url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-announces-free-mobile-coronavirus-testing-van-coming-communities,Harder Announces Free Mobile Coronavirus Testing Van Coming to Communities Throughout Central Valley,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Josh Harder,H001090,harder.house.gov,,,legacy,"Modesto, CA Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced the launch of a new COVID-19 mobile testing van for Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties scheduled to start Monday, January 4th. Curative, one of the largest providers of oral COVID-19 testing in the country, will be launching a mobile testing unit on Monday January 4th and will serve locations across Rep. Harder's district in both Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Curative offers a self-administered oral test, which uses saliva instead of a nasal swab. The test is free to all individuals, including those without insurance, and can be administered to children. We heard from communities across the Valley that we're low on testing capacity so we went and found some more, said Rep. Harder. The first step in combating the virus is understanding where it is this will give us a better chance to do that while also giving people more opportunities to get tested. Interested residents can visit www.curative.com/CA10 to make an appointment. Appointments will be available starting four days before date of test. Walk-up availability is limited. More information on the test itself is available at www.curative.com. More information on local testing, including a bilingual flyer, is available here. The testing van will be available on a weekly basis at the following locations, 10am 4pm, starting Monday, January 4th: Mondays: Patterson - Hammon Senior Center Parking Lot, 1033 W Las Palmas Ave, Patterson Tuesdays: Riverbank - Riverbank Community Center Parking Lot, 3600 Santa Fe St, Riverbank Wednesdays: Manteca - City Hall Parking Lot, 1001 West Center Street, Manteca Thursdays: Oakdale - Family Resource Center Parking Lot, 631 W F St, Oakdale Fridays: Ceres - Central Valley Opportunity Center; Ceres Parking Lot, 3860 Brickit Ct., Suite A, Ceres Saturdays: Modesto - King Kennedy Center Parking Lot, 601 Martin Luther King Dr, Modesto Sundays: Tracy - Ritter Family Ball Park, 2300 N. Tracy Blvd, Tracy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/coin-redesign-act-celebrating-prominent-american-women-and-others-passes-both-chambers-of-congress_--,Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.31.20 Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress Washington, D.C. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Anthony Gonzalez(R-OH), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) today joined Senators Catherine CortezMasto(D-NV) and Deb Fischer (R-NE)in celebrating the bicameral passage of their bipartisan legislation, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. H.R. 1923, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint to mint and issuenewquarter-dollar coins. The first series of quarters in this program commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting some women the right to vote. The design on the reverse of those quarters will represent prominent American women in a range of fields, including but not limited to suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, and humanities. This series will also include women from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. The 114th Congress created a United StatesSemiquincentennialCommission to facilitate activities in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This bill allows for the issuance offivedifferent designs emblematic of the United States'Semiquincentennial, including one dedicated to the contributions made by women to our nation's founding or a monumental moment in American History.Additionally, from 2027-2030,quarter dollars willcommemorate sports played by American youthandhalf-dollar commemoratingParalympicsports. Women have played a critical role in shaping this country since its founding but have often been excluded or gone unrecognized. This bill is an important step in recognizing the contributions women have made in furthering civil rights and making our country a more equitable place. This bill's passage also coincides with the centennial of the 19th Amendment which gave some women the right to vote,said Congresswoman Lee.When women gathered in Seneca Falls in July 1848, it was to give white women the right to vote no Black women were invited to participate. As we commemorate women's suffrage and celebrate the first series of coins in the package to depict prominent American women, it is also my hope that diverse American women will be chosen and depicted, celebrating our nation's leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Some of the greatest and most influential figures in our nation's history have been women, although these voices and stories have too often gone untold. In this centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to highlight the role women have played in shaping our great nation and ensure their inclusion in the fabric of our nation's story,said Congressman Gonzalez.I am excited to see this legislation head to the President's desk to be signed into law. I'm proud to see this legislation honoring the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognizing the many American women who have contributed to the fight for suffrage and civil rights, science, government, and the arts pass the House of Representatives,said Senator CortezMasto.While our nation still has steps to take in honoring the right to vote for women of color, the 19th Amendment has firmly established every woman's right to vote for the last 100 years and has brought women into the halls of power across our country. And by ensuring that prominent women are featured in the U.S. Mint'sSemiquincentennial, we are recognizing our history and inspiring future generations of young women to dream big. From business boardrooms to research labs to state legislatures, like Nevada's first majority-women legislature, this bill recognizes the decades of contributions women have made and will make to our shared history. I am happy that we were able to work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to pass this legislation,said Senator Fischer.These coins will pay tribute to the women heroes and trailblazers who have played a major role in our nation's history. Their leadership, stories, and sacrifices are going to inspire generations of women to come. As a member of the U.S.SemiquinentennialCommission, I am thrilled to see us take steps to prepare for the celebration of our 250th Independence Day and especially excited to ensure that celebration includes not just the founding fathers we so often think of, but more diverse contributions made to our nation's founding. The inclusion of women is vital, and so it is fitting that we make sure a woman is included on the coins we'll circulate to mark the occasion,said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.For so long, we've allowed a pervasive narrative that women, Black, indigenous and other people of color are new to leading. The truth is, we've been doing it since the dawn of time, but with little recognition. With measures like these we pay a small amount of what's due and inspire everyone to dream big. Since our institution's founding in 1792, the men and women of the United States Mint have taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation in enduring examples of numismatic art,said United States Mint Director David J. Ryder.We look forward to honoring the many contributions of women in American history, as well as celebrating the 250thAnniversary of our Great Nation and the shared pastimes that are important to all of us. ""As we commemorate the Suffrage Centennial in 2020 and the 250th anniversary of our country's founding in 2026, I can't think of a better way of righting our history than to include historical American women,said Rosie Rios, 43rd Treasurer of the United States.I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her office for taking a leadership role in partnering to craft this legislation and continue the journey of having women represented on our currency and coins, something that is used every day around the world. By seeing ourselves honored and valued in our history, our daughters and sons can be inspired to also see their own future."" This bill will include the following package of coins: From 2022-2025, up to 5 quarters annually depicting prominent American women; In 2026, up to 5 quarters commemorating the USSemiquincentennial(250th) anniversary,including one quarter design featuring women; All circulating coins (obverse and reverse) will be redesigned for 2026 for the celebration; From 2027-2030, a series of 5 quarters annually honoring American youth sports and a half-dollar design depicting a sport in the Paralympics; Gives authority for permission for the Mint to design and strike Olympic medals. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's constitutional right to vote. 68 million women can vote today because of the work of the women's suffrage movement and this bill honors these efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/s-nchez-highlights-accomplishments-38th-congressional-district-during,Sánchez Highlights Accomplishments for 38th Congressional District During 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Linda T. Sánchez,S001156,lindasanchez.house.gov,lindasanchez,https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) today highlighted accomplishments for the 38th Congressional District during the second session of the 116th Congress. Sánchez has devoted her career to helping working people get ahead: advocating for families, improving America's education system, and bringing jobs to Southern California. ""I take seriously my responsibility to be the voice for California's 38th District in Washington,"" said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. ""In 2020, my Democratic colleagues and I have been able to deliver significant wins for our constituents and the country, despite historic opposition from the other party and the Administration. The cornerstone of my work is and continues to be serving my constituents, especially in these difficult and unpredictable times."" In the 116th Congress, Congresswoman Sánchez served on the Ways and Means Committee where she lead on issues of importance to working families such as family caregiving and nursing homes, fair taxation, improving education at all levels, and worker-first priorities for labor. Additionally, Sánchez served as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Immigration Task Force and Co-Chair of the Labor Caucus, and as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Democratic Women's Caucus. On Sunday, January 3rd, Congresswoman Sánchez will be sworn in as the Representative for California's 38th Congressional District in the 117th Congress. At that time, she will begin her tenth term serving the people of Los Angeles and Orange Counties in Southern California. Highlighted district and legislative accomplishments are below. For additional information, please visit here. For a complete listing on House Democrats' work For The People in the 116th Congress, please visit here. Highlighted District Accomplishments COVID-19 Response Since March 2019, Congresswoman Sánchez's office has received thousands of constituent requests for assistance related to the pandemic. The office has resolved more than 1,000 constituent issues this calendar year, and for issues outside of the federal scope, our team continues to share information regarding state and local resources. Support for Small Businesses Additionally, the District office has been laser-focused on providing information and assistance for small businesses. The office has assisted hundreds of small businesses, including more than 200 local businesses with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. 2020 Census Congresswoman Sánchez prioritized Census response this year, as the district faced several challenges for an accurate count. As a result of this sustained effort, in partnership with many local organization, CA-38 had a response rate of 73.9% which is significantly higher than the state average of 69.6% and L.A. County average of 65%. Whittier Narrows Dam Congresswoman Sánchez, working together with Congresswomen Napolitano and Chu, secured $192.5 million for long-needed repairs to the Whittier Narrows Dam. The Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dam Safety and Seepage Program and was included in the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This will ensure construction of the project commences on schedule. This important milestone will make our communities more resilient in the face of increasingly dangerous and damaging storms. Virtual Constituent Engagement This year, the offices pivoted to a virtual model of constituent support and held hundreds of virtual events to meet with local leaders, community members and constituents. Highlighted Legislative Accomplishments Health The Congresswoman continues to be a leader on the Ways and Means Committee, specifically on the topics of caregiving, nursing homes, and Alzheimer's disease. She is acutely focused on these issues and health disparities in the Latino community as it relates to much of her legislative work in this portfolio. She authored an op-ed regarding the importance of the ACA: ""Being a woman is a preexisting condition? Here's what is at stake for health care."" Her top bills include: COVID-19 Health Legislation The Facilitating Virtual Visitation for Nursing Home Residents Act, The Stronger Medicaid Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, (included in the HEROES Act and updated HEROES Act), and The Public Health Emergency COBRA Extension Act Legislation with Reps. Cárdenas and Castro that would allow those who are uninsured to receive COVID-19 tests at no-cost. This legislation was included in the larger Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which passed the House of Representatives. Health Legislation The Community-Based Independence for Seniors Act, The CHANGE Act, The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act,The Medicare Adult Day Services Act, The Compassionate Care Act. Taxation As a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, the Congresswoman continues to be a leader of federal taxation issues in Congress and several of her priorities have been included in the House of Representatives-passed COVID packages this year. COVID-19 Tax Legislation Her previously committee-passed bipartisan Working Parents Relief Act that would allow families to set aside more pre-tax dollars to cover the skyrocketing costs of childcare was partially included in the HEROES Act. Related to the Congresswoman's ongoing work to provide families with more flexibility to afford childcare, she led a letter to the Treasury Department advocating for an interpretation to allow workers to change the amount of money set aside for dependent care expenses. This provision was also included in the HEROES Act. The Providing Essentials for Frontline Workers Act (included in the HEROES Act), The WORK NOW Act (modified version included in the updated HEROES Act),The Helping Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, and TheMechanical Insulation Incentive Act. Tax Legislation Building Apprentice Skills in Career Training, Credit for Caring Act is a bi-partisan bill that would provide a non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $3,000 to family caregivers to help address the financial burdens of caregiving and help working family caregivers remain employed and not have to leave their jobs and risk their financial security. Immigration Congresswoman Sánchez continued her term as Chair of the Immigration Task Force for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where she led over a dozen meetings with advocacy groups and CHC members to build consensus to develop a new roadmap toward immigration reform. The Congresswoman developed key principles to guide a legislative strategy and will continue leading conversations with key Congressional members and the Biden Administration to move immigration reforms in the 117th Congress. The Congresswoman also secured a deal to provide emergency relief funding and led legislation to provide access to COVID-19 testing and treatment for all, including undocumented people and mixed-status families. Immigration Issues Called for DHS and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to provide the agency's plans to provide flu vaccines to migrants in CBP custody, ahead of flu season during COVID-19. The Congresswoman led a letter to DHS Acting Secretary Wolf on the agency's stance and plan to provide flu vaccinations to migrants, including children and family units currently detained at U.S. CBP facilities, ahead of this year's flu season. Led an effort to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) modifications to the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) that affected international student's ability to take online classes during the pandemic, causing undue harm to our international students, student bodies, and institutions of higher learning in and around the district. Labor The Congresswoman hosted quarterly virtual meetings with local union representatives to hear directly from workers regarding the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing a direct voice for working families to Congress. She was a vocal supporter of legislative efforts to protect worker's economic security and ensure safety on the job, especially frontline workers. Congresswoman Sánchez once again served as Co-Chair the Labor and Working Families Caucus, including 74 members, and worked to expand the Caucus. The Congresswoman welcomed like-minded colleagues to leadership on key labor issues by helping form the new Congressional Labor Caucus. The Labor Caucus will build on the legacy of the Labor and Working Families Caucus by expanding support for legislative efforts that strengthen workers' rights and rebuild America's middle class. Labor Legislation Coronavirus Frontline Workers Fair Pay Act and a bipartisan resolution Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day Oversight The Congresswoman, along with Reps. Lieu, Cicilline, Eshoo, and Gallego introduced a comprehensive package of oversight bills – the Restoring Public Trust Act – which included her RIGGED Act to end nepotism at the White House. Oversight Legislation The Relatives in Government Getting Employment Dishonorably Act and The Financial Accountability in Reporting Act Education The Congresswoman remains focused on improving education at all levels. The Safe Schools Improvement Act has the highest number of cosponsors ever with 231. The Congresswoman led the Orange County delegation encouraging the O.C. Board of Education to abide by health guidelines, including mandating local school districts to mandate masks and physical distancing guidelines. Education Legislation The Safe Schools Improvement Act, The Put School Counselors Where They're Needed Act, and The National School Counselors Week Resolution Social Security As an active member of the Social Security Subcommittee on Ways and Means, the Congresswoman has prioritized protecting beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic this year while she fights for longer term reform. She secured inclusion of a version of her legislation to provide a boost to widows and widowers in emergency Social Security legislation introduced by Chairman Larson. She also joined with her colleagues to push for a temporary fix to this year's woefully inadequate cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA), forgiveness for Social Security overpayments during the pandemic, and fewer administrative hurdles for beneficiaries to receive their Economic Impact Payments (EIP). Congresswoman Sánchez continues to fight for permanent improvements to Social Security through her legislation to strengthen benefits and the solvency of the Social Security program. She testified before the Committee on the importance of the program to Latinx families and communities of color. Social Security Legislation Protecting Our Widows and Widowers in Retirement (POWER) Act, H.R. 2654 - Strengthening Social Security Act of 2019, and the Social Security COVID-19 Correction and Equity Act Worker and Family Support This year, the Congresswoman expanded her leadership role on critical legislation to help working families endure and recover from the pandemic. She joined Committee leadership in spearheading the Childcare for Economic Recovery Act through the House, including testifying before the Rules Committee. She also helped broker a provision to provide emergency assistance for vulnerable populations in both Heroes Act versions between the Ways and Means Committee and CHC and secured a provision to provide family care for essential workers in the original Heroes Act. The Congresswoman also advocated for crucial programs to help working families, including sharing constituent stories on the importance of enhanced pandemic unemployment benefits. She also published an op-ed in Latino Magazine on the importance of programs like paid family leave and federal support for family caregivers in the Latinx community. Worker and Family Support Legislation H.R. 7327 - Childcare for Economic Recovery Act, H.R. 6460 – Family Care for Essential Workers Act,H.R.6862 - Social Services Pandemic Disaster Relief Act(co-led with Reps. Davis, Chu, and Gomez) (included in both versions of the Heroes Act ), H.R. 7846 - The Support Working Families Act of 2020 (bill co-led with Rep. Porter) Transportation and Infrastructure The Congresswoman has continued to lead efforts to restore the Whittier Narrows Dam, including leading a push to secure funding of the restoration in the FY 2021 House and Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Acts. She continues to work with the City of Pico Rivera, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Appropriations Committee to mitigate the project's impact on the community. She drafted and secured compromise language included in the FY 2021 House Energy and Water report directing the Corps to study ways to minimize the impact on the community. The Congresswoman has also testified before House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging the WRDA process to better serve disadvantaged communities and hosted the Committee to tour the Whittier Narrows Dam in Pico Rivera this year. The Congresswoman has also continued to push for a major infrastructure investment, as well as advocate for federal infrastructure grants that would benefit local agencies like L.A. Metro (rail and bus electrification projects) and WRD that serve the 38th District. Small Business Congresswoman Sánchez has fought to secure lifesaving help for small businesses to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and joined aggressive oversight to ensure the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program serve truly small and minority-owned businesses. She has joined with her colleagues on efforts to expand PPP eligibility for nonprofits and increase transparency and accountability of SBA programs to prevent large corporations from taking advantage of funds intended for small businesses. The Congresswoman has engaged with the Small Business Committee on policy problems raised by local labor and small business owners during the rollout of PPP. The Congresswoman has also continued to be supportive of manufacturing businesses in the district, many of whom contract with NASA and the Air Force. She has joined her colleagues in pushing the Air Force to keep the National Security Space Launch program on schedule, which local small manufacturing businesses depend on for contracting work. Small Business Legislation The Supporting Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Act Energy and Environment The Congresswoman pushed back against the Trump administration's political and environment attacks against the state of California. She has joined with her colleagues to combat PFAS (forever chemicals found in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam) contamination by urging appropriators to fund new grant programs for states and localities to decontaminate water supplies, as well as cosponsoring legislation passed by the House to regulate PFAS chemicals. The Congresswoman has continued to support appropriations for local and national environmental priorities including water conservation programs, energy efficiency and renewable energy research, and the L.A. River Restoration project. Agriculture and Animals The Congresswoman continued her leadership on nutrition issues in the start of the pandemic by urging the Secretary of Agriculture to use authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to allow WIC food package substitutes as a result of panic buying. The effort was endorsed by the National WIC Association and her letter garnered more than 60 Congressional member signatures. She also signed onto numerous letters to the Administration to ensure families receive pandemic nutrition assistance and cosponsored legislation to expand nutrition assistance through SNAP and other programs during the crisis. The Congresswoman once again received a 100 percent scorecard rating from the Humane Society for her record and cosponsorship of animal protection bills. Nutrition Legislation H.R. 6811 – WIC Act of 2020 Defenseand Foreign Affairs The Congresswoman vocally defended the Armenian Community as the latest conflict between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Artsakh erupted this year. She joined her colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Armenia to push for the U.S. to engage in fostering a peace process that would respect the rights of Armenians and residents of Artsakh. The Congresswoman engaged directly with the State Department to urge the Administration to increase its involvement and restore demining programs in Artsakh. She also joined with her colleagues to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. The Congresswoman also continued to expand her participation in NATO PA by serving out her term as Vice-Chair of the Economics and Security Committee. She was elected Special Rapporteur of the Civil Dimension of Security Committee and has further developed relationships with NATO counterparts and colleagues in the U.S. delegation. The Congresswoman maintained her strong support for Israel through responsiveness to all corners of the Jewish community in the 38th District, including supporting security assistance for Israel, strides in the regional peace process, and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip. Civil Rights Congresswoman Sánchez led the fight for transparency in the Census Bureau's plan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. She engaged with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to provide oversight of all operations, including updated messaging strategies and new engagement plans. The Congresswoman supported the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, bipartisan legislation led by the Congressional Black Caucus: unprecedented reforms to fundamentally transform the culture of policing by curbing police brutality, ending racial profiling, increasing transparency and accountability, as it saves lives. Civil Rights Letters U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Commerce seeking information about the Bureau's contingency plans to conduct the 2020 Census during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on outreach on how historically marginalized communities, people experiencing homelessness, and those with low broadband access would be reached. Civil Rights Legislation George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation resolution, Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, s 2020 Observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act, and the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act Veterans The Congresswoman has continued to support numerous legislative efforts related to veterans. She will continue to explore new legislative opportunities after a meeting she had with local leaders on the topics of homelessness, mental health, and health care. The Congresswoman's Fair Credit Reporting for Servicemembers passed the U.S. House of Representatives on January 29, 2020 as part of the Comprehensive CREDIT Act. Veterans Legislation",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-sherman-bill-to-support-non-profit-provided-affordable,Congress Passes Sherman Bill to Support Non-Profit Provided Affordable Housing,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Brad Sherman,S000344,sherman.house.gov,sherman,https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congress passed the Building Up Independent Lives and Dreams Act or ""BUILD"" Act, legislation led by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), Congressman Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The passage of this legislation represents a significant step towards helping nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity help struggling families access housing through zero percent interest mortgages. ""We've heard of different local Habitat for Humanity chapters who make more than 5 loans a year having difficulty complying with the mandatory TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure form, citing increased costs and complexity. The BUILD Act is a straightforward way to address these challenges with a narrow regulatory tweak that will ensure non-profits can focus on working in their communities to build homes, rather than sitting in an office,"" said Congressman Sherman. Following the 2008 mortgage crisis, Congress established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to create rules of the road to protect consumers against the predatory mortgage lending practices which contributed to the crisis. To protect borrowers from being unknowingly pushed into mortgages they cannot afford, the CFPB established the TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure (TRID), also known as the ""know before you owe"" disclosure. TRID requires that, prior to a mortgage signing, lenders must provide borrowers with a simplified disclosure detailing all of mortgage costs the borrower will owe. The TRID forms include a loan estimate and closing disclosure, designed to allow consumers to easily identify high-cost mortgages such as those with ballooning interest rates. However, these disclosures are often not relevant to mortgages made by charitable organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, which provide low- or no-fee zero percent interest mortgages. Habitat provides homeownership opportunities to low-income families by building homes that are financed with a zero percent interest loans, or other affordable mortgage loan products. Small and mid-sized Habitat for Humanity chapters have experienced challenges in complying with TRID requirements because of the cost of the necessary software to complete these forms and training required to use the software. The BUILD Act will address this issue by providing a narrow exemption from TRID requirements for legitimate nonprofits making low-cost zero interest mortgages. Rather than provide the loan estimate and closing disclosure forms, these nonprofits will have the option to instead use the three forms that were previously acceptable, the Truth in Lending form, the Good Faith Estimate, and the HUD-1 form. The same exemption is currently available for all organizations making five or fewer mortgage loans per year, and the BUILD Act would simply expand this exemption to include these nonprofits.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123120,Pelosi Appoints Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben First Woman to Serve as Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi today announced her appointment of Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben as House Chaplain, following the House retirement of Father Pat Conroy. Kibben will be the first woman to serve as Chaplain in either chamber of Congress. It is my honor to announce the appointment of Rear Admiral Margaret Grun Kibben to serve as Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives: the first woman to serve in this historic position, which has been enshrined in our Democracy since the First Congress in 1789, said Speaker Pelosi. Kibben brings decades of decorated experience in the military and the ministry, as a retired Rear Admiral who served as the U.S. Navy's Chief Chaplain and the chaplain of the Marine Corps. Her integrity, experience and patriotism will serve the Congress and the Country well, as she ministers to the needs of Members. This historic appointment was made possible by the values-based leadership of Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and I thank him and all Members of the bipartisan group leading the search Representatives Eshoo, Price, Connolly, Moolenaar, Luetkemeyer, McMorris Rodgers and Stauber for their successful work. Their recommendation was accepted by Leader McCarthy and me. The service of Father Pat Conroy has been a blessing to Members on both sides of the aisle, continued Speaker Pelosi. Throughout his service, Father Pat fulfilled the calling of St. Ignatius of Loyola: for the greater glory of God.' His service has been a spiritual and moral anchor for Members, grounding our institution in the values of faith and country and reminding our Members of our responsibilities to our great nation and constituents. All Members wish Father Pat well as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement from the House. Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben entered active duty in 1986 through the Navy's Theological Student Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College, a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. In her final active duty assignment in the Navy, Kibben was the U.S. Navy's 26th Chief Chaplains. Prior to this assignment, Kibben served as the 18th Chaplain of the Marine Corps. Kibben served as the senior chaplain in Afghanistan. Her Navy assignments include the U.S. Naval Academy, the Chaplain Corps Resource Board, command chaplain aboard USS San Diego (AFS 6) and Fleet Chaplain, U. S. 3rd Fleet. With the U.S. Marine Corps, Kibben served as chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion, Security Battalion, the Brig, Marine Corps Air Facility and HMX-1, Marine Corps Base Quantico and 2nd Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune. Kibben's personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) and Navy Commendation Medal (three awards).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123120-0,Pelosi Statement on House Filing Amicus Brief in Gohmert v. Pence,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the House of Representatives filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in the case of Gohmert v. Pence, which attempts to unconstitutionally grant the Vice President the power to personally choose presidential electors, against the results of the popular vote and the certified Electoral College results: President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris decisively won the 2020 election, with a record number of votes and an historic margin of victory. Yet, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have refused to respect the will of the American people and instead have spread dangerous conspiracy theories and brought over fifty extreme, failed lawsuits in a brazen attempt to overturn the certified results of the 2020 election. The Gohmert lawsuit has zero legal merit and is yet another sabotage of our democracy. There is no doubt that, despite this desperate unpatriotic charade, on January 6, Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the Electoral College as the 46th President of the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/coin-redesign-act-celebrating-prominent-american-women-and-others-passes-both-chambers-of-congress,Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.20 Coin Redesign Act Celebrating Prominent American Women and Others Passes Both Chambers of Congress Washington, D.C. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Anthony Gonzalez(R-OH), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) today joined Senators Catherine CortezMasto(D-NV) and Deb Fischer (R-NE)in celebrating the their bipartisan legislation, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, passing both chambers of Congress. H.R. 1923, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint to mint and issuenewquarter-dollar coins. The first series of quarters in this program commemorates the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting some women the right to vote. The design on the reverse of those quarters will represent prominent American women in a range of fields, including but not limited to suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, and humanities. This series will also include women from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. The 114th Congress created a United StatesSemiquincentennialCommission to facilitate activities in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This bill allows for the issuance offivedifferent designs emblematic of the United States'Semiquincentennial, including one dedicated to the contributions made by women to our nation's founding or a monumental moment in American History.Additionally, from 2027-2030,quarter dollars willcommemorate sports played by American youthandhalf-dollar commemoratingParalympicsports. Women have played a critical role in shaping this country since its founding but have often been excluded or gone unrecognized. This bill is an important step in recognizing the contributions women have made in furthering civil rights and making our country a more equitable place. This bill's passage also coincides with the centennial of the 19th Amendment which gave some women the right to vote,said Congresswoman Lee.When women gathered in Seneca Falls in July 1848, it was to give white women the right to vote no Black women were invited to participate. As we commemorate women's suffrage and celebrate the first series of coins in the package to depict prominent American women, it is also my hope that diverse American women will be chosen and depicted, celebrating our nation's leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Some of the greatest and most influential figures in our nation's history have been women, although these voices and stories have too often gone untold. In this centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to highlight the role women have played in shaping our great nation and ensure their inclusion in the fabric of our nation's story,said Congressman Gonzalez.I am excited to see this legislation head to the President's desk to be signed into law. I'm proud to see this legislation honoring the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and recognizing the many American women who have contributed to the fight for suffrage and civil rights, science, government, and the arts pass the House of Representatives,said Senator CortezMasto.While our nation still has steps to take in honoring the right to vote for women of color, the 19th Amendment has firmly established every woman's right to vote for the last 100 years and has brought women into the halls of power across our country. And by ensuring that prominent women are featured in the U.S. Mint'sSemiquincentennial, we are recognizing our history and inspiring future generations of young women to dream big. From business boardrooms to research labs to state legislatures, like Nevada's first majority-women legislature, this bill recognizes the decades of contributions women have made and will make to our shared history. I am happy that we were able to work together in a bipartisan, bicameral way to pass this legislation,said Senator Fischer.These coins will pay tribute to the women heroes and trailblazers who have played a major role in our nation's history. Their leadership, stories, and sacrifices are going to inspire generations of women to come. As a member of the U.S.SemiquinentennialCommission, I am thrilled to see us take steps to prepare for the celebration of our 250th Independence Day and especially excited to ensure that celebration includes not just the founding fathers we so often think of, but more diverse contributions made to our nation's founding. The inclusion of women is vital, and so it is fitting that we make sure a woman is included on the coins we'll circulate to mark the occasion,said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.For so long, we've allowed a pervasive narrative that women, Black, indigenous and other people of color are new to leading. The truth is, we've been doing it since the dawn of time, but with little recognition. With measures like these we pay a small amount of what's due and inspire everyone to dream big. Since our institution's founding in 1792, the men and women of the United States Mint have taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation in enduring examples of numismatic art,said United States Mint Director David J. Ryder.We look forward to honoring the many contributions of women in American history, as well as celebrating the 250thAnniversary of our Great Nation and the shared pastimes that are important to all of us. ""As we commemorate the Suffrage Centennial in 2020 and the 250th anniversary of our country's founding in 2026, I can't think of a better way of righting our history than to include historical American women,said Rosie Rios, 43rd Treasurer of the United States.I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and her office for taking a leadership role in partnering to craft this legislation and continue the journey of having women represented on our currency and coins, something that is used every day around the world. By seeing ourselves honored and valued in our history, our daughters and sons can be inspired to also see their own future."" This bill will include the following package of coins: From 2022-2025, up to 5 quarters annually depicting prominent American women; In 2026, up to 5 quarters commemorating the USSemiquincentennial(250th) anniversary,including one quarter design featuring women; All circulating coins (obverse and reverse) will be redesigned for 2026 for the celebration; From 2027-2030, a series of 5 quarters annually honoring American youth sports and a half-dollar design depicting a sport in the Paralympics; Gives authority for permission for the Mint to design and strike Olympic medals. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women's constitutional right to vote. 68 million women can vote today because of the work of the women's suffrage movement and this bill honors these efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/dr-ruiz-celebrates-2019-and-looks-ahead-2020,Dr. Ruiz Celebrates 2019 and Looks Ahead to the New Year,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am thrilled with all that we have accomplished this year tolower out-of-pocket health care costs,stand up for our veteransand law enforcement officers, and advocate for our seniors! As we look ahead to 2020, we must continue to build on what we've accomplished. Here are some of the reasons why I'm celebrating 2019: We cut through the red tape:Our office helped close more than 500 constituent cases to help our friends, families, and neighbors get the benefits they deserve and secure more than $2 million from Social Security, Medicare, the VA, and the IRS. We stood up for our veterans:The president has signed into law two of my provisions to address our military's use of toxic burn pits. My bill, the Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act passed the House earlier this year, andmy two amendments included in this year's NDAAwere signed into law just this month. We fought for humanity at our borders:The House passed my bill, theHumanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, to restore humanity to our treatment of migrants under CBP's custody and responsibility. We supported local law enforcement:With local law enforcement collaboration, my amendment to this year's Consolidated Appropriations Act more than doubled our nation's funding for mental health services for law enforcement agencies. We stood up against abuse of taxpayer dollars:My legislation, thePublic Service Integrity Act, wouldensure our elected officials never use their office to enrich themselves and passed thepassed the House as part of theFor the People Act. I hope you had an outstanding 2019, and I wish you peace and prosperity in 2020! I look forward to continuing to work hard next year to lower health care costs,grow our local economy with American jobs, and strengthen our critical infrastructure. Sincerely, Raul Ruiz, M.D. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/dr-ruiz-looks-back-2020,Dr. Ruiz Looks Back on 2020,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As we look back on what a year 2020 has been, it's important to remember the good things that give us joy and hope for the future. Today, I'm reflecting on all that we have overcome and achieved this past year, and looking forward to what 2021 will bring. Year in Review: Looking Back on the 116th Congress This Congress, we made incredible progress for our veterans, helped expand access to crucial health care services, and helped grow American jobs. Here are just a few legislative wins from the 116th Congress: The Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act became law.This bill will strengthen the Medicaid program for children with complex medical needs, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Easy Medication Access and Treatment for Opioid Addiction Act became law.This legislation will fight the opioid epidemic by helping patients begintheir road to recovery, increase access to care, and save lives. The Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Actbecame law. Language from my bill, the BENES Act, was signed into law to help reduce gaps in coverage for seniors who sign up for Medicare Part B. As your representative, I am committed to helping you cut through the red tape. I am thrilled my office helped over 1,200 constituents resolve their cases with federal agencies this year. Clickhereto learn more about real results for seniors, veterans, and CA-36 residents. I am ready to take on 2021 a year that promises to bring new opportunities, obstacles, and hope. Join me as I continue our look back on the year by following my posts onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagramusing #YearInReview. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season, and I look forward to serving you in the New Year and the 117th Congress! Sincerely, Raul Ruiz, M.D. Member of Congress In Case You Missed It: Are you a CA-36 resident interested in serving in the Biden-Harris Administration? Find out how to applyhere. Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?Here's what you need to know. If you have a background in health care, California needs your help battling COVID-19. Find out about joining the California Health Corpshere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020,Pelosi Announces Creation of Select Committee on Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement announcing the creation in the 117th Congress of the new Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth: As House Speaker, I am proud to announce the creation of the new, bipartisan Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which will be an essential force in Congressional Democrats' action to combat the crisis of income and wealth disparity in America. It is molded after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee, founded by President Roosevelt and the Congress after the Great Depression to study and combat the concentration of wealth in America and its role in triggering economic collapse. As President Roosevelt said before founding this Committee, The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in such a way as to sustain an acceptable standard of living.' The past several decades have shown with devastating clarity the marked imbalance between the financial fortunes of CEOs and workers. The reverence of those who amass profits by stagnating wages has seriously undermined the lives and livelihoods of many Americans, while slowing economic growth in our country. This year, the disturbing, dangerous trend of economic disparity has also been accelerated by the coronavirus economic crisis. The devaluing of work has had a negative impact on consumer confidence, job creation and economic growth. And the situation of families no longer believing that their children will have a brighter future than they is seriously damaging and demoralizing to our society. That is why we are creating this Select Committee, which will be a resource to the Congress to make policy related to economic fairness, access to education and workforce development. Working with the Committees of Jurisdiction, the Select Committee will study and recommend proposals to make our economy work for everyone, powering American economic growth while ensuring that no one is left out or left behind in the 21st Century Economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020-0,Transcript of Pelosi Weekly Press Conference Today,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held her weekly press conference today in the Capitol Visitor Center. Below are the Speaker's remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Good morning. Welcome to the last weekly of this year of this year, of this session of Congress and of this Congress. Until next week, when we'll be in a new Congress. I wish you a Happy New Year as we go forward. Sadly, the Congress received the news last evening of the passing of a new Member of Congress, Luke Letlow from Louisiana, due to be sworn in this Sunday, but taken by the coronavirus yesterday. He leaves his wife and two babies, and we extend great sympathy to his family. So sad. Forty-one years old, coronavirus, blood clot complication. Could happen to anyone. And it has happened to nearly 350,000 Americans. Many of those deaths could have been avoided. As we go forward, we must, we must make sure that we are scientific and determined to crush the virus in whatever form it takes. In the meantime, though, let us extend deepest sympathy to their family and to to those little babies who have lost their daddy. So, here we are in time, as I mentioned, the last meeting of the year for us. Let's just talk about the last week or so. In the last week or so, we sent to the President the legislation, it took some time for it to be enrolled because it was a lot a big bill. He received it on Christmas Eve, 3:30 in the afternoon. He did sign it on Sunday evening and we were very pleased with that because it had very strong bipartisan vote in the House and in the Senate. In the course of, though, of that week, the President announced his support for the $2,000 direct payment, which we madly embraced, and said, We join with the President in supporting this,' came in on Christmas Eve, were blocked by the Republicans for having a Unanimous Consent to bill bring up that legislation. But on Monday, in regular session, we brought it forth and it passed with strong bipartisan support. We were very pleased then to send that over to Mitch McConnell and the Senate. The President of the United States has expressed his support for the $2,000. The Democrats and Republicans in the House have passed that legislation. Who is holding up that distribution to the American people? Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans. Democratic Leader Schumer, yesterday, asked for Unanimous Consent to bring it up in the Senate, which was blocked by Mitch McConnell and the Republicans in the Senate. In blocking it, they are in denial of the hardship that the American people are experiencing now. Health wise, financially, in every way. Their lives and livelihood in many cases are on the brink. So, they're in denial of that need in denying this benefit. I do hope that in the days ahead we only have a few days left in this session that they will see the light and understand what the suffering the suffering that is going on in our country. Now, I've said before, it's amazing to see the patience that some people have with other people's suffering. These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people's sadness. We urge Mitch McConnell to stop his obstruction and to bring that legislation to the Floor of the Senate. And we urge Republicans in the Senate to encourage him to do so. It's really important to note though how important this money in the pockets of American people are. If they have the resources, they spend it. They inject demand into the economy. That is job-creating. It's important to note that with the bill that we passed last week, that the President signed that we sent over last week and that the President signed on Sunday evening, brought us up to a, nearly a trillion dollars for small businesses in our country a trillion and just about $950 billion, and we support that. We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. The most optimistic thing you can do is to start a small business, your hopes and dreams, your ideas, your vision. But for those small businesses to take advantage of that money, they have to have customers. It's not enough to keep the doors open if nobody's walking through. And that's why these direct payments are so necessary. And for those small businesses to thrive, they must have services provided by state and local government. Our health care providers, our heroes: health care providers, transportation, sanitation, first responders, police and fire, our teachers, our teachers, our teachers. And that's why in this next session of Congress, in the new Congress with the new President, we must pass legislation that not only honors our heroes, but recognizes the services that they provide enable our lives to function, our businesses to thrive, our economy to prosper and our people to be healthy. So, that will be a very important part of what we do next. But you would think that there would at least be the immediate recognition that the money in the pockets of the American people helps those small businesses thrive. Just for I've had the poster here before. It's a bigger number now than before: about $950 billion, nearly a trillion dollars to small business. $160 billion, $160 billion to state and local government. 950, 160. State and local government: health care workers, police and fire, teachers, sanitation, transportation, food workers. 160, 950. But we need more here to exploit the opportunity that is here. And, in the meantime, this $2,000 will go a long way, not only to sustain the financial security of America's working families, but will help small business to thrive as well. So, these things are all connected At the same time, as we had a good day on Monday passing, in bipartisan fashion, the CASH Act. The CASH Act, Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Caring for Americans with Supplemental [Help], the CASH Act. We also, that day, had an overwhelming vote to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA. Overwhelming, overwhelming vote: [322]-87. One hundred and nine Republicans voted to override the President's veto. We hope that the Senate will follow suit. They had a big, strong vote in the Senate in favor of this bill. Hopefully, they will stand by their votes there and sustain the veto, excuse me, overturn the veto of the President. We'll see. Okay, so that's what happened in the past week. In the past week, we have also seen reports of the vaccine distribution not measuring up to what we need to have a fair, equitable distribution of the vaccine that is free. I support what President-elect Joe Biden said yesterday, that in his Administration, the 100 million vaccinations in a short period of time, that he would engage the national Defense Production Act to make sure that we not only have the vaccines, but the means to make the inoculation. It's one thing to be in the lab, another thing to be in the arm. There's a lot in between in terms of logistics, in terms of administration, in terms of materials. And one of the things that is holding up the further vaccinations in the country is this Administration, the Trump Administration's lack of cooperation on the distribution of syringes and other things that go into that, and holding up some of the vaccine as well. So, this has to be done better. This has to be done better. And let's hope in the last few weeks of the Trump Administration, that they will follow the science, that they will make the vaccines available, that they will make the syringes and other materials available, so that you can have many more people vaccinated even before the inauguration. This vaccine this pandemic is horrible. I mean, in every way, the lives and livelihoods of the American people are affected by it in a massive way. However, it has also pulled back the curtain to reveal further disparities in our economy and in our society. They have become come into sharper focus because of the pandemic. And that is why I have asked the Rules Committee that we will be taking up the new rules package on Monday, or Sunday night if the schedule allows, but following the vote for Speaker, I will have them announce in the next day or so, when they put forth the rules package, a Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. As we go into this new Congress, we have to have a scientific start on crushing the virus. We have to honor heroes, state and local government, and we have to put money into the pockets of the American people. Hopefully, we can do this on this side of the weekend, rather than waiting until later, the third point, direct payments. That has always been our goal: crush the virus, honor our heroes, money in the pockets of the American people. Clearly, the disparities in income and equity in our country are vast. We've known that. They've only gotten worse, and the pandemic, again, puts it in sharper focus. And that's why I'm proud to announce the creation of a new bipartisan Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which will be a central force for the Congress to combat the crisis of income and wealth disparity in America. Our Members are full of exuberance and many suggestions, on both sides of the aisle. Yesterday, some proposed to me, $2,000 a month as this as we go through this bad time. Others, Congresswoman Jayapal, has a wage guarantee legislation. Others have,Congresswoman Murphy, has the income the [Employee] Retention Tax Credit, which is in which is in the bills that the President just signed, somewhat. But there are others: sovereign wealth funds to give the profit the benefit the income to poor families in America, other bonding issues to try to address the fact that the middle class is the backbone of our democracy. When that is weakened, so is our democracy. So, this is to address not only the middle class, but those who aspire to the middle class. But the disparity has only grown and so I, as a model for this, as you may recall, when we did Mr. Clyburn's committee, we used the Truman Committee as a reference to how to save money, save lives. This is something that it's modeled after the mission of the Temporary National Economic Committee founded by President Roosevelt and the Congress after the Great Depression to study and combat the concentration of wealth in America and its role in triggering economic collapse. This is what President Roosevelt said at the time. He said, The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself the liberty of a democracy is not safe if its business system does not provide employment and produce and distribute goods in a way as to sustain an acceptable standard of living.' That is why we are creating this Select Committee, which will be a resource to the Congress to make policy related to economic fairness, access to education and workforce development, et cetera. And, again, we'll work with the committees of jurisdiction. This is not a legislative committee. It is a committee to make recommendations. The committees of jurisdiction, have all done a great job, our Education and Labor Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Financial Services, the list they have done a great job in trying to address these concerns legislatively. We need a bigger spotlight on the problem, and on some of the solutions so that we can all participate in the very worthy suggestions that are made. And again, we will empower American economic growth, while ensuring that no one is left behind in the 21st century economy that we are putting forth. So, we have a we're very excited about our new President-elect, and that in three weeks, we will have a new president. It's pretty exciting, President and Vice President making history, that we have the gavel, that we have held the Congress. We look forward to what's happening in Georgia on Tuesday. So, every day is action packed. But I just wanted to review some of what happened in the past week to take us to this point. This point, $2,000 direct payment to the American people being held up by Mitch McConnell, the same person who put $160 billion tax break for the wealthiest people and firms in America in the CARES Act. $160 billion in the CARES Act for the wealthiest in our country, refusing $2,000 to those who need it most, the same Republicans in the Congress who eagerly passed the tax bill that gave 83 percent of the benefits to the top one percent, taking us well into debt. Nearly $2 trillion for our children to pay off so that they could have a tax break for the wealthy with a mythology that it would trickle down. And it has not, nor has it ever. Mitch McConnell, remove the obstacle that you have the American people having the opportunity to have that direct payment, and do it now. * * * Any questions? Yes ma'am. Q: Madam Speaker, do you plan to seat Ms. Miller-Meeks on Sunday, and are you confident that you're going to have a Dem Majority present? Speaker Pelosi. Yes, and yes, definitely. Yes. Q: On the stimulus checks, we're hearing on the Senate side that time is running out. Are you going to commit to bringing this idea back, the $2,000 checks, next week if it does die in this Congress? Speaker Pelosi. Well, let us let us be hopeful that it can happen this week, because the sooner it happens, the sooner the checks go out. So, we're not giving up on it. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, is advocating for it. The Congress, in a bipartisan way in the House, has voted for it. It would have bipartisan support in the Senate if Mitch McConnell would only allow it to come to the Floor, instead of being an obstruction to those checks going to the American people. Q: One additional question, we're just hearing from Josh Hawley that he's going to object on January 6th and force a debate on Electoral College votes. Could you comment on that move from the Republican? Speaker Pelosi. I have no doubt that on next Wednesday, a week from today, that Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the Electoral College as the 46th President of the United States. Yes, ma'am. Q: Madam Speaker, an overview from you: you've kept your Caucus together with a fighting spirit this year through very hard times. Did the events of 2020 help keep your Caucus cohesion? And secondly, what are your thoughts on a slimmer Majority next year, next week? Speaker Pelosi. Well, we are very excited about having won the House. We have the gavel, the Speaker's gavel. We also have 132 other gavels of chairs and subcommittees, and they are again, many of them in the hands, this past term of Freshmen and newer Members of Congress. And we're excited about that. Eighteen Freshmen had gavels, that was historic. There has been nothing even close to that before. The I have every confidence. Our Caucus is unified around our common ethical belief in our responsibility to America's working families. That's what brings us together. Of course, we have our differences in approach, and some other ideas. And that's our vitality. I would not want to be a leader of a party that was rubber stamp, lockstep. That's called Republicans. We, the Democratic Party, are democratic in every way, including respecting the views of all in our Caucus. So, I have I have great confidence that on an agenda that is there for America's working families, we will have the unity that we need to proceed under the leadership of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the Biden-Harris Administration, and hopefully with the Democratic Senate. We'll see what next week brings. Okay, thank you all. Thank you all very much.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/123020-1,Dear Colleague on End of 116th Congress,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Democratic Colleague, As we prepare to close the 116th Congress, I write to express my deep appreciation for the unity of House Democrats in fighting For The People. It is with great optimism that we prepare for a new Congress and a new Administration. Congress has passed and the President has signed a coronavirus relief bill to help fight the virus and put money in the pockets of the American people, but much more needs to be done to honor our heroes at the state and local level. Supporting them will facilitate making the much-anticipated vaccine more readily and fairly available. We must join in the Biden-Harris Administration's Build Back Better initiative for job creation and economic opportunity, including its protections of our planet. The pandemic has pulled back the veil of inequality, sharpening our focus on the disparities that rage in our economy and our society. In our work, we must promote justice in the economy, in health care, in law enforcement and in the environment. As we go forward, we do so with pride in the work of our Caucus, Committee Chairs and Committee Members and with confidence that we will get the job done. It is imperative that we do so connecting with the hopes and dreams of our constituents and with prayers for a better future for all. Thanks for your leadership and your friendship. Best wishes for a Happy New Year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2182,"Rep. Jimmy Gomez, House Colleagues, Demand Immediate Trump Administration Withdrawal Of Any New Oil And Gas Leases Off California Coast",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Gomez,G000585,gomez.house.gov,gomez,https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to head off last minute lame-duck Trump Administration efforts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), today, joined a letter with 21 House colleagues from the California Delegation in expressing their strong opposition to any expansion of oil and gas drilling off the coast of California. In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, co-led by Representatives Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49), the Members demand the outgoing Trump Administration immediately withdraw any new oil and gas leasing off California from consideration in any future federal program. “The inevitable onshore and offshore risks associated with offshore drilling impact public health, the environment, and our climate,"" wrote the lawmakers. ""For these reasons, every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Republican and Democrat alike, has stood in opposition to offshore drilling. In coastal communities, where livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation, it is critically important to guard against oil leaks or spills that could harm these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems.” The letter also points out that just three months ago President Trump, in response to loud outcry from coastal communities across the nation, issued a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling in waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The letter highlights California’s intimate history with off shore oil drilling impacts, most notably the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which at the time was the largest oil spill in the United States. This tragedy killed thousands of marine mammals, fish, and birds, and oil washed up on the beaches for hundreds of miles along Central and Southern California. In the 50 years since, there have been no new oil and gas leases in California state waters and no federal leases off California for more than 35 years. The Members also highlight that the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster just 10 years ago highlights that offshore oil drilling is no safer today than it was in 1969. While it is unlikely that the Trump Administration would be able to formalize any new leases before the Biden Administration takes office on January 20, the Members conclude their letter by demanding Secretary Bernhardt put an immediate halt during the Trump Administration’s remaining time in office to any consideration of new oil and gas leasing off California. Click here to read the full text of the letter. The letter was led by Congressmen Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49). In addition, the letter was cosigned by Congressmembers Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Ami Bera (CA-7), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Karen Bass (CA-37), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), and Juan Vargas (CA-51).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=771,"Carbajal, Colleagues Demand Immediate Trump Administration Withdrawal Of Any New Oil And Gas Leases Off California Coast",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Santa Barbara, CA In an effort to head off last minute efforts by the Trump Administration to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, Rep. Carbajal joined a letter with 21 House colleagues from the California Delegation in expressing their strong opposition to any expansion of oil and gas drilling off the coast of California. In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, co-led by Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49), the Members demand the outgoing Trump Administration immediately withdraw any new oil and gas leasing off California from consideration in any future federal program. The Members wrote, The inevitable onshore and offshore risks associated with offshore drilling impact public health, the environment, and our climate. For these reasons, every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Republican and Democrat alike, has stood in opposition to offshore drilling. In coastal communities, where livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation, it is critically important to guard against oil leaks or spills that could harm these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems. The letter also points out that just three months ago President Trump, in response to loud outcry from coastal communities across the nation, issued a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling in waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The letter highlights California's intimate history with off shore oil drilling impacts, most notably the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which at the time was the largest oil spill in the United States. This tragedy killed thousands of marine mammals, fish, and birds, and oil washed up on the beaches for hundreds of miles along Central and Southern California. In the 50 years since, there have been no new oil and gas leases in California state waters and no federal leases off California for more than 35 years. The Members also highlight that the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster just 10 years ago highlights that offshore oil drilling is no safer today than it was in 1969. While it is unlikely that the Trump Administration would be able to formalize any new leases before the Biden Administration takes office on January 20, the Members conclude their letter by demanding Secretary Bernhardt put an immediate halt during the Trump Administration's remaining time in office to any consideration of new oil and gas leasing off California. Click here to read the full text of the letter. The letter was led by Congressmen Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49). In addition, the letter was cosigned by Congressmembers Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Ami Bera (CA-7), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Karen Bass (CA-37), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), and Juan Vargas (CA-51). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://khanna.house.gov/media/in-the-news/19-house-democrats-join-ro-khanna-voting-against-bloated-military-budget,19 House Democrats Join Ro Khanna in Voting Against Bloated Military Budget,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ro Khanna,K000389,khanna.house.gov,,,legacy,"Just 20 House Democrats opted to break with their party and their Republican counterparts late Monday to vote against overriding President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, a sprawling bill that greenlights over $740 billion in military spending for fiscal year 2021. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), one the few House Democrats who voted against overriding the president's NDAA veto,applaudedhis colleagues for having the courage tonight to vote no on the bloated defense budget. They are changing the culture of endless war and calling for more investment instead in the American people, said Khanna. The veto override ultimately succeeded in the House by a322-87margin and now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other members of the Democratic caucus arethreatening to hold upthe NDAA in an effort to force a vote on $2,000 direct payments. Here are the 20 Democrats who voted against overriding Trump's NDAA veto: Reps. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), Yvette Clarke (N.Y.), Mark DeSaulnier (Calif.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), Jess Garca (Ill.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), Jared Huffman (Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Joe Kennedy (Mass.), Ro Khanna (Calif.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Jim McGovern (Mass.), Grace Meng (N.Y.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Mark Pocan (Wis.), Ayanna Pressley (Mass.), and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.). Nearly 70 House Republicans also voted against the veto override, but more out ofallegiance to the presidentthan opposition to out-of-control military spending. Trump vetoed the NDAA last week not because of the bloated military budget, but rather because he objected to the exclusion of a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and inclusion of a provision ordering the Pentagon to rename military installations named after Confederate generals. In aninterviewonDemocracy Now!ahead of Monday's vote, Khanna said that while Trump's reasons for opposing the NDAA don't align with progressive objections, the bottom line is, $740 billion is way too much defense spending. We're spending money on the modernization of nuclear weapons. And we can't find money to get food in to people who need it? Khanna said. We can't find money to get more rental assistance for folks who are going to face evictions? We can't find money to get $2,000 into the pockets of Americans? The priorities are wrong, and so I'm not going to vote to override his veto.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowenthal.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-lowenthal-colleagues-demand-immediate-trump-administration,"Congressman Lowenthal, Colleagues, Demand Immediate Trump Administration Withdrawal Of Any New Oil And Gas Leases Off California Coast",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Alan Lowenthal,L000579,lowenthal.house.gov,,,legacy,"In an effort to head off last minute lame-duck Trump Administration efforts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling along the California coast, Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), today, led a letter with 21 of his House colleagues from the California Delegation in expressing their strong opposition to any expansion of oil and gas drilling off the coast of California. In a letter to Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, co-led by Congressmen Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49), the Members demand the outgoing Trump Administration immediately withdraw any new oil and gas leasing off California from consideration in any future federal program. The Members wrote, The inevitable onshore and offshore risks associated with offshore drilling impact public health, the environment, and our climate. For these reasons, every single coastal governor along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Republican and Democrat alike, has stood in opposition to offshore drilling. In coastal communities, where livelihoods are built around fishing, tourism, and recreation, it is critically important to guard against oil leaks or spills that could harm these ocean dependent economies and fragile marine ecosystems. The letter also points out that just three months ago President Trump, in response to loud outcry from coastal communities across the nation, issued a ten-year moratorium on offshore drilling in waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The letter highlights California's intimate history with off shore oil drilling impacts, most notably the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which at the time was the largest oil spill in the United States. This tragedy killed thousands of marine mammals, fish, and birds, and oil washed up on the beaches for hundreds of miles along Central and Southern California. In the 50 years since, there have been no new oil and gas leases in California state waters and no federal leases off California for more than 35 years. The Members also highlight that the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster just 10 years ago highlights that offshore oil drilling is no safer today than it was in 1969. While it is unlikely that the Trump Administration would be able to formalize any new leases before the Biden Administration takes office on January 20, the Members conclude their letter by demanding Secretary Bernhardt put an immediate halt during the Trump Administration's remaining time in office to any consideration of new oil and gas leasing off California. Click here to read the full text of the letter. The letter was led by Congressmen Lowenthal, Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jared Huffman (CA-2), and Mike Levin (CA-49). In addition, the letter was cosigned by Congressmembers Mike Thompson (CA-5), Doris O. Matsui (CA-6), Ami Bera (CA-7), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Adam B. Schiff (CA-28), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Ted W. Lieu (CA-33), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Karen Bass (CA-37), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), and Juan Vargas (CA-51).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/trump-signs-spending-bill-could-send-millions-dollars-salton-sea,Trump Signs Spending Bill That Could Send Millions of Dollars to the Salton Sea,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Donald Trump on Sunday signed a roughly $900 billion stimulus package meant to tackle both COVID-19 relief as well as federal spending. Tucked in the 5,593-page-long law, courtesy of Southern California Democrats, are provisions that hold the potential to unlock millions of dollars of new federal spending to address the Salton Sea. The bill notably modifies the Water Resources Development Act by authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a study on the feasibility of constructing a perimeter lake around the Salton Sea. It's one of the large-scale plans floated to address the lake's woes, and this move could speed up the process. The law also includes more than $150 million for the Army Corps to carry out such studies on water issues at the Salton Sea and elsewhere. ""I am proud of the results delivered to my constituents,""Rep. RaulRuiz, D-Calif., said in a statement announcing Congress' passage of the appropriations bill. Alongside Rep. Juan Vargas, D-Calif.,Ruizand his officedrafted the bill's Salton Sea language. Trump sat on the bill for several days when he sided with Democrats in wanting to provide larger relief checks to Americans. Senate Republicans ultimately prevailed in blocking the move, and Trump signed the bill without getting more money out to taxpayers. As the Salton Sea recedes, the region loses thousands of acres of vibrant migratory bird habitat and is left with a sandy mixture called ""playa,"" which is laden with pesticides and other toxic runoff from agriculture in the Imperial and Coachella valleys. Once airborne, that dust can harm human health, but the state and federal governments have been slow to implement solutions. According to the Pacific Institute, a think tank, the Salton Sea's level hasdropped nearly 10 feet since a water transfer was signed in 2003, sending water away from nearby farm fields thatdrain into California's largest lake. The Salton Sea legislation and directives passed by Congress come at the end of a difficult year that brought much greater visibility to the challenges faced in the Salton Sea region, particularly public health challenges faced by disadvantaged communities, Altrena Santillanes, secretary of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians tribal council and a director on the Salton Sea Authority's board, said in a statement. We look forward to working with our Congressional delegation and the next administration to quickly mobilize federal action at the Salton Sea in the coming year,"" she added. While the state has so far allocated roughly $350 million to address the Salton Sea, spending about $53 million of that, the federal government has spent only about $20 million to date. The COVID-19 relief bill includes $559 million ""for water resource projects and direction to the Bureau of Reclamation to consider Salton Sea projects for funding,"" according toRuiz'soffice. As G. Patrick O'Dowd, executive director of the Salton Sea Authority, sees it, there's still ""work to do to get the appropriations."" But, the big win for the lake comes in pushing the Army Corps to complete its perimeter lake analysis. ""If the Corps has an acceptable perimeter lake study, that puts them in a position to fund the full project,"" he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122920,Pelosi Announces Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis Will Continue Work in the 117th Congress Under Leadership of Chairman Clyburn,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the extension of the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, under the continued leadership of Chairman and Whip Jim Clyburn, for the 117th Congress. As Speaker, it is a privilege to once again appoint Whip Jim Clyburn as Chairman of the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As Chairman, he has been masterful as he has led the Committee's bipartisan, effective work to ensure oversight and accountability of our nation's pandemic response on behalf of the American people. His track record of success has helped ensure that the relief funds allocated by Congress are spent wisely and efficiently, while exposing the deadly and tragic failures of the Trump Administration's anti-science, anti-governance response to the crisis. Under Chairman Clyburn's leadership, the Committee will continue to be a vital force in our work to crush the virus and deliver relief as urgently, efficiently and effectively as possible. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis has identified numerous ways in which our response to the pandemic can be more effective, efficient, and equitable. As the virus continues to spread, vaccine distribution proceeds and implementation of the new relief package begins, this work remains critically important to save American lives and livelihoods, said Chairman Clyburn.With a new administration soon to take office, I am hopeful that the Select Subcommittee will work on a bipartisan basis to help provide the leadership and support Americans need and deserve to get us beyond this pandemic. Since its establishment by the House of Representatives on April 23, 2020, the Select Subcommittee has conducted more than 30 investigations many of which are still ongoing holding 15 public hearings and briefings, reviewing hundreds of thousands of documents, and issuing nine staff reports. These investigations have shed light on how the outgoing Trump Administration failed to stop or even slow the spread of the coronavirus and failed to protect struggling Americans from economic harm. The Select Subcommittee has also identified critical steps that are needed to get the virus under control and prevent further unnecessary deaths and deprivation. The Select Subcommittee's investigations have identified more than $4 billion in potential fraud in small business programs, led the Administration to halt a potentially wasteful $765 million loan, prompted Treasury to notify millions of eligible Americans who had not yet received their stimulus checks and returned more than $100 million in taxpayer dollars to the U.S. Treasury. These investigations also uncovered evidence that senior Administration officials interfered with the work of career scientists and advocated for a herd immunity strategy to actively encourage the spread of the virus. The Select Subcommittee has also worked on a bipartisan basis to provide rigorous, ongoing oversight of critical vaccine development and distribution efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122920-0,Dear Colleague to All Members on Extension of Remote Voting 'Covered Period',2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Colleague, In light of the attached notification by the Sergeant-at-Arms, in consultation with the Office of Attending Physician, that a public health emergency is in effect due to a novel coronavirus, I am hereby extending the covered period designated on May 20, 2020, pursuant to section 1(a) of House Resolution 965, until the 116th Congress adjourns sine die on January 3, 2021. Sincerely, NANCY PELOSI Speaker of the House",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122920-1,Pelosi Statement on Passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana: Tonight, the United States House of Representatives sadly mourns the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow. Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service. As the House grieves Congressman-elect Letlow's passing, our sorrow is compounded by the grief of so many other families who have also suffered lives cut short by this terrible virus. May it be a comfort to Luke's wife Julia and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=772,Carbajal Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package Becoming Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Carbajal issued the following statement after President Trump signed the bipartisan emergency COVID-19 relief package into law, days afterthreateningto veto the legislation: ""While I'm relieved President Trump dropped the political theater and signed the bipartisan emergency relief package into law, his stunt put critical relief in jeopardy and caused unemployment benefits for millions of Americans to lapse. ""I've been fighting for another relief package since May, which the President and Republican leadership blocked at every turn. Just today, the House voted to increase direct payments to $2,000. Given the President's stance, I hope the Senate will join us. ""Central Coast families, workers, and small business owners have waited too long for relief and, finally, help is on the way. I know this package isn't enough to overcome all the health and economic challenges created by this pandemic, and I will continue working to secure additional and needed relief in the new year."" Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California's 24th Congressional District, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and part of Ventura County. ### Video Statement from Congressman Carbajal can be found here. Photos of Rep. Carbajal at ae Problem Solvers Caucus press conference on the bill are here. Bill text is available here and a one-page summary of the bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lou-correa-joins-house-in-passing-new-stimulus-legislation-with-2000-individual-payments,"Rep. Lou Correa Joins House In Passing New Stimulus Legislation With $2,000 Individual Payments",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,J. Correa,C001110,correa.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2020 Rep. Lou Correa Joins House In Passing New Stimulus Legislation With $2,000 Individual Payments Critical COVID-19 Stimulus Legislation Puts Vital Aid In The Hands Of Americans In Need Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) joinedhis House colleagues in passing the CASH Act, a tailored bill that increases individual stimulus payments to $2000 and increases eligible non-child dependents to include elderly relatives and children away at college. Rep. Lou Correa said, Americans need support. Millions are out of work and millions more at risk of losing their homes and life savings. With vaccines rolling out and the end in sight, Congress has a duty to end this nightmare by ensuring Americans have the resources they need to survive the economic damage caused by this once-in-a-century pandemic. Providing Americans with emergency relief is our best tool at ensuring struggling Americans can continue staying afloat Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the House has fought to provide Americans with additional support and assistance, but the Senate has blocked us at every turn. I strongly urge the Senate to join the House and President Trump in immediately passing this bill. Americans want this and we need to get it to them. BACKGROUND: The Cash Act increases individual stimulus payments to $2000 from $600 and increases eligible non-child dependents to include elderly relatives and children away at college. The stand-alone and tailored legislation will provide $2,000 checks for fifteen million Americans. Fighting For Orange County Working Families: Over the past nine months, Congressman Lou Correa has vigorously fought for his constituents in Washington, D.C., and has voted in support of six COVID-19 relief packages. Additionally, the Congressman has introduced four bills to address the pandemic, including expanding protections for TSA employees and travelers and the creation of a whistleblower hotline to protect taxpayer money spent on COVID-19 relief efforts. He has also cosponsored 38 other COVID-19 bills, including legislation to protect struggling small businesses, expand healthcare access, and invest in communities hit hard by the disease. Congressman Correa has advocated for expanding food assistance benefits, housing and mortgage assistance, and community clinic funding to protect low and middle-income Orange County families most affected by the pandemic's devastation. Congressman Correa also leads the charge to ensure taxpaying noncitizens and mixed-status families were included in federal relief programs. Prior to the Congressman's actions, households with a noncitizen parent were excluded from receiving federal stimulus assistance. ### Rep. Lou Correa represents California's 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lou-correa-joins-house-to-overturn-veto-and-pass-bipartisan-national-defense-authorization-act,Rep. Lou Correa Joins House To Overturn Veto & Pass Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,J. Correa,C001110,correa.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 28, 2020 Rep. Lou Correa Joins House To Overturn Veto & Pass Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act Bipartisan Legislation Includes Pay Raise, Benefits For Servicemembers Exposed To Agent Orange, and Rep. Correa's Amendment Increase Diversity In Armed Forces Leadership Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Lou Correa joined his colleagues in rejecting President Trump's attempt to block the bipartisan and bicameral National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a 3% pay raise for our troops, additional hazard pay for servicemembers in harm's way, benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and Congressman Correa's amendment to research how ROTC effects minority recruits' career advancement in our Armed Forces. Rep. Lou Correa said, President Trump's veto of this year's NDAA has nothing to do with the legislation before us or with protecting our troops. Republicans and Democrats alike recognize this important legislation as a critical step for protecting our national security and the men and women who protect it. We ask a lot of our men and women in uniform. We owe it to them to ensure they have the tools and support they need to accomplish their mission and get home. This year's NDAA puts our servicemembers needs first by increasing their pay, improving military housing, expanding childcare services, and finally providing benefits to veterans exposed to Agent Orange. BACKGROUND:The bipartisan and bicameral National Defense Authorization Act will strengthen our security and advance America's leadership in the world. Included in this year's bill is Congressman Correa's ROTC Achievement Amendment which directs the Secretary of Defense to research how ROTC influences a recruit's careers and outcomes in an attempt to expand minority representation in the Armed Forces. The amendment aims to determine if individuals recruited in different levels of education are more likely to achieve or receive recommendations for higher positions. This year's NDAA legislation also includes: Authorizing hazardous duty pay for service members in harm's way, Providing a 3.0 percent pay raise for our troops, Creating an independent commission to make binding recommendations on modifying or removing all names, symbols, displays, etc. that honor the Confederacy or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederacy, Ensuring paid parental leave is extended to all federal employees, Addressing the shortage in military child care, Providing long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, Requiring improvements in military housing, Further protecting military communities from PFAS, Constraining executive overreach relating to emergency construction authority and deployment of military personnel to the southern border, Ensuring no backfill of the military construction funds taken for the President's border wall, Authorizing $8.4 billion in military construction projects to fortify critical infrastructure and base realignment and closure clean up. ### Rep. Lou Correa represents California's 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-votes-increase-payments-struggling-americans-support-military-and,"Costa Votes to Increase Payments for Struggling Americans, Support Military and Veterans by Overriding Presidential Veto of NDAA",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,costa,https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(FRESNO) Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after voting for HR 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Health (CASH) Act of 2020, a standalone COVID-19 relief bill that would increase economic impact payments from $600 to $2000: ""Americans are hurting from the impacts of COVID-19, and we must do all we can to help provide resources for their safety and survival,"" said Costa. ""Democrats pushed for higher stimulus during months of negotiations because it was the right thing to do. Today, we acted to help our communities get through these challenging times. I'm pleased the President supports it."" The bill passed with well more than the necessary two-thirds bipartisan majority of 275 votes, with 44 Republicans joining 231 Democrats. Rep. Costa also voted to override President Trump's veto of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act: ""Congress has enacted a bipartisan defense authorization bill for 60 years in a row to ensure the military gets the support it needs,"" Costa said. ""I am proud to vote to override the President's veto, which showed a complete disregard to our troops. This bill is essential because it gives service members a raise, improves healthcare for veterans, and ensures the U.S. military remains the strongest in the world."" The override was also passed with a 2/3rd, bipartisan majority off 322 votes, with 109 Republicans joining 212 Democrats. ### 8.5.5",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-speier-introduce-bill-to-increase-gun-safety-in-the-us-capitol,"Huffman, Speier Introduce Bill to Increase Gun Safety in the U.S. Capitol",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Following Call to Leadership, Bill Would Hold Members of Congress to the Same Standard as Everyone Else to Ensure Safety of All Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Representative Jackie Speier (D- Hillsborough) introduced the No Congressional Gun Loophole Act, which would exclude Members of Congress and from the Capitol Police Board’s exemption for firearms on Capitol Grounds. While in the Capitol and House office buildings, the legislation would explicitly prevent Members from carrying firearms, nullifying the Capitol Police Board regulations that allow this, and would require Members of Congress to comply with District of Columbia gun safety and registration requirements. Currently, the over-50-year-old regulation exempts Members of Congress from the firearm rules that apply to everyone else who visits or works at the U.S. Capitol. “Threats of political violence are on the rise, and it makes all of us less safe if Members of Congress and their staff don’t have to comply with gun safety standards,” said Rep. Huffman. “Members should not be above the law. These outdated and dangerous rules, that apply to everyone else who visits and works in the halls of Congress, must be modernized for everyone’s safety.” “As a survivor of gun violence, I know what it’s like to battle for your life after being shot five times and left for dead. And statistics show that accidents happen when there are firearms around. The existing exemption for Representatives increases the risk of gun violence for Members, staff, and the public. It’s long past time we close the Member loophole and protect all who enter the Capitol complex,” Rep. Speier said. This bill follows a recent letter to House leadership led by Rep. Huffman requesting a change in House Rules for the 117th Congress to ensure that Members of Congress are held to the same firearm safety rules as the public while they are on Capitol grounds. These actions were catalyzed by escalating rhetoric and threats of political violence, as well as increased attention to the current rules during Freshmen Member Orientation following the 2020 election. Currently, Members of Congress are exempt from the firearms prohibition in 40 U.S.C. § 5104 under the Capitol Police Board’s regulations. Huffman and Speier were joined in this legislation by Representatives André D. Carson (D-IN) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://porter.house.govdocumentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=223,"Rep. Porter Bills to Improve Mental Health Coverage, Protect Americans with High Medical Expenses Signed into Law",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Katie Porter,P000618,porter.house.govdocumentsingle.aspx,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://speier.house.gov/press-releases?ID=92A79772-5E42-4225-874F-4EC9ECF9D801,Reps Speier and Huffman Introduce Bill to Increase Gun Safety in the U.S. Capitol,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jackie Speier,S001175,speier.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) introduced the No Congressional Gun Loophole Act, which would remove Members of Congress longstanding exemption from the Capitols gun safety regulations. The legislation would explicitly prevent Members from carrying firearms in the Capitol and House office buildings and require Members of Congress to comply with District of Columbia gun safety and registration requirements. Currently, a Capitol Police Board regulation from 1967 exempts Members of Congress from rules that prevent everyone else who visits or works at the U.S. Capitol from carrying a firearm. As a survivor of gun violence, I know what its like to battle for your life after being shot five times and left for dead. And statistics show that accidents happen when there are firearms around. The existing exemption for Representatives increases the risk of gun violence for Members, staff, and the public. Its long past time we close the Member loophole and protect all who enter the Capitol complex,Rep. Speier said. Threats of political violence are on the rise, and it makes all of us less safe if Members of Congress and their staff dont have to comply with gun safety standards, Rep. Huffman said. Members should not be above the law. These outdated and dangerous rules, that apply to everyone else who visits and works in the halls of Congress, must be modernized for everyones safety. This bill follows a recent letter to House leadership requesting a change in House Rules for the 117th Congress to ensure that Members of Congress are held to the same firearm safety rules as the public while they are on Capitol grounds. These actions were undertaken in the wake of escalating rhetoric and threats of political violence, as well as increased attention to the current rules during Freshmen Member Orientation following the 2020 election. Currently, Members of Congress are exempt from the firearms prohibition in 40 U.S.C. 5104 under the Capitol Police Boards regulations. Reps. Speier and Huffman were joined in this legislation by Representatives Andr D. Carson (D-IN) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-takano-votes-to-override-president-trumps-veto-of-the-ndaa,Rep. Takano Votes to Override President Trump’s Veto of the NDAA,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark Takano,T000472,takano.house.gov,takano,https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement after voting to override President Trump’s veto of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “President Trump vetoed the NDAA over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a policy that he is massively misinformed about that has nothing to do with the underlying legislation. I voted to override his veto because the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA includes important provisions that will provide veterans with long-overdue access to benefits and protect jobs in my district,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I was able to successfully include a provision to provide benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. We were finally able to add three new diseases to the presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure, which could ensure that more than 34,000 veterans will have access to the care and benefits they’ve earned. I also fought to secure language that will help protect nearly 300 jobs at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley. This vote to override this veto is about putting our veterans and our national security above the President’s temper tantrums.” As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Rep. Takano helped negotiate a provision that will provide long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-Era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, including adding Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange. This work builds on the monumental passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 and foreshadows future work the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will be doing in the 117th Congress.? Rep. Mark Takano was also able to secure a provision in the NDAA to protect nearly 300 jobs at March Air Reserve Base. The language included in NDAA prohibits DMA from consolidating or transitioning to any alternative content delivery methods until the Secretary of Defense submits to Congress its justification for and risk mitigation efforts regarding safety risks posed to servicemembers and their families; vulnerabilities of new content delivery methods; technological limitations; and financial liabilities or costs to servicemembers. The language also stipulates that no consolidation or transition may occur before 180 days after this report is submitted to Congress. ### Press Contact Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122820,Floor Speech on Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives in support of increasing direct payments to Americans to $2,000 via H.R. 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020. Below are the Speaker's remarks: Speaker Pelosi. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Ithank the gentleman for yielding and I thank him for his masterful work in not only bringing this legislation to the Floor, but working in a bipartisan way on so many important initiatives in the COVID and the Omnibus bill that the President happily signed for us last evening. I thank him for his initiatives that are job-creating, that stimulate the economy and that help meet the needs of the American people. I'm interested in the comments made by Mr. Brady, because he said we could be putting more money into small business and we do, indeed, in the COVID package, around $300 billion. And I think it is important to note, Madam Speaker, that that brings it to about, almost a trillion dollars since March 27th 28th when the President signed the CARES Act, about $950 billion for small business. Nearly a trillion dollars, very important. Small business is the heart of our economy. What could be more optimistic for anyone to do than to follow their dream, start a small business, create jobs, create wealth, create capital? So important. We see the importance of that to the tune of about a trillion dollars, just under a trillion dollars in these past several months. But, if you want to talk about job creation, I hope the gentleman will join us when we go forward to do state and local: our health care workers, honoring our heroes. They are at risk while losing their jobs and they risk their lives to save lives. We are talking about health care workers. We are talking about police and fire, our first responders. We are talking about transportation, sanitation, food workers. We are talking about our teachers, our teachers, our teachers, the custodians of our children for a large part of their day. They are at risk of losing their jobs because of the failure of the Republican side of the aisle to support funds for state and local governments to honor our heroes. We want to honor them. We cheer them and applaud them. Let's give them pay. Let's let them have job security. Let's give them PPE, the equipment that they need to do their jobs. So, if you want to talk about saving jobs or growing jobs, for the purpose the distinguished gentleman from Texas mentioned, how are we going to administer focus on the distribution and administration of the vaccine? Where do you think that happens but in city, county and state hospitals in large measure, by health care workers in those places wherever it is distributed on an individual basis? But, they are the heart of the matter. And that is why we need to go forward with another bill that invests in our state and local governments, not to talk about government, but to talk about services: health care services, education, transportation, making our lives possible, making our very existence possible by what they do. And, without them, how do we function? So, again, let's create jobs. Let's save jobs. Let's grow jobs by administering this vaccine as fairly, as equitably as possible, and free to everyone in our country because we are not protected, none of us unless all of us are protected, none of us is protected. So, this $2,000 which, thank you for bringing to the Floor on Christmas Eve. Was roundly rejected by our Republican asked for Unanimous Consent, this could already be, exist as a law if it happened, but it didn't. So, now, today we have another chance. Some of the Republicans said, Oh, if they really wanted that, they would have called for a vote that day.' That wasn't true. It's important to note that was a pro forma session and you had to have the consent of the Republicans to bring the bill to the Floor. They withheld their consent. So, here we are today, in a legislative day, where we just act with the Majority to bring the legislation to the Floor. I hope it will enjoy a strong bipartisan support. The President of the United States has put this forth as something that he wants to see and part of his signing the legislation yesterday. I hope that will be that view will be shared by the Republicans in the Senate. Because we will pass this bill today. Either under suspension or under a rule, where it just requires a majority vote. Under suspension, as you know, two-thirds vote, requires Republican, a large number of Republican votes, which I hope we will have, because I do think the American people would love to see that unity on their behalf. We are a consumer economy. Putting money into the hands of the American people is a boost to our economy. Not much. This isn't a big stimulus package. It's a the COVID bill is an emergency supplemental. But this piece will make it, will make it something very important to growing sustaining our economy. And I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the work that your committee did. Brandon, thank him, and the others, for putting in theDependent clause. Otherwise, sixteen years and under would get the direct payment. But me, as a mother of five, grandmother of nine, I know that children are dependent after sixteen years, especially if they are still in school. And there are others who are dependent because of one thing or another, some physical challenges that they may have in life. Who knows what goes on in a family. But, nonetheless, if they are dependent, they will be receiving the direct payment, another important boost for America's working families, another important boost for our economy as we go forward. So, let us let me, again, thank the Chairman for his work. It's a simple vote to put more money. Our goals have been: crush the virus, crush the virus, honor our heroes who help us crush the virus, and put money in the pockets of the American people. Today, we would be doing that right now. This legislation would be a lifeline for millions of Americans. It improves on the previously passed relief bill by including dependents, ensuring that families with children in college and adults living with disabilities or elderly family members can also receive relief. Republicans have a choice. Republicans have a choice: vote for this legislation or vote to deny the American people the bigger paychecks this need. To reject this would be in denial of the economic challenges that people are facing and it would deny them, again, the relief they need. And with that, I urge a strong bipartisan vote for the aptly named CASH act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122820-0,Pelosi Statement on National Defense Authorization Act Veto Override,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the House voted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act: With this overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, the House has upheld our sacred Constitutional responsibility to keep our country and our people safe. The National Defense Authorization Act has been passed on a bipartisan and bicameral manner for sixty years, and it will become law, despite the President's dangerous sabotage efforts. The President's reckless veto would have denied our servicemembers hazard duty pay; our families paid family leave, child care, housing improvements and health protections; and our veterans their benefits. It would have senselessly deprived our allies and country of key protections for global peace and security including for cyber-security, following a massive attack on our country. And it would have undermined our nation's values and work to combat racism, by blocking overwhelmingly bipartisan action to rename military bases and infrastructure after officials who served in the Confederacy. The President must end his eleventh-hour campaign of chaos, and stop using his final moments in office to obstruct bipartisan and bicameral action to protect our military and defend our security.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/paralysis-nations-empowering-cities,Paralysis of nations is empowering cities,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ted Lieu,L000582,lieu.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Demolition of U.S. Diplomacy.The Long Rise and Sudden Fall of American Diplomacy. Diplomacy, Disrupted. A cursory tour of recent headlines paints a less than rosy picture of the state of American statecraft. The impeachment and impending trial marks the starkest example of what happens when diplomacy is mismanaged. Partisan gridlock, ideological inflexibility, growing distrust and polarization have essentially paralyzed traditional nation-states rendering them often unwilling or unable to solve our increasingly urgent problems. Inaction on climate change has become another popular and near constant reminder that this growing trendline is not going to reverse itself. The recently completedCOP25, which was held in Madrid, is only the most recent example of nations failing to take any real action or to commit to any substantive agreements on the issue of climate. What happens, though, when the people and places with the potential to fix parts of our broken system are not empowered to do so? When it comes to solving global crises, cities, states, NGOs and even corporations are stepping up to fill the gap countries are leaving behind. Cities in particular are taking diplomacy into their own hands: They're setting upoffices of international affairs,and global city networks are coalescing to tackle issues like migration, human rights, inclusivity, terrorism and healthcare. Cities are home toover 50 percentof the global population, a number that will skyrocket to nearly70 percent by 2050. Cities produce over80 percent of Global GDPand oversee the global supply chain, global trade, and global banking. They are also the greatest global producers ofknowledge and creativity. Cities are arguablymore accountable than nation-states, more closely connected to their constituents, more aware of the everyday problems that confront everyday people, and as a result, comparably adept and motivated to get things done quickly, efficiently and without a big fuss. Cities should be on the frontlines of diplomacy. Official Washington is not built to handle this type of diplomacy despite its growing importance. Treaties are exclusively negotiated, signed, and enforced by national leaders (and their legislative branches), and in general, international relations and international law are the domains of nation-states alone. Subnational entities are viewed asmere appendages of their nation-states, which are expected to represent them at the global level in all international affairs. Indeed, we can't even talk about international diplomacy without employing the word nation. The City and State Diplomacy Act, a new bipartisan bill proposed in the House would allow U.S. cities and states to have a greater voice in U.S. diplomacy. Co-sponsored by Reps. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), the bill would establish a permanent Office of Subnational Diplomacy within the State Department. It would create more opportunities for formal cooperation between America's state and local leaders and their counterparts around the world.It would also serve as the State Department's lead interlocutor in generating, negotiating, and executing agreements with foreign countries, as well as maintaining international networks, identifying policy gaps, and coordinating resources. Supporters of the bill expect that this office would have apositive effect on trade, environmental issues, and tourism, among other areas. This would also provide much-needed support when it comes tocoordinatingsubnational commitments on greenhouse gas emissions reduction. It would also benefit U.S. business.The U.S. corporate sector is proportionally less internationally-connected than foreign counterparts. Corporations in Germany, France, the UK, Japan and many other leading national economies have markedly more international branches than domestic. Those in the U.S. have proportionally more domestic than international branches. American firms must be empowered to compete. A Subnational Diplomacy Office would provide the latitude needed to do just that. A recent example of successful subnational engagement occurred in May at the Fifth U.S.-China Governors Collaboration Summit, which was hosted by former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin in Lexington. Despite tense relations between Washington and Beijing, the summit saw over 400 public and private stakeholders from the worlds of business, academia, and government from the United States and China commit to cooperate on initiatives ranging from economics to trade and education. Five months later, the State Department announced that Chinese diplomats would be required to notify authorities before holding meetings with U.S. officials a response to level the playing field for long-standing restrictions on U.S. diplomats in China. The mission of the Office of Subnational Diplomacy could help to navigate this type of diplomatic row and facilitate more productive interactions. When the federal and local governments inevitably disagree on foreign policy, there needs to be a conflict resolution mechanism. According to original research by sociologist Benjamin Leffel, declassified archives show President Ronald Reagan's Secretary of State George Schultz pressuring U.S. local leaders to not divest from South African apartheid and local leaders defying him in turn. This is just one example where a dedicated office at State was needed to provide a space to negotiate disagreements on foreign policy, and this need will only grow over time. The concept isn't a new one. During the Obama administration, the U.S. Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs (a position held by co-author Reta Jo Lewis) was the first office dedicated to subnational diplomacy efforts. And the need for such an office dates back decades. According to Leffel's research, in the 1980s, several U.S. embassies abroad sent cables to the State Department asking for a federal office toassist local government officials and groups to plan their overseas visits in order to optimize their chances of meeting their trade, investment and tourism goals. National governments should harness the power and ambition of their local leaders to help solve global challenges.The power of subnational engagement has been underestimated, though there are advocates who realize its potential. The Office of Subnational Diplomacy could be a productive way for the United States to get all hands on deck regarding global cooperation. Cities and states are increasingly relevant, indeed critical, to solving the global challenges that confront us today. National governments can choose to work with the current or against it.History provesthat cities and states will move forward and upward with or without them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122720,Pelosi Statement on Trump Signing Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Funding Bill,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the President signed the bipartisan coronavirus relief and omnibus funding bill: The signing of the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the fourteen million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas Weekend, and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis. This relief legislation is a down payment on what is needed to crush the virus, put money in the pockets of the American people and honor our heroes our health care workers, first responders, transit and sanitation workers and teachers. We need to ensure robust support for state and local government to distribute and administer a vaccine, keep workers employed and prevent devastating service cuts and we must do so as soon as possible. Now, the President must immediately call on Congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our stand-alone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $2,000, which will be brought to the Floor tomorrow. Every Republican vote against this bill is a vote to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny the American people the relief they need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mike-levin-delivers-weekly-democratic-address,Congressman Mike Levin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address,2020-12-25,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Levin of California, Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, delivered the Weekly Democratic Address. In this week’s address, the Congressman discussed House Democrats’ landmark legislative work to ensure our troops, veterans and their loved ones have the health and financial security they deserve, especially during this difficult holiday season. Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloaded here. Below is a full transcript of the address: “Hi, I’m Congressman Mike Levin. I’m proud to represent North County San Diego and South Orange County, with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at the heart of my district. “As we celebrate the holidays this year, we also mourn the loss of more than 320,000 Americans to this pandemic – including more than 5,500 veterans, a profound tragedy for our nation. Each individual lost was somebody’s parent or grandparent, a son or daughter, a friend or co-worker who will be deeply missed, especially during this holiday season. “The holidays are also challenging for many families who are struggling to make ends meet, for our heroic frontline workers and for small businesses that are trying to endure this pandemic. “I’m proud that Democrats negotiated an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package to save lives and livelihoods and crush the virus. This agreement is an important initial step, which we must build on under the Biden-Harris Administration. “We also took important action last week to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. As Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I was proud to sponsor the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. “This landmark legislation is the product of years of bipartisan work and the strong leadership of House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester. It includes numerous legislative initiatives from dozens of House Democrats and provisions from nearly 60 House-passed bills. “It includes the Homeless Veteran Coronavirus Response Act, a bill I introduced to expand and strengthen VA services for homeless veterans during the pandemic, allowing the VA to use existing funds for a wider range of services. “It includes the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act, a bill I introduced to fill gaps in HUD-VASH case management. “It includes the Protect the GI Bill Act, a bill I introduced to increase transparency and accountability among educational programs that receive funding from the VA, and it includes the Pandemic Assistance for Student Veterans Act, which will minimize the impact of the pandemic on student veterans. “It also includes the Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act to support veterans who are the victims of medical malpractice by the VA or its contractors, and the Bill Mulder Transition Improvement Act to make the transition process easier for servicemembers returning to civilian life. “All of these provisions are critically important for the economic success and financial security of our veterans, and I was incredibly proud to lead them. “However, Speaker Pelosi said it best on the House Floor last week when she called the Deborah Sampson Act, led by Congresswoman Julia Brownley, ‘the crown jewel in this package.’ The Deborah Sampson Act takes long overdue steps to address the inequities and barriers that women veterans face when accessing VA care and benefits. “The legislation expands access to care for women veterans, combats sexual harassment and assault, increases cultural competency for all VA staff and improves data collection to ensure that our nation’s nearly two million women veterans get the care, benefits and resources they’ve earned. “With this legislation, we are fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those ‘who shall have borne the battle’ and for their families, caregivers and survivors. “While we celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment, I know that many troops, veterans and their loved ones are spending this holiday apart from one another. Please know that I deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice, and House Democrats will keep fighting for you in the new year. “Thank you, and happy holidays.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mikelevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mike-levin-delivers-weekly-democratic-address,Congressman Mike Levin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address,2020-12-25,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,mikelevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 25, 2020 Congressman Mike Levin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address Washington, D.C. Congressman Mike Levin of California, Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, delivered the Weekly Democratic Address. In this week's address, the Congressman discussed House Democrats' landmark legislative work to ensure our troops, veterans and their loved ones have the health and financial security they deserve, especially during this difficult holiday season. Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloaded here. Below is a full transcript of the address: Hi, I'm Congressman Mike Levin. I'm proud to represent North County San Diego and South Orange County, with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at the heart of my district. As we celebrate the holidays this year, we also mourn the loss of more than 320,000 Americans to this pandemic including more than 5,500 veterans, a profound tragedy for our nation. Each individual lost was somebody's parent or grandparent, a son or daughter, a friend or co-worker who will be deeply missed, especially during this holiday season. The holidays are also challenging for many families who are struggling to make ends meet, for our heroic frontline workers and for small businesses that are trying to endure this pandemic. I'm proud that Democrats negotiated an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package to save lives and livelihoods and crush the virus. This agreement is an important initial step, which we must build on under the Biden-Harris Administration. We also took important action last week to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. As Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I was proud to sponsor the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. This landmark legislation is the product of years of bipartisan work and the strong leadership of House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester. It includes numerous legislative initiatives from dozens of House Democrats and provisions from nearly 60 House-passed bills. It includes the Homeless Veteran Coronavirus Response Act, a bill I introduced to expand and strengthen VA services for homeless veterans during the pandemic, allowing the VA to use existing funds for a wider range of services. It includes the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act, a bill I introduced to fill gaps in HUD-VASH case management. It includes the Protect the GI Bill Act, a bill I introduced to increase transparency and accountability among educational programs that receive funding from the VA, and it includes the Pandemic Assistance for Student Veterans Act, which will minimize the impact of the pandemic on student veterans. It also includes the Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act to support veterans who are the victims of medical malpractice by the VA or its contractors, and the Bill Mulder Transition Improvement Act to make the transition process easier for servicemembers returning to civilian life. All of these provisions are critically important for the economic success and financial security of our veterans, and I was incredibly proud to lead them. However, Speaker Pelosi said it best on the House Floor last week when she called the Deborah Sampson Act, led by Congresswoman Julia Brownley, the crown jewel in this package.' The Deborah Sampson Act takes long overdue steps to address the inequities and barriers that women veterans face when accessing VA care and benefits. The legislation expands access to care for women veterans, combats sexual harassment and assault, increases cultural competency for all VA staff and improves data collection to ensure that our nation's nearly two million women veterans get the care, benefits and resources they've earned. With this legislation, we are fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who shall have borne the battle' and for their families, caregivers and survivors. While we celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment, I know that many troops, veterans and their loved ones are spending this holiday apart from one another. Please know that I deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice, and House Democrats will keep fighting for you in the new year. Thank you, and happy holidays. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122520,Congressman Mike Levin Delivers Weekly Democratic Address,2020-12-25,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Mike Levin of California, Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, delivered the Weekly Democratic Address. In this week's address, the Congressman discussed House Democrats' landmark legislative work to ensure our troops, veterans and their loved ones have the health and financial security they deserve, especially during this difficult holiday season. Video and audio of the Weekly Democratic Address can be downloaded here. Below is a full transcript of the address: Hi, I'm Congressman Mike Levin. I'm proud to represent North County San Diego and South Orange County, with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at the heart of my district. As we celebrate the holidays this year, we also mourn the loss of more than 320,000 Americans to this pandemic including more than 5,500 veterans, a profound tragedy for our nation. Each individual lost was somebody's parent or grandparent, a son or daughter, a friend or co-worker who will be deeply missed, especially during this holiday season. The holidays are also challenging for many families who are struggling to make ends meet, for our heroic frontline workers and for small businesses that are trying to endure this pandemic. I'm proud that Democrats negotiated an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package to save lives and livelihoods and crush the virus. This agreement is an important initial step, which we must build on under the Biden-Harris Administration. We also took important action last week to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. As Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I was proud to sponsor the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. This landmark legislation is the product of years of bipartisan work and the strong leadership of House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester. It includes numerous legislative initiatives from dozens of House Democrats and provisions from nearly 60 House-passed bills. It includes the Homeless Veteran Coronavirus Response Act, a bill I introduced to expand and strengthen VA services for homeless veterans during the pandemic, allowing the VA to use existing funds for a wider range of services. It includes the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act, a bill I introduced to fill gaps in HUD-VASH case management. It includes the Protect the GI Bill Act, a bill I introduced to increase transparency and accountability among educational programs that receive funding from the VA, and it includes the Pandemic Assistance for Student Veterans Act, which will minimize the impact of the pandemic on student veterans. It also includes the Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act to support veterans who are the victims of medical malpractice by the VA or its contractors, and the Bill Mulder Transition Improvement Act to make the transition process easier for servicemembers returning to civilian life. All of these provisions are critically important for the economic success and financial security of our veterans, and I was incredibly proud to lead them. However, Speaker Pelosi said it best on the House Floor last week when she called the Deborah Sampson Act, led by Congresswoman Julia Brownley, the crown jewel in this package.' The Deborah Sampson Act takes long overdue steps to address the inequities and barriers that women veterans face when accessing VA care and benefits. The legislation expands access to care for women veterans, combats sexual harassment and assault, increases cultural competency for all VA staff and improves data collection to ensure that our nation's nearly two million women veterans get the care, benefits and resources they've earned. With this legislation, we are fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who shall have borne the battle' and for their families, caregivers and survivors. While we celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment, I know that many troops, veterans and their loved ones are spending this holiday apart from one another. Please know that I deeply appreciate your service and sacrifice, and House Democrats will keep fighting for you in the new year. Thank you, and happy holidays.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122520-0,Dear Colleague to All Members: Merry Christmas!,2020-12-25,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Colleague, Joy to the World! With these words, we celebrate Christmas. Whatever the differences in our faith traditions, may we be joined in spirit for joy for America and for the American people. Whatever the hardships and sadness the American people may be suffering, may our determination to meet our responsibility to others give our country and our people hope. Whatever our disagreements, may there be peace on earth, and let it begin with us. Please accept my thanks and warmest personal regards for a peaceful holiday season and Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/readiness-chairman-garamendi-s-statement-president-trump-s-veto-fy-21-ndaa,Readiness Chairman Garamendi’s Statement on President Trump’s Veto of FY 21 NDAA,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,garamendi,https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC—Congressman John Garamendi, Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, issued the statement below in response to President Trump vetoing the bipartisan and bicameral Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Garamendi served on the Bicameral Conference Committee for the FY 2021 NDAA that negotiated the final version of the legislation: ""The President's veto of the NDAA is a reckless decision that harms our troops, military readiness, and national security. Issuing this veto while the United States is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the wake of brazen cybersecurity attacks from foreign governments, is a chaotic and irresponsible decision by the President,"" Garamendi said. ""Vetoing this legislation denies our service members a much-deserved pay raise, improvements to their housing, and critical resources that will strengthen their ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also stymies the progress the Readiness Subcommittee secured in the legislation to require the military to aggressively tackle the global climate crisis, prioritize increasing its energy resiliency, and address contamination associated with per- and polyfluorinated (PFAS) compounds around military installations. ""This is a strong, bipartisan NDAA that earned the support of veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate. I intend to support an override of the President's veto of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,"" Garamendi concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122420,Pelosi Statement on House Republicans Blocking Unanimous Consent Request to Increase Economic Impact Payments,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"San Francisco Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on House Republicans blocking Democrats' Unanimous Consent request to increase economic impact payments to $2,000, as the President called for: Today, on Christmas Eve morning, House Republicans cruelly deprived the American people of the $2,000 that the President agreed to support. If the President is serious about the $2,000 direct payments, he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction. House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly fought for bigger checks for the American people, which House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly rejected first, during our negotiations when they said that they would not go above $600 and now, with this act of callousness on the Floor. On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need. Hopefully by then the President will have already signed the bipartisan and bicameral legislation to keep government open and to deliver coronavirus relief.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aguilar.house.gov/2020/12/23/aguilar-issues-report-constituents-116th-congress-comes-close/,Aguilar Issues Report to Constituents as 116th Congress Comes to a Close,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,aguilar,https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Press Releases Aguilar Issues Report to Constituents as 116th Congress Comes to a Close Rep. Aguilar issued a report to residents of California’s 31st Congressional District to review his work on behalf of Inland Empire families in the 116th Congress, which convened on January 3, 2019. Reflecting on the past two years, Aguilar commented: “This past year has been incredibly challenging for Inland Empire families, and my focus has been on providing our region with the resources needed to navigate this crisis. As we enter a new year with the pandemic still devastating communities like ours, I will continue working to support the small businesses, frontline workers, first responders and families who are the backbone of San Bernardino County. The incoming Biden-Harris Administration marks an opportunity for us to work together to build a better country with a brighter future for all who live here. I look forward to getting to work.” During the 116th Congress, Rep. Aguilar delivered for the Inland Empire by: Helping 1,102 Inland Empire residents resolve outstanding issues with federal agencies, such as accessing the Social Security, Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits they have earned; Returning more than $1.3 million that the federal government owed to CA-31 residents by federal agencies, including IRS refunds, veterans’ benefits, Social Security payments and more; Announcing over $340 million in federal funding for the Inland Empire, including funding for local first responders and fire departments, Inland Empire schools and job training programs; Announcing more than $174 million in federal funds to help support Inland Empire residents during the coronavirus crisis; Hosting small business town hall meetings to help businesses navigate coronavirus relief resource; Securing $10.5 million and a national distinction to help Cal State San Bernardino become a key pipeline for national cybersecurity jobs; Helping Inland Empire veterans connect with local resources on health care, housing, and employment and providing assistance with VA claims through Veterans Resource Fair Providing Inland Empire seniors with free health screenings and help obtaining information on local food programs, health services, and Medicare, Social Security and veterans benefits through a Senior Fair; Nominating local students to the US Military Service Academies; Hosting 28 events and meetings to help connect local agencies with federal grant opportunities; and Participating in more than 220 meetings, tours and events with CA-31 residents. Throughout the past two years, Rep. Aguilar fought for legislation to help San Bernardino County families by: Passing the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus and aid bill that gave most Americans direct payments of up to $1,200, provided $350 billion in relief to small business owners, expanded unemployment insurance benefits for affected workers, supplied approximately $200 billion to hospitals and health care providers, and granted $150 billion to state and local governments for emergency response; Passing H.R. 133, a bill that includes $600 direct payments to most Americans, extends unemployment benefits provides rent and nutrition assistance funding, and funds forgivable loans and grants for small businesses; Passing the Santa Ana Wash Plan Land Exchange Act, which was signed into law in 2019, resulting in an estimated $47 million in investments into local infrastructure projects and expanded conservation areas for threatened or endangered plants and animals within the Santa Ana Wash; Adding amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 to: Recruit and retain top military cybersecurity talent from institutions like California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) by permanently authorizing a successful direct-commissioning pilot program established by Rep. Aguilar in 2017; Enhance the transparency of the country’s nuclear security by making certain funding for the nuclear program contingent on the release of reports currently being withheld by the Trump Administration; and Combat white supremacist, extremist and criminal-gang activity in the military by requiring the Pentagon to report the total number of allegations, investigations, and inquiries related to this type of activity each year; Working to secure funding for and pass key initiatives as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, including: $12 million for the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program, which benefits students at California State University San Bernardino; $46.5 million for the National Science Foundation’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions program, for which CSUSB may compete; $67 million for the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which trains teachers at 22 California State University campuses including CSUSB; Robust funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports San Bernardino County’s Regional Conservation Investment Strategy; $6.7 billion for VA Veterans Health Administration’s medical facilities, including the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System; Requiring HUD to ensure DACA recipients can access FHA loans and become first-time homebuyers; and Mandating the Office of Refugee Resettlement to invest in technology to track separated children in their care so they can be reunited with their parents; Passing amendments to H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, to make the Inland Empire more competitive in applying for federal grants to reduce emissions and fight pollution; Authoring H.R. 8974, the FHA Fairness Act to increase access to Federal Housing Administration loans for homebuyers in the Inland Empire; Introducing the JOBS Act to help Inland Empire job-seekers and businesses connect with employment resources; Reintroducing the REPORT Act, a bill drafted in response to the December 2, 2015 terror attack in San Bernardino that requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress after an act of terrorism occurs in the United States; and Serving on the Committee on House Administration, participating in hearings to expose voter disenfranchisement and assisting in the passage of legislation to create the Women’s History Museum and the Museum of the American Latino. In addition to the legislation he’s introduced and authored, Rep. Aguilar helped the House pass hundreds of bipartisan bills in the 116th Congress. These include bills to provide relief to the American people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reform our law enforcement agencies, invest in our nation’s infrastructure, expand access and increase affordability of health care, bring transparency to the VA system, and protect Dreamers and immigrant families across the country. Rep. Aguilar has represented California’s 31st Congressional District since 2015. He sits on the House Appropriations Committee, where he serves as Vice Chair, and on the Committee on House Administration. Rep. Aguilar was recently elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus for the 117th Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://cardenas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardenas-announces-2020-congressional-app-competition-winners,Cárdenas Announces 2020 Congressional App Competition Winners,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Tony Cárdenas,C001097,cardenas.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2020 Crdenas Announces 2020 Congressional App Competition Winners SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA Last week, Congressmen Tony Crdenas (CA-29) virtually met with the winners of the 2020 Congressional App Competition for California's 29th Congressional District. This year's winning team consisted of Josh Bowden, Achintya Gupta, Aniket Gupta, and Sejin Choi, all juniors at Granada Hills Charter High School. The group created the Math4Fun app, which allows people to practice math concepts in a fun way. As an engineer, I am excited to see thousands of students across the country express an interest in coding and computer sciences at an early age, said Congressman Crdenas. I am especially proud of the brilliant students of the 29th District, and applaud the work of Josh, Achintya, Aniket, and Sejin. The world is changing, and we must encourage the next generation of Americans to pursue careers in the STEM fields and prepare them for the economy of the future. Thank you to all of the students who participated in the 2019 Congressional App Competition. To learn more about Math4Fun, watch the students' Congressional App Challenge submission here. Congressman Tony Crdenas is a member of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Caucus. Crdenas has a degree in engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-lou-correa-urges-president-elect-biden-to-end-family-separation,Rep. Lou Correa Urges President-Elect Biden To End Family Separation,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,J. Correa,C001110,correa.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2020 Rep. Lou Correa Urges President-Elect Biden To End Family Separation Correa Joined 87 Members of Congress In Calling For Immediate Action To Help Separated Children Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Lou Correa joined 87 of his colleagues in sending a letter to President-elect Joe Biden urging him to assist the children harmed by the Trump Administration's inhumane family separation policy. In the letter, Congressman Correa urged the President-elect to exercise existing legal authorities to give safe refuge to the children, including the almost 630 children that remain separated from their families and help them reunite with their parents. While long term solutions are available to children hurt by family separation, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) or parole-in-place are two examples of programs that would allow separated children to come out of the shadows and live in the United States formally. Rep. Lou Correa said, President Trump and his Administration separated thousands of children from their parents in a deliberate attempt to threaten lawful asylum seekers and prevent families fleeing violence from coming to our shores. I joined my colleagues in applauding President-elect Joe Biden for his commitment to ending family separation and urged him to dismantle the inhumane immigration policies that allowed such a tactic to be used. We are a nation of immigrants. Many of our families fled violence, persecution, and famine for a shot at a better life. Our immigration system should reflect that history and welcome new Americans with open arms and compassion. See the letter here. Read the letter: December 22, 2020 President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Biden-Harris Transition 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear President-elect Biden: We write to urge you to assist the children harmed by the Trump Administration's inhumane family separation policy. We wholeheartedly agree with you that this policy violates every notion of who we are as a nation,1 and believe that the United States has a duty to help the victims of this horrific policy. To that end, we urge you to use your legal authority to assist the children in the United States, particularly those whose parents have not yet been located, ensuring their safe refuge while the search continues and allowing them to safely reunite with their parents. As you know, since 2017 the Trump Administration has separated thousands of children from their parents and legal guardians at our border without clear evidence that keeping them together presented a danger to the children.2 When the Trump Administration implemented its nationwide family separation policy, it knew that hundreds of children would likely never be reunited with their parents.3 Nevertheless, it cruelly deported parents without their children and compounded its culpability by failing to record meaningful contact information for many of these parents.4 More than 300 children separated by the Department of Homeland Security were under the age of five at the time of the separation.5 As of today, tragically, the parents of almost 630 separated children still have not been located.6 We commend you for committing to stand up a federal task force to find the parents of these children on Day One of your presidency. We applaud this initiative and are eager to work with you to find these missing parents and reunite families. At the same time, we strongly recommend that your Administration use its legal authority to establish a means by which the children victimized by this Thank you for your attention to this request. We look forward to working with you throughout your Administration. ### Rep. Lou Correa represents California's 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eshoo-introduces-legislation-change-congressional-oath-office,Rep. Eshoo Introduces Legislation to Change Congressional Oath of Office,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) announced today that she will introduce legislation to update the Congressional oath of office to include a pledge to put the Constitution above any person or political party. Over 156 million Americans made their voices heard in this year's election and a majority of them chose a new president. Yet many Members of Congress have disregarded their oath by refusing to accept the results of the election by signing an amicus brief to a lawsuit seeking to overturn the election, said Rep. Eshoo. This is the first time in our nation's history that a majority of a major party have sought to overthrow an election. This is an attack on our constitutional system of government and a violation of the Congressional oath of office because it puts loyalty to the president over the will of the people. Background At the beginning of every new Congress, Members take an oath and swear to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The Constitution requires every Member to take an oath to support the Constitution, but it leaves the precise wording for Congress to determine. The Supreme Court has said that Congress can add any additional pledges it deems appropriate, and the oath has been amended several times in our country's history, most notably during the Civil War when many Members abandoned their oath to join the Confederacy. Rep. Eshoo's legislation amends the Congressional oath of office to require every Member of Congress to swear to put their obligation to the Constitution before that of any person or political party. The new oath of office reads as follows (addition in bold): I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I place this obligation above that to any individual, political party, or faction; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressional-pro-choice-leaders-urge-biden-to-take-immediate-steps-to-protect-reproductive-rights,Congressional Pro-Choice Leaders Urge Biden to Take Immediate Steps to Protect Reproductive Rights,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.20 Congressional Pro-Choice Leaders Urge Biden to Take Immediate Steps to Protect Reproductive Rights Washington, D.C. The Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus led by U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and (D-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden outlining the steps they hope his administration will immediately take to preserve, protect, and advance sexual and reproductive health for everyone in the U.S. and around the world. In the letter, which was co-signed by all nine Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chairs, the Congressional pro-choice leaders said the House's pro-choice majority in the upcoming Congress presents a unique and timely opportunity to protect American's reproductive rights. And they called on the president-elect to use his executive authority to undo many of the actions taken by the Trump administration in recent years to curtail Americans' access to abortion services. The Caucus serves as the first line of defense against anti-choice legislation and regulations,the lawmakers wrote.We are committed to protecting and advancing sexual and reproductive health and stand ready to partner with your administration on policies, regulations, and budgets to ensure that all people are free and equal to exercise bodily autonomy. In their letter to Biden, the lawmakers outlined several actions they want the incoming administration to take immediately including issuing an executive order to, among other things: Revoke the Global Gag Rule; Lift the FDA's in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, a medication used to safely and effectively end an early pregnancy or treat an early miscarriage. Prohibit states from blocking family planning providers that also provide abortions from participating in Title X; Expand U.S. foreign assistance support for abortion care to the maximum extent allowed under the Helms amendment, namely by immediately clarifying that funds can be used to support abortion care provided in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment of the pregnant person; Rescind the Trump Administration's birth-control coverage exemption rules, which allow virtually any employer to refuse to cover birth control for their employees, contrary to the ACA; Rescind the Trump Administration's Refusal of Care rule, which invites many individuals and entities to withhold health care services and information from patients without regard for the patient's wellbeing; Rescind the Trump Administration's Public Charge rule, which discourages immigrants from accessing basic services and public programs; and Rescind the 1303 abortion coverage rule, which requires separate billing and payment transactions for abortion coverage provided under certain ACA health plans. The lawmakers also called on the incoming administration to: Re-enter the United States into the World Health Organization; Disband the Commission on Unalienable Rights Restore funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Reverse the Trump Administration's restrictions on biomedical research that involves fetal tissue; and Halt all non-final regulations that will limit access to health care, including reproductive health care. In addition to DeGette and Lee, the letter was signed by: Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Norma Torres (D-CA). To read the full text of the lawmakers' letter to the Biden Administration,click here. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-lee-price-schakowsky-meeks-castro-spanberger-and-sherman-spearhead-letter-to-president-elect-biden-with-150-total-signers-urging-diplomatic-steps-to-return-both-iran-and-us-to-jcpoa_,"Reps. Lee, Price, Schakowsky, Meeks, Castro, Spanberger, and Sherman Spearhead Letter to President-elect Biden with 150 Total Signers Urging Diplomatic Steps to Return Both Iran and U.S. to JCPOA",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.20 Reps. Lee, Price, Schakowsky, Meeks, Castro, Spanberger, and Sherman Spearhead Letter to President-elect Biden with 150 Total Signers Urging Diplomatic Steps to Return Both Iran and U.S. to JCPOA Washington, D.C.-Today,Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), David Price (D-NC),Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), AbigailD.Spanberger (D-VA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA)sent aletter to President-elect Joseph R. Bidenwitha total of150signers expressing support for renewed diplomacy to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, to address other pressing issues, and to reduce the likelihood of violent regional conflict. The letter expresses support for both Iran and the U.S. returning to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear agreement.The seven members circulating the letter releasedthe following statement: One of the most pressing foreign policy challengesfacingthe incoming Biden administration will be halting and reversing Iran's nuclear program,which was left largely unconstrained after President Trump withdrew from theJCPOA.The Trump administration's incoherent and provocative policies toward Iran and our multilateral relationshipsonlyadvanced the Iranian nuclear program,failed to effectively address Iran's other malign behavior, and greatly increased the likelihood of violent confrontation and conflict. As Congressional leadersregardless of our support or opposition to the JCPOA in 2015 weareunited in our support for swiftly taking the necessary diplomatic steps to restore constraints on Iran's nuclear program and return both Iran and the United States to compliance with theJCPOAas a starting point for further negotiations. We are sending this letter to endorse President-elect Biden's call for diplomacy as the best path to halt and reverseIran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, andfacilitate our nation'sreincorporation into the international community. The 150 signatories include the following Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:David Price, Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, Gregory Meeks, Joaquin Castro, AbigailD.Spanberger, and Brad Sherman, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Pete Aguilar, Colin Allred, Cindy Axne, Karen Bass, Ami Bera, M.D., Donald S. Beyer Jr., Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Earl Blumenauer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Cheri Bustos, G. K. Butterfield, Salud O. Carbajal, Andr Carson, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, David Cicilline, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Katherine M. Clark, Yvette D. Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Steve Cohen, Gerald E. Connolly, Jim Cooper, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, TJ Cox, Jason Crow, Sharice L. Davids, Danny K. Davis, Peter A. DeFazio, Diana DeGette, Rosa DeLauro, Suzan Delbene, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Mike Doyle, Veronica Escobar, Anna Eshoo, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Abby Finkenauer, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Ruben Gallego, John Garamendi, Jess G. Chuy Garcia, Vicente Gonzalez, Al Green, Ral M. Grijalva, Deb Haaland, Josh Harder, Jahana Hayes, Denny Heck, Brian Higgins, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sheila Jackson Lee, Pramila Jayapal, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Marcy Kaptur, William R. Keating, Robin L. Kelly, Joseph P. Kennedy, III, Ro Khanna, Daniel T. Kildee, Derek Kilmer, Andy Kim, Ann Kirkpatrick, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ann McLane Kuster, James R. Langevin, Rick Larsen, John B. Larson, Brenda L. Lawrence, Andy Levin, Mike Levin, Dave Loebsack, Zoe Lofgren, Alan Lowenthal, Stephen F. Lynch, Tom Malinowski, Carolyn B. Maloney, Doris Matsui, Betty McCollum, James P. McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jerrold Nadler, Richard E. Neal, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Jimmy Panetta, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Donald M. Payne, Jr., Ed Perlmutter, Chellie Pingree, Stacey E. Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Katie Porter, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Harley Rouda, Lucille Roybal-Allard, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Bobby L. Rush, Tim Ryan, Linda T. Snchez, John Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam Schiff, Kim Schrier, M.D., Robert C. Bobby Scott, Jos E. Serrano, Albio Sires, Adam Smith, Jackie Speier, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Paul D. Tonko, Norma J. Torres, Lori Trahan, Lauren Underwood, Filemon Vela, Nydia M. Velzquez, Peter Visclosky, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Peter Welch, Jennifer Wexton, and John Yarmuth. A copy of the letter can be viewedhereand the text is copied below. Dear President-elect Biden: Congratulations on your election to become the next President of the United States, and we wish you success on behalf of our nation. We particularly welcome your commitment to the restoration of American leadership and diplomacy. With respect to Iran, we agree that diplomacy is the best path to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, and facilitate our nation's reincorporation into the international community. We are united in our support for swiftly taking the necessary diplomatic steps to restore constraints on Iran's nuclear program and return both Iran and the United States to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a starting point for further negotiations. The JCPOA, an agreement you helped champion, verifiably constrained Iran's nuclear program until after the United States' unilateral withdrawal. Since 2019, Iran has changed course by increasing its stockpile of low-enriched uranium and enriching uranium to a higher purity level, while also installing advanced centrifuges beyond the agreement's limits. As a result, Iran's breakout time of one year, as estimated under the JCPOA by the U.S. intelligence community, has decreased to a few months. The Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign has left Iran with an unconstrained nuclear program, failed effectively to address Iran's other malign behavior, and greatly increased the likelihood of violent confrontation and conflict. This incoherent and provocative policy has increased regional tension and attacks against our troops and our partners and emboldened Iranian hardliners. As a result, the risk of potentially devastating miscalculation remains unnecessarily high. Re-engaging multilaterally on preventing the development of an Iranian nuclear weapon and re-opening channels of communication are essential to reversing these dangerous developments. The Trump administration's unilateral withdrawal from the internationally negotiated and UN-endorsed JCPOA undermined global non-proliferation efforts, fractured U.S. relationships with key allies, diminished U.S. leadership and influence, and reduced U.S. leverage in addressing other national security issues with Iran. Iran's other destabilizing activities in the region, such as its support for terrorism, development of ballistic missiles, human rights violations against its own people, and holding of foreign political prisoners, including Americans, warrant strong and coordinated international diplomacy. The JCPOA does not prevent our ability to address these destabilizing activities. An unrestrained Iranian nuclear program would exacerbate these other threats posed by Iran and inspire a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. We know preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through diplomacy will be a top priority of your administration, and we strongly believe that the JCPOA provides a critical framework to achieve this goal effectively. We strongly endorse your call for Iran to return to strict compliance with the nuclear deal, the United States to rejoin the agreement, and subsequent follow-on negotiations. We understand that returning to the agreement will require the selective lifting of some sanctions and rigorous implementation to verifiably ensure Iranian compliance. Americans have seen first-hand how withdrawing from multilateral agreements and abandoning our allies jeopardizes our national security goals. As a result, it is critical to not be discouraged by efforts to preclude diplomacy. Reinstating our international agreements and engaging in sustained diplomacy are the best ways to achieve long-term non-proliferation and urgent national security objectives, including the prevention of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and the laying of a foundation for progress on other critical issues. We look forward to working with you on these important matters. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/relief-bill-reaction-many-say-it-s-too-little-too-late,"Relief Bill Reaction; Many Say Its Too Little, Too Late",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,,,legacy,"The financial help that many have been waiting for is finally here, but is it enough, and will we be seeing more? NBC Palm Springs has reaction from local political leaders and residents that stress more aid is needed. I think this will take us through the recovery, said Steven Mnuchin, United States Secretary of Treasury. Anyone who thinks this bill is enough doesn't know what's going on in America, said Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader. Local political leaders are pointing out how dire the situation is for people out of work. Many of our small business owners are on the verge of losing their business, the unemployed are on the verge of losing their unemployment insurance enhancement. families are struggling, we are desperate in getting our kids back to a safe school, saidDr. RaulRuiz, U.S. Representative, 36th District. Lawmakers say after 8 months, it's disappointing how little there is for working families, but how much there is for President Trump's pet projects. I think it's a crying shame that they would wait till after Christmas, I mean $600 dollars is not a lot, but when you have nothing, it's a lot, said Sandra Goeppner, Palm Springs Resident. Local Business owners say they can't help compare the aid people are getting in other countries. I have friends in other countries, not in the United States, like Canada, Australia. They have been taking 5-6 grand or four thousand dollars every single month since the beginning of the pandemic. I think when you tell me to stay home, I should get the same amount of money I used to make before, said Rami, Owner of Let's Smoke. To some, more direct aid would just be a smarter investment. 1200 was better but look at some countries, they've been providing some insularly income every month. helping people get through it. that is a good investment versus letting people get desperate and starve and get kicked out of their homes, said Eric Gibson, traveling from Lubbock, Texas. Lawmakers say much more aid is still needed to help pay for things like first responders and teachers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ruiz-secures-victories-salton-sea-medicare-enrollees-patients-and-more,"Ruiz Secures Victories for Salton Sea, Medicare Enrollees, Patients, and More in End-Of-Year Funding Bill",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,ruiz,https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Congress passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included several measures championed by Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. From additional funding for projects at the Salton Sea, to closing the coverage gap for seniors enrolling in Medicare Part B; from ending surprise billing to making major investments in cybersecurity education, Rep. Ruiz secured key victories for constituents in California's 36th Congressional District in this year's government funding bill. ""I am thrilled to have delivered outcomes for patients, seniors, families, students, and more in my district,"" said Rep. Ruiz. ""This legislation includes my measures to end surprise medical billing once and for all; expand Medicare coverage for seniors by closing coverage gaps in Medicare Part B; provide additional funding for projects at the Salton Sea; and increase scholarships that can be used for cybersecurity education by CSUSB and their Palm Desert campus. I am proud of the results delivered to my constituents."" BACKGROUND: Below are Dr. Ruiz's priorities included in H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021: Ending Surprise Billing – H.R. 133 will prohibit surprise bills being sent to patients from unanticipated out of network care, using key provisions from Dr. Ruiz's bill, H.R. 3502, the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act. Closing the Coverage Gap for Seniors: A key measure in Dr. Ruiz's bill, H.R. 2477, the BENES Act, was included in the H.R. 133 to close the Medicare Party B coverage gap if seniors don't sign up immediately upon turning 65. Funding for Salton Sea Projects: H.R. 133 included $153 million for investigations of Army Corps projects and direction to the Army Corps to carry out the investigation of a Salton Sea project. Also included is $559 million for water resources projects and direction to the Bureau of Reclamation to consider Salton Sea projects for funding. Dr. Ruiz advocated for additional Salton Sea funding this year. Salton Sea Project Authorization: H.R. 133 included language authored by Dr. authorizing the Army Corps to take the first step towards construction of the Northern Perimeter Lake Project at the Salton Sea. Increased Funding for Law Enforcement Mental Health Programs: Dr. Ruiz was successful in increasing the funding for Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness grants from $5 million to $8 million in FY21 in H.R. 133. Funding for Teaching Health Centers – H.R. 133 includes Teaching Health Center funding for 3 years, which is the longest funding extension of teaching health centers since it was first enacted in the Affordable Care Act. Funding for Cybersecurity Programs – H.R. 133 includes $60 million for Cybercorps: Scholarships for Service and support for the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Challenge which will boost cybersecurity education activities by CSUSB and their Palm Desert campus, which Dr. Ruiz advocated for this year. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-secures-funding-address-student-hunger-homelessness-basic-needs,"Torres Secures Funding to Address Student Hunger, Homelessness & Basic Needs",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced that she secured $5 million to fund a pilot program of her legislation, the BASIC Act, as part of the Omnibus Appropriations package that passed out of Congress last night. Then-Senator and now Vice President-elect Kamala Harris introduced the counterpart of the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act in the U.S. Senate. The legislation is designed to ensure college students – particularly Pell Grant recipients, attendees of community colleges and minority-serving institutions – are able to meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. The pilot program will provide grants to ensure institutions of higher learning have the resources they need to support their students' day-to-day needs, such as food pantries, child care and temporary housing. ""No student should have to fall sleep in a car because their rent money went to tuition, or hobble together a meal from someone else's scraps just to make ends meet,"" Rep. Torres said. ""If fully enacted, the BASIC Act will empower colleges and universities across the country to better meet their students' most fundamental needs, and prevent these hardships that impact young people across the country. The pilot program launching as a result of the funds I secured last night is only a down payment on the full potential of the BASIC Act, but it will make a world of difference to deserving your students and demonstrate to my colleagues in Congress why full funding is so important for this vital piece of legislation."" The Omnibus Appropriations package passed Congress on December 21st and now awaits a signature from the president to become law. More information about the BASIC Act is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122320,Dear Colleague on Unanimous Consent Request to Increase Economic Impact Payments,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Democratic Colleague, Just when you think you have seen it all, last night, the President said that he would possibly veto the bicameral agreement negotiated between Republicans and Democrats. He said he would do so, unless the economic impact payments were increased to $2,000. In the bipartisan negotiations, Leader Schumer and I repeatedly asked Republicans what would be the highest number the President would accept for direct payments, and they responded with Sphinx-like silence. In the negotiations, they would never go above $600 and in some cases, proposed $500. Yesterday, I said that Democrats would go to the Floor and ask for Unanimous Consent to bring up a standalone bill to increase the payments. To do so requires the agreement of the Republican Leader. This agreement is necessary in the House and in the Senate. If the President truly wants to join us in $2,000 payments, he should call upon Leader McCarthy to agree to our Unanimous Consent request. We are scheduled to go in for a pro forma session tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. We are awaiting word from Leader Hoyer as to whether Leader McCarthy will agree to or reject our Unanimous Consent request. The entire country knows that it is urgent for the President to sign this bill, both to provide the coronavirus relief and to keep government open. Let us pray!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122320-0,Pelosi Statement on President Trump Veto of National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"San Francisco Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the President's veto of the bipartisan, bicameral National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): The President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act is an act of staggering recklessness that harms our troops, endangers our security and undermines the will of the bipartisan Congress. For 60 years, the NDAA has been passed on a bipartisan and bicameral basis. In a time when our country was just targeted with a massive cyberattack, it is particularly hard to understand the reasoning behind the President's irresponsibility. Disturbingly, Trump is using his final hours in office to sow chaos, including by denying our servicemembers a long-overdue pay raise and hazard duty pay; our families paid family leave, child care, housing and health protections; and our veterans the benefits that they need and deserve. The President's veto also deprives our country and allies of tools to protect global security including for cyber-security. Trump's veto violates our national values, as it would block action to rename military bases and infrastructure named after those who served in the Confederacy which is supported by an overwhelming majority of the American people, by House and Senate Democrats and Republicans and by our servicemembers and top military leaders. Next week, December 28, the House will take up the veto override with bipartisan support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aguilar.house.gov/2020/12/22/aguilar-votes-pass-bipartisan-covid-19-relief/,Aguilar Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,aguilar,https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Press Releases Aguilar Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Rep. Pete Aguilar voted for H.R. 133, a comprehensive legislative package that funds the government in Fiscal Year 2021 and provides relief to the American people during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Some of the bill’s key provisions include: Direct payments of up to $600 for each adult and child in a household, including citizens in mixed-status families; $25 billion for rent-assistance programs and a federal ban on evictions through January 2021; $13 billion for nutrition assistance programs; $10 billion for child care assistance to help child care providers open; More than $300 billion in small-business assistance funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), including dedicated funding for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); An extension of Unemployment Insurance and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits; Tax credits to support employers providing paid sick leave; An expansion of Pell grants that will reach more than 500,000 new students and ensure more than 1.5 million students can access the maximum benefit; Funding to accelerate the distribution of vaccines and ensure vaccines are free for everyone. “This bill will provide much-needed relief to Inland Empire families and small businesses as we enter the new year, and will help ensure members of our community can receive the vaccine free-of-charge as soon as possible. I welcome this bipartisan compromise, but I will continue to fight to help communities like San Bernardino County navigate this crisis. I look forward to working with the incoming Biden Administration to build on this support to provide lasting economic relief to our region and end the spread of this virus,” said Aguilar. Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for drafting and negotiating funding bills like H.R. 133, and was recently elected to serve as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://bera.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-bera-votes-to-provide-urgent-relief-to-families-and-small-businesses-impacted-by-covid-19,Rep. Bera Votes to Provide Urgent Relief to Families and Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ami Bera,B001287,bera.house.gov,bera,https://bera.house.gov/news,scraper,"Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07) voted today to provide urgently needed relief to American families and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. H.R. 133, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, provides $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief and sufficient funding to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021. ""Even though we're almost a year into this pandemic, a record number of Americans continue to die each day from the COVID-19 virus while the number of unemployed workers has reached historic numbers. As we enter the holiday season and with public health experts anticipating the next few months to be the deadliest part of the pandemic, American families and small businesses need to know that help is on the way,"" said Rep. Bera. ""While today's vote is an important step in defeating this virus and getting our economy on a path to recovery, much more assistance is needed. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with the incoming Biden Administration, to provide additional support to Americans early next year."" The COVID-19 relief package will: Provide direct payment checks to Americans worth up to $600 per adult and child; Support small businesses with over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans; Help keep families housed with $25 billion in rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium through January 30, 2021; Expand nutrition assistance by $13 billion through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help relieve the current hunger crisis; Extend increased unemployment insurance benefits for Americans out of work; and Accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe COVID-19 vaccines. Included in the package are provisions championed by Representative Bera to end surprise medical billing for unexpected out-of-network emergency and scheduled care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=774,Carbajal Statement on Appointment of Alex Padilla to the US Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Rep. Salud Carbajal issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom appointed California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris in the Senate: Congratulations to my dear friend Alex Padilla! I've known Alex since we were both young staffers and, in the years since, he has proven himself to be a dedicated and effective public servant. Governor Newsom made an excellent choice in Alex, who will make history as the first Latino to represent California in the Senate. As the son of Mexican immigrants, Alex embodies the American Dream. His story is a familiar one for many Latinos like me, and I know he will be a fierce advocate for working families and equal opportunity in the Senate. I'm excited for my friend, for our state, and for our country. Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California's 24th congressional district, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and part of Ventura County. ### Video of Congressman Carbajal congratulating Secretary of State Padilla on the appointment is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cardenas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardenas-statement-on-padilla-appointment-to-us-senate,Cárdenas Statement on Padilla Appointment to U.S. Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Tony Cárdenas,C001097,cardenas.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 Crdenas Statement on Padilla Appointment to U.S. Senate SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA Congressman Tony Crdenas (CA-29) releases the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to appoint California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to succeed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the United States Senate: I am so incredibly proud of one of my closest and dearest friends, Alex Padilla, on being named the next U.S. Senator for the state of California. I've known Alex for over 25 years. A dedicated public servant of more than 20 years and a fierce advocate for working families, Alex has never forgotten his roots and has been an effective leader throughout his career. Someone who is constantly breaking barriers. Alex will be the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. Alex and I grew up two blocks away from each other, in a neighborhood where we were told we would not amount to anything. We came up in public service together. We served together on the LA City Council and we'll serve together again in the U.S. Capitol. As Secretary of State, he's worked tirelessly for all Californians and to protect the integrity of our election systems. I know he'll bring that same dedication and generous spirit to the United States Senate. Looking forward to our continued work together. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-secures-funding-critical-valley-services,Costa Secures Funding for Critical Valley Services,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,costa,https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 22, 2020 FRESNO – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 133, a $1.4 trillion omnibus package that makes strong investments in safe and stable communities by expanding access to housing, tackling food insecurity and improving access to healthcare: ""I'm pleased to provide more funding for programs that benefit the people of the valley,"" said Costa. ""Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities are hurting like never before. This funding will go a long way in improving health care, helping our agriculture industry and ensuring that our most underserved residents continue receiving the assistance they need while we battle this global crisis."" The following programs benefit the San Joaquin Valley: Improving Valley Healthcare by: Providing 1,000 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education residency positions, which will benefit rural hospitals serving in areas with medical professional shortages, and those that have reached caps for medical residency. Assisting Rural Communities with: $730 million to expand broadband services; $24 billion for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program $1.4 billion for rental assistance for low-income families and the elderly. Providing for Valley Families with: $6 billion in funding for Women, Infants and Children program (WIC); $25 billion for child nutrition programs, including providing free or reduced-priced school lunches and snacks for children who qualify; $114 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) program. Assisting Valley Farmers by providing: $559 million for water resources projects, including those authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, including: $206 million for improvements to the Friant-Kern Canal; $13.7 million for pre-construction for Sites Reservoir; $11.9 million for expansion of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir; $3 million for subsidence correction for Delta Mendota Canal; $1.7 million for San Luis Reservoir improvements; which begins the process for the seismic retro fit and increasing water supply behind the reservoir. $6 million for the control and eradication of invasive pests such as the navel orangeworm, nutria and the spotted lanternfly. Funding Conservation Efforts with: $1.5 million for monitoring Atmospheric Rivers to help better monitor and predict strength and intensity of storms; $900 million for the Land Water Conservation Fund; $5 billion for Wildland Fire Management; $2.7 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; $91 million for Brownfields Cleanups; $90 million for Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants (DERA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/eshoo-casts-vote-coronavirus-relief-and-annual-government-spending-package,Eshoo Casts Vote for Coronavirus Relief and Annual Government Spending Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) voted yesterday forthe $900 billion coronavirus relief package and $1.4 trillion annual government spending bill to provide desperately needed assistance to the American people and defeat COVID-19. This aid package is a lifeline to the American people who continue to struggle as a result of the pandemic and it's the product of months of exhaustive bipartisan negotiations and compromise, said Rep. Eshoo. The package provides billions in new funding to help us stamp out the virus through testing, treatment, and vaccines; a new round of direct payments to individuals and families; hundreds of billions of dollars in new funding for struggling businesses; an extension of unemployment benefits and a weekly $300 federal benefit for the unemployed; financial assistance for renters and an extension of the eviction moratorium; and increased nutrition benefits for families and children. The package will also lower health care costs by ending surprise medical billing while strengthening and supporting community health centers and local hospitals. These are major wins for my constituents and the American people. No compromise is perfect and I'm deeply disappointed that aid for states and local governments and our frontline health care workers and other essential employees working at the state and local level were excluded from this deal, Rep. Eshoo continued. I'm also disappointed the Administration and the Senate Majority Leader would not allow restaurants and their workers to receive our help. With 217 bipartisan cosponsors on the RESTAURANTS Act, these businesses and their workers should have been in this legislation. Nonetheless, this package is a major down payment in our work to tackle this unprecedented crisis and I'm hopeful that Congress will come together in the new year under a new administration to provide more relief and assistance to all who need it. The coronavirus relief package includes: A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child; An extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and an additional $300 per-week federal unemployment benefit for Americans out of work; $284 billion for additional small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program; $13 billion in increased nutrition assistance for families and children to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis; $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open; An eviction moratorium and $25 billion to help renters pay their rent and stay in their homes; $82 billion in funding for colleges and K-12 schools to prevent students from falling behind; Billions of dollars to ensure the free, timely, and equitable distribution of safe, effective vaccines and an aggressive national testing strategy; and $7 billion in broadband and connectivity funding. The package also ends surprise medical billing and includes the following provisions authored or co-authored by Rep. Eshoo: H.R. 5534, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act which extends Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant patients; H.R. 1520, the Purple Book Continuity Act, which will help bring biosimilar drugs to market faster by increasing patent and exclusivity transparency; H.R. 6814, the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, which creates a new program to expand internet connectivity for low-income students so they can continue their studies during the pandemic as colleges begin another semester of remote learning; H.R. 1420, the Energy Efficient Government Technology Act, which requires government agencies to develop plans to implement best practices for energy management, purchase more energy efficient information and communications technologies, and submit to periodic evaluation of their data centers for energy efficiency; and H.R. 2165, the 9-1-1 Fee Integrity Act which requires by statute that 9-1-1 fees can only be used for 9-1-1 purposes and prevents states from diverting 9-1-1 fees collected for unrelated purposes. In addition to pandemic relief, the bill provides an addition $1.4 billion to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year, avoiding a costly government shutdown before the holidays, and invests in critical priorities, including clean energy, affordable housing, public schools, and broadband. Rep. Eshoo secured a number of important wins including: $15 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the DOD; $42.9 billion for the NIH for forward thinking investments in medical research; $597 million for critical biodefense and public health emergency preparedness at BARDA, plus $20 billion in emergency funding to support the manufacturing and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics; $350 million for the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Program to support pediatric medical residents' training; $5.4 million for research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at the CDC to better understand this terrible disease; $100 million for the electrification of Caltrain; $8.9 million for environmental conservation of the San Francisco Bay; $33 million for construction of the Linac Coherent Light Source upgrade (LCLS-II) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; $85.2 million for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) at NASA Ames; and Dedicated funding for the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Standards and Technology to expand AI R&D, including with a focus onincreasing AI workforcediversity anddeveloping a framework forethical and safe AI. To read a copy of Rep. Eshoo's Statement for the Congressional Record, click HERE. A summary of the relief package can be found HERE. A summary of the spending deal can be found HERE. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/eshoo-tests-negative-covid-19-while-quarantine,Eshoo Tests Negative for COVID-19 While in Quarantine,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) released the following statement today: Last evening I was informed that I tested negative for COVID-19 following a potential exposure to the virus last week. Per CDC guidelines and in consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician, I'm eligible to end my period of quarantine tomorrow. My thanks to the many constituents for their kind messages of support in recent days. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/former-deputy-secretary-interior-garamendi-s-statement-nomination-congresswoman,Former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Garamendi’s Statement on Nomination of Congresswoman Haaland as Secretary of the Interior,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,garamendi,https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA)—who served as Deputy Secretary of the Interior under President Bill Clinton—issued the statement below in support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland's (D-NM) nomination to serve as Secretary of the Department of Interior. Garamendi currently serves as Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, which Congresswoman served on throughout the 116th Congress. ""Congratulations to Congresswoman Haaland on her historic nomination. I've seen Congresswoman Haaland's commitment to public service firsthand while serving with her on the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness,"" Garamendi said. ""As the former Deputy Secretary of the Interior under President Bill Clinton, I also have a firsthand perspective on the work and challenges that come with managing the Department of Interior.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garamendi-s-statement-passing-richard-rominger,Rep. Garamendi’s Statement on the Passing of Richard Rominger,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,garamendi,https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) issued the following statement on the passing of Richard Rominger: ""Patti and I are deeply saddened by Richard Rominger's passing, and our hearts are with Evelyn and their family during this difficult time,"" Garamendi said. ""I called Rich's cell phone this morning. He did not answer. I've called that number hundreds of times seeking advice and counsel, and I have always come away from the conversation with a gem of wisdom, a better solution to a problem, encouragement, and a precious gift of friendship. Not this time. My call was answered by his son confirming Richard Rominger's death. I'll keep Rich's number. He won't answer, but just calling will encourage me to stay true to the lessons he taught me. I know that Rich treated everyone with the same respect and desire to help. Perhaps they will keep that number, too."" Richard and Evelyn Rominger served in President Bill Clinton's administration with Patti and John Garamendi. Richard was Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Patti ran the Foreign Agriculture Service's food and famine programs. Richard was always the bulwark of support for the American family farmer. He knew the challenges facing farm families and he knew how to use government to improve their lot. During the Clinton years the Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior, where Rep. Garamendi was also Deputy, teamed up to produce seminal studies on the effects of Climate Change, create the first Tahoe Summit, address droughts, support land conservation efforts nationwide, attack invasive species, and protect America's great forest. Governor Jerry Brown recognized Richard's potential as a problem solver when he appointed Richard to serve as the Secretary of the California Department of Agriculture. A problem-solver was necessary with Medflies, drought, water wars, and agricultural labor problems in abundance. Undaunted by these challenges, Rominger steered a wise course that yielded a bumper crop of solutions. Following his time in government, Richard returned to Winters—where he was raised—to continue his work supporting the U.S. agriculture industry. Richard was named Agriculturalist of the Year by the California State Fair and received a Distinguished Service Award from the California Farm Bureau Federation for his lifelong commitment to the agricultural community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garamendi-votes-additional-covid-19-economic-small-business-and-education,"Rep. Garamendi Votes for Additional COVID-19, Economic, Small Business, and Education Relief for American Families",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,garamendi,https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) voted to pass a bipartisan coronavirus relief package and government funding bill (H.R. 133) that will help save the lives and livelihoods of the American people. The legislation passed the House and is expected to pass the Senate tonight before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. ""I'm pleased that this much-needed relief will finally come to American families,"" Garamendi said. ""The House offered a strong pathway for additional COVID relief back in May when it passed the Heroes Act. I am relieved that the Senate has finally come to the negotiating table and agreed to a compromise that will advance bipartisan legislation to address every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic. ""This bill will accelerate the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and includes funding to help stop the rapid spread of the virus. The House also secured another round of $600 direct payments to individuals and successfully fought to extend Unemployment Insurance payments for millions of Americans with an additional $300 per week for unemployed Americans. There's also $82 billion in funding to support our education system to help schools mitigate the transmission of the virus so we can safely reopen our classrooms. The critical PPP forgivable loan program that has helped small businesses weather this storm also receives an additional $284 billion in funding under this legislation,"" Garamendi continued. ""This emergency relief is an important step forward. However, it must serve as an initial building block that we will expand upon to provide additional COVID-19 relief under the Biden-Harris Administration. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to address the needs of our community while we continue to fight this virus,"" Garamendi concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-applauds-congressional-passage-of-key-provisions-to-improve-nations-water-infrastructure/,Brownley Applauds Congressional Passage of Key Provisions to Improve Nation’s Water Infrastructure,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,juliabrownley,https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, DC – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 as part of H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Bill. The bill included key provisions authored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) to improve dam safety, to provide equity in resources for our ports, and to ensure proper maintenance and dredging of Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor. “Safe and secure water infrastructure is crucial to ensuring that our country and our economy keep moving forward,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “In Ventura County, we know the importance of proper maintenance of our harbors and ports, which is critical for local businesses and for our way of life. “I am pleased that the final bill included my dam safety bill, which will allow high risk dams to unlock federal resources to ensure life-threatening safety hazards are addressed. The Santa Felicia Dam in our region is a prime example of an aging asset that needs safety improvements, as failure would be catastrophic for our local communities. “I am also pleased that the bill included language I supported to ensure that donor ports, like the Port of Hueneme, receive a fair share of resources from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The Port of Hueneme contributes far more than it receives back. Donor port equity will ensure that the Port of Hueneme – which is a key economic driver in our region — has resources to address infrastructure needs and keep goods flowing to fuel our local and regional economy. “Importantly, the bill also authorizes additional funds to ensure that Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor receive crucial maintenance dredging, so that businesses that rely upon our harbors can continue to operate.” High Hazard Dams “The Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 is an essential piece of legislation that will provide our agency with the eligibility to seek federal funding, which will offset the costs of critical public safety improvements needed for our Santa Felicia Dam, assuring our ratepayers and the residents of Ventura County of their well-being while also securing a key element in reaching regional water sustainability,” said United Water Conservation District General Manager Mauricio E. Guardado, Jr. “Ultimately, WRDA 2020 will help agencies throughout our nation with much needed resources required for upgrading and/or replacing aging infrastructure without inflicting incredible financial burdens on local communities. We are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Julia Brownley, who has always been a champion for regional water sustainability, and to all of the legislators who joined together to deliver this much needed law to the President for his signature.” The FEMA High Hazard Dams program was created several years ago to address dam safety issues. When the program was originally created, Congress included language prohibiting dams with hydroelectric generation capacity from eligibility. The intent at the time was to ensure the federal dollars went towards publicly owned dams, and not-for-profit hydropower facilities. However, there are a number of dams nation-wide with small hydroelectric power features, which were unintentionally excluded from eligibility, including the Santa Felicia Dam in Ventura County. Last year, Brownley introduced legislation, H.R. 5504, to ensure that dams with small hydroelectric generation capacity, 1.5 megawatts or less, are eligible for the FEMA High Hazard Dams grant program. Dam safety is a critically important issue across our country. The failure of dams can have catastrophic and deadly consequences for communities. The 1928 catastrophic collapse of the St. Francis Dam killed at least 431 people in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Today, there are more than 80,000 dams in the United States, many of which would pose a “high” or “significant” hazard to life and property if a failure were to occur, including the Santa Felicia Dam. Donor Port Equity “I applaud Congress for taking a decisive step toward giving greater parity to donor ports in HMT funding. This increased funding will bring infrastructure improvements and create jobs at the Port for years to come. Thank you to Congresswoman Brownley for her leadership in getting this over the finish line,” said Port of Hueneme CEO & Port Director Kristin Decas. The 2020 WRDA bill also includes language, which Brownley and other California Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee supported, to ensure that donor ports – those ports that contribute more to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund than they receive back in resources – receive a fair share of resources. Specifically, the bill includes language that allocates 12% of HMTF expenditures to donor ports. In 2016, Brownley secured passage of legislation that formally designated the Port of Hueneme and the Port of San Diego as donor ports. Since then, the Port of Hueneme has received resources on an annual basis that have been set aside for donor ports. Other California donor ports include the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach. Nearly 80 percent of traded goods that Americans rely on are moved through our Nation’s ports, harbors, and inland waterways. So, keeping our ports in good repair is critical for our economy and America’s global economic competitiveness. Maintenance Dredging The 2020 WRDA bill also included language supported by Brownley to ensure adequate funds for maintenance dredging of smaller harbors, like Channel Islands and Ventura Harbor. Specifically, the bill sets aside 15% of HMTF expenditures for smaller harbors, including for breakwater and jetty repair needs. Ventura Harbor requires annual dredging to remain navigable, and Channel Islands Harbor requires bi-annual dredging to remain navigable. These dredging projects also provide sand for beaches down coast and to address coastal erosion, including at Hueneme Beach and Naval Base Ventura County. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-appointment-of-dr-shirley-weber-as-california-secretary-of-state,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Appointment of Dr. Shirley Weber as California Secretary of State,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Appointment of Dr. Shirley Weber as California Secretary of State Oakland, CA Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement congratulating Dr. Shirley Weber on her historic appointment to serve as California's Secretary of State: Congratulations to Assemblywoman Shirley Weber on her appointment to serve as California's Secretary of State. Dr. Weber has been a bold leader throughout her career, most recently on her groundbreaking bill to study and propose reparations for Black people, which Governor Newsom signed into law in September. She is a fighter for equality and a true public servant, and I know she will be a great Secretary of State for all Californians. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-appointment-of-secretary-padilla-to-california-senate-seat,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Appointment of Secretary Padilla to California Senate Seat,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Appointment of Secretary Padilla to California Senate Seat Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom's appointment of California Secretary of State AlexPadillato represent California in the United States Senate: I congratulate Secretary of State AlexPadillaon his historic appointment to fill Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris's seat in the United States Senate. SecretaryPadillahas a track record as a skilled legislator and a steadfast advocate for justice, andI believe he will be a powerfulvoice in the Senate for those who continue to be denied our country's promise of equality. I look forward to working with him on behalf of all Californians to address the economic and public health crises we are facing, andtocreate a brighter future for our state and for communities across the country. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-statement-on-appointment-of-ca-secretary-of-state-alex-padilla-to-united-states-senate,Rep. Mike Levin Statement on Appointment of CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to United States Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) issued the following statement on the appointment of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s seat in the U.S. Senate. “I am very excited to join Californians in celebrating Governor Gavin Newsom’s historic appointment of Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve in the U.S. Senate. I have known Secretary Padilla for many years, and I’ve seen him fiercely defend our voting rights and protect our elections. As a fellow Southern Californian and the first Latino to represent our state in the U.S. Senate, I know he will continue to serve Californians honorably. I look forward to working with him to provide more relief for Californians during this pandemic, protect our environment, and so much more.” “I also want to thank Vice President-elect Kamala Harris once again for her service to our state as Senator. We worked side-by-side to address pollution at the Tijuana River Valley, secure eroding coastal bluffs, improve housing for military families, and much more. I know she will continue to be a tireless advocate for working Californians and all Americans.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-bill-establishing-inspectors-general-website-passes-congress,REP LIEU BILL ESTABLISHING INSPECTORS GENERAL WEBSITE PASSES CONGRESS,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ted Lieu,L000582,lieu.house.gov,lieu,https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the House and Senate passed the Oversight.gov Authorization Act as a part of a larger omnibus bill. The bill establishes and authorizes funds for a central website where inspectors general can upload reports to be read by the public. Rep. Lieu introduced the House version of this bill with Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA). Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Senate version. ""I'm thrilled that my Oversight.gov Authorization Act was included in the omnibus package that just passed Congress. Our bill will help the public more easily access reports and information from Inspectors General across the government. This is a win for transparency and accountability. IGs are an essential part of good governance-- They ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent, and that federal agencies are meeting the needs of the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-padilla-appointment-senate,REP LIEU STATEMENT ON PADILLA APPOINTMENT TO SENATE,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ted Lieu,L000582,lieu.house.gov,lieu,https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will be appointing Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the Senate vacancy left by Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. ""I'm thrilled that my friend, Alex Padilla, will be the next Senator from California. Alex and I worked together as State Senators, and I am confident he'll be a stellar U.S. Senator. I applaud Governor Newsom for making this historic appointment. I look forward to advancing our shared interests on key issues like climate change, criminal justice reform and infrastructure so that we can help Californians continue to prosper."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-s-nchez-napolitano-and-chu-secure-1925-million-whittier-narrows,"ICYMI: Sánchez, Napolitano, and Chu Secure $192.5 Million for the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Linda T. Sánchez,S001156,lindasanchez.house.gov,lindasanchez,https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— In case you missed it, yesterday, Congresswomen Linda T. Sánchez (D-Whittier), Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte), and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) announced they had secured $192.5 million for the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project in the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations bill. ""Restoring the Whittier Narrows Dam is a matter of life and death for the communities I represent, including the City of Pico Rivera where the Dam is located. That is why I have worked closely with my colleagues over the past decade to ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the funding it needs to begin this critical project and protect millions of downstream residents and small businesses from catastrophic flooding,"" said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. ""I want to thank Reps. Napolitano and Chu, Senator Feinstein, and appropriators for working with me to ensure construction of the project commences on schedule as part of the omnibus appropriations act. This important milestone will make our communities more resilient in the face of increasingly dangerous and damaging storms. I am grateful to the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for working with community leaders to address logistical concerns as construction gets underway. I am committed to working with the Corps, community leaders, and my colleagues in our Congressional delegation to minimize the construction's impact on the community as much as possible, while also ensuring continued funding for and timely completion of the project."" ""We are proud to have secured $192.5 million in federal funding for this vital dam safety project, an enormous victory for San Gabriel Valley residents and millions more throughout our region,"" Napolitano said. ""Since first learning about flood risk concerns over a decade ago, I have encouraged the Army Corps of Engineers and my colleagues in Congress to make Whittier Narrows Dam the top budgetary priority and I am grateful they have listened to our calls. I want to thank Congresswomen Sánchez and Chu for joining me in pursuit of this funding year after year. I also want to express my gratitude to Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Marcy Kaptur and our esteemed outgoing full Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey for recognizing the importance of Whittier Narrows Dam as one of the most significant flood control projects in the country with the funding to back it. Lastly, I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local leaders COL. Julie Balten, Deputy David Van Dorpe, South Pacific Division Commander Brig. Gen. Paul Owen, and the national Corps leadership of Assistant Secretary R.D. James and Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, for their continued efforts to study, design and prepare for this project. We will continue to work with the Corps as construction will soon begin, and we will fight to secure the remaining funds in the coming years."" ""For years, the Whittier Dam has been suffering from underfunding that has put countless lives and homes along the San Gabriel River at risk,"" said Congresswoman Chu. ""That is why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rated the dam as having among the highest risk of failure in the whole country. And with climate change bringing greater storms to our area, that risk of breaking was growing. I had the opportunity to examine this dam up close on a tour earlier this year, and I am grateful to the engineers and professionals who are doing their best to maintain it. But they cannot do it alone. That is why I have fought for years to secure the necessary funding to repair this dam, and the $192.5 million in this legislation is a significant step in the right direction. I'm so grateful to the Corps for their hard work and prioritization of this project, to my colleagues Reps. Napolitano and Sánchez for their partnership as we worked for years to secure this funding, and to the House Appropriations Committee for including this important funding. I will continue to advocate for funding for this project until it has been completed.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mikelevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-statement-on-appointment-of-ca-secretary-of-state-alex-padilla-to-united-states-senate,Rep. Mike Levin Statement on Appointment of CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to United States Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,mikelevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 Rep. Mike Levin Statement on Appointment of CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to United States Senate Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) issued the following statement on the appointment of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill Vice President-elect Kamala Harris's seat in the U.S. Senate. I am very excited to join Californians in celebrating Governor Gavin Newsom's historic appointment of Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve in the U.S. Senate. I have known Secretary Padilla for many years, and I've seen him fiercely defend our voting rights and protect our elections. As a fellow Southern Californian and the first Latino to represent our state in the U.S. Senate, I know he will continue to serve Californians honorably. I look forward to working with him to provide more relief for Californians during this pandemic, protect our environment, and so much more. I also want to thank Vice President-elect Kamala Harris once again for her service to our state as Senator. We worked side-by-side to address pollution at the Tijuana River Valley, secure eroding coastal bluffs, improve housing for military families, and much more. I know she will continue to be a tireless advocate for working Californians and all Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/schiff-secures-funding-for-local-priorities-in-omnibus-spending-bill,Schiff Secures Funding for Local Priorities in Omnibus Spending Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Adam Schiff,S001150,schiff.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Schiff Secures Funding for Local Priorities in Omnibus Spending Bill Funding Bill Includes Investment in Housing Affordability, Public Health Initiatives, and Space Exploration Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released a statement following House passage of an omnibus appropriations bill with funding for 2021 local priorities, including affordable housing, public health, and space exploration: As we come to the end of an unprecedented year of challenges, changes and rancor, last night the Congress passed our annual major spending bill, which includes many local and national priorities of mine, including funding for housing, homelessness, healthcare, and more,said Rep. Schiff.I am grateful that the House prioritized addressing the housing and homelessness crisis,which has only been exacerbated by COVID-19, by allocating more than $40 million for a new program of targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness. American leadership in space exploration has been a key driver of our economic growth in the past century, including the development of many of our high-tech and emerging industries,Schiff continued.Answering the big questions about our planet and exploring the cosmos means investing today in the missions that will provide us with better understanding of the earth, and take robotic probes to Mars, the moons of Jupiter, and beyond, and I'm so proud to represent the talented team at Jet Propulsion Labs who lead the way in so much of that work. I'm pleased that the Appropriations legislation passed this week will prioritize these important investments, which will benefit the Southern California economy as well as the nation and humankind. Although we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic, it is also critical that we invest now in the study of emerging infectious disease threats, so our nation is better prepared for future public health crises. This bill also creates a Chronic Disease Education and Awareness Program at the CDC, which will fund important research into the diseases that affect millions of Americans every day. Highlights of the appropriations bill include funding for the following Schiff priorities: $43.4 million for a new program of targeted incremental vouchers to reduce homelessness. $11 million for National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Centers to maintain a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed emerging special pathogen incidents across U.S. public health and health care delivery systems. $1.5 million to establish a new Chronic Disease Education and Awareness Program at Center for Disease Control, which utilizes a competitive grant process to strengthen the science base for prevention, education, and public health awareness for a variety of chronic diseases, such as lymphatic diseases and sleep disorders, that don't currently have dedicated resources. Providing $570 million for the Mars Exploration Program to further development of a mission to return samples from Mars' surface to Earth, targeted for 2026. Provides continued funding for the Europa Clipper Mission, to launch a spacecraft into the orbit of Jupiter's moon Europa by 2023, and maintains flexibility for NASA to choose the most appropriate launch vehicle for the spacecraft. Providing $2 billion in funding for Earth Science, to fuel the critical work of studying planet Earth and its inhabitants, including critical research and monitoring of the changing climate. The full text of the bill can be viewed here. ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-energy-environment-priorities-passed-within-bipartisan,"Rep. Peters Energy, Environment Priorities Passed Within Bipartisan, Bicameral Funding Package",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Scott Peters,P000608,scottpeters.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Yesterday, Rep. Scott Peters(CA-52) voted to pass a historic bill that authorizes federal spending for Fiscal Year 2021. The $1.4 trillion package contains sweeping measures to fund programs and projects that make substantial investments in San Diego priorities like research, energy sustainability and health care. The legislation we passed last night includes dozens of policies important to San Diegans and Americans, said Rep. Peters. The bill honors our veterans with better access to the care they've earned with their service and fights for a more humane immigration approach. It extends my Employer Participation in Repayment Act for another five years, which helps recent college graduates reduce student loan debt. And it protects patients from the exorbitant out-of-network charges people are often saddled with unexpectedly after a medical procedure. Finally, it delivers big on renewable energy progress, one of my top priorities, continued Rep. Peters. We must invest in a clean energy economy to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of the climate crisis. This package offers our country a chance to heal the planet, create green economy jobs and better enables us to compete globally. Specifically, the House approved two legislative efforts led by Rep. Peters that work to move our country towards a cleaner and more resilient future: Rep. Peters' Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies (USEIT) Act incentivizes carbon utilization and direct air capture research and development - technology that reduces CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. It creates competitive financial awards for innovative technologies that advance direct air capture, which helps to fights the adverse effects of climate change. A Senate version of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Leadership Act introduced by Rep. Peters and his colleagues will phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) over 15 years, potentially preventing up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming. HFCs are powerful super pollutants tens of thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide and are large contributors to global warming. It builds on the congressman's longstanding effort toreduce harmful emissions of super pollutantswhile simultaneously fortifying the American economy. Major investments in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) spurred by a floor amendment offered by Rep. Peters, Reps. David B. McKinley (WV-01) and Marc Veasey (TX-33), and others. It establishes a carbon capture technology program, including $500 million in grants for eligible CCUS demonstration projects and commercial-scale demos, as well as a commercial Direct Air Capture (DAC) prize. The package authorizes other funding for our nation's defense; commerce, justice and science; additional energy and water projects; financial services and general government; labor, education and health and human services; transportation, housing and urban development; state and foreign operations; agriculture, interior and environmental efforts; rural development; military construction; and veterans affairs. Below are some of the programs and activities that Congress funded for FY2021: Science & energy $43 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH): $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). $361 million to strengthen epidemic and laboratory capacity. Policies and funding that align with Rep. Peters' Health STATISTICS Act to improve national health data reporting and sharing: $50 million to support modernization of public health data surveillance and analytics at CDC, state and local health departments. $175 million to bolster health statistics programs, including the National Center for Health Statistics. Provision that requires HHS to expand and enhance public health data system modernization. Adds $542.5 million for cancer research, including $17.5 million for the rare cancer research program. $192 million in NOAA climate research. $45.4 million for NOAA's Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring Program, which provides essential data for effective weather forecasts, natural disaster mitigation and climate change planning. $7.5 million for Coastal Ocean Data System (CODS) to ensure the maintenance and expansion of CODS buoy network and the data products it enables, including high-resolution observations and models of shoreline change. This is particularly important for academic research institutions in the district. $40.5 million for Regional Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) to support coastal resource management, detection of harmful algal blooms, and safe and efficient marine operations another win for San Diego research institutions. Major investments in algae research: At least $40 million for Advanced Algal Systems, with $10 million provided to continue research and development activities to support carbon dioxide capture from the atmosphere using algae-to-energy technologies. $110 million for Conversion Technologies. $50 million for System Development and Integration. $9.5 million for Data, Modeling and Analysis. $40 billion for the DOE: $156 million for cybersecurity, energy security and emergency response. $211.7 million for technologies to increase grid resiliency and efficiency. $1.5 billion for nuclear energy research and safety activities. $427 million for ARPA-E. Interior & environment $5.27 billion for wildfire management, which includes $2.35 billion in cap adjusted fire suppression funding. $9.24 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): $53 million for scientific and regulatory work and cleanup assistance for per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), needed to establish a drinking water standard and cleanup standards. $2.77 billion for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. $30 million for International Programs, which includes funds for U.S.-Mexico border cleanup projects: directs the EPA to increase its efforts to address toxic cross-border flows through the Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP) in coordination with the International Boundary and Water Commission and the North American Development Bank. National defense, homeland & military construction Veterans $10.3 billion for VA mental health services, $313 million for suicide prevention outreach and $661 million for gender-specific care. $1.9 billion for veteran homelessness assistance. $3.18 billion for reducing backlogged disability claims. Health care Ends surprise patient billing: Patients are responsible for in-network cost-sharing for out-of- network emergency care, certain ancillary services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. Ends surprise air ambulance bills, as patients will be required to pay in-network cost-sharing for out-of-network air ambulances. Bans gag clauses that prevent enrollees, plan sponsors or referring providers from seeing cost and quality data on providers. Children, community, education & labor $5.9 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants. $82 million for Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. $10.7 billion for Head Start program. Increases by $150 the maximum Pell award to $6,495. $5 million for Basic Needs Grants pilot program. $1.7 billion for Worker Protection Agencies, including a $10 million boost to OSHA to help ensure safe working environments. Transportation, housing & infrastructure $3 billion in Homeless Assistance grants. $40 million for VASH vouchers. $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants. $1 billion for TIGER/BUILD grants, funding national infrastructure investments. $2 billion for Amtrak. $2 billion for Capital Investment Grants, which fund projects like the Mid-Coast Trolley. $1.2 billion for Maritime Administration. Financial Service & general government 1 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees in calendar year 2021. $33 million for improved broadband maps. $270 million for Community Develop Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. Preserves six-day delivery for the USPS and prevents further closure or consolidation of small post offices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-sherman-provision-to-support-credit-unions-in-covid-19,Congress Passes Sherman Provision to Support Credit Unions in COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Brad Sherman,S000344,sherman.house.gov,sherman,https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Late last night the House and Senate passed a major provision of Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's (R-PA) H.R. 6789, the Access to Credit for Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis Act, as included in H.R. 133, legislation to fund the federal government and provide over $900 billion in emergency assistance. This legislation will ensure that America's credit union system remains strong by guaranteeing that the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility maintains the flexibility it needs to support credit unions through the ongoing crisis. The Central Liquidity Facility (CLF), which is overseen by the National Credit Union Administration, was established by Congress in 1998 to provide stability to the country's credit union system by serving as a lender of last resort for participating credit unions. The CLF maintains a pool of capital and borrowing authority that allows it to lend to credit unions experiencing unusual or unexpected liquidity shortfalls. In response to the economic turmoil sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the CARES Act temporarily provided the CLF with expanded borrowing authority and enhanced flexibility to allow the Fund to support a broader number of credit unions during the crisis. Under the CARES Act, this temporary authority and flexibility for the CLF was set to expire on December 31, 2020. In May, Congressman Sherman, Congressman Fitzpatrick, Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), and a bipartisan group of their House colleagues introduced the Access to Credit for Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis Act which included a provision to extend this expiration date by a full additional year, until December 31, 2021. This provision of the Access to Credit for Small Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis Act has now been passed by Congress, as section 540 of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021. With the passage of this provision, Congress has taken an important step towards ensuring credit unions can continue to function through this emergency and continue to provide credit to struggling consumers and small businesses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://speier.house.gov/press-releases?ID=54BC09F3-F721-49BE-AB96-92ACC890C24C,"60 Members of Democratic Women’s Caucus Urge Biden-Harris to Use Executive Action for Bold Gender Equity, Racial Justice Reforms",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jackie Speier,S001175,speier.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, 60 Members of the Democratic Womens Caucus (DWC), led by Co-Chairs Congresswomen Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Vice Chairs Congresswomen Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01) sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris encouraging them to use executive power to advance gender equity and racial justice. We are enthusiastic about your transformative agenda for women and families and have appreciated our discussions with you about the importance of your policy proposals, the Members wrote. Because of the substantial damage done by Donald Trump to the women of our country, we encourage you to use executive power to immediately begin reversing the harm wrought by the outgoing administration and chart the new course articulated by your platform that affirms gender equity and allows all women and girls to reach their full potential. DWC Members outlined numerous areas in which President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris have the authority to pursue executive action. Those recommendations include but are not limited to actions on the following: Establishing a White House Council on Gender Equity, appointing a Special Assistant to the President on Gender Equity. Protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care by rescinding harmful Trump-era restrictions, addressing urgent maternal health needs; Taking a critical look at child care and care-giving needs; Improving pay equity for women; Protecting victims of sexual assault on college campuses by rescinding harmful Trump administration changes to Title IX; Reunifying families separated at the border; and Supporting women globally by appointing a highly visible Ambassador-at-large for Global Womens Issues, fully reinstating global womens health funding, and rescinding the Global Gag Rule. A copy of the letter with the complete list of recommendations can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://speier.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6BB822C9-3B10-4D9F-A589-18595E448C3D,Rep Speier Responds to House and Senate Passage of COVID Emergency Relief Package and Omnibus,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jackie Speier,S001175,speier.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) issued the following statement after passage of the $900 billion emergency coronavirus relief package and $1.4 trillion omnibus in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Yesterday's vote to pass COVID relief is merely a down payment on what must be done to help millions of Americans left struggling, hungry, and on the verge of homelessness because Republicans are hellbent on sabotaging the economy and the Biden-Harris Administrations ability to respond to multiple national crises. Democrats had to fight tooth and nail to extend unemployment benefits with $300 weekly payments and the eviction moratorium. We had to battle to provide funding for schools, vaccine distribution, child care, and rental and food assistance. We also beat back an attempt to gut the Federal Reserves full authorities, a critical component of the Biden-Harris Administrations ability to build back better than it was before COVID. I am heartened to see that several of my provisions were included in the omnibus, including nearly $9 million for San Francisco Bay restoration efforts a 78 percent increase over last years funding levels; $30 million for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act; an additional $11 million for the militarys Special Victims Counsel program; and a broad authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study San Francisco and San Mateo coastlines for potential sea level rise and coastal erosion infrastructure projects. However, giving people $600 approximately $2.25 per day since the CARES Act was passed and having Republicans proclaim that the best stimulus is a job while fighting for tax deductions for three martini lunches is a slap in the face to every hard-working American. The average rent in my district is upwards of $2,900. I spent Saturday at a local food drive where more than 350 people waited hours to receive assistance. People are desperate and the relief portion of this compromise measure is too little, too late for too many. Though this vote was not a celebration it was critically necessary. Americans can no longer wait for Congress to act. Neither I nor my colleagues in the Democratic party are done fighting. With President-elect Biden at the helm in January, I expect swift action to address numerous needs that we failed to meet or even acknowledge with this agreement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/multiple-swalwell-provisions-included-omnibus-agreement,Multiple Swalwell Provisions Included in Omnibus Agreement,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Eric Swalwell,S001193,swalwell.house.gov,swalwell,https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-shapes-policy-towards-northern-triangle-omnibus-funding-bill,Torres Shapes Policy Towards Northern Triangle in Omnibus Funding Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, used her seat on the powerful committee to shape U.S. policy toward the Northern Triangle. Torres, who is the only Central American currently serving in the U.S. Congress, included a myriad of provisions in the Omnibus Appropriations package passed out of Congress last night: Anti-Corruption Funding: For the second consecutive year, Rep. Torres sought and secured $45 million for anti-corruption and rule of law efforts in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, including $10 million for civil society organizations. Identifying Corrupt Officials: Torres secured a reporting requirement for a list of corrupt officials in the Northern Triangle. The report specifically asks the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury to provide names of officials for whom they have credible information about committing corrupt acts, including narcotics trafficking and the receipt or disbursement of political financing tied to narcotics trafficking. For each individual, the report must outline what steps will be taken and whether sanctions will be imposed. This follows previous requests Torres made resulting in two reports to Congress. Indigenous Exchange: Torres secured funding for an indigenous exchange pilot program through the Inter-American Foundation intended to foster connections between indigenous people of Latin America and Native American tribes, creating new economic opportunities for both parties. Protecting Women & Children: Torres secured $25 million for programs in the Northern Triangle to protect women and children. These funds build on Torres' proposed authorization of $20 million as part of her bill, the Central American Women and Children Protection Act, and deliver a $5 million increase over FY2020. Preventing Military Financing: Rep. Torres ensured that the U.S. will not provide foreign military financing to the governments of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Rep. Torres released the following statement: ""The United States has an obligation to support the rule of law, protect the vulnerable and expand opportunity through our foreign policy investments,"" Rep. Torres said. ""My provisions achieve exactly that for the Northern Triangle, and will create more stability in the region as a result. These are exactly the kinds of policies that were missing when I was a young girl in Guatemala – I have vivid memories of that uncertain and dangerous existence. ""Those personal experiences are the driving force behind so much of my work,"" Torres added. ""I want to thank Western Hemisphere Sub-Committee Chairman Sires for his ongoing support, and I look forward to working with incoming Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Meeks and Incoming Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Delauro in the next Congress."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-warner-booker-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-make-a-record-investment-in-low-income-and-minority-communities,"Harris, Warner, Booker Applaud Passage Of Bill To Make A Record Investment In Low-Income And Minority Communities",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 Harris, Warner, Booker Applaud Passage Of Bill To Make A Record Investment In Low-Income And Minority Communities $12B investment will open up new credit opportunities for Black, Latino and low-income communities through neighborhood lenders WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Tuesday applauded Congressional passage oflegislationthey authored to make the largest single investment into minority-owned and community-based lending institutions in the nation's history. Provisions of theJobs and Neighborhood Investment Actpassed as part of yesterday'sCOVID-19 relief bill. To help every American get through this crisis, we need to start by helping those who need it mostwhether in distributing the vaccine or investing in communities. Our bill will do just that, by providing much-needed capital to communities of color and low-income communities across the country. I'm proud that it will soon become law. Moving forward, we must always remember that relief isn't relief unless it reaches those who've been hardest hit,said Sen. Harris. With Black and Brown unemployment rates more than twice as high as they were at this time last year, we need to be doing everything we can to invest in our most vulnerable communities,said Sen. Warner.I'm proud to have fought for these provisions during bipartisan relief negotiations and I trust that they will help put the brakes on the hemorrhaging of jobs and shuttering of minority-owned businesses caused by this crisis. I urge the President to promptly sign this historic legislation into law so that that minority communities start seeing the relief they desperately need. As we work to confront and recover from this public health and economic crisis, we need to be doing everything we can to invest in the communities that have been hardest hit by this pandemic and continue to bear the burden of longstanding structural inequities and systemic racism. The Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act will expand critically needed access to capital for communities of color and will help to empower minority owned businesses to play an important role in our long-term economic recovery, said Sen. Booker. Once signed into law, this legislation will provide $12 billion to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs) to open the flow of emergency capital to countless small businesses located in minority and low- and moderate-income communities, which have been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19. Joining Senator Harris, Warner, and Booker in introducing this legislation were Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Doug Jones (D-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Boozman (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). A summary of the originalJobs and Neighborhood Investment Actis availablehere. Text of the bill is availablehere. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122220,"Pelosi Statement on 10th Anniversary of End of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"San Francisco Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the historic end of the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy: Ten years ago, our nation took bold action to end a fundamental injustice that had inflicted shame and distress on tens of thousands of brave, patriotic LGBTQ servicemembers. With the repeal of the hateful Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, we strengthened our national security and reaffirmed the bedrock principle that those willing and able to serve be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or whom they love. LGBTQ Americans have always served in our military with honor and distinction, from the earliest days of America's history. Our nation owes them an immense debt of gratitude. Yet, three and a half years ago, the Trump Administration shamefully abandoned our founding promise of equality with its hateful transgender military ban. It is our great unfinished work to reverse this disgraceful ban and defend the freedoms of all who serve our nation just as they defend ours. A decade after sending Don't Ask, Don't Tell' into the dustbin of history, House Democrats remain committed to honoring our extraordinary LGBTQ servicemembers and all those who don the uniform. As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, we will continue fighting to build on this progress and finally enact the Equality Act to fully end discrimination against all LGBTQ Americans once and for all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122220-0,Pelosi Statement on Departure of Chief Administrative Officer Phil Kiko,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the departure of House Chief Administrative Officer Phil Kiko: Phil Kiko is an outstanding public servant who has dedicated decades to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the United States House of Representatives. In his years as an officer of the House, Phil has earned a reputation as a champion of innovation, accountability and integrity, whose strategic leadership has furthered the ability of the People's House to meet the needs of the American people. Members and staff are particularly grateful for his leadership during the coronavirus pandemic to enable our institution to swiftly and smoothly transition to remote and virtual work so that we can continue our work For The People. On behalf of the House, I thank Phil for his years of service on behalf of our institution and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Phil's successor to build on his legacy of success.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122220-1,House Democrats Achieve Historic Progress For The People in Emergency COVID Relief and Omnibus Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"From bringing down the cost of health care to addressing economic and racial inequality and building our infrastructure in a green way, House Democrats fought to ensure this year's omnibus spending package advanced the interests of America's workers, families and small businesses. Recent coverage of and reactions to the spending bill highlight the transformative impact of many of these investments: Affordable Health Care NPR: Congress Acts To Spare Consumers From Costly Surprise Medical Bills The bottom line: Patients [] will now be protected against unexpected bills from out-of-network providers."" Politico: A shining moment': Congress agrees to restore Medicaid for Pacific Islanders ""'I'm overwhelmed by this,' said Maitha Jolet, a 62-year-old Marshallese man living in Dubuque, Iowa, who's worked to help uninsured Marshallese community members deal with their high health care bills. We've been waiting for this for 25 years. It's something I never thought would happen.'"" Juliet Choi, CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum: [The agreement is] a shining moment where Congress' commitment to do the right thing will now finally allow thousands of COFA families gain access to Medicaid again."" Providing Critical, Emergency Relief to the American People CNBC: Lawmakers allocate $13 billion to food assistance programs in an effort to alleviate hunger crisis Sunday's funding deal includes a 15% increase to the maximum SNAP benefits for six months through June 30, 2021, a move that many advocates were calling for. The increase amounts to a boost of about $25 per person each month. Washington Post: Congress extends pandemic aid for the jobless and renters. Here's what you need to know. As part of the $900 billion stimulus bill, [] the national eviction moratorium will be extended through January. The deal also offers tenants $25 billion in rental assistance. Addressing the Climate Crisis Associated Press: Congress takes aim at climate change in massive relief bill The energy and climate provisions, supported by lawmakers from both parties, were hailed as the most significant climate change law in at least a decade. Washington Post: Stimulus deal includes raft of provisions to fight climate change The most substantial federal investment in green technology in a decade includes billions for solar, wind, battery storage and carbon capture. League of Conservation Voters: This year-end package takes critical steps forward in tackling climate change. Grant Carlisle, Senior Policy Adviser at Natural Resources Defense Council: This is perhaps the most significant climate legislation Congress has ever passed. Supporting Global Public Health Efforts Global Citizen: US COVID-19 Relief Package Adds $4 Billion to Help Get Vaccines to the World's Poorest By investing $4 billion in Gavi, a global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunization in the world's poorest countries, the US congressional leaders are acknowledging that Americans cannot truly be safe from the virus until the whole world is safe. Tom Hart, North America Executive Director at The ONE Campaign: This funding is a vital and significant commitment to help get vaccines to lower-income countries around the world and will help shorten the lifespan of this pandemic. Advancing Equity & Combatting Systemic Racism Education Week: Education Dept. Gets $73.5 Billion in Funding Deal That Ends Ban on Federal Aid for Busing [T]he bill funding the U.S. Department of Education ends the longstanding prohibition on using federal aid on transportation initiatives to desegregate schools. New York Times: Financial Aid Is Restored for Prisoners in the Education Plan That's Tucked Into the Stimulus Bill The restoration of Pell grants for incarcerated students is something of a watershed moment for the criminal justice overhaul movement as it unwinds decades of punitive practices in favor of finding avenues to reintegrate incarcerated people into society. CNN: Congress approves Smithsonian museums for Latinos and women's history [It] also greenlights the establishment of two long-awaited Smithsonian museums in the nation's capital: one focused on American Latinos and another dedicated to American women's history. Denise Forte, Senior Vice President at The Education Trust: Notably, the package does include important initiatives that will reduce food insecurity, help to stabilize the child care system, and increase access to higher education. Investing in America's Housing & Infrastructure Roll Call: Coronavirus relief package includes broadband money for low-income, jobless Advocates called the provision a historic achievement that could help tens of millions of Americans bridge what has become known as the digital divide.' National Low Income Housing Coalition: Advocates Secure Increased Funding for Housing and Community Development in Final FY21 Spending Bill With this spending bill, Congress clearly rejected the administration's calls to drastically cut housing benefits that help millions of low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, veterans, and other individuals afford their homes. Tom Smith, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers: [T]his bill prioritizes investment in our nation's water resources systems dams, levees, inland waterways, and ports all of which are critical for keeping the economy moving and ensuring public health and safety, as well as preserving and enhancing our environmental resources.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122220-2,Pelosi Statement on Appointment of CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla to United States Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"San Francisco Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as California's next U.S. Senator: As a Californian, I applaud the appointment of Secretary of State Alex Padilla to serve as the next United States Senator from California. His historic appointment as the first Latino Senator from California is a victory for working families across our great state and our entire nation. As a former local official, member of the legislature and statewide officeholder in California, Senator-designate Padilla brings great knowledge of California that will serve him well in the Senate. The son of immigrants from a working class family, Secretary of State Padilla's story is the story of the American Dream. He believes profoundly in the promise of America and as a Councilman, State Senator and Secretary of State, has worked relentlessly and effectively to make real our nation's Founding promise: that all are created equal. As a U.S. Senator, he will now have a platform to further this mission for families across our state and our nation. Secretary of State Padilla is a champion of our American Democracy. As Secretary of State, his tenure has been distinguished by his outstanding work to protect voting rights, secure our elections from foreign attack and expand access to the ballot for millions. His leadership to combat the climate crisis, end gun violence and expand access to health care, education and jobs will similarly be critical to Congressional Democrats' work with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every American has the opportunity to succeed in the 21st Century economy. I congratulate Senator-designate Padilla and look forward to working with him in the U.S. Capitol.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/122220-3,Pelosi Statement on President-Elect Biden Nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona as Education Secretary,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,www.speaker.gov,,,legacy,"San Francisco Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after President-elect Biden nominated Connecticut Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardonato serve as Secretary of the Department of Education Secretary: President-elect Biden, in nominating Dr. Miguel Cardonaas Secretary of Education, has chosen a champion of our children, who brings strong policy expertise and decades of experience serving at nearly every level of our education system. As a lifelong educator and as an ESL student himself, Secretary-designate Cardonaprofoundly understands the power of education to empower every child in our country to climb the ladders of opportunity. Throughout his career, he has earned the respect of educators, families and policymakers for his leadership to advance equity in schools, promote bilingual education and address achievement gaps in under-resourced communities. His track record of success during the coronavirus crisis makes him well-suited to lead President-elect Biden's mission to safely reopen our schools. Congressional Democrats look forward to working with Secretary-designate Cardonato promote an education system that ensures that every child can succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-desperately-needed-covid-relief-heading-americans,Rep. Calvert: Desperately needed COVID relief heading to Americans,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,calvert,https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 21, 2020 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (359 to 53) of the House of Representatives to approve a COVID relief bill. ""At long last, desperately needed COVID relief is headed to American families,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""For months I've been working with my colleagues to get a bipartisan deal done to address the serious health and economic impacts of the pandemic. I'm grateful a bipartisan deal is now finally in hand after Democrats dropped their political demands to include trillions of dollars for programs unrelated to the pandemic. I can't help but think of the pain and economic damage that could have been avoided if Speaker Pelosi had chosen a path other than holding critical aid hostage for her liberal ‘wish list.' Combined with Gov. Newsom's unscientific lockdown policies, Democrats have caused avoidable devastation to a growing number of our small businesses and workers. The relief being provided by this bill can't come soon enough for these Americans in need."" COVID Relief Provisions Small Business Relief: The bill extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to give small businesses, many of which have their operations severely impacted due to no fault of their own, forgivable loans to keep them open and employees on payroll. The bill gives businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan. In addition to previously eligible businesses and organizations, the bill expands PPP eligibility to 501(c)(6) organizations, including chambers of commerce. The bill codifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans. To help our struggling restaurants, the bill includes a 100-percent deduction for business meal food and beverage expenses provided by a restaurant that are paid or incurred in 2021 and 2022. Currently, the deduction is available for only 50 percent of such expenses. Specific resources are provided for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss, as well as another round of airline employee and contractor payroll support. Protecting the Health of Families as America Reopens: Expanding upon the vaccine doses already acquired through Operation Warp Speed, the bill includes $20 billion for the purchase of additional vaccines that will be available at no charge. The bill also includes $8 billion to facilitate vaccine distribution as well as $20 billion to assist states with testing. To support our hospitals and medical centers the bill provides a $20 billion distribution from the existing healthcare provider relief fund, and $250 million for the continued expansion of telehealth. Direct Assistance for American Families in Need: The bill provides direct aid to Americans with another round of Economic Impact Payments. Adults will receive $600 each and $600 per child. To ensure the payments only go to those most in need, there is a phase out for individuals with more than $75,000 in income and $150,000 for couples. The bill includes safeguards to prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving checks. To help those out of work and suffering under Gov. Newsom's lockdowns, the bill temporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that were set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. The bill provides unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021. Reopening Schools for In-Person Learning and Addressing the Impact of Lockdowns: To safely resume in-person education the bill includes $82 billion in funding for schools and universities, including $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education. The bill provides $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen and give families more childcare options as working parents head back to the workplace. While significant progress has been made over past several years in treating opioid addiction, many of the positive trends have been reversed because of impact of COVID lockdowns. To address the problem the bill includes $4 billion for substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. Keeping Families Fed and in their Home: To ensure Americans have food on the table, the bill provides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly. The bill includes $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-priorities-included-bipartisan-funding-agreement,Rep. Calvert Priorities Included in Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,calvert,https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 21, 2020 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced the bipartisan, bicameral agreement on Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations includes a number of the priorities important to Riverside County, California and the rest of the nation. Rep. Calvert serves as the Ranking Republican on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. ""The final funding agreement delivers important resources that will positively impact Riverside County and our entire state,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""The bill contains funding and provisions I requested for important flood control projects, including for the Prado Dam safety study and the Murrieta Creek flood control project. I am also happy to share the bill includes significant resources I advocated for on behalf of our essential clean air programs and additional investment in the earthquake early warning system."" ""In my role as the Ranking Republican on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee I have fought to prioritize and fund programs essential to our continued military dominance. I believe this bill achieves that goal by funding key programs consistent with the National Defense Strategy and its focus on great power competition with China and Russia. I'm also pleased to see our bill continues to prioritize the health and welfare of our men and women in uniform, including a doubling from $20 million to $40 million in ALS research."" Rep. Calvert Priorities Included in the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Bill Water, Flood Control, Air Quality and Earthquakes: $2.4 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Safety Modification Study for Prado Dam. Murrieta Creek flood control project provisions to allow Riverside County to advance future phases of the project in a timelier and cost-effective manner. $134 million for Bureau of Reclamation WIIN Act water storage projects $63.62 million for Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI water recycling and reuse program. The bill contains appropriations language sought by Rep. Calvert that prioritizes EPA funding to repair failing septic systems, like those in Quail Valley, California. Historically high levels of funding were included for the EPA clean air programs Rep. Calvert has long championed. Specifically, $59 million for the Targeted Airshed Grant program and $90 million for the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant program. $25.7 million for the continued development and roll out of ShakeAlert, the West Coast earthquake early warning system. National Security: The bill prioritizes national security by continuing to rebuild our military by investing in readiness and training, as well as modernizing our nuclear stockpile. Funds the continued construction of the border wall and protects the president's authority to transfer additional funds to this important project, as well as dedicate resources to respond to immigration detention capacity needs. Provides a three percent pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2021, and addresses childcare and other quality of life issues critical to supporting our brave war-fighting men and women and their families. Fully funds the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding by providing $500 million for Israeli Cooperative programs, including the Iron Dome. Health and Education: $40 million provided for peer-reviewed ALS research through the Department of Defense health research program. Rep. Calvert is Co-Chair of the House ALS Caucus. COVID-specific resources were included in the COVID relief portion of the bill. $440 million for the Charter Schools program in the Department of Education. Public Safety: $244 million for the Department of Justice State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which provides federal payments to states and localities that incurred correctional officer salary costs for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens with at least one felony or two misdemeanor convictions for violations of state or local law $40 million for the Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force program. $237 million for the Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring program. Transportation: $1 billion is included for the INFRA grant program, which funds major highway transportation projects. Agriculture: $69.5 million is provided for citrus greening / Huanglongbing activities, including $61 million for the Citrus Health Response Program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=773,Carbajal Votes to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Today, Rep. Salud Carbajal voted to pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package. The relief package passed as part of the FY21 Appropriations Package, which funds the government through October 2021. The bill passed the House by a vote of 359 to 53. Each day, more businesses on the Central Coast and across the country are forced to close and lay off their workers. Families are facing eviction and food insecurity, kids are falling behind in school, and hospitals are swelling with patients. Today, I'm pleased to say that more help is on the way, said Rep. Carbajal. I'm glad we were able to rise above the gridlock that so often plagues Congress and finally deliver the relief Central Coast residents needed months ago. This package is far from perfect, but it is a crucial down payment to meet our nation's immediate needs. I will keep fighting for more support as needed so we can get through this pandemic and back on our feet. Carbajal is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who worked together to craft the framework this relief package was built on. Key measures related to COVID-19 include: Unemployment Assistance: Provides $300 per week in supplemental federal unemployment beginning as soon as Dec 27th and lasting through March 14th. Housing Security: Extends the eviction moratorium to January 31st, provides $25 billion in federal rental assistance, and strengthens the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Direct Payments: Provides a $600 direct payment to adults earning under $75,000 and $1200 to households earning under $150,000. Provides $600 per dependent child, so a family of four can receive up to $2400. Business and Economic Recovery: Provides $325 billion in funding to facilitate a strong economic recovering, including: A second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, plus the ability to make expenses associated with forgiven loans tax deductible. $15 billion for live music venues and other cultural institutions. $15 billion to help airlines reinstate furloughed workers. Expands eligibility for PPP loans to nonprofits and news outlets. Vaccine Distribution: Includes $20 billion for vaccine procurement and over $8 billion for distribution, which makes the vaccine available at no cost for anyone who needs it. Pandemic Mitigation: Provides states with $20 billion to assist with testing and contact tracing programs. Food Security: Sets aside $13 billion to increase SNAP benefits by 15% and allocates $13 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers to offset losses from COVID-19. Schools and Child Care: Provides $82 billion to get students back to school and parents back to work. Over $54 billion for K-12 education $22.7 billion for colleges, including $1.7 billion set aside for minority serving institutions. $10 billion in emergency assistance for the child care sector. Repeals a ban preventing incarcerated students from qualifying for Pell grants. Internet Connectivity: Includes $7 billion in broadband funding to keep Americans connected and healthy. Sets aside $300 million specifically to improve rural broadband access and includes $250 million for telehealth. A one-page summary of the bill is available here. More detailed section-by-section summaries can be found here. Full bill text is available here. Photos of Congressman Carbajal at a Problem Solvers Caucus press conference to promote the bill can be found here. Rep. Salud Carbajal has been a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus since he took office in 2017. Carbajal represents California's 24th Congressional District, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and part of Ventura County. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-statement-covid-19-relief-bill,Rep. Chu Statement on COVID-19 Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,chu,https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed HR. 133, an omnibus bill to fund the government through fiscal year 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief to the country. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) voted for the bill and issued the following statement: ""America is struggling. And my priority right now is to contain this virus and get as much economic help as possible to businesses and families as quickly as possible. That is why I am supporting today's Omnibus and COVID-19 relief bill. While this is not the bill I would have preferred – that would be the Heroes Act which the House passed 7 months ago – I am glad to know that there are some significant policies in this bill that will help us fight this virus and provide some security while the economy is on hold. It also meets the immediate need to fund our government through the remainder of the fiscal year, removing the disruptive threat of a government shutdown for now. And I'm reassured knowing this is not the end. In the coming weeks, we will begin a new Administration that understands the need to pass more COVID-19 relief, which I am eager to begin working on. But as we begin crafting the next round of necessary COVID-19 relief, I am glad that we are able to help meet the urgent need from our healthcare providers, workers who have lost their jobs, families, teachers, and more through this bill. ""For starters, this bill helps us fight the Coronavirus by providing $20 billion for vaccines and therapeutics, and another $8.75 billion to the CDC and states to help with vaccine distribution. The $22 billion for testing, contact tracing, and COVID mitigation in this bill will also be vital for containing the spread while we distribute the vaccine. It also helps relieve the burdens on our exhausted healthcare system, by providing an additional $3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund, extending funding for our Community Health Centers for three years, and protecting patients by prohibiting surprise medical billing. ""The next priority is to help families weather this crisis, which this bill begins to do by including $120 billion for Unemployment Insurance programs, including an extra $300 per week. Mixed-income workers that have both W-2 wages and independent contractor wages are also eligible for extra unemployment insurance of $100 per week. I am particularly proud that this support for mixed-income workers was included as so many of my constituents work in the entertainment industry and supplement their income with W-2 work, but do not have both incomes recognized in their unemployment insurance. That is why Rep. Adam Schiff and I fought to protect these workers. It also sends Economic Impact Payments of $600 per person for most households. Significantly, this bill, unlike the CARES Act, includes mixed-status families where one spouse files their taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security Number. This is essential. If we want to protect the economy, then we must ensure that immigrant families are included in our relief efforts. ""But we know a one-time payment of $600 is not enough for too many families who are struggling to get by, so, in addition to funding government programs through September, this bill boosts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15% for six months, invests $400 million food banks, and provides $25 billion to help renters stay in their homes. ""We must also protect our businesses. Small businesses, in particular, are going to be essential for rebuilding the economy as they account for two out of every three new jobs, and so I am glad that this bill helps more businesses stay on their feet so they are ready to bounce back as soon as possible. This bill helps by adding $248 billion for another round of the Paycheck Protection Program, including second-draw loans for the hardest hit businesses. Importantly, this funding comes with dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and community lenders to ensure that these funds are getting where they are intended. It also provides another $20 billion new Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses in low-income communities. But even with PPP, many businesses risk disappearing before the end of this crisis, which is why this bill provides $15 billion in funding for live venues, theaters, museums, and zoos that experienced a 25% or greater drop in revenues. ""This bill was too long in coming and is not sufficient to get us through the rest of this crisis. But I am grateful that it does provide immediate relief to people who need it. And I hope this will help establish a starting point for the next round of COVID-19 relief in the new year."" Other highlights included in the COVID-19 relief bill are: HEALTHCARE Ends Surprise Medical Billing. This language protects patients and ensures they will not be subject to surprise medical bills. Health Extenders: Community Health Centers, 3- year delay of the Medicaid DSH cuts, The National Quality Forum (NQF). Medicaid coverage to COFA migrants Healthcare Provisions Combatting COVID-19 $20 billion for procurement of vaccines and therapeutics $8.75 billion to the CDC and states for vaccine distribution $3 billion for the strategic national stockpile, including $300 million specifically directed to high risk and underserved areas for distribution, including communities of color. $22 billion , for testing, tracing and COVID mitigation programs. $2.5 billion in grants specifically targeting underserved areas, including both communities of color and rural communities. $1.15 billion for research and clinical trials related to long-term studies of COVID-19. This is for long-hauler research, which you have supported. Provider Relief $3 billion and new distribution requirements for the Provider Relief Fund Delays Medicare sequester cuts March 31, 2021, saving providers $9 billion $3 billion in budget neutrality adjustments to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule TAXES Economic Impact Payments $600 payment per person with a Social Security Number under the same formula as the CARES Act. Mixed-Status Households: Households with mixed-immigration status are eligible to receive a payment for each member of their household with a SSN, as long as one adult has a SSN. Households in which both adults file with ITINs but children have SSNs are not eligible. This change is also retroactive to the first round of payments under the CARES Act. Tax Treatment of Paycheck Protection Program Loans Clarifies businesses who receive forgiveness on their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are not penalized on their taxes Clarifies that deductions are allowed for otherwise deductible expenses paid with the proceeds of a PPP loan that is forgiven, and that the tax basis and other attributes of the borrower's assets will not be reduced as a result of the loan forgiveness. Child Tax Credit/Earned Income Tax Credit – includes a temporary ""look back"" provision to allow lower-income individuals to use their earned income from tax year 2019 to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (i.e., the Additional Child Tax Credit) in the 2020 tax year. This will help workers who experienced lower wages this year, due to the pandemic, to get a larger refund that is consistent with their earnings from prior filing seasons. SMALL BUSINESS Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Appropriates $284 billion for first and second PPP loans up to $2 million each, with dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and community lenders, through March 31, 2021 Creates a second round of PPP for businesses with 300 or fewer employees and have seen a 25% drop in revenue in any quarter relative to 2019 Due to their significant hardship, Restaurants would be eligible for 3.5x monthly payroll (increase from normal allowance of 2.5x payroll) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): $20 billion in new EIDL emergency advance grants for small businesses in low-income communities Direct assistance to live venues and theaters: $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, theaters, museums, and zoos that experienced a 25% or greater drop in revenues Debt Relief for Traditional SBA loans: Extends the debt relief program established under the CARES Act by resuming the payment of principal and interest on the Small Business Administration (SBA) -guaranteed 7(a), 504, and microloans. EDUCATION Assistance to K-12 schools and institutions of higher education: $81.9 billion for education stabilization funding $54.3 billion for K-12 schools which will enable schools to make repairs and improvements to improve safety for in-person instruction, , and address learning loss among students $22.7 billion for colleges and universities $4.1 billion for the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund $1.7 billion set aside for HBCUs and MSIs NUTRITION/AGRICULTURE Nutrition Assistance: $13 billion to boost the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15% for six months $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to invest in commodities and distribution for food banks US POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) Converts the $10 billion CARES Act loan to direct funding that does not require repayment Children and Families Provides $400 million to support foster youth and their families through the pandemic $10 billion for Child Care Development Block Grant to provide assistance to child care providers HOUSING Rental Assistance Fund – $25 billion for the Treasury to distribute to states, cities with over 200,000 residents, territories, and tribes to address the ongoing needs of renters struggling to pay their rent or utilities. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that California will receive approximately $2.644 billion of this funding. Eviction Moratorium – the bill extends the federal eviction moratorium, first enacted by the CARES Act and then extended by the Centers for Disease Control, through January 31, 2021. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY The CASE Act - this bill would create a ""small claims court"" within the U.S. Copyright Office to handle certain copyright disputes. ENERGY INNOVATION Sets new standards for energy and water efficiency in federal buildings Authorizes new investments in solar, wind, geothermal, energy storage, carbon mitigation, and nuclear research and development Reauthorizes the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), Requires a phasedown of the use of polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% over 15 years TRANSPORTATION Airline Payroll Support Program - $15 billion to renew the CARES Act program which will keep workers on payroll without furloughs or reducing pay rates and benefits until March 31, 2021, with requirements for airlines to rehire workers laid off after Sept. 30, 2020, as well as stipulations preventing airlines from using funds for stock buybacks, executive bonuses, or for utilizing the funds in anything other than supporting workers. Transit Agencies - $14 billion to provide operational aid due to COVID-related revenue shortfalls. Highways – $10 billion in road, bridge, walking, and biking funding to continue building critical projects that connect residents and put employees back to work. HORSERACING Includes the text of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to improve the integrity and safety of horseracing by requiring uniform safety and performance standards, including a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program, to be developed and enforced by an independent Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. FY 2021 Omnibus Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration $6 billion in discretionary funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) $25.1 billion in required mandatory funding for child nutrition programs $114 billion in mandatory spending for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Commerce, Justice, Science $48 million for Minority Business Development Agency $28.2 billion for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) $2 billion for Earth Science $2.7 billion for Planetary Science $8.5 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Energy and Water $7.8 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, including $192.5 million for maintenance of the Whittier Narrows Dam in Pico Rivera. $39.6 billion for the Department of Energy $2.86 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy $7.026 billion for the Office of Science $427 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) Financial Services & General Government $11.92 billion for IRS with increases to all four IRS accounts, including: $5.2 billion for enforcement $778.9 million for SBA, including $272 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs like Small Business Development Centers Homeland Security $20 million for the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints regarding misconduct by DHS personnel and violations of rights of individuals in DHS custody No funding for additional immigration enforcement personnel Prohibits DHS from destroying records related to the death, sexual assault to abuse of individuals in its custody Ensures that information shared with ICE by HHS on potential sponsors of unaccompanied children cannot be used by ICE for detention or removal purposes, unless the sponsor has a dangerous criminal background. Prohibits DHS from placing pregnant women in restraints except in extraordinary circumstances. Reduces the funding for ICE by over $400 million Interior-Environment $5.27 billion for Wildland Fire Management $3.46 billion for the Forest Service (non-fire) accounts to manage resources like the San Gabriel Mountains $1.3 billion for the U.S. Geological Survey including $25.7 billion for continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert West Coast Early Earthquake Warning System Labor-HHS $286 million for the Title X Family Planning Program $25 million split evenly for federal research at the CDC and NIH into our nation's gun violence epidemic, $40.6 billion for K-12 education including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and $16.5 billion for Title-I high-need schools $24.5 billion for Federal student aid programs $6,495 for the maximum Pell Grant, an increase of $150 above the 2020 enacted level $789 million for Minority-Serving Institutions This includes $5.12 million in discretionary funding for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), which is an increase of $676,000 over FY20. Language to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by shortening the form, expanding the automatic zero expected family contribution, and authorizing data sharing with IRS. Language to restore the Pell Grant to incarcerated people Transportation-HUD $1 billion for National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER/BUILD) grants $582 million for Rail Infrastructure grant programs, including $375 million for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements $25.8 billion for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, including $43 million in new, targeted funding for homeless families and $40 million for homeless veterans. $73 million for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity $57.5 million for Housing Counseling Assistance",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-welcomes-long-awaited-covid-deal-0,Costa Welcomes Long-awaited COVID Deal,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,costa,https://costa.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(FRESNO, CA) – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after House passage of stimulus legislation to provide needed relief to the American people: ""After months of impasse, Congress can finally deliver for the American people,"" said Costa. ""As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I worked with members of the House and Senate on a bipartisan basis to forge a compromise that will provide overdue support to Americans still reeling from the pandemic. While it doesn't respond to all our needs, this is an important step that will buy the American people time as we look forward to more comprehensive relief next year."" The deal, which was largely based on the Problem Solvers Caucus framework that Rep. Costa helped craft, includes important funding to strengthen our healthcare response, increase nutrition assistance, extend federal unemployment benefits, and provide small business relief: To provide financial relief to Americans: Provides $166 billion in in direct checks to Americans including $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1200 to couples making up to $150,000 per year and an additional $600 per child. Extends the deadline for states and cities to use unspent money approved for them by the Cares Act, giving governments until year's end before the money must be returned. To ensure Americans' health and safety: Invests $69 billion for testing, contact tracing and vaccine development and distribution to Extends Provider Relief Fund (PRF) funding for one year Provides $250 million for the FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program to support efforts of healthcare providers to address coronavirus To assist families and vulnerable communities: Provides $13 billion in total funding for nutrition assistance, including: Temporarily increases individual monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 15 percent for 6 months Expands the Pandemic-EBT program to cover families with children in childcare Provides $400 million in funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), including funds for storage and administration, to support food banks and food pantries Provides increased funding for school and childcare meal programs and benefits for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Extends CARES Act unemployment assistance for 16 weeks with federal supplemental unemployment insurance benefits expanded by $300 per week Provides $25 billion for rental and housing assistance grants and extends eviction moratorium until Jan. 31, 2021 Provides $10 billion for a new Child Care Stabilization Fund Grant program for childcare providers Provides $7 billion for broadband funding to bridge the digital divide and ensure affordable access to broadband during the COVID 19 pandemic Provides $54 billion in education funding, including emergency relief for K-12 and higher education Extends Student loan deferment to April 2021 For our small businesses: Provides $325 billion in funding for the Small Business Administration, including: Streamlines PPP loan forgiveness for loans under $150k Provides eligibility for a second round of PPP loan eligibility, including 501 (c)(6) organizations, live venue operators, and restaurants Provides $20 billion in additional funding for Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants As the representative for one of the top producing agricultural districts in the country, Congressman Costa played a pivotal role in strengthening and stabilizing our food supply chains, including protecting our food workers: ""Our food industry workers are critical to ensuring that no American goes hungry,"" said Costa. ""I'm thankful that our leaders recognized how important food security is to our national security and agreed to adopt the protections I outlined for essential farm workers."" Ensuring the integrity of our food supply chains and assisting farmers, farmworkers, and producers:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/desaulnier-digest/desaulnier-digest-coronavirus-relief-its-way,The DeSaulnier Digest: Coronavirus Relief Is On Its Way,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark DeSaulnier,D000623,desaulnier.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the pandemic wears on, Congress is set to act today to provide additional relief and support to families and businesses. For more on what is in that package, keep reading below. As the year comes to an end, I'd like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family for a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday season. For my thoughts on the latest in Congress and the work ahead of us in the new year, click here or on the image below. Sincerely,Mark DeSaulnier Member of Congress LEGISLATIVE UPDATE House to Vote on Coronavirus Relief and Government Funding Today, the House will vote to provide much-needed coronavirus relief to individuals and businesses across the country, and fund the federal government through next September. Included in this $908 billion round of relief is: Up to $600 direct payments to individuals; An additional $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits; $25 billion for a first-ever federal rental assistance program; Billions in urgently needed funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits; $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for child care assistance; More than $250 billion to revive the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses; and Protection for patients from huge surprise medical bills. While this package is an important step, Democrats in the House see this as a down payment for more support in 2021 in coordination with incoming President Biden. COMMITTEE UPDATE Mark Demands Answers and Accountability from Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma Since the launch of OxyContin in 1996, Purdue Pharma largely at the direction of the Sackler family has made billions off of contributing to the devastating opioid epidemic. Over the years, Purdue Pharma as a whole has been required to take some responsibility for the role it played in the opioid epidemic, but the Sackler family has been let off without even a slap on the wrist. To correct this injustice, Congressman DeSaulnier launched an investigation with the House Oversight Committee. Watch as we continue that important work by clickinghere or on the image below. CONGRESSMAN DESAULNIER HOSTS END OF YEAR TOWN HALL Last week Mark held a town hall to provide an update on coronavirus relief efforts in Congress as well as a preview of the legislative work he looks forward to continuing in the new year. If you weren't able to join us or would like to rewatch the event, click here or on the image below. BY THE NUMBERS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-hails-passage-coronavirus-and-government-funding,Congressman DeSaulnier Hails Passage of Coronavirus and Government Funding Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark DeSaulnier,D000623,desaulnier.house.gov,desaulnier,https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"DeSaulnier Effort to Protect Contra Costa Waterways Included Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) hailed passage of a bill that combines necessary relief for individuals and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and federal funding of our nation's priorities through September 2021. The package passed the U.S. House by a vote of 359-to-53. ""This once-in-a-century pandemic has raged on for more than nine months now and Californians and people across America cannot wait any longer for the support they so desperately need. With passage of this bill, we provide direct assistance to individuals, extend unemployment benefits, and help small businesses while funding the federal government so we can put our focus on other pressing priorities,"" said Congressman DeSaulnier. ""House Democrats worked hard to ensure this bill delivers needed relief for families in the short term and while it doesn't go far enough – especially for state and local governments – it is a necessary down payment as we work on next steps with incoming President Biden in the new year."" The package will provide up to $600 per person in direct payment survival checks based on an income threshold, $300 a week in supplemental federal unemployment benefits, and more than $250 billion for small businesses through a new round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding. The bill also creates the first-ever $25 billion federal rental assistance program. The package also includes the Water Resources Development Act, the Energy Act, a fix for surprise medical billing, and the Intelligence Authorization Act. Included in the Water Resources Development Act section is a provision authored by Congressman DeSaulnier that would protect waterways in Contra Costa against harmful algal blooms. This provision allows all five California Delta counties – Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo – to be eligible for a demonstration program that would determine the causes of, and implement measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate harmful algal blooms associated with water resources development projects. ""Addressing our nation's water infrastructure needs is critical to ensuring people have access to clean, safe drinking water,"" said Congressman DeSaulnier. ""Both in Contra Costa and throughout the Delta region, the spread of algae could affect the health of both people and animals if ingested. This amendment will help to ensure our local water supply is protected from these harmful toxins."" ""All of us who live in and around the Delta have seen harmful algal blooms arrive in larger areas and earlier in the season. Not everybody realizes, though, that their impact on boating and recreation extend to public health, as well,"" said Contra Costa Supervisor Diane Burgis. ""We are seeing the impact of harmful algal blooms, as Restore the Delta has stated, on local drinking water supplies, groundwater wells, irrigation, fish and wildlife, and the very air we breathe. We are so appreciative of the leadership of Congressman DeSaulnier in having the Delta and all of Contra Costa and the Delta counties included in a new Army Corps of Engineers demonstration program that will ‘detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate harmful algal blooms.'"" #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/eshoo-and-pallone-highlight-key-health-care-provisions-end-year-funding,Eshoo and Pallone Highlight Key Health Care Provisions in End of Year Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following joint statement today after the House of Representatives passed the end of year omnibus and COVID-19 relief package, which included key health care legislation: The health care provisions in the omnibus provide the resources needed to bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic, create new patient protections, and invest in our nation's public health programs.The agreement includes vital funding to support the rapid and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as critically needed resources to support states with efforts to increase testing, contact tracing, surveillance, and mitigation activities to limit the spread of the virus. The package also includes historic bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills, which represents the most significant expansion of patient protections since the passage of the Affordable Care Act.The omnibus reinvests the federal government's savings from cracking down on surprise billing into long-term funding for public health programs including Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers, and the National Health Service Corps. Finally, the end of year funding agreement rights a historic wrong by restoring health care coverage to Marshall Islanders and other citizens of the freely associated states.The people from these islands have endured repeated injustices that should have never been allowed to occur or to persist, but hopefully this restoration of Medicaid coverage will begin the long path toward justice and equity. Taken together, the health care provisions in the omnibus will help bring much needed relief during this unprecedented public health crisis and begin to lay the foundation as we build back toward a brighter and healthier future. The omnibus includes several key health care priorities, including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider. Delivers $69 billion in critically needed funding for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, vaccines, mental health, and support for health care providers.Included in this funding is $22 billion for testing, contact tracing, surveillance and mitigation, $19 billion for vaccines and therapeutics, including the manufacture, production, and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics and ancillary supplies, and nearly $9 billion in additional funding to support distribution of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines that will help bring an end to the pandemic. Authorizes a national campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,for the prevention and control of diseases and to combat misinformation and offers support to expand, enhance, and improve public health data collection. Provides long-term extensions of expiring public health programs, including: Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs. Waives Medicare coinsurance for certain colorectal cancer screening tests.This provision gradually eliminates cost-sharing for Medicare beneficiaries with respect to colorectal cancer screening tests, even in cases where a polyp is detected and removed. Restores Medicaid eligibility for citizens of the Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) lawfully residing in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association. Eliminates Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts until fiscal year 2024. Extends critical programs including the Medicaid demonstration to expand access to certified community behavioral health clinics, protections against spousal impoverishment for partners of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving home- and community-based services, and the Money Follows the Person rebalancing demonstration. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/eshoo-announces-18th-congressional-district-app-challenge-winner-1,Eshoo Announces 18th Congressional District App Challenge Winner,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"PALO ALTO, CA Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) announced today that Audrey Ha of Menlo-Atherton High School is this year's winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for California's 18th Congressional District. Audrey's appSurveyHurricane, uses AI to accurately and quickly detect damaged houses on aerial imagery of storm-impacted regions. Audrey Ha was inspired to assist the efforts of the federal government to help Americans recover from hurricanes and storms which have been increasing year after year due to climate change, Rep. Eshoo said. SurveyHurricane uses machine learning and publicly available data to identify homes following a natural disaster to help in the recovery effort. This tool can assist first responders and government organizations in efficiently assessing hurricane damage and planning critical storm relief efforts. I applaud Audrey for using her creative energy and technical expertise to address an immediate problem. I'm proud of Audrey and all the students who entered their app this year to help others during a difficult year while they, too, have had many new challenges. Bravo to Audrey and all the students who entered the App Challenge. A photo of the 2020 App Challenge winner, Audrey Ha, is below. About the Congressional App Challenge Congresswoman Eshoo is a founding Co-Chair of the Congressional App Challenge. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this bipartisan competition is part of a nationwide event that invites high school students from all participating congressional districts to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. It is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education fields. Apps are judged based on the following criteria: quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills. The winner from the 18th Congressional District was chosen by an independent panel of expert judges. Each winner of the Congressional App Challenge is invited to a #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception and their App will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and on House.gov for a year. Students can learn more about the annual Congressional App Challenge here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://eshoo.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eshoo-sen-klobuchar-colleagues-hail-funding-college-student-connectivity,"Rep. Eshoo, Sen. Klobuchar, Colleagues Hail Funding for College Student Connectivity",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Anna Eshoo,E000215,eshoo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Alma S. Adams (D-NC) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), applaud the inclusion of $285 million in pandemic relief funding passed today for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs), their students, and minority-owned businesses near those colleges and universities. We must ensure students in need can continue their studies as colleges and universities begin another semester of instruction largely through remote learning, said Rep. Eshoo. I'm pleased that the pandemic relief legislation Congress passed includes dedicated funding for students of colleges and universities that need the funding most, based on my legislation, the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act. This is a critical investment in our country's future. As we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring college and university students have access to high-speed internet is critical, Senator Klobuchar said. This funding will help ensure that college and university students with the greatest financial need can access high-speed internet and essential equipment, such as laptops and tablets, to help them stay connected to their schools and communities during this public health crisis. Schools at all levels have been thrown upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. To make sure that our students receive the support they deserve, we need bold, innovative solutions, said Rep. Matsui. As our higher education institutions navigate the realities of remote distance learning, it is clear that more needs to be done to support our most vulnerable students without access to the internet or proper technology. I am proud to join with Representative Eshoo to lead this legislation and address the disparities that are affecting our students' ability to learn during this crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the digital divide in America. There are an estimated 14 million householdsincluding more than 52,000 Hawaii householdsthat don't have internet access, Senator Hirono said. This bipartisan relief bill invests in college students who are trying to keep up with their studies by providing internet-connected devices and broadband access to continue their education, even as social distancing continues. In the wake of COVID-19's spread, it has become clear just how essential access to broadband technology is for the viability of our nation's educational institutions. The virus's outbreak has particularly severe implications for HBCU's and other minority serving institutions which were already facing the unique challenges that come with delivering high quality education to the nation's most underrepresented communities, said Rep. G. K. Butterfield. Unfortunately, many of these schools are plagued with infrastructure issues including limited access to digital and wireless technology, as well as outdated equipment and facilities. As universities across the country now rely on distance learning platforms, these problems have serious consequences for an institution's ability to effectively educate its students. That's why I am proud to join Rep. Eshoo in leading this legislation to ensure that schools and students have the technological resources necessary to address these obstacles both during the COVID-19 health crisis and beyond it. I'm pleased our legislation passed as part of the COVID relief package because it will help provide community colleges and universities serving historically underserved and rural communities critical resources needed to strengthen online learning for the duration of this crisis, including supplying students in need tablets, routers, modems and Wi-Fi hotspots, said Senator Peters. College students without adequate technology or access to the internet are at risk of falling behind as more classrooms become virtual due to the pandemic, said Rep. Fudge. This is especially true at HBCUs and other minority serving institutions, that play a critical role in unlocking higher education opportunities for countless students of color. I am proud to join Congresswoman Eshoo in introducing legislation that ensures students from underrepresented communities do not fall through the cracks during this and future crises. Access to broadband is critical for our students in Nevada and across this country, said Senator Rosen. During this pandemic, colleges and universities across the country have struggled to provide students with the equipment and at home internet access necessary to make virtual learning effective. I'm thankful this bill is now one step closer to becoming law because our students feel the strain of our nation's digital divide every day. This legislation will start the long process of leveling the digital playing field and allowing students greater access to quality education. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, we've seen the true challenges of distance learning. The situation has exacerbated already existing inequities and created unique challenges for low-income college students, said Rep. Blunt Rochester. I'm so pleased that our bill, which prioritizes funding for HBCUs like Delaware State University, has been included as part of our omnibus package and has been passed through both chambers. This bill serves as one more critical piece of relief that the American people need and I look forward to seeing it signed into law. You can't have equity in education today without eliminating the digital divide,said Congresswoman Adams.Today's students must have access to a reliable internet connection and up-to-date technology if they want to succeed. COVID-19 makes that reality as clear as ever.I was proud to work with my colleagues in both chambers to secure provisions in theOmnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Actthatwill close the technology gap forour most underserved students. Background Today, the House and Senate passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes government funding and COVID-19 relief funding. Section 902 of Division N of the legislation provides $285 million to expand internet connectivity for HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs and other MSIs (i.e., Alaska Native-serving institutions, Native Hawaiian-serving institution, Predominantly Black institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution, and Native American-serving nontribal institutions), their students, and minority-owned enterprises near those colleges and universities. The funding can be used to purchase routers, modems, wi-fi hotspots, tablets, and laptops. Funding recipients must prioritize students eligible for the Pell Grant or the FCC's Lifeline program; approved to receive unemployment insurance benefits; currently receiving other need-based financial aid; or earning less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level (i.e., $39,300 for a family of four in the contiguous U.S.). The legislation also establishes the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to carry out programs to expand access to broadband at and in communities around HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs and other MSIs. Section 902 of Division N is modeled on H.R. 6814 and S. 3701, the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, legislation the lawmakers introduced on May 13, 2020, which is support by 60 leading higher education, civil rights, technology, business, and public interest groups. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2179,Congressman Jimmy Gomez Votes to Pass Emergency COVID Relief and Omnibus Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Gomez,G000585,gomez.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) voted to pass the Emergency Coronavirus Relief in the Omnibus spending bill, to provide more direct COVID-19 relief to the American people. In response, Congressman Gomez issued the following statement: Californians, like many Americans, are desperate and need help now. Despite being far from perfect, the bipartisan emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package encompasses numerous avenues of financial support that will undoubtedly help struggling working families survive this COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. After months of delay because of Senate Republicans, this legislative package represents a critical down payment for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 virus. Through our work, House Democrats were able to secure provisions that were absent from previous packages, such as $25 billion for a new Emergency Rental Relief Program and direct stimulus payments for immigrant families. But by no means is our work done. As President-elect Biden takes office, I will work with House Democrats to pass another robust relief package to uplift our vulnerable communities, including additional direct rent and mortgage relief, an extension of the federal eviction moratorium, student loan debt forgiveness, and the Emergency Money for the People Act, which would send monthly $2,000 checks to Americans making less than $130,000 per year. The Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement includes the following provisions: $22.4 billion for COVID-19 testing and contract tracing $27.75 billion for COVID-19 vaccines and distribution $25 billion for a new Emergency Rental Relief Program Extension of the federal eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 Stimulus checks: $2,400 dollars for a family of four, regardless of employment status, including mixed-status families ($600 per adult, $600 dependent child) Extended Unemployment Benefits: An additional $300 per week in federal unemployment insurance payments (on top of state unemployment payments) for up to 11 weeks $13 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) $284 billion for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $9 billion for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) for small businesses in low-income and underserved communities $15 billion for live, independent music and arts venues $82 billion for colleges and schools The legislation also includes the following bills introduced by Congressman Gomez: To read the text of the Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://harder.house.gov/media/press-releases/harder-statement-stimulus-deal,Harder Statement on Stimulus Deal,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Josh Harder,H001090,harder.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) released the following statement after Congressional Leadership struck a final stimulus deal to support Americans struggling through the pandemic. The bipartisan compromise package will provide another round of economic impact payments, this time worth $600. It will also shore up extended unemployment and the Paycheck Protection Program, which saved over 70,000 jobs in Rep. Harder's district. The bill is loosely based on a compromise plan floated by the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, which Rep. Harder belongs to. It's about time. People have been hurting without federal help for months. This bill will provide a booster for families struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. The average middle-class family of four will get $2,400. I would have liked more in direct payments, and support for cities facing budget crises, but compromises mean you don't always get everything you want. This bill also means that 750,000 Californians who were at risk of losing their only income the day after Christmas can enjoy the holiday without worrying about taking a cut. Once we pass this legislation, the next order of business is getting to work on the next relief package. There's no time to waste.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-votes-to-pass-emergency-coronavirus-relief-year-end-funding-bill,"Huffman Votes to Pass Emergency Coronavirus Relief, Year-End Funding Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 133, the omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2021, which included provisions secured by Democrats to combat the coronavirus and put money in the pockets of working families who are struggling. “Thousands of Americans have been holding on by a thread, desperately waiting for relief. I’m glad we were able to reach this deal, but we have not secured anywhere close to the support that’s needed to combat the coronavirus, help families, and rebuild the economy,” said Rep. Huffman. “Some of our greatest successes were in support and clarity for small businesses, increased food assistance, and providing billions for vaccine deployment and the personal protective equipment stockpile. “But the short-term duration of many critical programs and funding priorities is a disappointment, and possibly the biggest compromise we had to make to quickly get this relief passed. Republicans still refuse to put the needs of frontline workers and struggling families first, instead resorting to political stunts to prevent the incoming Biden-Harris administration from successfully confronting this crisis. State and local governments need much more funding, and lifelines for many Americans like unemployment insurance must be increased and extended. Much more is needed, and we will start negotiating immediately on a bill to extend and improve these programs that can be signed into law day-one of the Biden-Harris administration,” Rep. Huffman concluded. Rep. Huffman successfully advocated to include multiple funding and policy priorities for northwest California in the final package: Extends marina fee retention authority for the Shasta Trinity National Forest, which allows the Forest Service to retain fees from marina uses and special permits in the National Recreation Area and reinvest these funds in recreation and public safety improvements. This was one of Rep. Huffman’s top priority requests to support the outdoor recreation economy in Trinity County; the Shasta-Trinity Recreation Area is visited by over 2 million people each year and this authority has provided $500,000 to $800,000 annually in recent years. Invests in key North Coast and environmental priorities as part of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which includes increasing the set-aside for smaller “emerging ports” like those on the North Coast, prioritization of completing the feasibility study for a dam raise at Coyote Valley, and $30 million for ongoing water and boat inspection operations at Lakes Sonoma and Mendocino. You can read more about the WRDA bill and its impact on the North Coast here. Authorizes new water infrastructure and research programs that were part of Rep. Huffman’s FUTURE Western Water Infrastructure and Drought Resiliency Act, an ambitious water infrastructure proposal that was the culmination of months of public vetting and legislative development. Today’s legislation includes improvements to the WaterSMART program and the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, as well as new research investments in water technology and snow water supply forecasting, and an ambitious new aquatic ecosystem restoration program that will help effort sin the Eel and Russian River basins. More on Huffman’s FUTURE Western Water Infrastructure and Drought Resiliency legislation can be found here. Fisheries relief: Provides $300 million in assistance to fisheries participants to help mitigate coronavirus-related economic impacts, with $30 million set aside for Tribal fisheries. The agreement also provides $1.5 billion for the USDA to purchase food and agriculture products, including seafood. Earlier this year, Rep. Huffman led a bipartisan letter to House leadership requesting additional fisheries relief funding and federal purchasing. Provides $8.9 million in funding for the EPA’s work in the San Francisco Bay, which includes habitat restoration, wetlands recovery, climate change resiliency and wildlife protection projects throughout the Bay and Delta. IDEA: Provides $12.9 billion for Part B grants to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which represents a $172 million dollar increase over FY20 appropriations levels and makes it possible to hire teachers, invest in safety, and provide the resources students and faculty need to adapt to new challenges brought on by the pandemic. You can read more about Rep. Huffman’s work on IDEA here. Other provisions that Democrats secured in the legislation include: Accelerating coronavirus vaccine distribution and federal support to combat the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Ends surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. The bill also includes a 3-year extension of numerous public health programs, including funding for Community Health Centers and the Special Diabetes Program. Strong support for small business: Democrats secured critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street. Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions: The agreement includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID–19 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities. Rental assistance: Democrats secured $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium. Strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: The package enhances the LIHTC to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects. Expands access to housing by, for the first time, providing $43.4 million in new targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, individuals, the unsheltered, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. Direct payment checks: Democrats secured a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. Strengthened Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit: The agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families. Supports paid sick leave: The agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework. Employee Retention Tax Credit: The agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue. Enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Democrats averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work. Nutrition assistance for hungry families: Democrats secured $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure. Education and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open. Supports grieving families: The measure activates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Disaster Funeral Assistance program in order to provide financial support for funeral planning to the hundreds of thousands of families that have lost a loved one this year. This funding will be provided at a 100% federal cost-share. The measure also provides $2 billion for the Disaster relief fund. Historic expansion of Pell Grants: The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. Expands broadband access: The agreement invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new, $50 per week Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford broadband; $330 million for broadband infrastructure programs; and $65 million to complete broadband maps that will identify the most underserved communities and help bridge the digital divide. Fights the climate crisis with $7.026 billion for DOE’s Office of Science to support energy innovation of the future; $2.86 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and $427 million for ARPA-E to support the development of clean, affordable, and secure energy; and $367.7 million for a reliable, resilient electric grid. The agreement includes sweeping clean energy reforms, R&D enhancements, efficiency incentives, provisions to expand renewable energy on public lands, and extends clean energy tax credits to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the clean economy. The package also phases out superpollutant HFCs, positioning the U.S. to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming. Reverses harmful Trump Administration cuts to climate change programs by providing $2 billion for NASA Earth Science, including climate observing programs, an increase of $28.2 million above FY 2020, as well as $182 million for NOAA Climate Research, $12.5 million above FY 2020. Fish and wildlife conservation: The bill includes $72 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program, a much-needed boost in funding to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife. Global Health: Democrats secured an additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus. Supports the USPS: The agreement converts the USPS’s $10 billion loan from the CARES act into direct funding in order to support the agency as it grapples with COVID-19 related expenses and continues to make essential deliveries. Additional materials on the legislation can be found here: Bill text Joint explanatory statements Front Matter, Division A, Division B, Division C, Division D, Division E, Division F, Division G, Division H, Division I, Division J, Division K, and Division L One-page fact sheets Appropriations Coronavirus relief Authorizing matters Section-by-section summaries Appropriations Coronavirus relief Authorizing matters ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-and-senator-markey-to-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-protect-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-in-the-new-congress,Rep. Huffman and Senator Markey to Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the New Congress,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jared Huffman,H001068,huffman.house.gov,huffman,https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Blast lame-duck oil and gas lease sale and seismic exploration in Arctic Refuge as lease sale bidding begins today Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began the process of accepting bids for an oil and gas lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge currently scheduled to take place on January 6, 2021. Oil and gas exploration and seismic testing would threaten endangered polar bears in dens on the Coastal Plain and likely result in significant and long-lasting harm to the unique Arctic Refuge habitat, which is why Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) will be introducing legislation in the new year to restore protections to the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain and ensure that oil activities are never allowed to commence in this iconic wilderness. “We have been fighting the Trump administration every step of the way in their rushed and malicious attacks on the Arctic Refuge. And we will be just as committed to protecting this treasured place in the new Congress, when we will thankfully have strong leaders like President-Elect Biden and soon-to-be Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to partner with,” said Rep. Huffman and Senator Markey. “The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the last true wild places left in America, the source of the Gwich’in people’s way of life for generations, and home to rare and threatened wildlife. This last-ditch effort to auction off this pristine land for destruction by whoever is willing to bid on it is not only immoral, but fiscally irresponsible and legally shaky.” This past week, Senator Markey and Congressman Huffman were joined by 29 Senate and 79 House members in transmitting letters to DOI and BLM asking the agencies to halt efforts to proceed with the current lease sale and to also reject an application for seismic exploration that, if approved, would allow seismic testing to occur in the Arctic Refuge this winter. Multiples legal challenges have been filed alleging that the Arctic Refuge oil and gas leasing program has been adopted in violation of numerous bedrock environmental laws. What’s more, every major bank in the U.S. and Canada have now joined the more than two dozen banks from around the world that have announced they will not fund any new oil and gas development in the Arctic Refuge. As more banks make clear that they want nothing to do with Arctic drilling — including some of the largest funders of fossil fuels in the world — it should send a strong message to oil companies that Arctic drilling is bad business and they should think twice before pursuing it. Any company willing to place bids during this lease sale will face the prospect of seeing those bids nullified in the courts, through legislation, or by a President Biden, who has made permanent protection for the Arctic Refuge a top priority. Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is wildly unpopular among the American public and would only be more so in the all too likely event of a disastrous spill. Any company that supports drilling will face enormous risk to its reputation. The Arctic Refuge is one of our nation’s most majestic public lands, and its coastal plain contains the calving grounds for the Porcupine caribou herd and is home to denning polar bears, musk oxen, wolves, and more than 150 species of migratory birds. The Gwich’in Nation, living in Alaska and Canada and 9,000 strong, make their home on or near the migratory route of the Porcupine caribou herd, and have depended on this herd for their subsistence and culture for thousands of years. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-on-house-passage-of-omnibus-and-coronavirus-relief-package/,Brownley Statement on House Passage of Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,juliabrownley,https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Bill: “For almost a year now, American families have been shouldering the burden of a global health crisis – and the American people are struggling greatly. Not only has the pandemic devastated local economies, but it has made it difficult for many families to make ends meet. Children are facing food insecurity, thousands have lost their jobs as businesses across the country have shuttered their doors, and so many families are on the verge of eviction. “While I’m deeply disappointed the Republicans refused to adequately provide the funding necessary to meet the challenges the pandemic warrants, this relief package will help at a critical time for so many struggling Americans. “As we usher in a new year, I stand ready and committed to work with President Biden to ensure we have a government and an economy that sufficiently invests in the American people.” Background Today, the House passed an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The legislation is a product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. The spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Among its provisions, the bill provides: Billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis; A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child — up to $2,400 for a family of four, depending on income A $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work; $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium; $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans and $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street; $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open; and An additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus As part of the agreement, Democrats have secured provisions that include: Ends surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. Strengthened Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit: The agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families. Supports paid sick leave: The agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework. Employee Retention Tax Credit: The agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue. Historic expansion of Pell Grants: The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. Broadband access: The agreement invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic. Fights the climate crisis: The agreement includes sweeping clean energy reforms, R&D enhancements, efficiency incentives, and extends clean energy tax credits to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the clean economy. The package also phases out superpollutant HFCs, positioning the U.S. to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming. WRDA: The agreement includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, creating good-paying jobs strengthening and improving the vital water infrastructure that Americans rely on while unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. It also includes key Brownley provisions to improve dam safety, to provide equity in resources for our ports, and to ensure proper maintenance and dredging of Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor. Supports servicemembers and military families: The agreement provides for funding above the President’s budget request for programs directly impacting the quality of life for servicemembers, their families, and military communities, and by fully funding the 3.0 percent military pay raise. Honors our responsibilities to veterans: The agreement provides $90 billion for VA medical care, including funding to provide homelessness assistance, suicide prevention and outreach, and gender-specific care. One-page fact sheets on critical Democratic priorities included among the appropriations provisions, the coronavirus relief provisions, and the authorizing matters are here, here, and here respectively. ### Issues: 116th Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-latest-covid-19-relief-package-and-omnibus-deal,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Latest COVID-19 Relief Package and Omnibus Deal,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Latest COVID-19 Relief Package and Omnibus Deal Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today released a statement on the latest COVID-19 relief package and omnibus bill passed in the House of Representatives and expected to pass the Senate later this evening. This deal comes eight months after the House and Senate agreed on the first COVID relief package, the CARES Act, and three months after House Democrats proposed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, the Heroes Act, which was never considered in the Senate. This package includes $600 direct payments for all eligible individuals, $300 per week in extended Unemployment Insurance, an extension of the national eviction mortarium, $325 billion for Small Business assistance, and funding for health care needs to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Congresswoman Lee successfully fought for inclusion of $2.8 billion for testing, contact tracing, and vaccines for communities of color and medically underserved communities that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The funding is intended to support community organizations, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to serve as trusted messengers of live-saving information in vulnerable communities and assist in vaccine distribution. This relief deal isnecessary,butis eight months late and billions of dollars shortfor the magnitude of this crisis,said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. It's shameful this was the only dealRepublicanswould agree to despite the massive need for relief around the country. Eight million more people have fallen into poverty since the beginning of the crisisthis survival package is a critical lifeline for relief. This legislation includes$600 direct payments,$300inweekly unemployment insurance,over$300 billion in small business assistance,and extended eviction protection for families. I'm pleased we were able to come to this agreement, but it should be looked at as a down-payment for continued relief on the horizon. I'm appreciative of Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Pallone and Chairwoman DeLauro for working with me toinvest $2.8 billion toaddress the disparate racial and ethnic impact of COVID. Black, Latino, Asian-American and indigenous people are suffering the worst of this pandemic.Black people are dying at 1.8 times, Indigenous people at 1.5 times, and Latinx people at 1.3 times the rate of white people in the United States. Mortality rates within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are also high. ?Between January and July, the AAPI death rate rose 35 percent, compared to an increase of 9 percent for white Americans. While we have more work to do, I'm pleased that fundingIfought forwiththe Tri-Caucus, our Native American membersandSenatorElizabethWarrenwas included in this legislation. This deal will serve as a survival package and a critical lifeline to get families through the holidays. This is just a small fraction of what itwilltake to support families and get the economy to recoveras a result ofmonths of Republican inaction. I'm looking forward to continuing our effortsin the new yearto keep families afloat, crush this virus, and turn the corner on this difficult period in our history. This package is also tied to the FY'21 Omnibus spending bill, which keeps the government open. Congresswoman Lee, who serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, successfully included the following provisions in the bill: Nearly $6 billion for PEPFAR, including one and a half billion for the Global Fund. $55 million for UNFPA $68 billion for SNAP $90 billion for veterans' health Over $500 million to get lead out of drinking water. Over $400 million for Historically Black Colleges and University's (HBCU's) $25.8 billion for Rental Assistance $10.7 billion for Head Start $500 million in Help America Vote grants $3.36 billion for GAVI to support vaccinations around the world and help developing countries tackle this pandemic. Restores Pell grant access for formerly incarcerated individuals Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-removal-of-robert-e-lee-statue-from-us-capitol,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Removal of Robert E. Lee Statue from U.S. Capitol,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Removal of Robert E. Lee Statue from U.S. Capitol Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue from the crypt of the U.S. Capitol: In 2017, in the wake of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, I introduced the Confederate Monument Removal Act with Rep. Bennie Thompson to remove all statues of those who voluntarily served the Confederacy from the Capitol building. The removal of the Robert E. Lee statue from the U.S. Capitol today is an important step in confronting our nation's painful legacy of slavery, racism, and oppression. I applaud the replacement of this statue with one of Barbara Johns a civil rights pioneer who, at the age of 16, played a key role in the desegregation of public schools. Statues honoring those who committed treason against our country to preserve the institution of slavery have no place in our society and certainly should not be enshrined in our government buildings. Our fight to remove symbols of hate and racism is far from over. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that these statues are never welcomed again in our Capitol or any place of honor. In July, the House passed H.R. 7573, a bill introduced by House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) along with Congresswoman Lee, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37), Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Congressman. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), that would require states to reclaim and replace any statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection of individuals who volunteered for the armed services of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-votes-for-covid-19-relief-and-government-funding-legislation,Rep. Mike Levin Votes for COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Legislation,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Levin,L000593,levin.house.gov,levin,https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) voted for bipartisan government funding legislation that includes nearly $900 billion in COVID-19 relief. The legislation includes $600 stimulus checks, a $300 per week increase in unemployment, $325 billion for small businesses, $32 billion for vaccine procurement and distribution, $82 billion for schools, and much more. The government funding legislation includes $105 million for construction projects at Camp Pendleton; $17.6 million for local water recycling and desalination projects; several provisions from Rep. Levin’s bipartisan legislation to expand renewable energy development on public lands; Rep. Levin’s legislation to create a spent nuclear fuel research and development program at the Department of Energy; and $27.5 million for nuclear waste disposal. “The American people deserved this relief a long time ago, but I am glad that Congress has finally passed bipartisan legislation to help get through the next several months of the pandemic,” said Rep. Levin. “This bill includes desperately-needed aid to support unemployed individuals and low-income families, keep small businesses afloat, bolster our public health response and expand vaccine distribution, help schools educate safely, and more. These are all good things, but they’re not enough. We should be providing far more in unemployment and stimulus payments so families can actually make ends meet, additional grants for small businesses to keep workers on payroll, and funding to help state and local governments keep essential services running. We must pass another COVID relief bill in the coming months, and I will continue to fight for these priorities in the 117th Congress.” “I am also glad that the government funding legislation includes other key priorities for North County San Diego and South Orange County. The bill includes my legislation to foster innovation in the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, parts of my bill to expand renewable energy development on public lands, and also includes authorizations for the Del Mar bluffs shoreline project, the Oceanside Special Shoreline Study, and the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project. With these provisions and major new protections for patients from surprise medical bills, this legislation makes important progress for the 49th District,” said Rep. Levin. Rep. Levin also announced that he received the COVID-19 vaccine at the direction of the House Attending Physician in order to ensure continuity of government operations. “In response to the House Attending Physician’s ‘absolutely unequivocal’ recommendation that all Members of Congress receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I received an initial dose of the vaccine,” said Rep. Levin. “Let me be clear: this vaccine is safe and effective. I strongly encourage everyone to listen to their doctors and public health experts who recommend vaccination as soon as it is available. In the meantime, I will keep fighting for additional funding to distribute the vaccine as quickly as possible, and I will continue to follow all CDC guidelines to limit the spread of this virus.” A summary of the COVID-19 relief legislation is available here. The legislation includes: $600 stimulus checks for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, as well as $600 for each child dependent. A family of four with less than $150,000 in 2019 income will receive $2,400. Additional unemployment benefits up to $300 per week for 11 weeks, including unemployment for contract and gig workers. $330 billion in grants for small businesses. $32 billion to support vaccine procurement and distribution. $9 billion for health care providers. $82 billion for schools. $22 billion for testing and tracing. $13 billion in nutrition assistance. $45 billion for transportation systems. $25 billion for rental assistance. $10 billion for child care assistance. $7 billion to increase access to broadband. $10 billion in direct funding for the United States Postal Service that was previously allocated under the CARES Act as a loan. A summary of the government funding legislation is available here. It includes key local priorities for North County San Diego and South Orange County, including: Several provisions from Rep. Levin’s bipartisan legislation to expand renewable energy development on public lands. Rep. Levin’s legislation to create a spent nuclear fuel research and development program at the Department of Energy, authorized at $300 million over five years. $27.5 million for nuclear waste disposal. $20 million is for interim storage and $7.5 million is for Nuclear Waste Fund oversight activities. $17.6 million for local water recycling and desalination projects $6 million for Oceanside’s Pure Water Oceanside: Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility Project $11.673 million for South Coast Water District’s Doheny Ocean Desalination Project $105 million for construction projects at Camp Pendleton 1st MARDIV Operations Complex: $68.53 million I MEF Consolidated Information Center: $37 million Authorizations for the San Luis Rey River Flood Protection Project in Oceanside and the Del Mar bluffs shoreline project, as well as language directing the Army Corps to expedite the long-delayed Oceanside Special Shoreline Study. Protections from surprise medical bills by ensuring patients are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider. Enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to increase the construction of affordable housing. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/s-nchez-statement-covid-relief-and-omnibus-spending-agreement,Sánchez Statement on COVID Relief and Omnibus Spending Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Linda T. Sánchez,S001156,lindasanchez.house.gov,lindasanchez,https://lindasanchez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement after the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral end-of-year legislation: ""While the agreement is not perfect, I'm pleased that the Congress will provide long-overdue relief to families and businesses in Southern California and around the country. This omnibus agreement includes: desperately needed cash for families struggling to make ends meet, enhanced unemployment insurance for those who need it, and support for businesses who are reeling amid a sinking economy. In addition, this bill provides resources for a nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout, a critical step in curtailing the crisis of the pandemic. The House took the lead in passing legislation earlier this year that was more helpful and robust but was ignored by the Senate. I'm committed to putting back those stronger provisions in legislation next year. In the weeks ahead, I will continue working to secure additional provisions that support frontline and essential employees, family caregivers, and working parents in my district.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/chair-lofgren-statement-fairness-high-skilled-immigrants-act,Chair Lofgren Statement on the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,CA,Zoe Lofgren,L000397,lofgren.house.gov,lofgren,https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) – Chair of the House Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee and author of H.R. 1044, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act – today released the following statement on the status of legislative solutions to improve the employment-based immigrant visa system in America: ""I'm very disappointed that we have not yet been able to reach a compromise between the House and Senate on a version of the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act that creates the change we need and that can pass both Chambers of Congress. But I won't give up hope that ongoing bipartisan and bicameral talks can get us over the finish line in the next Congress. I'll keep trying. ""Unfortunately, the last-minute additions made in the Senate early this month defeated the congressional intent behind the House-passed bill. The Senate additions would create more backlogs instead of clearing backlogs, which was the very point of the House bill. To be clear, my effort at streamlining the system was aimed at people currently working in the United States – approved for work visas after their employers advertised and found no Americans to fill the job – and who now wait, sometimes for decades, for their visa numbers to finally arrive. ""I have been working for more than 12 years to end the per-country limits. There is simply no reason that the 25 countries of Europe, with a total population of 200 million, should be allocated three times more green cards than the seven countries in the Indian subcontinent, with roughly 1.7 billion inhabitants. Allocating green cards by country of birth is a relic of the past that never made any sense, and it makes even less sense in the modern business world. Members of Congress must work together to get this right."" Click here for the original text of the House-passed bill. Click here for the text of the substitute amendment that passed the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z