decade, Congress has unfortunately capped the total amount of dollars that can be allocated to assist victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes. This bipartisan measure represents a step in the right direction. Next Congress, we will continue to fight for crime victims by introducing a bipartisan, permanent fix that will increase the amount of money allocated to serve crime victims each year. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-statement-on-passing-of-rabbi-harold-schulweis-renowned-jewish | Sherman Statement on Passing of Rabbi Harold Schulweis, Renowned Jewish Leader | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Brad Sherman | S000344 | sherman.house.gov | legacy | Washington DC - Congressman Brad Sherman issued the following statement after news of the passing of Rabbi Harold Schulweis. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Rabbi Schulweis. He was my Rabbi and I've been a member of his congregation at Valley Beth Shalom since the mid-1990s. As a leader in the community for over 45 years, he was an innovator that transformed the synagogue beyond a place of worship into a true community that fostered activism, counseling, and charity. My wife and I had the honor of listening to his sermons on many occasions; he was a moving speaker and constant inspiration. My mother, wife and I also had the privilege of joining him and his wife for dinner from time to time where he shared his insight and wisdom. Rabbi Schulweis was one of the preeminent Jewish thinkers, scholars and intellectuals of our time and the author of many books including For Those Who Can't Believe: Overcoming the Obstacles to Faith and Evil and the Morality of God. His leadership taught us the importance of reaching beyond our borders. Jewish World Watch, an organization he founded, brought schools, churches, and synagogues together to combat hunger and genocide across the globe. Do not stand idly by' was his frequent refrain referring to the work we all must do together to overcome injustice. He was also a reformer, who was among the first Conservative rabbis to welcome openly gay and lesbian Jews into his synagogue. His legacy and his writings leave a lasting impact here in Los Angeles and in communities everywhere. My wife Lisa and I send our sincerest condolences to his wife Malkah and his children Seth, Ethan, and Alyssa and the entire Schulweis family. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bass.house.gov/press-release/bass-applauds-moves-normalize-diplomatic-relations-cuba-release-alan-gross | Rep. Bass Applauds Moves to Normalize Diplomatic Relations with Cuba, Release of Alan Gross | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | LOS ANGELES—Today, following the announcement of American Alan Gross’ release from a Cuban prison after five years of incarceration, President Barack Obama announced significant changes in U.S. policy as it relates to Cuba to promote more effective change in Cuba that is consistent with U.S. support for the Cuban people and in line with U.S. national security interests. In addition to changing diplomatic relations, changes to remittance, trade and travel rules are also being proposed. These changes are the most dramatic since relations were severed in 1961. “I am first and foremost absolutely thrilled to learn about the release of Alan Gross from prison in Cuba today,” said Rep. Karen Bass, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I look forward to today’s announcement by President Obama, which signals a substantial first step in normalizing relations with Cuba. This is the most significant foreign policy action with our neighbor to the south in decades and I applaud the Obama Administration and all those who worked to make these changes a reality allowing for a free flow of ideas and trade, including a new avenue for agricultural businesses in California. We will also have the opportunity to test and share medical breakthroughs, particularly in the area of drugs that treat diabetes and long-term health concerns.” Key Components of the Updated Policy Approach from the White House: Establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba The President has instructed the Secretary of State to immediately initiate discussions with Cuba on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, which were severed in January 1961. In the coming months, we will re-establish an embassy in Havana and carry out high-level exchanges and visits between our two governments as part of the normalization process. As an initial step, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs will lead the U.S. Delegation to the next round of U.S.-Cuba Migration Talks in January 2015, in Havana. U.S. engagement … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-judy-chu-praises-economic-contributions-core-copyright-industries | Rep. Judy Chu Praises Economic Contributions of Core Copyright Industries | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – The core copyright industries – which includes books, music, motion pictures, radio and TV broadcasting, computer software, newspapers, periodicals, and journals – added more than $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2013 according to a report from the International Intellectual Property Alliance. Co-chairs of the Creative Rights Caucus Reps. Judy Chu (CA-27) and Doug Collins (GA-9) release the following statements: “Employing more than 5.5 million people, our creative industries contributed more than a trillion dollars to our economy last year. This is a significant portion of our GDP, none of which would be possible without strong copyright protections. As co-chair of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus, I am so proud of the talented minds and innovative workers that produce arts and entertainment admired around the world. We need to continue working to guarantee the protection necessary to help this industry continue to thrive,” said Rep. Chu. “Copyright is the foundation of innovation, and innovation is the force that drives our economy. This study confirms what creators know best, and what I’m committed to making sure Congress understands in the coming months,” said Rep. Collins. The report, “Copyright Industries in the U.S. Economy,” can be found online here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-the-failure-to-reauthorize-the-terrorism-risk-insurance-act | Pelosi Statement on the Failure to Reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement on the Senate’s failure to reauthorize The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), bipartisan legislation to protect American businesses from financial ruin following a terrorist attack. “The Senate had an opportunity to remove uncertainty for businesses, for our economy, and for the American people by renewing bipartisan legislation that provides insurance coverage for businesses following a terrorist attack on American soil. “TRIA has helped businesses and communities rebuild and thrive in the years since September 11, 2001. But partisanship blocked progress yesterday when a single Senator bogged down the legislation. The American people want our government to work as hard as they do, and the failure to renew this critical legislation jeopardizes the economic security of our nation. “Without insurance, American entrepreneurs eager to set up shop in San Francisco and across the country may not build, may not expand, and may not create the jobs that spur economic growth. For families, businesses, and our economy, we must make reauthorization a priority in the next Congress.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-us-normalization-of-relations-with-cuba | Pelosi Statement on U.S. Normalization of Relations with Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616 San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama announced his administration will take steps to normalize diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba: “After more than 50 years, it is clear that policy of isolating Cuba is serving neither the interests of the American people nor the democratic aspirations of the Cubans. We must acknowledge our policy towards Cuba is a relic of a bygone era that weakens our leadership in the Americas and has not advanced freedom and prosperity in Cuba. “President Obama has achieved a historic diplomatic breakthrough that renews our leadership in the Western Hemisphere. I commend the President and Secretary Kerry for their vision and leadership in this initiative, and in securing the release of American prisoner Alan Gross and the U.S intelligence agent who has languished in Cuban prison for two decades. The initiatives announced by President Obama today, including those in the field of agriculture, build on the bipartisan work of many in the Congress over the years. We also recognize the role of the abiding moral leadership of Pope Francis in helping our nations reach this day. “However, we must also acknowledge that democratic activists and political prisoners have suffered for decades under the brutal reign of this oppressive regime, and the pain they and their families continue to face will not cease today. With clear eyes, we will continue to call on the Cuban regime to yield to the political, social, and economic dreams of the Cuban people.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=99ed6287-77bd-46cc-b48b-9a232d25536e | Senates report on CIA torture was comprehensive-Washington Post | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | By: Dianne Feinstein Originally appeared in the Washington Post The Senate Intelligence Committee last week released its report on the CIA detention and interrogation program, which in some cases amounted to torture. Since then, defenders of the program have been vocal. But instead of disputing facts — supported by 6.3 million pages of the CIA’s own records — they are complaining about process. The latest assault by Marc Thiessen, a Post columnist and former George W. Bush speechwriter, suggested the study is not comprehensive [“Sen. Feinstein lives up to Rolling Stone’s standards”]. That is absurd. This is the most comprehensive oversight study ever conducted by the U.S. Senate. In addition to millions of CIA cables, e-mails, memos, inspector general reports and other documents, committee investigators drew extensively on more than 100 interview transcripts of key CIA personnel, including Director George Tenet, Deputy Director John McLaughlin, Acting General Counsel John Rizzo and Counterterrorism Center Director Jose Rodriguez. These interviews were conducted at the time the program was active — not years later and not subject to rationalization, revision or memory lapses. The committee would have liked to conduct additional interviews for further context, but because of a Justice Department criminal investigation, the CIA refused to compel personnel to participate. The CIA also had ample opportunity to weigh in on the study. Key personnel testified before the committee, and the lengthy agency response was integrated into the final committee report. I understand those involved may want to distance themselves from the terrible acts that were committed, but facts are facts. This study will stand the test of time and hopefully ensure that such mistakes are never made again. Dianne Feinstein, Washington The writer, a Democrat from California, is chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77f83895-9d1d-48fc-b100-50124fa0f421 | Feinstein Statement on Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on Cuba: “The release of Alan Gross from a Cuban prison is wonderful news for his family and our country. Alan was held for five years and is in poor health, and I’m pleased he will spend the holidays at home. “This is also good news for our two nations. For too long our relationship has been soured by mistrust and clouded by memories of the Cold War. Reports that our countries will move to normalize relations are very welcome. Reconciling our differences, opening embassies, increasing trade and building people-to-people relationships are all long overdue. “It is my hope that normalizing relations will spur positive changes for the people of Cuba. Today is a historic day, and I am looking forward to a brighter future with our Caribbean neighbor.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-congressional-leaders-call-for-greater-diplomatic-action-to-end-violence-in-south-sudan | Bipartisan Coalition of Congressional Leaders Call for Greater Diplomatic Action to End Violence in South Sudan | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.14 Bipartisan Coalition of Congressional Leaders Call for Greater Diplomatic Action to End Violence in South Sudan Washington, D.C. More than two dozen Congressional leaders, led by members of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Sudan and South Sudan, wrote to President Obama asking his Administration to increase diplomatic efforts to end this brutal conflict before more civilian suffer and the region is further destabilized. Since the conflict began in December 2013, millions of South Sudanese have been displaced and thousands have killed. Nearly two million South Sudanese have been pushed to the brink of famine. Likewise, the State's civil society has been suppressed. Current legislation in South Sudan would have a significant impact on nation NGOs and South Sudanese civil society, who should become the backbone of a free and vibrant South Sudan, write the authors. The full text of the letter can be found here. ### Congresswoman Lee is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Sudan and South Sudan and a member of the Appropriations Committee subcommittee of State and Foreign Operations. She is also a member of the Budget Committee, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-announces-600-000-grant-for-school-based-health-centers | Congresswoman Lee Announces $600,000 Grant for School-Based Health Centers | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.14 Congresswoman Lee Announces $600,000 Grant for School-Based Health Centers Oakland, CA Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, Jared Blumenfeld, presented a $600,000 grant to the Public Health Institute's Regional Asthma Management & Prevention, in Oakland. This grant will help school-based health centers nationwide prevent and manage environmental asthma triggers for children at school and at home. I am pleased these important federal resources are coming into the district to prevent, address and treat the disproportionately high rates of asthma amongst young people of color in our community. TheEast Bay community continues to fight for environmental justice and children's health. It is an honor to represent that legacy in Congress, said Congresswoman Lee. Today's announcement is an important step towards addressing health inequalities in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force chair, I will continue to work to ensure strong federal investments in community health and environmental justice. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-applauds-the-release-of-alan-gross | Congresswoman Lee Applauds the Release of Alan Gross | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.14 Congresswoman Lee Applauds the Release of Alan Gross Congresswoman Lee released the following statement applauding the humanitarian release of Alan Gross: The release of Alan Gross is both a diplomatic and a moral victory. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Over the last five years, I have met with Alan many times in Cuba and worked with all parties to secure his release. I applaud the President for his tremendous leadership and all those involved in securing his release. The release of Alan Gross is an important step to ending the U.S.'s failed and unpopular policy towards Cuba. I look forward to additional steps to fully normalize relations with Cuba it is far past time. I will continue my work with President Obama, the Administration and all my colleagues to support and advance normal relations with Cuba and an end to the failed embargo. ### Congresswoman Lee recently returned from Cuba. She is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-celebrates-historic-step-to-normalize-relations-with-cuba | Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Historic Step to Normalize Relations with Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.14 Congresswoman Lee Celebrates Historic Step to Normalize Relations with Cuba Washington, DC Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the President's historic announcement on Cuba. Congresswoman Lee recently returned from leading a congressional delegation to the island: I applaud the President for his historic step towards normalizing relations with our neighbor. In the more than fifty years since the embargo began, U.S. policy towards Cuba has been an unpopular failure and it is past time for change. I have traveled to Cuba more than 20 times since 1977 and returned last night from leading a Congressional delegation to examine diabetes care and treatment. By moving towards normalized relations with Cuba, the U.S. has the opportunity to work towards a more productive relationship that benefits both the American and Cuban people. Americans should have the freedom to travel to Cuba and I am glad to see the President making it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba. I will continue to work with President Obama, the Administration and my colleagues to end U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba. Now it is time for Congress to act to fully normalize relations by ending the embargo. ### Congresswoman Lee has traveled to Cuba more than 20 times since 1977. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Lee led her most recent Congressional delegation to examine diabetes care and treatment in Cuba. She has met with Alan Gross more than four times in the effort to support his release. Congresswoman Lee has helped lead Congressional efforts to end the U.S.'s failed policies toward Cuba, including offering numerous amendments, and legislation. Congresswoman Lee most recently sent a letter to the President just last week calling for U.S. participation in the 7th Summit of the Americas and normalizing relations. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lees-statement-on-the-passing-of-rudy-lombard | Congresswoman Lee's Statement on the Passing of Rudy Lombard | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.14 Congresswoman Lee's Statement on the Passing of Rudy Lombard Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Lee issued the following statement remembering the life and legacy of Rudy Lombard: I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Rudy Lombard. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and community. Rudy's passion, activism and leadership for justice have improved countless lives, including mine. Rudy was larger than life he was a Freedom Rider, a civil rights legend, a mayoral candidate, an author-chef and a public health advocate. I met Rudy during the 1970s and had the good fortune to witness more than four decades of his work to make the world a fairer and healthier place. His restaurant is Oakland, Lombards, became popular because of his delicious food and generous hospitality. Over the years, his wisdom and joy were a constant source of inspiration for me and many others. Rudy will be sorely missed by the huge community of family, friends and activists who learned from him over the years. The Bay Area joins with those around the country, especially in his beloved hometown of New Orleans, in saying well done thy good and faithful servant.' We will miss Rudy but his spirit and legacy will live forever. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-waters-welcomes-president-s-new-course-cuba | Congresswoman Waters Welcomes the Presidents New Course on Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Maxine Waters | W000187 | waters.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Waters Welcomes the President's New Course on Cuba Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement congratulating the President for his announcement of historic steps to chart a new course in U.S. relations with Cuba. Her statement follows: "As a long-time advocate of improved relations with Cuba who has traveled to the island several times, I commend the President for initiating discussions with Cuba on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and for authorizing increased trade, facilitating remittances, and expanding opportunities for Americans to travel to this island nation, just 90 miles off our shore. The United States has for years been supporting an unreasonable policy with regard to Cuba. The embargo is counterproductive and has done more harm than good to the cause of freedom in Cuba, and I fully support President Obama's efforts to move us towards a more rational policy in this area. Allowing expanded commercial activity with Cuba will enhance U.S. national security, create opportunities for American businesses and workers, and provide goods and services that will improve the living standards of the Cuban people. Facilitating trade in consumer communications equipment and telecommunications services will increase Cubans' access to information and their ability to communicate freely. Facilitating remittances will be especially helpful for Cuban Americans desiring to assist their families in Cuba. Expanding opportunities for Americans to travel to Cuba is good foreign policy, and it is consistent with American values. Throughout the Cold War, individual Americans traveled to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. They met with individual citizens, and they talked about life in America. Some attended universities and educational programs, and some of them met with dissidents. Enabling American students, professionals, businesspeople, religious leaders, and human rights activists to travel freely to Cuba will serve American interests, empower civil society… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cardenas.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cardenas-passes-first-piece-of-legislation | CARDENAS PASSES FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Tony Cárdenas | C001097 | cardenas.house.gov | legacy | CARDENAS PASSES FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION Law provides the beginnings of effective cyberprotection for defense contractors in the San Fernando Valley and throughout America. (Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) successfully passed his first piece of legislation in the 113th session of Congress this week, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Cárdenas’ law will help protect Valley businesses from foreign hacking and other cyber threats. While hacking and cyber crimes have come into sharp scrutiny in Los Angeles with the hacking of Sony emails, more than 200,000 cyber incidents involving federal agencies, companies that run critical infrastructure like nuclear power plants, dams and transit systems and contract partners occurred in 2013. Cárdenas’ legislation was contained within the NDAA, which passed the Senate late last week, after passing the House last month. Now, the bill will go to the President’s desk for an expected signature. “Defending our nation is not limited to military bases and warzones,” said Cárdenas. “Every year thousands of attempts are made to break into critical systems in our government, through small businesses who may not have robust computer security. We must work with small businesses in our country to make certain that none of these attempts succeed.” Cárdenas originally filed an amendment to the NDAA in May, mandating cybertraining and education by the Defense Department for small businesses that contract with the Pentagon. Included in these would be hundreds of San Fernando Valley contractors who manufacture parts and technologies for the United States government. “Los Angeles and the Valley are driven by manufacturing,” said Cárdenas. “Many of these manufacturers support the brave men and women who defend our country. We have to protect the intellectual property of these companies from hacking, and we absolutely must safeguard the technologies that protect our warfighters.” 87 million sensitive or private records have been exp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cook.house.gov//media-center/newsletter/congressman-cooks-newsletter-december-16-2014 | Congressman Cook's Newsletter: December 16, 2014 | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Paul Cook | C001094 | cook.house.gov | legacy | Capitol Update A message from Congressman Cook on the Omnibus Spending Bill Many of you reached out to me to voice your opinions about the Omnibus Spending Bill. The bill, passed by Congress last week, will keep the government open. If Congress had not taken action the government would have shut down. This bill sets the stage for a showdown on the President’s executive order on immigration after January when a Republican House and Senate will be sworn in. The bill provides more than $1 trillion for operation of the federal government through September 2015. It is consistent with defense and non-defense budget caps, and all the terms agreed to in the Ryan-Murray Budget Agreement. It also puts funds for the Department of Homeland Security under a temporary Continuing Resolution until February 27. President Obama’s executive order is being implemented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) agency. This fee-based organization collects money from processed immigration papers, and cannot be defunded. In fact, even if we had shut down the government last week, it would have been allowed to continue implementing Obama’s amnesty through fee revenue. The only way to reverse the President’s executive order is to pass a bill that includes specific policy riders banning CIS from using fee money to carry it out. This cannot be done as long as Harry Reid controls the Senate, but in February, the House will be able to work with the Senate to pass a Homeland Security funding bill blocking the President’s illegal orders. Because the rest of the government will already be funded, this will allow us to confront the President without letting him blackmail us by threatening to shut down the government. I’m already fighting to stop the President from forcing laws on Americans. I voted for H.R. 5759, the “Block Immigration Executive Action Act.” Under H.R. 5759, the President would be barred from using executive orders, regulations, or other actions to prevent the deportation of illegal immigrants in the U.S. I wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-democrats-ignore-california-drought | Congressional Democrats ignore California drought | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Despite last-minute attempts by Central California Republicans to get some form of legislation passed to address how California manages water and to avert another disaster, Democrats in Congress, many of those California Democrats, blocked the attempt and now any legislation dealing with the drought in this state is dead until well into next year. Hanford Republican David Valadao, joined by Reps. Devin Nunes, Kevin McCarthy and Democrat Jim Costa, tried to get some language passed in the final days of the Congressional year which would have reduced restrictions on sending water to cities and farmers in the Central Valley. Those restrictions this past year resulted in most farmers getting little water, created a shortage of water for residents in Lindsay and did millions of dollars in damage to agriculture in the Valley. Supporters of the legislation feared that if nothing was done this year, a repeat of last year could be catastrophic this coming summer. If water is not made available this summer, then hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland will be lost, millions of trees will die and thousands of farm jobs will be eliminated. Still, that concern was lost on California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and many other Northern California Democrats who have hijacked the state water system to be used for fish rather than people and farming. Missing from the legislation was any help for Tulare County and its residents whose wells went dry this summer because of the lack of water. Again, despite assurances made by President Obama when he visited the Valley early last spring and pledged to help, no help is on the way. In fact, the president said he would veto the legislation if it was passed and Gov. Brown also said he opposed the help for farmers. We hope the Republican Congress next year sends the president a much stronger bill to address the problem. The time to compromise with environmentalists is over. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-mccarthy-historic-drought-needs-emergency-action-now | Rep. McCarthy: Historic Drought Needs Emergency Action Now | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Kevin McCarthy | M001165 | kevinmccarthy.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy spoke on the House floor in favor of a bipartisan, emergency drought relief bill for California: TRANSCRIPT: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I want to thank the distinguished Chairman for his service to this House and this country. And you’ll be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank those that have worked diligently on this bill: Congressman Valadao (CA-21). He understands the need, and we’re not here today because we haven’t thought that we might have this problem. I’ve sat and stood in this well before with Devin Nunes (CA-22) looking ahead trying to be prepared so we can have water throughout California. “Do you realize four years ago we had 170 percent of snow pack, but only 80 percent of the water was allocated to come down through the Valley. The Valley not just feeds California, not just feeds the nation, but feeds the world. When the Valley does not get water, the prices of food goes up to for all. But you know what’s even more important? Those that go out of work. “I’ve watched many elected officials come to this well and talk about unemployment, say unemployment is below six percent. Let me tell you what unemployment is throughout the Valley today. There are some cities that have more than 30 percent unemployment. The number one factor: water. So what does the world look like today even though not just this Congress, but the Congress before it moved legislation to deal with this issue? We are now at the worst drought in 1,200-years. Twelve-Hundred. Much longer than the entire life of this nation. “So if we're at this time, why do we bring this bill before us? I think we should have honesty in this bill. This is not the bill I would write. This is not the bill I would bring forward. This is a bipartisan bill where people on both sides of the aisle sat down, and we said we need a temporary bill that lives within these means. So do we change endangered species? No, we do not. “What does this bill do? It says in the rainy seaso… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/california-farm-bureau-federation-update-house-bill-brings-new-attention-to | California Farm Bureau Federation Update: House Bill Brings New Attention to Drought Issues | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | December 10, 2014 - By Dave Kranz - A vote in the U.S. House of Representatives this week renewed discussion of California drought relief in Washington, D.C., and set the stage for the likelihood of additional legislation in the new Congress next year. Legislation known as the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014 was introduced in the House last week by Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and cosponsored initially by six other California representatives: Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield; Ken Calvert, R-Corona; Jim Costa, D-Fresno; Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale; Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove; and Devin Nunes, R-Tulare. The full House passed the bill on Tuesday. The representatives said they introduced the bill after negotiations with the Senate on a long-term drought-relief package ended last month. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who authored a Senate drought bill that passed in May, had been involved in discussions with California House members in efforts to reconcile her bill with earlier legislation adopted by the House. On Nov. 20, Feinstein announced the negotiations had been suspended, saying it had become clear to her that participants in the talks would be "unable to present an agreed-upon proposal before Congress adjourns this year." The sponsors of the Emergency Drought Relief Act said their bill contained short-term provisions that had been agreed upon in the negotiations on the long-term legislation, and that Congress needed to act immediately. "I will not let this year end without exhausting every possible option to bring relief to the Central Valley," Valadao said. The House vote of 230-182 sent the bill to the Senate, but political observers said the Senate appeared unlikely to act on the measure—leaving the question of California drought relief to the new, Republican-led Congress that will be sworn in next year. California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul Wenger welcomed introduction and passage of the House bill, saying it kept the impact of the California drought "front and center" in the nati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://mikethompson.house.gov//newsroom/press-releases/thompson-introduces-small-business-healthcare-relief-act | THOMPSON INTRODUCES SMALL BUSINESS HEALTHCARE RELIEF ACT | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Mike Thompson | T000460 | mikethompson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) has introduced H.R. 5860, the bipartisan Small Business Healthcare Relief Act with Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana). This legislation fixes an existing Treasury Department guidance under the Affordable Care Act that limits the use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRA’s) for small businesses, limiting choice and affordability for healthcare consumers. “Since the landmark health care reform legislation was passed, we’ve focused too much time trying to undermine the law, and far too little time working to build on its important reforms so that all Americans can afford health insurance,” said Thompson. “This bipartisan legislation moves past party politics, fixes an important part of the health care law, and improves choice and affordability. By building on the reforms made in the Affordable Care Act, like this legislation does, we can make sure every American can afford to go to the doctor – and that’s what matters.” On September 13, 2013, Treasury issued guidance disallowing businesses from using HRA’s as a tax-free means to reimburse employees, stating these arrangements were disqualified under Affordable Care Act’s annual dollar cap. The Small Business Healthcare Relief Act restores flexibility and choice into the marketplace by: Ensuring that small businesses are allowed to use pre-tax dollars to give employees a defined contribution. Allowing employees to use these funds as an HRA to purchase health coverage on the individual market, as well as for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. Protecting small business employers from being unnecessarily financially penalized for providing this option to employees. The legislation is supported by the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), the National Association for the Self-Employe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/press-releases/pelosi-13-million-americans-health-security-at-risk-in-baseless-lawsuit-over-the | Pelosi: 13 Million Americans Health Security at Risk in Baseless Lawsuit Over the Affordable Care Act | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement on a new report from Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats revealing that 13 million could lose tax credits to help pay for insurance coverage should the Supreme Court rule against the Obama Administration in the politically-motivated lawsuit of King v Burwell. “Today’s report verifies what American families already know: the Affordable Care Act is working and helping families afford the coverage they need and deserve. Yet, Republicans and other opponents of the law want to strip some 13 million Americans of the premium tax credits that keep their health coverage affordable. “It is very disappointing that some ACA opponents refuse to support Americans who simply want access to affordable health coverage. This lawsuit is part of increasingly desperate efforts to destroy the health security of millions of American families who owe their health coverage to the Affordable Care Act. “The continuing obsession with dismantling the Affordable Care Act threatens the health care of millions of students, workers, women and families. It is long past time for opponents of the law to cease their assault on the health security of the American people, withdraw their radical suits, and recover their common sense. “I am very confident that the Supreme Court will issue a ruling upholding the ACA and rejecting the baseless arguments of the challengers in this lawsuit.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rohrabacher.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-farr-hail-medical-marijuana-amendment-in-funding-bill | Rohrabacher, Farr Hail Medical Marijuana Amendment in Funding Bill | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Dana Rohrabacher | R000409 | rohrabacher.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Reps. Dana Rohrabacher and Sam Farr, both Californians, on Monday saluted congressional colleagues for including their co-sponsored medical marijuana amendment in final passage over the weekend of the government funding legislation, now on its way to President Obama’s desk. The amendment would require the federal government to respect state sovereignty over medical marijuana, depriving the Department of Justice of taxpayers’ dollars to prevent states from carrying out their medical marijuana laws. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia are listed in the amendment as having legalized marijuana or its ingredients for medical purposes. The bipartisan amendment had a dozen co-signers – six Republicans and six Democrats. Rohrabacher, a Republican who represents coastal Orange County, said, “The enactment of this legislation will mark the first time in decades that the federal government has curtailed its oppressive prohibition of marijuana and has instead taken an approach to respect the many states that have permitted the use of medical marijuana to some degree.” Farr, a Democrat who represents California’s Central Coast, said, “When the House first passed this measure back in May we made headlines; today we made history,” said Farr. “The federal government will finally respect the decisions made by the majority of states that passed medical marijuana laws. This is a great day for common sense because now our federal dollars will be spent more wisely on prosecuting criminals and not patients.” The provision will be effective throughout Fiscal Year 2015 and will likely be considered again next year for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2016 appropriations bill. “This is a victory for so many,” said Rohrabacher, “including scores of our wounded veterans, who have found marijuana to be an important medicine for some of the ailments they suffer, such as PTSD, epilepsy, and MS.” ####################### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0e9a7396-8e52-43ca-8eef-b71ff37ca41c | Feinstein Welcomes Tax Extenders | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today voted in favor of the tax extenders legislation, which extends expired business and individual tax provisions through the end of this year. Feinstein released the following statement: “With passage of this legislation comes much-needed certainty for taxpayers as they prepare to file their 2014 returns, and I believe American businesses and individuals are better off as a result. Whether it is supporting small businesses as they create jobs, farmers as they invest in essential equipment or homeowners and working families struggling to make ends meet, this legislation is positive for many areas of our economy. “In particular, I am pleased to see the extension of the research tax credit, from which many innovative California firms benefit, as well as provisions that support investments already made in wind, biodiesel and other renewable energy sources, a critical aspect of combatting climate change.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6e7bbe25-80fa-4fb5-b127-5635cd41d8c9 | Feinstein Announces Confirmation of Haywood Gilliam as District Judge | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today announced the confirmation of Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., to be a U.S. district judge for the Northern District of California. Gilliam was nominated on August 18, 2014, by President Obama on the recommendation of Senator Feinstein. He received the highest rating of “well qualified” from a substantial majority of the American Bar Association’s review committee. “Haywood Gilliam has an outstanding record as a federal prosecutor in the Northern District and a private practitioner,” said Senator Feinstein. “He began his career as a law clerk to Judge Thelton Henderson on this same court, and I am confident he will serve the Northern District with great distinction for many years to come.” The Northern District, which frequently hears major technology cases, has a substantial caseload. According to the Judicial Conference of the United States, the court has averaged 632 weighted filings per judgeship over the past four years, which is 20 percent above the average caseload and well above the threshold for a “judicial emergency.” Criminal felony cases take 47 percent longer to complete than the national average, and civil cases take 19 percent longer than the national average to go to trial. Background on Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr. Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., graduated magna cum laude from Yale in 1991 and earned his law degree from Stanford Law School in 1994. He was an article editor for the Stanford Law Review. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson in the Northern District of California from 1994 to 1995. From 1996 to 1999, he was an associate at the law firm of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown, & Enersen. From 1999 through 2006, he served as an assistant United States attorney in the Northern District of California, including as chief of the securities fraud section from 2005 to 2006. In 2006, he rejoined his prior law firm, then called Bingham McCutchen, as a partner. In 2009, he became a partner at Covington & Burling, where he is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-and-more-than-35-other-members-of-congress-call-for-us-participation-in-summit-of-the-americas-and-engagement-with-cuba | Congresswoman Lee and More Than 35 Other Members of Congress Call for U.S. Participation in Summit of the Americas and Engagement with Cuba | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.16.14 Congresswoman Lee and More Than 35 Other Members of Congress Call for U.S. Participation in Summit of the Americas and Engagement with Cuba Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and more than 35 other Members of Congress wrote to President Obama to encourage U.S. participation in the 7th Summit of the Americas and to change current U.S. policy toward Cuba. On the value of the summit, the letter reads: the U.S. will have the rare opportunity to engage diplomatically with all of Latin America on our shared regional challenges. Regional diplomatic summits, like the Summit of the Americas, are critical to advancing our regional economic, national security and democracy promotion goals, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Summit participation sends a strong message that democracy, human rights and a strong civil society are key shared values of our hemisphere. Cuba is expected to participate in the summit and the signers believe that the summit provides an opportunity to take action towards fundamental changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba. For more than five decades, U.S. policy towards Cuba has been an unpopular failure, said Congresswoman Lee. Yet, this policy has continued at great cost to our economy, the personal freedoms of Americans and our democracy promotion goals. The Summit of the Americas has the opportunity to be a turning point in Western Hemisphere geopolitics; I hope the Administration seizes this opportunity to start ending fifty plus years of failed policy, added Congresswoman Lee. Read the letter here. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/bera-commends-confirmation-of-murthy-as-us-surgeon-general | Bera commends confirmation of Murthy as U.S. Surgeon General | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | After weeks of delay, the U.S. Senate today confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy to be the next U.S. Surgeon General. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. offered the following comment: “I’m thrilled the Senate has confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy as our next surgeon general. As a practicing physician and instructor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a champion of innovation in medicine, and a leader in the medical community, Dr. Murthy is an excellent choice for this role and his appointment is historic for the Indian American community. As a doctor myself, I also know that the American people will benefit from having a trusted physician leader to help them navigate the complex medical issues we face today.” Rep. Bera and several of his congressional colleagues sent a letter to the Senate leadership in both parties urging Dr. Murthy's confirmation. You may read that letter here. Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He’s fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country’s debt in a responsible way. One of Bera’s first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don’t pass a budget, they don’t get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he’s working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation’s challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chu.house.gov/immigration-accountability-executive-action-what-you-need-know | Immigration Accountability Executive Action: What you need to know | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | legacy | On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced his plan to allow undocumented individuals to come forward and apply for protection from deportation and work authorization. The program has not officially started and applications are not available yet, but you can begin preparing now. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects to accept applications within six months. Here's what we know about the new programs: Executive action expanded the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for immigrants who came to the U.S. as children in the following ways: Those who entred the U.S. before January 1, 2010 and meet all other DACA requirements are now eligible, regardless of how old they are today Going forward, DACA relief will be granted for three years As of November 20, 2014, you are eligible for DACA if you: Came to the U.S. before reaching your 16th birthday and have no lawful status; Have continuously residded in the U.S. before January 1, 2010, through the present time; Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012 Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces; and Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or personal safety. Executive action created a new program, Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA), which will benefit parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. The DAPA program requires: Parents to have continuous residence in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; Are the parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent resident born on or before November 20, 2014; Are not an enforcement priority for removal from the U.S. pursuant to the Department of Ho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398553 | Congressman Lowenthal Secures $56M For California STEM and Youth Education Programs | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Alan Lowenthal | L000579 | lowenthal.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alan Lowenthal has helped secure a collective $56 million in funding for the STARBASE and Sunburst Youth Challenge education programs, both of which operate programs at the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) in Los Alamitos. The funding was included in Congress’s $1.1 trillion fiscal year 2015 funding package as part of a request by the Congressman. The House on Thursday and the Senate on Saturday passed the funding package, which now awaits an expected signature from President Obama. Of the total $56 million, $25 million was included for the STARBASE program, which engages local fifth-grade elementary students by exposing them to STEM subjects through an inquiry based curriculum. In the 47th District, the STARBASE Youth Program Facility at the JFTB serves nearly 4,000 students a year. The goal of the program is to motivate fifth grade students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as they continue their education. The academies serve students that are historically under-represented in STEM: students who live in inner cities or rural locations, are socio-economically disadvantaged, low in academic performance, or have a disability. “Our 21st century economy requires 21st century skill sets. Investing in our children’s education in the STEM fields will make them better prepared for the job market and equipped for success,” Congressman Lowenthal said. Also as part of the $56 million, Congressman Lowenthal helped secure a $31 million increase in 2015 funding for the Sunburst program, which is one of California’s National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Programs (NGYCP) and is located on the JFTB in Los Alamitos. The mission of the NGYCP is to help redirect the lives of 16-18 year old high school dropouts and at-risk youth, producing graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. The academy offers a 22 week residential program with military-style training that emphasizes the development of academic, cooperation, and le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://pelosi.house.gov//news/pelosi-updates/cromnibus | CRomnibus | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Nancy Pelosi | P000197 | pelosi.house.gov | legacy | #CRomnibus With the clock ticking for Congress to avert another government shutdown, House Republicans buried a provision in the spending bill that would weaken Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and allow big banks to gamble with the American people’s money. The package also includes a provision that would multiply the amount of money wealthy individuals can give to a political party by ten times. This legislation offers brazen giveaways to the wealthy and well connected, all at the expense of the American people. It is destructive to middle class families and to the practice of our democracy. That is why I refused to place my name - and the name of every hard working San Franciscan - next to this bill and voted against this legislation. Know that I will continue the fight to ensure that we build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Calling San Francisco Home The announcement yesterday by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt to fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a permanent fund that was enacted during my time as Speaker of the House to provide state support for the construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low and moderate income families, will improve the lives and security of millions across our nation. With the eighth highest shortage of affordable housing in California, San Francisco will benefit from new and rehabilitated affordable rental homes that the Trust Fund will help finance over the next decade. American families should not be forced to choose between having a place to sleep or providing food, health care, and other basic needs for their children. Thanks to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, hardworking families across the nation will no longer struggle to find a safe, warm and clean place to call home. #3DaysLeft San Franciscans have just three days left to enroll, renew or change plans through Covered California, California’s health insurance marketplace, in time for coverage to take effect on January 1st, 2015. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63ec370d-5efc-4c24-b3fe-75d76c4c57a7 | Feinstein Applauds Confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Dr. Vivek Murthy to be the U.S. surgeon general: “Today the Senate put public health over special interests by voting to confirm Dr. Vivek Murthy, a highly-qualified physician and public-health expert, to be the next surgeon general. The United States faces serious public health challenges and we need a top doctor on the job to help address them. “Dr. Murthy has committed to reducing obesity and tobacco-related diseases, expanding access to treatment for mental illness, increasing vaccination rates and focusing on prevention and wellness in our communities. He has also rightly acknowledged the effects of gun violence on public health, which are seen daily by the thousands of health care professionals who treat victims of gun violence in emergency rooms across the country. “I’m confident that Dr. Murthy will serve our country well and help Americans lead healthier lives.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77cd7b92-f224-445e-af8d-d75d7ce34e46 | Feinstein Statement on Passage of Omnibus Funding Bill | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington— Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today expressed support for the omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through fiscal year 2015. The bill, which has now been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will go to the president’s desk for signature. Senator Feinstein released the following statement: “Legislating is about the art of the possible and compromise. So while I did not support everything in this spending bill, I recognized it is the result of long, difficult and bipartisan negotiations. It is not the bill I would have written, and I am disappointed that important priorities I care about were not included and other provisions I strongly oppose were. However, on the whole I believe it is important that this got done to provide budgetary certainty for the federal government. “This bill included smart investments in California’s future, such as modernizing our transportation infrastructure, supporting California’s veterans and pursuing projects to address the state’s historic drought. I’m glad California’s priorities were included. “I also want to commend Chairwoman Mikulski for her fortitude and perseverance in negotiating this final bill in the face of many obstacles. Thanks to the efforts of her and her staff, we are able to avoid the detrimental cycle of continuing resolutions and begin to get the budgeting process in Congress back to normal.” Dodd-Frank: “While I supported the bill as a whole, I strongly opposed the provisions that roll back critical Dodd-Frank taxpayer protections and dramatically expand limits to campaign contribution to political party committees. The historic Dodd-Frank legislation created a much-needed national regulatory regime for the derivatives market for the first time. Four years ago, I was proud to fight hard and pass that legislation, allowing us to protect taxpayers from further bank bailouts But now I am appalled that we are again opening the door to the trading of risky derivatives backed by a taxpayer g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ce3c4a73-2d95-4204-95e5-27072d0a6f56 | Feinstein, Grassley Bill to Combat Transnational Drug Trafficking Passes Senate | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—The Senate today passed a bill introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to help combat transnational drug trafficking. The Transnational Drug Trafficking Act (S. 706) is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The bill would provide the Department of Justice with new tools to prosecute drug traffickers from foreign countries. Specifically, it will help the department build extradition cases on drug kingpins from the Andean region, which includes Colombia and Peru. Kingpins from these countries often use Mexican drug trafficking organizations as intermediaries to ship illegal narcotics to the United States. “This bill gives law enforcement necessary tools to reduce the supply of drugs crossing our borders,” said Senator Feinstein, chair of the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. “The federal government needs the authority to aggressively pursue transnational criminal organizations and drug kingpins to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the United States from foreign countries.” “Since drug cartels are continually evolving, this legislation ensures that our criminal laws keep pace,” said Senator Grassley, co-chair of the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control. “This legislation closes a loophole abused by drug traffickers who intend for drugs to end up in the United States but supply them through an intermediary.” The Transnational Drug Trafficking Act, S. 706: Establishes penalties for extraterritorial drug trafficking activity when individuals have reasonable cause to believe that illegal drugs will be trafficked into the United States. Ensures current penalties apply to chemical producers from other countries (including producers of pseudoephedrine used for methamphetamine) that illegally ship precursor chemicals into the U.S. knowing these chemicals will be used to make illegal drugs. This bill supp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/legislators-call-on-hhs-to-end-discriminatory-blood-donation-policy-implement-risk-based-policies | Legislators Call on HHS to End Discriminatory Blood Donation Policy, Implement Risk-Based Policies | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.15.14 Legislators Call on HHS to End Discriminatory Blood Donation Policy, Implement Risk-Based Policies Washington D.C. -Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Representatives Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), led a letter with 75 of their congressional colleagues calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell to replace the outdated and discriminatory lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM) with a policy based on individual risk factors. The legislators expressed deep concerns with the recent recommendations made by the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood & Tissue Safety & Availability (ACBTSA). The full text of the letter is availablehere. Under current regulations, MSM are banned from donating blood for life. AABB, the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the American Medical Association all agree that the ban is no longer scientifically justified. Last month, the ACBTSA voted to replace the lifetime deferral policy with a one-year deferral policy, contingent on the implementation of a blood safety surveillance system, while dismissing a risk-based policy. The legislators raised concerns about this proposal, writing, "A one-year deferral policy, like a lifetime ban, is a categorical exclusion based solely on the sex of an individual's sexual partner - not his actual risk of carrying a transfusion-transmittable infection." The legislators continued, "The ACBTSA's proposed policy change would, in practice, leave that lifetime ban in place for the vast majority of MSM, even those who are healthy and low-risk. Both policies are discriminatory, and both approaches are unacceptable. Low-risk individuals who wish to donate blood and help to save lives should not be categorically excluded because of outdated stereotypes." The legislators also urged HHS to consider the work of implementing an infection monitoring system separately from the MSM deferral policy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/senator-feinstein-and-congressman-schiff-announce-major-federal-funding-for-west-coast-early-warning-system | Senator Feinstein and Congressman Schiff Announce Major Federal Funding for West Coast Early Warning System | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Adam Schiff | S001150 | schiff.house.gov | legacy | 12.15.14 Senator Feinstein and Congressman Schiff Announce Major Federal Funding for West Coast Early Warning System Pasadena, CA – Today, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) announced that Congress has included $5 million in FY 2015 funding bill, also known as the CROmnibus, for a West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System, the first time Congress has ever provided funding specifically for the system. A limited system developed by Caltech, UC-Berkeley and University of Washington, in conjunction with the United State Geological Survey (USGS), has already been deployed and has proven that the early warning technology is sound. This $5 million in funding will allow those developing the statewide system to begin purchasing and installing additional sensors, build new stations, speed up the ShakeAlert system, and come closer to deploying comprehensive early earthquake warning coverage throughout earthquake prone regions of the West Coast. “An earthquake early-warning system is essential to save lives, reduce property damage and protect critical infrastructure. This five million dollar federal investment is a down payment on building an integrated, state-wide system,” said Senator Feinstein. “These federal dollars are sorely needed, but more funding is still necessary to complete the system. While the state and private sector must contribute their fair share, I will continue to work with West Coast senators and representatives to prioritize federal funds for this life-saving project. We must get it done before the next major earthquake strikes.” “It’s absolutely critical that the West Coast implement and build out an earthquake early warning system to give us a heads up before the ‘big one’ hits, so we can save lives and protect infrastructure,” said Congressman Schiff. “This funding will help build out additional stations, speed up the ShakeAlert system, and make it more reliable in our highest priority areas – including Los Angeles and the Bay Area – and those critic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov//media-center/e-newsletters/december-14th-closing-out-the-113th-congress | December 14th -- Closing out the 113th Congress | 2014-12-14 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | This past week in Washington we concluded our final session of the 113th Congress. Among the many legislative measures we considered was a bill authorizing federal funding for the coming fiscal year. After careful consideration, I voted against the measure, which failed to take action against the President’s executive amnesty plan and also included a number of non-budgetary items that I believe should have been more thoroughly reviewed. One of the first things I plan to do after the 114th Congress is sworn in next January is to join my fellow House Republicans in passing a bill that would block the president’s executive action on immigration. I have been clear that the President’s executive amnesty order is a blatant unconstitutional overreach of executive power which cannot be left unanswered. I also look forward to working with the incoming Republican Senate in addressing our need for water storage and flood control infrastructure, tackling the President’s amnesty plan, and continuing to reduce federal spending and regulations. We have another busy year ahead of us, and I am thankful for the opportunity you have given me to represent your voice here in Congress. To learn about how I can serve you and to follow me throughout the week, please visit my website. and stay in touch with me on my Facebook page as well! Sincerely, Doug LaMalfa Rep. LaMalfa urges passage of Emergency Drought Legislation, H.R. 5781. To view his speech on the House Floor, click here. I was pleased that H.R. 5781, a measure which I have proudly co-sponsored, passed out of the House of Representatives with my support on a 230-182 vote. Unfortunately, California’s Senators refused to act on the bill and our water crisis remains serious. H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act, aims at providing immediate, emergency relief from California’s historic water crisis through two critical components: flexibility to store additional water when winter storms cause high river flows and protections for the North State’s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/feinstein-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1665b10c-af8c-4290-9044-6782d5d3c709 | Torture report senators triumph - Sacramento Bee | 2014-12-14 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Originally appeared in the Sacramento Bee Despite dire warnings about consequences and withering attacks she would endure, Dianne Feinstein had no choice. She felt compelled to release the Senate Intelligence Committee Study of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Detention and Interrogation Program, otherwise known as the torture report. After 22 years in Washington, Feinstein is the consummate insider, a middle-of-the-road Democrat known for her establishment bona fides. In this instance, she stood up to the elites, rare among politicians. It was the crowning achievement of her 50 years in public life. Feinstein was busy Thursday attending a private reception where she toasted aides who produced the report, watching CIA Director John Brennan defend his agency at a press conference while her staffers tweeted fact-checking responses, and talking by phone with Brennan. At the end of it all, she gave me a call. “The important thing is that America recognizes its mistakes and takes the steps necessary to correct them,” she said. “In so many countries, that doesn’t happen.” It would not have happened here, either, if she had waited. As a consequence of Republican victories in November, Feinstein no longer will be Senate Intelligence Committee chair. Her replacement, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, warned that the report “endangers our officers and allies in a blatant attempt to smear the Bush administration.” Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, the incoming chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, issued a statement saying “this report will damage U.S. national security and jeopardize American lives.” Torture is part of the partisan divide, alas, although not that long ago, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Convention Against Torture and Inhuman Treatment or Punishment. Apologists call what happened from 2002 to 2007 “enhanced interrogation techniques,” or even more Orwellian, “EIT.” Feinstein made clear her view by releasing the 500-page summary of the sealed 6,700-page investigation. There’s thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://matsui.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=285 | Congresswoman Matsui Applauds Senate Passage of Important Cruise Passenger Safety Provision | 2014-12-14 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Doris Matsui | M001163 | matsui.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, December 11, 2014 CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER (202) 225-7163 Congresswoman Matsui Applauds Senate Passage of Important Cruise Passenger Safety Provision Bill includes language from Rep. Matsui's Cruise Passenger Protection Act requiring improvements to crime statistics website The Senate voted in a bipartisan fashion Wednesday to pass a Coast Guard reauthorization bill that includes a key provision ensuring the public has access to important safety information they need prior to booking a cruise. This provision was one of several cruise passenger safety provisions included in legislation Congresswoman Matsui introduced last year, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA). The bill language transfers the responsibility for maintaining the cruise vessel crime data website from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation and requires a number of changes to ensure the website is user-friendly and includes all important data. Specifically, it requires the website to be updated quarterly and sorted by cruise line. The website will be required to identify each cruise line by name, identify each crime committed or allegedly committed by a passenger or crewmember regardless of the status of the investigation, and identify the number of individuals alleged overboard. This is an important victory for cruise safety advocates and for the millions of Americans who have taken a cruise or are considering one in the future. While cruise ships are billed as safe, family-friendly vacations, the reality is that crime happens onboard these ships just as it does anyplace else, said Congresswoman Matsui. Passage of this key provision from the Cruise Passenger Protection Act will ensure that anyone considering a cruise can easily view a more accurate number of crimes that occurred on each cruise line, and the nature of the crime. This is a huge step forward toward transparency and ensuring the safety of cruise passengers. The legislation passed the House last week. It now heads to the President'… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bass.house.gov/press-release/statement-opposing-gop-budget-bill | Statement opposing GOP Budget Bill | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Karen Bass | B001270 | bass.house.gov | legacy | Washington. DC--Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.) released the following statement after voting to oppose the 2015 CROmnibus legislation: "I simply could not in good conscience vote to support legislation that undoes so many of the protections designed to protect Americans. Following the banking failures six years ago, Congress rightfully passed much-needed Wall Street reforms. House Republicans are using the threat of a shutdown to move America backward and use a funding bill to help Wall Street lobbyists by slipping in a provision that would let derivatives traders on Wall Street gamble with taxpayer money. I am also opposed to provisions that would allow millionaires and billionaires even more say in our elections. "Although there are many provisions in this bill that I supported, including a substantial funding increase for victims of human trafficking and language that is a first step to achieving our goal of making it easier for transit agencies like LA Metro to hire local workers on their light rail project, in the end I cannot support the final legislation because of the poorly written policy that it contains. The American public deserves a real debate on the rules that govern Wall Street--not last-minute insertions in the closing days of Congress with the threat of a government shutdown. "Speaker Boehner and Congressional Republican leadership know they can do better. They knew how divisive these provisions would be, and I hope that when the next Congress is sworn in next January we will have a more transparent budget process." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-chu-statement-omnibus-spending-bill | Rep. Chu Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Judy Chu | C001080 | chu.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted against the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. The bill, which would fund much of the government through 2015, also included a number of unrelated “riders.” One of these would repeal a crucial provision of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act which requires Wall Street banks insured by the government to independently fund their riskiest derivative trading so tax payers are not left accountable. And another would increase the cap from $32,400 to $324,000 on individual campaign contributions. Rep. Chu released the following statement: “I was hoping to vote for an imperfect but necessary funding bill today. Instead, Republicans gave us a bill that went beyond funding the government to hurt taxpayers and weaken the integrity of our elections. Both of these provisions are unacceptable and have been presented to us at the point of a fiscal gun without any Congressional hearings or debate. “The Dodd-Frank law was passed to prevent the kind of risky trades that led to the historic economic collapse in 2008. This provision, written by Wall Street lobbyists, would roll back crucial protections and allow banks to use risky bets at taxpayer expense. We cannot subsidize Wall Street profits. “I am also very opposed to the incredible ten-fold increase in the amount an individual can contribute to a campaign. Our elections are predicated on the democratic value that all Americans have an equal say. This bill further weakens our campaign finance laws and allows the wealthiest to have an even greater voice in our elections, at the expense of every-day citizens. These dramatic changes to our laws have no place in a temporary funding bill. I urge my Republican colleagues to present a clean spending bill to keep the government open and allow the legislative process to work as it should for more serious bills that will have a substantial impact on our country.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huffman.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/huffman-applauds-fcc-vote-to-increase-funding-to-expand-internet-access | Huffman Applauds FCC Vote to Increase Funding to Expand Internet Access for Low-Income and Rural Schools | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their vote yesterday to increase funding for the E-Rate Program by $1.5 billion, expanding internet access to low-income and rural schools and libraries. Huffman had earlier urged the FCC to modernize the program and increase its funding. “Digital connectivity will only become more important to education, and every school in America should have access to high-speed internet. Unfortunately, broadband technology has lagged behind in rural and low-income schools, leaving teachers without cutting-edge educational tools and learning material that students need to prepare for their future and to compete in the global economy,” Huffman said. “I applaud the FCC for their investment of $1.5 billion to help schools on the North Coast and across the country close the digital divide and ensure our students get the best education possible.” E-rate was established by Congress in 1996 to connect every school and library to the Internet, and it has provided financial assistance to schools and libraries for the cost of telecommunications and Internet services for nearly two decades. E-rate provides discounts of up to 90 percent to help schools and libraries throughout the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. Today, it remains the federal government’s largest source of funding for technology in education. However, the program’s funding level is no longer sufficient to ensure schools and libraries can access the Internet speeds and wireless connections needed to support 21st century learning. Earlier in the congressional session, Huffman wrote a bipartisan letter to the FCC urging them to modernize the E-Rate program. You can find the full text of the letter here. The average American school has about the same bandwidth as the average American home, but with 200 times as many users. Currently, 72% of American schools do not have the Internet infrastructure they need to take advantage of d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huffman.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/huffman-statement-opposing-omnibus-spending-bill | Huffman Statement Opposing Omnibus Spending Bill | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) released the following statement after voting against the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, H.R. 83: “I could not in good conscience vote for this special interest Christmas tree masquerading as a government funding bill. And I’m deeply disappointed that 57 Democrats joined the House Republican majority in passing it. “What we learned through this disgraceful ‘CRomnibus’ episode is that House Republicans will seize every opportunity to legislate special favors for Wall Street, mega-rich campaign contributors, and big polluters. American taxpayers are once again exposed to potential bailouts of Wall Street banks who can now resume risky derivative trading with other peoples’ money, backed by FDIC insurance when the next financial bubble bursts. Mega-donors can now write obscenely large checks to political parties, further expanding their outsized political influence. And Big Coal can continue its devastating mountaintop removal mining with less onerous stream protection rules – and with a special provision to support the coal export boom by continuing taxpayer investments in dirty energy projects abroad. “We see the GOP’s true priorities by the many special interest giveaways in this bill – and also by what was deliberately left out of the bill. The Secure Rural Schools program is set to expire, leaving education systems in much of my North Coast district and many rural areas around the country in financial limbo. Instead of heeding the bipartisan calls to extend the program, House Republicans left it out of the Omnibus so that they could use it as a partisan political football next year. They essentially admitted as much in floor debates. House Republicans have been relentlessly attacking our environmental laws and we know that will continue next year. But using struggling rural schools as hostages to advance their anti-environment partisan agenda is a cynical political move even by the low standards of this Congress. “Democrats could… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://juliabrownley.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brownley-delivers-46-million-in-retroactive-and-estimated-monthly | BROWNLEY DELIVERS $4.6 MILLION IN RETROACTIVE AND ESTIMATED MONTHLY FEDERAL BENEFITS TO CONSTITUENTS SINCE TAKING OFFICE | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | legacy | THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. – In nearly two years since Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) took office, Brownley and her staff have successfully delivered more than $4.6 million in retroactive and estimated monthly federal benefits to constituents throughout Ventura County. Additionally, she helped secure more than $10 million in federal grants for local projects. “When I was elected to Congress, I was determined to provide the best constituent services possible,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “As I prepare to begin my second term in office, I will continue to strive to be Ventura County’s voice in Washington.” Below are highlights of Congresswoman Brownley’s constituent-centered approach to strengthening Ventura County’s economy and fighting for middle-class families. Received and responded to over 119,000 inquiries from constituents. Of those 119,000-plus inquiries, over 2,100 required Brownley to open cases and cut through bureaucratic red tape while advocating for constituents. Recovered nearly $2 million in retroactive VA benefits, plus more than $1.8 in estimated monthly VA benefits. Recovered over $300,000 in overdue Social Security benefits to Ventura County residents. Helped secure more than $10 million in federal grants, including $4.3 million for expanding local transit service; $1.8 million for security and infrastructure for the Port of Hueneme; $600,000 for maintenance and improvements for the Camarillo and Oxnard airports; $500,000 for carrier service incentives for Oxnard airport; $120,000 for Reins of HOPE in Ojai to expand access to complementary and alternative therapy for veterans; and $2.4 million to keep a local fire station open and staffed. “If you live in California’s 26th Congressional District and need my help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my district offices,” Brownley said. “It is my honor to serve you as your advocate in Congress.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamalfa.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-opposes-budget-measure | Rep. LaMalfa Opposes Budget Measure | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Doug LaMalfa | L000578 | lamalfa.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Rep. LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted against a measure setting federal funding for the coming fiscal year. “After careful consideration, I voted against the government spending measure that failed to take action against the President’s executive amnesty plan and included a number of nonbudget items. Having thoroughly reviewed the bill, I felt that there were too many elements of the package that were not adequately discussed and were not directly related to funding government operations," continued LaMalfa. "Congress should have more fully considered these elements, and I have been clear in my belief that we must act to defund the President’s amnesty plan.” “While Congress is grappling with these issues, the North State is experiencing flooding that is affecting homes, businesses and families. My first steps in working with the incoming Republican Senate will be to address our needs for water storage and flood control infrastructure, tackling the President’s amnesty plan and continuing to reduce federal spending and regulations.” Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s 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://lowenthal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398552 | Congressman Lowenthal Helps Secure $7.74 in Funding to Keep Queensway Bay Channel Open | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Alan Lowenthal | L000579 | lowenthal.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Alan Lowenthal has helped secure an additional $7.74 million for much-needed dredging of the Queensway Bay channel, which sits at the mouth of the Los Angeles River in Long Beach. The funding is in addition to more than $5 million already secured by the Congressman and the City of Long Beach for initial dredging work, which is set to begin soon. All told, the combined funding will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to completely clear a full navigable channel by removing years of sediment build-up from the frequent silting that occurs as debris and sediment flows down and out of the L.A. River. “The Queensway Bay channel is a key waterway in our area and keeping it open is critical to the thousands of recreational boaters who rely on it each year,” Congressman Lowenthal said. Silting in the Queensway Bay channel can negatively impact navigation for vessels launching from Long Beach’s South Shore Launch Ramp, located in the channel. Nearly 10,000 vessels launch from this ramp per year and require a clear channel to safely maneuver, and 600,000 people rely on the channel for transportation and tourism each year. Dredging must be completed every three to five years to keep the channel clear, but due to the fact that that maintenance dredging was not kept up, the channel has been in danger of silting to the point of becoming impassible by marine craft. "The City of Long Beach is thrilled to see that through the leadership provided by Congressman Lowenthal, Congress has passed a budget bill that includes $7.7 million for dredging the federal channel in the Los Angeles River Estuary in 2015," says Mayor Robert Garcia. "The City and Congressman Lowenthal have been working closely together over the past two years to ensure that sufficient federal funds are invested in maintaining navigability in the federal channel. This is a safety matter, and also a matter of economic importance, as the federal channel is the only path of travel between Catalina Island and Long Beach." The funding was included in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398260 | Rollback of ObamaCare regulation could save hundreds of Central Valley jobs | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | Rollback of ObamaCare regulation could save hundreds of Central Valley jobs Rep. Nunes advances bipartisan solution to expat issue f t # e Washington, December 12, 2014 The omnibus spending bill passed by the House of Representatives includes language to roll back a regulation in the ObamaCare law that put hundreds of Valley jobs at risk. The language, drafted by Republican Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22) and Democratic Congressman John Carney (DE), with Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) acting as original cosponsors, exempts insurers from certain ObamaCare mandates on policies sold to expatriate Americans and to foreigners living outside their home countries. Those mandates made U.S. insurers’ policies uncompetitive in foreign countries, provoking some insurers to consider downsizing U.S.-based operations and laying off workers, including up to 700 employees in Visalia alone. “This is one of many problems caused by government planners’ attempt to re-engineer the healthcare system through ObamaCare,” said Rep. Nunes. “Thanks to bipartisan cooperation among concerned legislators – including Representative Carney and Senators Carper and Coons, and especially valuable assistance provided by Speaker of the House John Boehner – hundreds of workers no longer face the possible loss of their livelihoods due to careless legislation.” The Senate is expected to approve the rollback today or tomorrow. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398270 | U.S. Senate to Central Valley: No water for you! | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Devin Nunes | N000181 | nunes.house.gov | legacy | The House of Representatives this week passed its third bill in three years to alleviate the California water crisis. Based on extensive, bipartisan House-Senate negotiations, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act (H.R. 5781) included numerous Senate demands. The bill did not even strive to permanently solve the crisis, instead proposing measures simply to bring some short-term relief to families and to help farmers get through the upcoming growing season. Nevertheless, the Senate refused to approve even these minimal, temporary actions, just as it declined to act on the previous House water bills. The House was also prepared to pass the measures as part of the Omnibus spending bill, but the effort was killed by Senate opposition. Having rejected all our initiatives, the senators should explain their plan for relieving the water crisis. As I argued on the House floor, by the way they’re acting, it’s almost as if they have no plan at all . . . Separately, the Nunes Digest is updated here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397599 | The fight against human trafficking | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Edward Royce | R000487 | royce.house.gov | legacy | In her junior year of college, Southern California native Rachel Thomas found herself trapped in a sex-trafficking ring after being lured by a pimp claiming to be a talent agent. The pimp threatened to kill Rachel’s family if she attempted to escape. Angela Guanzon was promised a good-paying job in the United States by a recruiter in the Philippines. Instead, she found herself forced to sleep on the floor of a retirement home in Long Beach, working 18 hour days for no pay. Rachel and Angela shared their incredible stories of survival with me earlier this year. Their experiences are important reminders that human trafficking is a global problem, but not a faraway one. Human trafficking is affecting communities across Southern California, including in Orange and Los Angeles counties. At a hearing in Washington I convened last year as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe described 10- to 12-year-old girls being pimped on the streets of Los Angeles – a shocking reality also confirmed by Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas at our hearing last year in Fullerton. In fact, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force has served over 225 victims of trafficking in 2013 alone. The enhanced penalties of California’s new anti-trafficking law (enacted in 2013 as Proposition 35) were put to use for the first time last October, when a man who had attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl from Bakersfield into sexual slavery in Sacramento was sentenced to more than 32 years in prison. Increasing the penalties for traffickers is a step in the right direction, but more can and must be done to combat the efforts to lure minors into sexual or labor trafficking. That’s why last year I started my Human Trafficking Congressional Advisory Committee, comprised of victims’ rights organizations, local and federal law enforcement agencies and community advocates. Our members include representatives from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Human Exploitation and Trafficking U… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397976 | House Passes Omnibus Spending Package | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | David Valadao | V000129 | valadao.house.gov | legacy | On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill. share: f t Last night, Thursday, December 11, 2014, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The legislation will provide discretionary funding for the federal government for the current fiscal year. Eleven of the Twelve annual Appropriations bills will be funded through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2014. The 12th bill, which provides funding for the Department of Homeland Security, is included in the legislation; however, it is funded under a temporary Continuing Resolution which will expire on February 27, 2014. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for drafting this legislation, âMost of this bill is the result of months of work by the House Appropriations Committee. However, the Senateâs refusal to pass a single Appropriations bill prevented Congress from budgeting through regular order. However, funding the federal government is the most basic duty of Congress, and this omnibus fulfills that responsibility.â He continued, âIn addition to preventing a federal government shutdown, this bill also includes several important provisions for my constituents. For example, this bill ensures no additional federal dollars for California High Speed Rail, provides a $4,500,000 increase for specialty crop pest research, and prevents certain regulations that would allow harmful government interference in the livestock industry.â H.R. 83, Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 was passed by a vote of 219-206 on Thursday, December 11, 2014. Highlights of the bill include: Funding â Provides a total of $1.013 trillion for the operation of the federal government and meets the $521 billion defense and $492 billion n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=d0ce247f-523b-44e3-b9c4-e82f05c2c638 | Torture report is about us, not enemies, and we must enact reform - San Francisco Chronicle | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Originally appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle On Tuesday, a five-year review of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program was finally made public, drawing back the curtains on a very dark period of American history. The purpose of making this report public is simple: to ensure something like this can never happen again. The 500-page executive summary that was made public is part of a larger 6,700-page review of a CIA program that included clear examples of torture, far outside the bounds of American values. It’s important to remember the study is based on CIA’s own records: 6.3 million pages of the CIA cables, memos, reports, e-mails and other documents. These records from the very time the actions took place — appear extensively in the report’s 38,000 footnotes. Many of these records were disturbing, at times deplorable. But there was also some wisdom in those records, like a 2005 e-mail from then-CIA Inspector General John Helgerson. It read, in part: “We have found that the Agency over the decades has continued to get itself in messes related to interrogation programs for one overriding reason: we do not document and learn from our experience — each generation of officers is left to improvise anew, with problematic results for our officers as individuals and for our Agency.” This report provides that documentation, and now we need to learn from it and apply the lessons. We must never again allow our country to veer so far off course. To do that, we have to study where we went wrong. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said last week on the Senate floor, “The truth is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.” Indeed, the executive summary includes some particularly vile treatment, and it’s difficult to comprehend what happened. We included these details to drive home how wrong and un-American this program was. One detainee was kept awake for 180 hours — that’s more than seven days without sleep. One otherwise healthy detainee died while in custody, likely from hypothermia. Beatings were comm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=338ad3a5-8ae1-4736-9e27-6970e8f87759 | Feinstein Hails Passage of Defense Authorization Bill | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today welcomed Senate passage of the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains a number of Feinstein’s legislative proposals benefitting California on both public lands and military issues. Public lands “I am pleased by the passage of several public lands provisions affecting California,” Feinstein said. “Overall, this bill means California can preserve potential wilderness areas, pursue commonsense land exchanges and commemorate the history of our national parks.” The following legislation was sponsored or cosponsored by Feinstein and was included in the NDAA: Inyo National Forest Land Exchange Act: This bill facilitates a land exchange between the operators of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and the Inyo National Forest. The land exchange will enable the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to acquire the 21 acres it currently leases from the Forest Service so that it can make much needed long-term improvements to its facilities. In exchange, the Forest Service would receive approximately 1,500 acres of environmentally valuable private lands and cash payments equivalent to the value of the ski resort lands. This win-win solution benefits the local tourism economy and protects important natural resources. Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks Study Act: This legislation authorizes a study that will determine the best way to commemorate the Buffalo Soldiers, the Army’s first all-African American units. In particular, it seeks to honor the critical role they played in the early years of the national park system, including Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, where they essentially served as our nation’s first park rangers. China Lake Naval Weapons Station Boundary Adjustment: This amendment authorizes the withdrawal of approximately 12,000 acres of public lands sought by the Department of Defense for use by the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, while also preserving a roughly equal amount of adjacent public lands that have lon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=56d0dda9-b528-489f-843a-58cb246bcc5d | Fact Check: Coercive Interrogation Techniques Did Not Lead to bin Laden | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—The raid of a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 1, 2011, that killed Osama bin Laden was the product of a decade-long intelligence manhunt. The compound was located after Abu Ahmed al-Kuwaiti, bin Laden’s facilitator, was identified by the intelligence community. Contrary to CIA representations, this intelligence operation did not rely on information from CIA detainees after they were subjected to the CIA’s coercive interrogation techniques. The following timeline lays out when and how intelligence on bin Laden was collected. November 2001: A phone number associated with Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti is under surveillance by the U.S. government. (page 380, footnote 2143) March 2002: The same phone number is found in Abu Zubaydah’s phone book under “Abu Ahmad K.” (page 387, footnote 2190) April-July 2002: CIA obtains signals intelligence linking Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti with bin Laden’s family and collects Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti’s emails. (pages 380-381) June-October-2002: Four detainees in foreign custody provide information on Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti’s age, physical appearance and family, as well as information on the unique importance of Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti, including Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti’s close relationship with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in coordinating terrorist attacks against the United States. (pages 381-382) June 25, 2002: Riyadh the Facilitator, while in the custody of a foreign government, suggests Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti may be bin Laden’s courier. (page 382) August 2002: Abu Zubair, while in the custody of a foreign government, states that Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti “was one of a few close associates” of bin Laden. (page 383) March-Sept 2003: During and after coercive interrogation techniques, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed provides conflicting, incomplete and inaccurate information about a facilitator who he calls “Abu Ahmad al-Baluchi.” Months later, when confronted with reporting from a detainee in foreign government custody, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed acknowledges knowing Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti but states… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e8f730c3-43c8-4931-94f6-c478f25d8bbb | Fact Check: CIAs Use of Rectal Rehydration, Feeding Not Medical Procedures | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Dianne Feinstein | F000062 | www.feinstein.senate.gov | legacy | Washington—As documented in the Senate Intelligence Committee study of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program, coercive interrogation techniques included the use of rectal rehydration and rectal feeding of CIA detainees. Contrary to some claims, this is not a medical procedure, nor was it ever approved by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel as an authorized interrogation technique. On December 10, 2014, the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights stated that “Contrary to the CIA’s assertions, there is no clinical indication to use rectal rehydration and feeding over oral or intravenous administration of fluids and nutrients.” The report includes ample information about the uses of these procedures, including: Page 73: One detainee, al-Nashiri, launched a short lived hunger strike that resulted in the CIA force feeding him rectally. (Source: CIA cable, May 23, 2004.) Page 82: CIA’s chief of interrogations ordered the rectal rehydration of Khalid Shaykh Mohammed without a determination of medical need, a procedure that the chief of interrogations would later characterize as illustrative of the interrogator’s “total control over the detainee.” (Source: CIA cable, March 5, 2003; interview by the CIA inspector general, March 27, 2003.) Page 83: In March 2003, Khalid Shaykh Mohammed was also subjected to additional rectal rehydration (Source: CIA cable, date redacted), which a CIA officer from the Office of Medical Services “described as helping to ‘clear a person’s head’ and effective in getting KSM to talk.” (Source: CIA email, March 6, 2003, names of sender and recipients redacted.) Page 100, footnote 584: According to CIA records, listed in this footnote, the CIA rectally rehydrated and/or rectally fed al-Nashiri, Khalid Shaykh Mohammed, Abu Zubaydah and Marwan al-Jabbur. Ramzi bin al-Shibh, Khallad bin Attash and Adnan al-Libi were threatened with rectal rehydration. CIA medical officers discussed rectal rehydration as a means of behavior control. As one officer wrote, “[w]hil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-delivers-46-million-in-retroactive-and-estimated-monthly/ | Brownley Delivers $4.6 Million in Retroactive and Estimated Monthly Federal Benefits to Constituents Since Taking Office | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | juliabrownley | https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Thousand Oaks, CA – In nearly two years since Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) took office, Brownley and her staff have successfully delivered more than $4.6 million in retroactive and estimated monthly federal benefits to constituents throughout Ventura County. Additionally, she helped secure more than $10 million in federal grants for local projects. “When I was elected to Congress, I was determined to provide the best constituent services possible,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “As I prepare to begin my second term in office, I will continue to strive to be Ventura County’s voice in Washington.” Below are highlights of Congresswoman Brownley’s constituent-centered approach to strengthening Ventura County’s economy and fighting for middle-class families. Received and responded to over 119,000 inquiries from constituents. Of those 119,000-plus inquiries, over 2,100 required Brownley to open cases and cut through bureaucratic red tape while advocating for constituents. Recovered nearly $2 million in retroactive VA benefits, plus more than $1.8 in estimated monthly VA benefits. Recovered over $300,000 in overdue Social Security benefits to Ventura County residents. Helped secure more than $10 million in federal grants, including $4.3 million for expanding local transit service; $1.8 million for security and infrastructure for the Port of Hueneme; $600,000 for maintenance and improvements for the Camarillo and Oxnard airports; $500,000 for carrier service incentives for Oxnard airport; $120,000 for Reins of HOPE in Ojai to expand access to complementary and alternative therapy for veterans; and $2.4 million to keep a local fire station open and staffed. “If you live in California’s 26th Congressional District and need my help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my district offices,” Brownley said. “It is my honor to serve you as your advocate in Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:44:12Z |
| https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-on-fy2015-cromnibus/ | Brownley Statement on FY2015 CROMNIBUS | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | juliabrownley | https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement regarding her vote on the Fiscal Year 2015 Continuing Resolution and Omnibus Appropriations Act: “I voted for the FY2015 funding bill because it would be irresponsible to shut down the federal government, which could send our economy back into recession. The last shutdown cost the economy $24 billion and furloughed 818,000 workers. While this bill is certainly flawed, I could not in good conscience support putting our fragile economic recovery, and the jobs in Ventura County that might be impacted by a shutdown, in jeopardy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:44:12Z |
| https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-praises-medical-marijuana-protection-provision | Congresswoman Lee Praises Medical Marijuana Protection Provision | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Barbara Lee | L000551 | lee.house.gov | legacy | 12.12.14 Congresswoman Lee Praises Medical Marijuana Protection Provision Washington, D.C. Last night, the House passed the $1.1 trillion spending bill that was unfortunately littered with gifts for Wall Street and other harmful policy riders. However, the bill did contain a key provision that Congresswoman Lee strongly supported. The provision prevents federal overreach that would keep Californians from their medicine. The provision prohibitsthe use of funds by the U.S. Department of Justice to prevent states from implementing their own state laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana. The federal government should never get in between patients and their medicine, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This provision brings us one step closer to providing relief for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, cancer, HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions. Congresswoman Lee was a leading co-sponsor of this provision when it passed the House as the Farr-Rohrabacher amendment to the FY 2015 CJS Appropriations Bill, which passed the House in May. She actively advocated for inclusion of that amendment in the final spending bill. ### Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://bera.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/crowley-roskam-announce-new-india-caucus-co-chairs-bera-holding | Crowley, Roskam announce new India Caucus co-chairs Bera, Holding | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Ami Bera | B001287 | bera.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans for the 113th Congress, announced that Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) Congressman George Holding (R-NC) will serve as the new co-chairs for the 114th Congress: “Ami is an accomplished physician, a staunch advocate for his constituents, and is a go-to member when it comes to working constructively in Congress,” said Crowley. “His passion for the issues is impressive, and there is no question the Caucus will be in excellent hands. The Indian-American community has a wonderful partner in Ami Bera, and I look forward to working with him, and the entire India Caucus, as we continue our efforts to strengthen relations between the U.S. and India.” “George is the perfect person for this role and I know that the caucus will be in good hands,” said Roskam. “As Republican Chair of the India Caucus, George will focus in on growing the relationship between our two democracies, emphasizing our nations’ shared interests from global security to trade and international prosperity. At over 180 members, our caucus is the largest in the House dedicated to a single country. Among so many of his colleagues, and with an unmatched work ethic and understanding of the issues, George will absolutely thrive.” “As the only Indian American serving in Congress, I’m honored to have been voted co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans,” said Bera. “I'd like to express my gratitude to Congressmen Crowley and Roskam for their years guiding the Caucus. Under their leadership the India Caucus has grown to one of the largest caucuses in the House. I’m excited to take on this new role at a critical time for the partnership between the U.S. and India. Building on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. in September and President Obama’s upcoming trip to India, I look forward to working with Congressman Holding and our colleagues in the Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397404 | Rep. Calvert Supports Bill Setting the Stage to Confront Obama on Illegal Immigration | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | CA | Ken Calvert | C000059 | calvert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Calvert Supports Bill Setting the Stage to Confront Obama on Illegal Immigration f t # e Washington, D.C, December 11, 2014 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a majority of the House in support of the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill will fund every federal agency through the end of the Fiscal Year 2015, except the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded under a temporary “Continuing Resolution” mechanism that expires on February 27, 2015. “The bill approved by the House today prevents a government shutdown and sets the stage for Republicans to confront President Obama’s unilateral executive action on illegal immigration,” said Rep. Calvert. “The bill limits funding for Homeland Security and our immigration enforcement agencies until the end of February. Meanwhile, as I have done in the past, I will be urging my colleagues to enact legislation that strengthens the security of our border and makes the use of E-Verify mandatory. With the majority in the House and Senate next Congress, Republicans will directly challenge President Obama’s unilateral approach to immigration reform." ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cardenas.house.gov//media-center/spanish-releases/c-rdenas-nombrado-a-comit-m-s-poderoso-de-la-c-mara | CRDENAS NOMBRADO A COMIT MS PODEROSO DE LA CMARA | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Tony Cárdenas | C001097 | cardenas.house.gov | legacy | CÁRDENAS NOMBRADO A COMITÉ MÁS PODEROSO DE LA CÁMARA (Washington, DC) – El Representante de EE.UU. Tony Cárdenas será ahora la voz de Los Angeles en el comité más poderoso de la Cámara de Representantes de EE.UU. El martes, Cárdenas fue nombrado al prestigioso Comité de Energía y Comercio de la Cámara, el más antiguo de los “comités de autorización,” donde han sido creados y debatidos muchos proyectos de ley históricos. “Este comité es el más importante de nuestra Cámara,” dijo Cárdenas. “Me llena de orgullo servir y espero que podamos orientar nuestros debates hacia temas que importan en Los Angeles y en nuestra nación. Tengo la intención de usar la amplitud de mi experiencia para estar listo el primer día para discurrir soluciones a los retos a los que se enfrenta nuestra nación.” Cárdenas trae más de 18 años de experiencia legislativa al comité, al que es “conferido la mayor amplitud de jurisdicción de cualquier comité de autorización congresional.” En los últimos años, ha llevado la responsabilidad de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud; cambio climático y política de energía; política de telecomunicaciones; protecciones al consumidor, incluyendo asuntos de alimentos y medicamentos; y comercio general, incluyendo asuntos que afectan a las industrias del entretenimiento y la tecnología. “Como antiguo propietario de pequeña empresa, ingeniero, jefe del Comité de Presupuesto de California y líder en progreso medioambiental en la ciudad de Los Angeles, tengo un conjunto único de habilidades y experiencias,” dijo Cárdenas. “Esta es una época importante para América, según construimos una economía americana nueva. El Comité de Energía y Comercio será una parte importante del proceso de construcción.” Cárdenas será uno de sólo dos miembros Hispanos del comité, ayudando a representar el 20 por ciento de consumidores americanos que son Hispanos. Será sólo el quinto miembro Hispano de la Cámara de EE.UU. en servir en el Comité de Energía y Comercio. Cárdenas será el único miembro del comité de Los Angeles, una de las regiones… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-garamendi-helps-lead-coast-guard-and-maritime-transportation-bill-which | Ranking Member Garamendi Helps Lead Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Bill which Passes Senate, House and will be Signed into Law | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | John Garamendi | G000559 | garamendi.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan Bill will Strengthen our Economy and National Security and Includes Garamendi’s Growing American Shipping Act WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate and House of Representatives both passed S. 2444, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 by unanimous consent. The bill now heads to the President’s desk, where it will be signed into law. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes funding for the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Federal Maritime Commission. It also provides policy direction and certainty for these entities and the entire maritime sector. As Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03) worked closely with Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA-5) to write the bill; negotiated a bipartisan, bicameral compromise; and built support for passage through both chambers of Congress and with the Administration. “I am pleased that even in a partisan environment, the House, Senate, and the White House are coming together on legislation that will strengthen our Coast Guard and maritime businesses. I am also pleased that this legislation includes my bipartisan Growing American Shipping Act, which says that when it is deemed appropriate to export LNG, it should be on American-flagged vessels,” said Congressman Garamendi. “This bill will modernize our Coast Guard, make our maritime businesses more competitive, and strengthen American shipbuilding – the backbone of our maritime sector. While the bill has some minor flaws, on balance, it is a very good compromise that will strengthen our economy and national security.” Garamendi added, “I commend Coast Guard Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter, and also Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Nick Rahall of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their bipartisan leadership on this legislation. I also want to thank Senator Rockefeller and Senator Thune for their invaluable cooperation … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://huffman.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-applauds-passage-of-new-measure-to-prevent-veteran-suicides | Rep. Huffman Applauds Passage of New Measure to Prevent Veteran Suicides | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Jared Huffman | H001068 | huffman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) applauded the unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation to address the epidemic of suicide among our nation’s veterans. “Many of our veterans return from war facing traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, or mental health challenges. Too many don’t receive the care they need and, tragically, take their own lives,” Huffman said. “The passage of this bipartisan legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring our veterans receive the care they need and deserve. I know that our work is not done and we need to keep working to guarantee the United States meets the solemn commitments it made to its veterans.” Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day – more than 8,000 every year. Of the more than 2 million Americans who have served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is estimated that one-third, roughly 600,000 women and men, have traumatic brain injury, PTSD or depression. Named in honor of an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran and noted suicide prevention advocate who took his own life on March 31, 2011, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 5059) is another step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans have the support they need by expanding access to and improving the effectiveness of mental health care for our veterans. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will establish a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning servicemembers with accessing VA mental health care services. To ease access to services, the bill will require the VA to create a one-stop, interactive website to serve as a centralized source of information regarding all mental health services for veterans. A student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists included in the legislation will help address the shortage of mental health care professionals. To improve care, the legislation will require an annual, third-party evaluation of all mental health ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://juliabrownley.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brownley-focuses-on-link-between-veterans-homelessness-and-military | BROWNLEY FOCUSES ON LINK BETWEEN VETERANS HOMELESSNESS AND MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | CA | Julia Brownley | B001285 | juliabrownley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) participated in a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing: “Evaluating Federal and Community Efforts to Eliminate Veteran Homelessness.” During the hearing, Brownley focused on the links between female veterans’ homelessness and military sexual trauma (MST). During testimony before the committee, John Downing, CEO of Soldier On, noted that in his experience 100 percent of the female veterans who are homeless have experienced MST. He also noted that of all homeless veterans, approximately 25 percent are considered chronically homeless, and may never become self-sufficient, requiring a lifetime of intensive care. Brownley used her time during the hearing to hone in on these statistics. A video of the exchange is available here. As Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, Brownley has been particularly focused on issues facing female veterans, including MST. Earlier this year, Brownley offered a Motion to Instruct conferees on the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, which led to the inclusion several provisions on MST in the final bill. Brownley has also urged Chairman Miller to hold a full committee hearing to focus more on issues facing female veterans. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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