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://walters.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oc-register-op-ed-look-back-114th-congress,OC Register Op-Ed: A look back at the 114th Congress,2016-12-31,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"As 2016 comes to a close, so does the 114th Congress. Over the last two years, our country has faced great challenges, but we have also experienced tremendous success. I am honored to represent you this Congress and would like to share with you some of the landmark legislation we implemented to improve the lives of the American people. We passed, and the president signed, legislation that will prevent the Pentagon from unfairly revoking bonuses paid to California National Guard servicemembers. This bill also provides our troops with a well-deserved 2.1 percent raise and ensures our brave men and women in uniform have the resources they need to fight terrorism and protect our national security. We passed legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure that our veterans receive the care they have earned. Among the reforms signed into law is the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which will reduce veteran suicides by improving access to quality mental health care. The Survivors’ Bill of Rights, which I introduced, will ensure survivors of sexual assault have full access to justice. This bill, which was signed into law in October 2016, guarantees sexual assault survivors commonsense legal protections, such as the right to receive a medical forensic exam and to have the evidence preserved. We also passed legislation to protect victims of human trafficking by providing law enforcement officers the tools they need to rescue survivors and prosecute traffickers. We took major steps to get the federal government out of the classroom and increase local control in our schools by passing the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law last December. The FAST Act, signed into law late last year, is the first long-term transportation bill in over a decade. This legislation reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit and safety programs. I secured language in the bill that requires the Department of Transportation to study the impact of driving under the influence of marijuana. We also worked to fix our broken tax code by implementing the PATH Act, which permanently codifies family and business tax credits. It is one of many reforms we need to make our tax code simpler, fairer and flatter. Earlier this month, we passed, and the president signed, the 21st Century Cures Act. This innovative legislation accelerates the discovery, development and delivery of life-saving cures and treatments. It also includes important provisions to combat the nationwide opioid epidemic and provides landmark reforms to our mental health care system. As we look ahead to the New Year, Congress has the opportunity to fulfill our duty to the American people by implementing even more solutions that will put our country back on the right path. I am excited to work as a unified Republican majority to implement our Better Way Agenda. This blueprint was carefully crafted after meeting with our constituents and hearing exactly what they need to make their American dream a reality. You can read our detailed policy proposals at better.gop. It is a privilege to represent you, and I encourage you to continue to contact me to share your thoughts and views because your input is important. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at walters.house.gov or at 949-263-8703 whenever we may be of service to you. I wish you all the best for a happy and safe new year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522,Denham Announces January 2017 Mobile District Office Hours,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today announced Mobile District Office Hours for the month of January 2017. Mobile District Office Hours are an opportunity for 10th district residents to meet with the congressman and staff to hear more about his work in Washington, D.C. and the Central Valley, have their questions answered or get help with specific casework. MDOs are hosted by staff and when possible by Rep. Denham. Staff members are available to assist 10th district residents with casework on matters including Medicare, Veteran’s Affairs, Social Security, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal legislation. Additional information is available through Rep. Denham’s website and the schedule for the month is provided below. Regular office hours are open to the public and no appointment is necessary. Schedule is subject to change throughout the year; any alterations will be posted online. For more information, please contact Rep. Denham’s Modesto district office at (209) 579-5458. Wednesday, Jan. 4 and 18 – Tracy 1-2 p.m. Tracy City Hall 333 Civic Center Plaza, Rm 216, Tracy, CA 95376 Friday, Jan. 6 and 20 – Manteca 10-11 a.m. Manteca Chamber of Commerce 183 W. North Street #6, Manteca, CA 95336 Friday, Jan. 6 – Waterford 2-3 p.m. City of Waterford 101 E Street, Waterford, CA 95386 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill’s office. Friday, Jan. 6 – Oakdale 3:30-4:30 p.m. State Senator Tom Berryhill's Office 102 Grove Avenue, Suite B, Oakdale, CA 95361 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill’s office. Tuesday, Jan. 10 – Escalon 10-11 a.m. Escalon City Hall 2060 McHenry Avenue, Escalon, CA 95320 *Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani’s office. Thursday, Jan. 12 – Hughson 11 a.m.-12 p.m. City of Hughson 7018 Pine Street, Hughson, CA 95326 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill’s office. Thursday, Jan. 12 – Modesto 2-3 p.m. Housing Authority of Stanislaus County 1701 Robertson Road, Modesto, CA 95351 Friday, Jan. 13 – Newman 9-10 a.m. City of Newman 938 Fresno Street, Newman, CA 95360 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices. Friday, Jan. 13 – Patterson 10:30-11:30 a.m. City of Patterson 1 Plaza, Patterson, CA 95363 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices. Thursday, Jan. 19 – Riverbank 4-5 p.m. Riverbank City Hall 6707 3rd Street, Riverbank, CA 95367 *Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani’s office. Friday, Jan. 20 – Ceres 1-2 p.m. State Senator Anthony Cannella's Office 2561 Third Street, Suite A, Ceres, CA 95307 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella and Assemblyman Adam Gray’s offices. Tuesday, Jan. 24 – Ripon 1-2 p.m. Ripon Chamber of Commerce 929 W Main Street, Ripon, CA *Held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani’s office. Wednesday, Jan. 25 – Turlock 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Turlock Chamber of Commerce Conference Room 115 South Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill’s office. Thursday, Jan. 26 – Denair 10:30-11:30 a.m. Denair Community Services District 3850 North Gratton Road, Denair, CA 95316 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill’s office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hunter.house.gov/its-new-year,IT'S A NEW YEAR,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Duncan Hunter,H001048,hunter.house.gov,,,legacy,"HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family…  2017 is almost here.  And the New Year will bring with it a new President and a new Administration, along with a reshaped Congress that is ready to act on behalf of American workers and taxpayers.   In the House of Representatives, there’s a full agenda already and Americans have good cause to be optimistic.   There’s high excitement for the commitments of the President-elect and his incoming Administration to prioritize tax reform, border enforcement, national defense and job creation.  Internationally, the President-elect is expected to act quickly to restore tattered relationships and strategic alliances—including America’s relationship with Israel.   No less important, the fight against Islamic terrorism and the threat it presents to the U.S. homeland, as well as our global partners, will receive renewed focus.  With the right leadership and strategic vision, it’s a fight that America can and will win. At the Department of Defense, the President-elect tapped former General James Mattis—a revered Marine Corps officer regarded as among the best of his generation.  At the Department of Homeland Security, the President-elect selected retired Marine General John Kelly, also considered to be among our military's finest.   I’ve had the great honor to serve with both John Kelly and James Mattis during my time in the Marine Corps.  I’ve observed both individuals operate and command forces during combat, and there’s no question that their experiences and insights will translate into meaningful and strong leadership at a time when America needs it most.  “Marines get stuff done,” as I told USA Today.   And an interesting note: I was first introduced to James Mattis during my first tour in Iraq after I and other Marines were ambushed.  From that point on, I’ve admired and respected him as a military officer and an individual.   The Department of Defense will be good in hands.  Trust me.  So too will the Department of Homeland Security.  The same goes for the other departments—including the Departments of Justice, Interior and Education. I’m encouraged.  And I’m especially eager to contribute to the aggressive agenda set for the weeks, months and year ahead. As always, I hope to hear from you throughout the course of the year as Congress does its legislative work, in addition to providing effective oversight.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398265,Valadao Spends Holidays with Troops,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,David Valadao,V000129,valadao.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman David G. Valadao is currently traveling with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, including Afghanistan and other nations. share: f t Washington – U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) is currently traveling with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, including Afghanistan and other nations. In addition to Congressman Valadao, Congressmen Mike Coffman (CO-06), David Cicilline (RI-01), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) are also travelling with the bipartisan delegation. Congressman Valadao stated, “Having the opportunity to thank our service members abroad first hand, especially during the holiday season, is a tremendous honor. It is the sacrifice of these brave men and women, and their entire families, that allows the United States to remain a pillar of democracy and freedom.” He continued, “As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, it is important to see firsthand how our defense dollar are being spent abroad and meeting with top officials leading the fight against ISIS and other terrorirst organizations are an important part of that oversight.” Thus far, Congressman Valadao has had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul, General John W. Nicholson, Jr., who is overseeing the Operation Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and Major General John C. Thomson III, commanding general for the 1st Calvary Division. In December 2015, Congressmen Valadao, Cicilline, and Zeldin travelled to the Middle East on a CODEL, making this Congressman Valadao’s second consecutive holiday spent with troops in the Middle East during the holiday season. Below, are photos of Congressman Valadao during his trip abroad.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/water-for-our-community,Water for our Community,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Kevin McCarthy,M001165,kevinmccarthy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Californians are getting a long-awaited present just in time for the holidays this year: water. Years of careful, diligent, and at times contentious negotiations between all sides of the California water issue and in both the House and Senate yielded the largest reforms to our state’s water policy in almost a generation‎. These reforms were made law last week. With this historic law, our state can better take advantage of winter storms, and enough additional water could flow to potentially supply the yearly water needs for 446,000 California households of four. It will allow development of water storage projects to store up to an additional 1.5 million acre-feet, or nearly 489 billion gallons of water. More water can now be pumped to seize water following storms, leaving behind the days of unfettered loss to the ocean. Also included in the law are provisions promoting water desalination, recycling, conservation and efficiency, as well as rejuvenating the Delta smelt and Chinook salmon populations. The impacts of this law will reach far beyond the Central Valley and the California state line. Americans everywhere may not feel it immediately, but our food security – especially in the produce section – has been strengthened. This is a win-win for our community and environmental stewardship. While there is much yet to be done, this legislation represents a harbinger of hope not just for our Central Valley communities, farmers and families whom unnecessary regulatory burdens have harmed, but also for the end of gridlock that has gripped Washington for the past decade and made it difficult for commonsense solutions to be enacted into law. I look forward to building upon this success in the future as the tides change in Washington and to provide more water relief to California in the years ahead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397533,Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations f t # e Washington, D.C., December 20, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced the students from the 42nd Congressional District who have been nominated to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women from the 42nd Congressional District of California for an appointment to one or more U.S. Service Academies—Air Force, Naval, Military and Merchant Marine.    The Service Academies will evaluate the nominees based on their academic, athletic and physical qualifications and extend an appointment to the best qualified students that Rep. Calvert has nominated. “These young men and women who I have nominated to the service academies have character, integrity, motivation and pride, and I am proud to nominate them,” stated Rep. Calvert. “They will serve our country well.”   On November 19, 2016, Congressman Calvert’s Academy Nominations Selection Committee evaluated candidates from the 42nd Congressional District, who were seeking a nomination to one or more of our nation’s military service academies. Twenty-eight candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert’s nomination. They are as follows:    U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY:  Zakariya Ahmed, Santiago High School James Burke Jr., Santiago High School Nicholas Carbonell, Murrieta Mesa High School Sierra Crawford, Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School  Breven Engelson, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Kyle Latzke, Vista Murrieta High School Aaron Miranda, Vista Murrieta High School Kassey Pugeda, Temecula Preparatory School Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School Jacob Taylor, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School   U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:  Cole Crisp, Corona High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Kyle Gibbs, Norco High School  Sante Grossi, Martin Luther King High School Seth Harris, Paloma Valley High School Robert Heideman, Great Oak High School John Howard, St. Michael’s Preparatory School Kimberly Lynch, Murrieta Valley High School Danielle Smith, Norco High School,  Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College Sarah Workman, Great Oak High School   U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT:  Brian Bae, Murrieta Mesa High School James Bilbrey, Murrieta Valley High School Xavier Bryant, Eleanor Roosevelt High School Isaac Cunalata, Murrieta Mesa High School Niles Harrell, Notre Dame High School Scott Im, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending University of California, Berkeley Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School Courtney Springman, Chino High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Military Preparatory School Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College Riana Zuchlewski, Hillcrest High School       ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-announces-42nd-district-service-academy-nominations,Rep. Calvert Announces 42nd District Service Academy Nominations,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced the students from the 42nd Congressional District who have been nominated to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women from the 42nd Congressional District of California for an appointment to one or more U.S. Service AcademiesAir Force, Naval, Military and Merchant Marine. The Service Academies will evaluate the nominees based on their academic, athletic and physical qualifications and extend an appointment to the best qualified students that Rep. Calvert has nominated. ""These young men and women who I have nominated to the service academies have character, integrity, motivation and pride, and I am proud to nominate them,"" stated Rep. Calvert. ""They will serve our country well."" On November 19, 2016, Congressman Calvert's Academy Nominations Selection Committee evaluated candidates from the 42nd Congressional District, who were seeking a nomination to one or more of our nation's military service academies. Twenty-eight candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert's nomination. They are as follows: U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY: Zakariya Ahmed, Santiago High School James Burke Jr., Santiago High School Nicholas Carbonell, Murrieta Mesa High School Sierra Crawford, Murrieta Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Breven Engelson, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Kyle Latzke, Vista Murrieta High School Aaron Miranda, Vista Murrieta High School Kassey Pugeda, Temecula Preparatory School Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School Jacob Taylor, Chaparral High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY: Cole Crisp, Corona High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Kyle Gibbs, Norco High School Sante Grossi, Martin Luther King High School Seth Harris, Paloma Valley High School Robert Heideman, Great Oak High School John Howard, St. Michael's Preparatory School Kimberly Lynch, Murrieta Valley High School Danielle Smith, Norco High School, Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College Sarah Workman, Great Oak High School U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT: Brian Bae, Murrieta Mesa High School James Bilbrey, Murrieta Valley High School Xavier Bryant, Eleanor Roosevelt High School Isaac Cunalata, Murrieta Mesa High School Niles Harrell, Notre Dame High School Scott Im, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending University of California, Berkeley Cathleen Runde, Temecula Valley High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Northwestern Prep School Courtney Springman, Chino High School (Class of 2016), currently attending United States Military Preparatory School Julia Stedman, Santiago High School (Class of 2016), currently attending Lane Community College Riana Zuchlewski, Hillcrest High School ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walters-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Rep. Walters Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Irvine, CA – Today, Congresswoman Mimi Walters announced the winner of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 45th District.  Speaking about the Congressional App Challenge, Congresswoman Walters said: “Orange County’s students are among the brightest in the country, and I was so impressed by the apps they submitted to the Congressional App Challenge.  This year’s winner is Shalin Shah, a student at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita.  We were impressed by his technical skill and his desire to improve healthcare for people who might otherwise be unable to access it.  Congratulations to Shalin, the other winners, and the honorable mentions! I thank all of the brilliant students who created apps this year and look forward to hosting the Congressional App Challenge again in 2017.” “Glaucoma is one of the most deadly eye diseases, causing people permanent vision loss,” said Shalin Shah. “Unfortunately, without regular visits to the doctors, there’s no way people can know they have glaucoma, ultimately resulting in unnecessary blindness.  Lumos can help people screen themselves for glaucoma without even the need for doctors and potentially save millions of people from losing vision.  Throughout the months it took me to research and develop Lumos, I have not only explored so many new areas of computer science and biology, but I’ve also been able to contribute to the STEM community in a new way. And that’s what means the most to me.” Beckman High School’s Sara Du was the first runner-up with her app rePear, which provides support for people struggling with depression.  Sishir Giri, who attends Tustin High School, was awarded third place for his app, Caucus, to help students find more straightforward answers to their questions.  University High School’s Anne Xu earned an honorable mention in the sustainability category for her app, Green Guide, to make it easier for young learners to find information on waste disposal.  Roxanna and Sarina Rabiee won honorable mentions in the “students helping students” category for their app that enables students to create schedules to more effectively manage their time; Roxanna attends University High School, and Sarina is a fourth grader at Turtle Rock Elementary.  Yufeng Zhou of Santa Margarita Catholic High School was awarded an honorable mention in the healthy living category for his app that teaches the basics of exercise and fitness. The winners were selected by a panel of educators in Orange County who specialize in computer science and innovation.  Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/it-s-official-california-is-getting-water,Its Official: California is Getting Water,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Kevin McCarthy,M001165,kevinmccarthy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement on California water legislation being signed into law as part of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: “This is a great moment for California. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and our constituents to deliver the largest reforms to California water policy in 25 years. This water deal has been years in the making and was achieved by an unwavering commitment to our communities and state. This new law will help our communities receive more water this wet season and will help move forward storage projects that will define California’s bright future. We have not solved all of California’s water challenges, but this legislation is an incredibly positive first step. I look forward to getting back to work to build on these results. But in the meantime, I am proud to have played a role in this pivotal moment for our state’s future.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397532,Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Signed into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, December 16th, the President signed H.R. 6416 into law, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges.   “Our veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,” said Rep. Calvert. “Community colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased the President signed this bill into law to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions.”   “We are pleased that the members of Congress made access to education for student veterans a priority,” said Virginia Blumenthal, Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Board President. “Current and former members of the RCCD board have supported this bill and we are pleased that Congressman Calvert and members of congress passed it. Our colleges served more than 1,740 student veterans in 2015-16, all of whom will benefit from an improved process.”   H.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as RCCD. Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions.         ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398226,Reps. Royce and Sewell Urge Alternative Credit Score Consideration by GSEs,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), members of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following joint statement in reaction to today's release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) 2017 Scorecard: “Alternative credit score consideration by the GSEs is a win-win: it opens up the market to those looking to buy a home in a responsible manner and fosters healthy competition in the credit scoring field. That's why there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for such a move. We encourage the FHFA to move forward without further delay."" Last year, Reps. Royce and Sewell introduced H.R. 4211, the Credit Score Competition Act, which enables Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider credit scoring models they currently don't evaluate when making mortgage purchasing decisions. The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled ""Examining Legislative Proposals to Address Consumer Access to Mainstream Banking Services"" during which witnesses testified on the benefits of enacting such a policy change.The 2017 Scorecard states that the FHFA expects the GSEs to: ""Conclude assessment of updated credit score models for underwriting, pricing, and investor disclosures, and, as appropriate, plan for implementation.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-s-veterans-education-bill-signed-law,Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Signed into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, December 16th, the President signed H.R. 6416 into law, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges. ""Our veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""Community colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased the President signed this bill into law to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions."" ""We are pleased that the members of Congress made access to education for student veterans a priority,"" said Virginia Blumenthal, Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Board President. ""Current and former members of the RCCD board have supported this bill and we are pleased that Congressman Calvert and members of congress passed it. Our colleges served more than 1,740 student veterans in 2015-16, all of whom will benefit from an improved process."" H.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as RCCD. Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-warns-uc-president-on-illegal-immigrant-policy,Rohrabacher Warns UC President on Illegal Immigrant Policy,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Dana Rohrabacher,R000409,rohrabacher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher today warned University of California president Janet Napolitano that continuing to accommodate illegal immigrants in the state university system could lead to a cut in federal research funds. In a letter to Napolitano, the California Republican cited her Nov. 30 statement pertaining to “Undocumented Members of the UC Community,” in which she affirmed that the system admits students “without regard to immigration status.”  In his letter, Rohrabacher wrote: “Your commitment to spending scarce resources to finance people illegally present in the United States is unacceptable and a flagrant misuse of taxpayer money. This is an insult to Americans and legal immigrants who pay your salary.” The lawmaker noted that the newly elected Congress will adversely view those who harbor “people illegally present in our country” when allocating federal funds. “It may be prudent for you to consider that approximately 50% of the University of California’s research funding is supported by federal taxpayers’ dollars before pledging non-compliance with federal law,” he said. The letter appears below. The full text of the letter may be viewed here.                                                                                        # # # Contact: Kenneth Grubbs, 202-225-2415",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398225,Royce Announces CA-39 Congressional Award Winners,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) announced this year's winners from California's 39th Congressional District of the Congressional Award, the highest honor Congress bestows upon young Americans. This Congressional recognition is reserved for students who have completed up to 100 hours in the areas of public service, physical fitness, and personal development.A full list of winners can be viewed here.“The Congressional Award Program not only encourages public service, it fosters a sense of civic duty and good citizenship,"" said Rep. Royce. ""Congressional Award winners often go on to become leaders in our community, and it's an honor to recognize these young people for their accomplishments.""Established by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor young participants who have set, and achieved, personal goals driving service and individual development across the nation. There are no minimum grade point average requirements and the program accommodates youth with special needs and disabilities. In pursuit of the Congressional Award, over 49,000 students have performed more than 3.5 million volunteer hours. The CA-39 winners of the Award were presented with a Congressional Award certificate and medal by Rep. Royce during a reception he hosted in his Brea office.Additional details on the Congressional Award Program are available at http://congressionalaward.org and on Rep. Royce's website here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237,Denham Announces 2016 Military Service Academy Nominees,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today announced the 2016 service academy nominees from California’s 10th congressional district. Rep. Denham nominated 25 students from cities across the district to four of the nation’s prestigious military academies. “One of my greatest honors representing the Valley is nominating these young men and women to our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Denham. “Their patriotism and commitment to our country’s future is commendable, and I look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the years to come.” Students were nominated to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Students seeking attendance at one of the military academies must be nominated by a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator or the Vice President. Nominees are selected through a rigorous application and interview process and are chosen based on factors including academic achievement, leadership ability, physical aptitude, participation in extra-curricular activities and demonstration of character. Students may seek acceptance to more than one academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination to attend. Academy students commit to serving in the military for a minimum of five years active duty upon graduation. If their nominations are accepted, students will receive notice from the individual service academies in April 2017. For more information about the military academy nomination process, please visit https://denham.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations. The full list of this year’s nominees is below. Emmanuel Abok – Johansen High School – U.S. Naval Academy Emily Arroyo – The Athenian School – U.S. Naval Academy Christina Aquinde – Tracy High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point Alec Austin – Nile C. Kinnick High School – U.S. Naval Academy Domenica Avila – Kimball High School – U.S. Air Force Academy Aidan Cabelera – Beyer High School – U.S. Naval Academy Gregory Cameron – Cal Maritime Academy – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Philip Garcia – Tracy Joint Union High School – U.S. Military Academy at West Point Jessica Groen – Modesto Christian High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy Brett Hanson – Turlock High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy Sophia Hill – Oakdale High School – U.S. Naval Academy Jillian Jamero – U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School – U.S. Air Force Academy Cody Jacobson – Turlock High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Amanda Lial – Beyer High School – U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy Nicholas Mendez – Downey High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point Jaime Tellez Patino – East Union High School – U.S. Naval Academy Hannah Presley – Tracy High School – U.S. Military Academy at West Point Andrew Priela-Soto – Millennium High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Rachel Purl – Central Catholic High School – U.S. Naval Academy Bonifacio Quiambao – Las Positas College – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point Katherine Ray – Sierra High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy Princess Smith – Patterson High School – U.S. Military Academy at West Point Elijah Stugelmeyer – Ceres High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Trevor Terpstra – Modesto Christian High School – U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy Kyle Whitfield – Brigham Young University – U.S. Naval Academy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398222,California representatives want more information on government animal testing,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Federal agencies don’t do enough to track and justify their use of live animals for research, several members of Congress wrote in a letter asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office to examine the issue. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) led the letter, which also was backed by Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey), Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) and eight other House members. “We have discovered it is impossible to determine what federal animal research programs currently entail, what they cost and if they meet federal standards because of the limited and decentralized information available publicly. Federal agencies are not currently required to publicly report their total use of animals in research, do not publish noncompliance reports and generally do not maintain searchable databases of animal research projects with information about their purpose, methods, results, and cost,” the letter says. Calvert said without the reporting, it is difficult for Congress to tell whether the research is effective and where there may be redundancies. “I’m not opposed to the rare testing of animals when it’s absolutely necessary,” Calvert said. But, “most people in America who are asked would say, ‘No, let’s not harm animals unnecessarily if there are other methods.’ ” The representatives also are asking the government oversight agency to look at which federal agencies conduct animal research and testing and how each agency informs Congress and the public about the costs, type of research and outcomes of the testing. They also want the office to look at how agencies report problems with testing and report their efforts to develop alternatives to animal testing. In addition, representatives are asking for data on how much money each agency spent on animal testing and how many animals were used in testing in fiscal year 2016. “One, I like animals, but two, I don’t like waste,” Calvert said. “In the end, this is going to save a lot of money, and obviously it’s going to increase the welfare for many [animals].” California’s members of Congress made a similar appeal earlier this year for information on the military’s use of animals for medical training instead of simulated human flesh.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hunter.house.gov/press-release/rep-hunter-sen-johnson-write-vice-president-elect-pence-roll-back-e-cigarette,"Rep. Hunter, Sen. Johnson Write Vice President-elect Pence to Roll Back E-Cigarette Regulations",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Duncan Hunter,H001048,hunter.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) sent a letter Monday to Vice President-elect Mike Pence concerning the FDA’s regulation of e-cigarettes.   Johnson and Hunter are raising concerns about the agency’s recent e-cigarette regulation, which could create undue burdens on small businesses and possibly lead to negative unintended health consequences. The lawmakers are hopeful that, under a new administration, these harmful regulations can be repealed. “We are hopeful that through both executive and legislative action, burdensome regulations imposed by the Obama administration will be re-examined and undone,” the lawmakers wrote. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s deeming regulation of e-cigarettes is an example of a burdensome rule that could eliminate an entire emerging industry.  The FDA’s rule threatens to crush the e-cigarette industry and potentially hurt the public’s health by making it harder for consumers to access products that serve as an alternative to smoking.” The letter can be found here and below: December 12, 2016     The Honorable Mike Pence Vice President-Elect Presidential Transition Office 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006   Dear Vice President-Elect Pence:                 Congratulations to President-Elect Trump and you on your election.  Your shared commitment to regulatory reform is an important step in unwinding years of regulatory overreach that expanded the size, scope, and cost of government.  On November 8, the American people voiced their disapproval of the type of government that ignores the input of small business owners, consumers, and job creators.  We are hopeful that through both executive and legislative action, burdensome regulations imposed by the Obama Administration will be re-examined and undone. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) deeming regulation of e-cigarettes is an example of a burdensome rule that could eliminate an entire emerging industry.  The FDA’s rule threatens to crush the e-cigarette industry and potentially hurt the public’s health by making it harder for consumers to access products that serve as an alternative to smoking.  The FDA’s regulation, which went into effect in August, requires e-cigarette manufactures to complete costly and time-consuming applications in order to get federal approval to sell e-cigarette products.  These applications could cost e-cigarette manufacturers—most of which are small businesses—more than $1 million per product, according to some estimates. Many e-cigarette manufacturers cannot afford this expensive application process, and it is likely that this regulation will force most of them to shut down.  The FDA’s regulation will have a negative effect on an industry that has been innovating and putting thousands of people to work for the past decade.  Christian Berkey, the Chief Executive Officer of an e-liquid company located in Hartland, Wisconsin, is one of many innovators and job-creators whose business will be affected by this burdensome regulation.  Mr. Berkey has told the Committee that the effect of this rule on the e-cigarette industry would be “catastrophic.” If the FDA’s overreach goes unchecked, then thousands of jobs and small businesses will disappear.  To reign in the regulatory overreach of the Obama Administration, it necessary to consider all appropriate executive and legislative options to ease the burdens on job creators and innovators.  As we continue to pursue legislative options that will protect the thousands of small businesses that rely on producing and selling e-cigarettes, we respectfully urge the new Administration to consider repealing or suspending the FDA’s burdensome deeming regulation over e-cigarettes.  With the President-Elect’s leadership, we are hopeful that we can protect thousands of small-business owners, employees, and consumers from the FDA’s overreach.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely,       Ron Johnson                                                                                                                      Duncan Hunter Chairman                                                                                                                            Member of Congress Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=443,Denham to Host Facebook Live Discussion with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) will host a Facebook Live discussion on Monday, Dec. 12 at 1:05 p.m. PST (4:05 p.m. EST) with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. A link to Rep. Denham’s official Facebook page is available here: https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffDenham/ WHO: U.S. Representative Jeff Denham with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx WHAT: Facebook Live discussion on transportation issues affecting the 10th congressional district WHEN: Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at 1:05 p.m. PST (4:05 p.m. EST) # # # In case you missed it live, Rep. Denham's conversation with Sec. Foxx is available to watch on Facebook and YouTube.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398221,Financial Services Members Move the Needle Forward on Housing Finance Reform,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, two bills were introduced by a bipartisan group of members on the House Financial Services Committee to lay the groundwork for housing finance reform next Congress -- H.R. 6500, the Moving Housing Forward Act, introduced by Congressmen John K. Delaney (D-MD), John Carney (D-DE), and Jim Himes (D-CT) and H.R. 6487, the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act introduced by Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI). Both proposals seek to address issues in housing finance through pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.“An all-of-the-above approach to credit risk transfers by the GSEs is critical, as we look for ways to decrease taxpayer exposure to future losses and maintain a stable housing market. Members of both sides of the aisle agree that the status quo of a housing market dominated by the federal government is unsustainable,” said Congressman Royce.“Owning a home has long been a key part of the American Dream. If Congress isn’t ensuring access to affordable housing and a stable housing market, we are failing millions of middle class families,” said Congressman Delaney. “With the current difficulty millions of Americans face getting mortgages, it’s time for Congress to end the gridlock on housing finance reform and start advancing reasonable bipartisan ideas like these innovative pilot programs that will help Congress finalize larger reforms. I’m proud to work with Congressman Himes and Congressman Carney on our bill and I’m grateful for Congressman Royce and Congresswoman Moore’s efforts to also advance housing reform. In these two bills, we advance reform efforts that combine the strengths of the private sector and public sector to keep an affordable fixed-rate thirty-year mortgage alive and preserve a government guarantee, while introducing greater fiscal responsibility and stability to the housing finance system. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties next Congress.”“Ensuring the stability of our housing market is crucial to our communities and our economy,’ said Congressman Carney. “These bills seek to address critical issues at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and to do so in a responsible way. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be in Congress to continue this work, I’m glad we were able to keep the ball rolling.” “Congress needs to make progress on issues that affect the lives of working families in tangible ways, and it is hard to think of anything that can build wealth and change lives more significantly than home ownership,” said Congressman Himes. “Our plan combines the best ideas and resources from the private and public sector, which is an approach that has wide support from the experts most knowledgeable in the field. This legislation can set the tone for a new way of doing business on Capitol Hill that puts the priorities of the American people first.”Eight years after the financial crisis housing finance reform remains unaddressed. Government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac places taxpayers at risk for future bailouts and impacts access to credit for borrowers. On average, borrowers need a FICO score that is 50 points higher than they did 15 years ago. As a leading economic driver for the United States and an important asset for middle-class savings, stability in the housing sector and adequate access to mortgages for home buyers is imperative.To address these issues, House Financial Services members have introduced two proposals that establish pilot programs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is crucial that Congress take up legislation to fix the structure of both Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) to prevent future housing crises and protect American taxpayers while also ensuring that Americans retain the dream of owning their own home. Both bills seek to test strategies and gain feedback to better inform future Congressional actions. The Moving Housing Forward Act would test a pari passu finance pricing structure for Credit Risk Transfers, while Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act expands mortgage insurance to lessen risk for the enterprises. In addition, both efforts push the regulators and GSEs to explore new and innovative means of sharing risk and advance the conversation around how to best reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These pilots provide important real-world feedback to help Congress act on comprehensive housing finance reform. The members look forward to continuing to work together to examine new structures that ensure both affordability of mortgages and fiscal responsibility. To view bill text of the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act click here. To view bill text of Moving Housing Forward Act click here. For a one-pager on the Moving Housing Forward Act click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oc-register-op-ed-revolutionizing-mental-health-care,OC Register Op-Ed: Revolutionizing Mental Health Care,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"In September, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County broke ground on its Pediatric Mental Health Facility, which will house Orange County’s first inpatient program that can accommodate children under the age of 12. It will also allow CHOC to open intensive outpatient programs and expand mental health services for children with chronic illnesses. I was proud to be a part of the ground-breaking ceremony and see so many members of our community come together for this common goal. When CHOC broke ground on that facility, it broke down barriers and removed some of the unfair stigmas associated with mental health. Importantly, CHOC took major steps to ensure that children who suffer from mental illness receive the care they need. With this new facility, O.C.’s mental health care system will ensure our children have access to quality mental health care, yet sadly, a reliable mental health care system remains out of reach for too many of the estimated 10 million Americans who have a serious mental illness. For far too long, the way we have approached mental health care has not worked. An uncoordinated patchwork of government programs has let too many people slip through the cracks. We have failed families who have desperately sought out adequate mental health care for their loved ones and turned a blind eye to our neighbors in need. In O.C., an estimated one in five children are affected by a mental health condition, meaning more than 150,000 local children face mental health challenges. Currently, there are no psychiatric inpatient beds in O.C. for children under the age of 12, and O.C. has fewer psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed social workers than other cities and counties in California. Even more troubling, approximately two children, who have attempted suicide or experienced suicide ideation, per day go to CHOC’s Emergency Department. A 2015 Government Accountability Office report found that the 112 federal programs meant to address mental illness are not coordinating effectively. Even though the federal government spends $130 billion annually on mental health care, throwing more money at our broken system will not fix it. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of approximately 100,000 psychiatric beds and only one child psychiatrist for every 2,000 children with a mental health disorder. Three of the largest mental health “hospitals” are not hospitals at all; they are criminal incarceration facilities. These major problems prevent those in need from accessing the quality mental health care they deserve. Recognizing the inadequate state of our nation’s mental health care system, Congress undertook a comprehensive review to better understand how to help those who are suffering. The result is an innovative set of reforms that allows patients to access effective care. Congress has passed legislation — the 21st Century Cures Act — to reform this country’s mental health care system by refocusing programs on effective therapies, reforming the administration of federal grants, and removing the many bureaucratic barriers to care. At its core, this bill will accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of new treatments and cures for diseases we now consider incurable. Additionally, it includes the critical resources needed to combat the rapidly growing nationwide opioid epidemic. There is no doubt we still have a long way to go to ensure that every American has access to quality mental health care, but the 21st Century Cures Act provides the first steps for the overhaul we need. CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Facility will revolutionize mental health care in our community, and I am hopeful its model will be emulated across the country. Americans in every community should have access to quality mental health care, and we cannot — and will not — stop until they do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398220,Rep. Royce Explores Economic Impacts of Lack of Short-Term Access to Capital,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned witnesses about the ramifications of recent rules and regulations on short-term access to capital during a Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises hearing entitled “The Impact of Regulations on Short-Term Financing.” “The United States is home to capital markets that are unmatched in terms of the size of our markets, the transparency, the depth, and the resiliency as we have seen. They provide the fuel that keeps the largest economy in the world moving, and allow for investment, development and ultimately allow for job growth. At the end of the day, wages per worker are dependent upon productivity per worker, that’s dependent upon investment per worker, and that’s dependent upon the capital markets and getting everybody into the capital markets. The European Commission recently engaged in what they called a ‘Call for Evidence’. That was a request to the public for feedback on 'interactions, inconsistencies, and gaps' and 'unintended consequences' created by Europe’s regulatory framework, created by their bureaucracy. Mr. Toomey, should U.S. regulators engage in a similar project as the EU’s 'Call for Evidence', and what would the benefits be of such an undertaking?” asked Chairman Royce.“The European Commission effort in the 'Call for Evidence'… provides a framework for doing this cumulative analysis on the effects of all these different and overlapping regulations. The parameters that the European Commission outlined, the impact on economic growth, we think is key. Obviously the interactions and the inconsistencies [are] key to understand… The ultimate output from a domestic standpoint is understanding how all of these disparate rules are attacking and addressing different types of risk, and whether they’re overshooting their policy goals to the detriment of ultimately the economy. I think when we look at the European Commission effort, the parameters they outlined are very similar to what we believe should be done, and now is a good time to do it given the rules have been in place for some time or at least some of them have,” replied Mr. Robert Toomey, Managing Director and Associate General Counsel at SIFMA.“Mr. Deas, the testimony that you submitted which focused on the impact of bank capital and liquidity rules on end users and corporate treasures, there was this argument: less liquidity can mean production comes to a halt. Less liquidity means often that the inventories run low, that the payroll isn’t made on time. All of which of course harms the people that rely on these businesses and harms the economy, and I would ask what could we do in Congress to address these concerns?” inquired Rep. Royce.“I would [advise] … for you to mandate that the banking regulators undertake an analysis of both the individual effects but, equally as important, the cumulative effects based on their interactions of these different rules as they affect Main Street companies. The banking regulators have taken steps [which] put that capital burden instead on the banks… without fully appreciating that in the end [the banks] are intermediaries, and we, the end users and the manufacturing companies in this country, bear those costs,” responded Mr. Thomas C. Deas, Jr., Chairman of the National Association of Corporate Treasurers. Watch Rep. Royce's questioning of the witnesses here or by clicking the image below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-statement-on-the-death-of-american-hero-john-glenn,Rohrabacher Statement on the Death of American Hero John Glenn,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Dana Rohrabacher,R000409,rohrabacher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher on Thursday issued the following statement on the death of former Senator John Glenn: I am by turns today both saddened by the death of Astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, and inspired by the memory of his heroism and his spirit of adventure. That spirit is quintessentially American, challenging and emboldening us to reach for the heavens while enlarging the body of our scientific knowledge. The last surviving Mercury 7 astronaut, Senator Glenn served as one of the most visible warriors on the front line in the Cold War against the Soviet Union. But he was an American hero even before his NASA years. He was a daring Marine pilot of a generation that included my own father, Lt. Col. Donald Tyler Rohrabacher, who indeed served on missions with the great John Glenn. Those were times in which such men nurtured within themselves that special formula that has been dubbed “the right stuff.” I myself was privileged to serve in the United States Congress with Senator Glenn. For 10 years we worked together, despite our different party affiliations, to find workable, near-term means by which to open up space for wider access and accelerated experimentation. I shall miss him dearly, and America must commit him permanently to our long hall of heroes. John Glenn opened a door to the heavens. Today he is safely on the other side of the threshold.                                                                                                         ##############   Contact: Kenneth Grubbs, 202-225-2415",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397531,Rep. Calvert Votes for Water Bill Providing Relief for California Communities,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (360 to 61) of the House in support of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources bill. “Even before California began to suffer from drought conditions, I have worked with my colleagues to enact solutions that improve our state’s aging water infrastructure and update the policies that have led to its inefficient operation,” said Rep. Calvert. “Today, we have passed a bipartisan bill that is an important first step towards capturing, storing and using more water when it rains, rather than allowing that water to flow out to the ocean.  The future of our state depends on a reliable water supply and I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure California has the water it needs.” The California drought provisions in the bill allow more water to be put to beneficial use. Specifically, the bill allows for Delta pumps to operate at higher levels while protecting fish through daily monitoring. The legislation also requires federal agencies to maximize water supplies consistent with applicable laws and biological opinions. Finally, the bill authorizes funding for critical California water storage projects, as well as desalination, water recycling, reuse and conservation projects. The WIIN Act also contained the legislative text of Rep. Calvert’s bill, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 5984. The bill quantifies the Band’s reserved water rights in the Santa Margarita River Watershed.  The legislation also authorizes necessary infrastructure to guarantee a permanent supply of water to the Band through cooperative agreements with the local water purveyors, including Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District and Metropolitan Water District.  Importantly, the legislation will provide a coordinated effort by the parties to manage the water within the basin that will bring all residents of the Pechanga Reservation a safe and dependable water supply for the future.   “The Pechanga Band of Indians, as well as all of the parties to this settlement, deserve to have some certainty on the future of their water supply. I’m grateful we have been able to enact the settlement and ensure all of the stakeholders in the Santa Margarita River Watershed can better shape their future.” The WIIN Act also included a provision supported by Rep. Calvert to allow projects that would reduce drought to compete for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans and loan guarantees.  Specifically, the language expands the list of eligible WIFIA projects to include those that prevent, reduce, or mitigate the effects of drought, including projects that enhance the resilience of drought-stricken watersheds. “Facing a drought of historic proportions, it is important we use every tool at our disposal to find new local water supplies, including through conservation.  This language will let the best drought-reduction projects pursue loans and loan guarantees so we can move towards a more reliable, innovative water system throughout California and the west.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-to-provide-drought-relief-for-california,Rep. Paul Cook Votes To Provide Drought Relief for California,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Cook (R- Apple Valley) today voted for S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The measure includes language from the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which passed the House in September, in addition to provisions to improve drinking water infrastructure, improve water storage and delivery to drought-stricken communities, address federal dam maintenance backlogs, and approve longstanding water settlement agreements. The bill also addresses the needs of America’s harbors, dams, flood protection, and other water resource infrastructure. Specifically the bill improves water storage and delivery for suffering, drought-stricken communities in California and other parts of the West. It expedites water storage and delivery and alternative water supply programs in the West to help many communities that are suffering from the drought. It also provides regulatory flexibility to capture more water in existing reservoirs during the wet months in California while not changing the Endangered Species Act. Rep. Cook said, “Today’s much-needed legislation is the most significant drought relief legislation in decades. Over the past few years, Californians have continued to suffer from droughts without any real infrastructural changes to improve the situation. This bill brings relief to drought-stricken communities, and it increases our ability to maximize our current water supply. I’m hopeful this common-sense legislation will pass in the Senate and be signed into law.” A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=861,Knight Applauds Passage of Drought Relief Measure,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bipartisan measure backed by Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) to bring drought relief to California passed the House of Representatives Thursday. With the bill’s passage, Congress is poised to deliver much-needed relief to the Golden State’s ongoing water crisis.The relief effort, led by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-24), is a the result of a long effort by Representatives from California to alleviate the Golden State’s drought crisis and take advantage of extra water from winter storms. The final package was negotiated with Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA), whose support is crucial to ensuring the bill passes the Senate and goes to the President for signature.  “With the drought now in entering its seventh year, and with winter storms fast-approaching, now is the time for Congress to act to ensure that Californians get the relief they need” said Representative Knight. “I applaud Leader McCarthy’s leadership on this important issue and Senator Feinstein’s support of this compromise. I am hopeful that we can continue our forward momentum and deliver a much-needed victory for the people and communities of our great state.” The water solutions compromise would take a multi-faceted approach to addressing California’s water crisis, including initiatives favored by Republicans such as improving water infrastructure and granting the ability to increase Delta pumping, as well as Democrat priorities such as  funding for water recycling and desalinization projects. The measure’s language was added to S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to construct various projects to improve rivers and harbors across the United States and provide funding for the Flint, Mich., water crisis. S. 612 passed the House 360 to 61 on Thursday and is expected to pass the Senate with bipartisan support. “Congress must pass legislation that will deliver relief to our drought-stricken state, and I will keep fighting to make sure that happens,” continued Rep. Knight. “I am pleased that we have a path forward to delivering solutions for our water crisis, and I look forward to working to see this measure signed into law.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-supports-government-funding-measure-california-water,"Rep. LaMalfa Supports Government Funding Measure, California Water Agreement Passed by House",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC –  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today voted in support of measures to fund federal government operations and modernize California’s water supply system. H.R. 2028 funds federal government operations at a $1.07 trillion level, $132 billion less than when LaMalfa first took office, and was passed on a 326-96 vote. S.612, which will improve water supply throughout California and accelerates the construction of projects like Sites Reservoir, passed on a 360-61 vote. Both bills are expected to be considered in the Senate rapidly. “As the 114th Congress comes to a close, House Republicans have ended the year on a strong note by passing a bill that addresses the people’s priorities while ensuring the next Congress and President-elect Trump can begin working together on day one. I’m proud that this bill continues to hold the line on government spending, authorizing $132 billion less than the federal government spent during my first year in the House,” said LaMalfa. “We also fund efforts to combat the opioid abuse crisis facing the nation, speed approval of the President-elects nominee for Secretary of Defense, and continue modernizing our military.”    LaMalfa also addressed the passage of S.612, the first California water supply proposal to receive support from a majority of California’s delegation in the House and Senator Dianne Feinstein.    “Today the House took a major step forward to address California’s water supply crisis, passing legislation modernizing operations and advancing projects like Sites Reservoir with strong bipartisan support,” LaMalfa added. “This compromise agreement doesn’t give anyone everything they want, but it does protect North State water rights, improve water reliability in our area, and help build the reservoirs we need to secure California’s economic future. With bipartisan support in the Senate, relief for our farms, families and communities is finally on the horizon.” Key North State components of the House amendment to S.612, which may be read here, include the following: Ironclad protections for the North State’s senior water rights and language ensuring that any additional water provided South of the Delta is not taken from North State allocations. (Subtitle J, Section 4005) Significant improvements in deliveries for less senior North State water right holders, ensuring that even in droughts they receive at least 50% allocations. (Subtitle J, Section 4005) A new system of authorizing surface water storage projects, including Sites Reservoir, that will speed construction of the infrastructure 67% of Californians voted for in passing Proposition 1 in 2014. The bill also directs $335 million in federal funding toward storage projects. (Subtitle J, Section 4007) Language ensuring that businesses impacted by new storage projects are not only compensated fairly, but have the opportunity to construct replacement facilities on federal land. This provision is intended to protect marinas, resorts, and others who could be impacted by a raised Shasta Dam. (Subtitle J, Section 4008) Requirements that a greater portion of South of Delta water supplies be diverted and stored during winter storms, when doing so does not impact North State supplies or the environment. The current system pits North and South against one another for access to Lake Shasta and other reservoirs during California’s dry summers. This provision allows the South to store additional water that was never available for use by the North and has no environmental necessity. (Subtitle J, Section 4003)   Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/continuing-resolution-to-fund-the-government-yes,Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government: Yes,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government: Yes.  Hopefully, this is the last continuing resolution that we will see.  Like those before it, it spends too much, abandons Congress’ fundamental responsibility to superintend the nation’s finances, and circumvents the normal budget process.  But it also gets us out of the debt, doubt and despair of the Obama administration into the prosperity, hope and promise of the Trump era.  It will give our new President enough time to change the spending priorities that will fund the remainder of the fiscal year and set our course toward solvency and prosperity in the years ahead.  This alone gets it past my gag reflex.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398216,Landmark California Drought Relief Legislation Heads to Senate,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) voted for S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, legislation to alleviate water shortages in California. The landmark compromise is the result of negotiations between California House Republicans and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and will now be considered in the U.S. Senate.""Delivering relief from water shortages to California's families and farms isn't about politics. I'm glad that both sides of the negotiating table were able to come together and strike a good faith agreement. While this is only the first step in ensuring California's water distribution is sensible and fair, it is a positive one,"" said Rep. Royce.It's estimated that this legislation will provide for an additional 200,000 acre-feet of water for Southern California and the Central Valley annually, enough to meet the needs of 446,000 average California households.Specifically, the legislation:- Directs federal agencies (Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service) to pump water at the high end of the Delta smelt and salmonid biological opinions (i.e. -5,000 cfs OMR). This is within current law and regulation. Only under certain conditions and if listed species are adversely impacted can pumping be reduced. - Authorizes federal agencies to increase pumping rates under certain conditions to capture water from storm events provided listed species are not adversely impacted. - Eliminates the water “payback” provision, which typically results in significant pumping reductions after storm events. - Requires that the Delta Cross Channel Gates remain open as much as possible, consistent with Federal and state law, to allow more fresh water to flow into the central Delta to be pumped south or to reduce salinity. - Expands the window for water transfers through the Delta to April 1 through November 30, which enables more water to flow from willing sellers in Northern California to willing buyers south-of-the-Delta. This will help reduce capacity limitation issues during certain times of the year. - Requires the Federal government to consult with local and state public water agencies on the re-consultation of the Delta smelt and salmonid biological opinions, which the Bureau of Reclamation initiated earlier this year. - Directs the Interior and Commerce Departments, using new science, real-time monitoring, and other information, to maximize water supplies through operational or management measures.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398218,Reps. Royce and Moore Lay Foundation for Future GSE Reform,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representatives Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), introduced H.R. 6487, the Taxpayer Protections and Market Access for Mortgage Finance Act, legislation requiring the GSEs to increase credit risk transfers (CRT) with the private sector.“Growing private sector participation in the secondary housing market reduces taxpayer exposure to future losses. Congress should encourage Fannie and Freddie to increase the amount and the types of credit risk transfer transactions to the maximum level that is economically and commercially viable. Doing so is not only compatible with housing finance reform, it eases the way for future action,"" said Rep. Royce.""I think this bipartisan legislation builds on the good work the FHFA has done in housing finance. Together, I am confident we will collectively pave the way for a stronger, more stable housing market for all Americans,” said Rep. Moore.The underlying purposes of the bill are to require the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to establish guidelines for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to engage in significant and increasing credit risk transfer transactions. The bill includes changes to commodities rules which allow the use of credit-linked notes to transfer risk from the GSEs to the private sector. It also amends existing securities and tax laws to allow real estate investment trusts (REITs) to invest in GSE credit risk bonds. Finally, the bill establishes two pilot programs to increase risk sharing transactions with small lenders and mortgage insurers.Both authors of the legislation are senior members of the House Financial Services Committee. Full text of the bill can be viewed here. For more information, contact: Saat Alety (Royce) at Saat.Alety@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4111. Eric Harris (Moore) at Eric.Harris@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4572.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-water-bill-providing-relief-california-communities,Rep. Calvert Votes for Water Bill Providing Relief for California Communities,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority (360 to 61) of the House in support of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a comprehensive water resources bill. ""Even before California began to suffer from drought conditions, I have worked with my colleagues to enact solutions that improve our state's aging water infrastructure and update the policies that have led to its inefficient operation,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""Today, we have passed a bipartisan bill that is an important first step towards capturing, storing and using more water when it rains, rather than allowing that water to flow out to the ocean. The future of our state depends on a reliable water supply and I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure California has the water it needs."" The California drought provisions in the bill allow more water to be put to beneficial use. Specifically, the bill allows for Delta pumps to operate at higher levels while protecting fish through daily monitoring. The legislation also requires federal agencies to maximize water supplies consistent with applicable laws and biological opinions. Finally, the bill authorizes funding for critical California water storage projects, as well as desalination, water recycling, reuse and conservation projects. The WIIN Act also contained the legislative text of Rep. Calvert's bill, the Pechanga Band of Luiseo Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 5984. The bill quantifies the Band's reserved water rights in the Santa Margarita River Watershed. The legislation also authorizes necessary infrastructure to guarantee a permanent supply of water to the Band through cooperative agreements with the local water purveyors, including Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District and Metropolitan Water District. Importantly, the legislation will provide a coordinated effort by the parties to manage the water within the basin that will bring all residents of the Pechanga Reservation a safe and dependable water supply for the future. ""The Pechanga Band of Indians, as well as all of the parties to this settlement, deserve to have some certainty on the future of their water supply. I'm grateful we have been able to enact the settlement and ensure all of the stakeholders in the Santa Margarita River Watershed can better shape their future."" The WIIN Act also included a provision supported by Rep. Calvert to allow projects that would reduce drought to compete for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans and loan guarantees. Specifically, the language expands the list of eligible WIFIA projects to include those that prevent, reduce, or mitigate the effects of drought, including projects that enhance the resilience of drought-stricken watersheds. ""Facing a drought of historic proportions, it is important we use every tool at our disposal to find new local water supplies, including through conservation. This language will let the best drought-reduction projects pursue loans and loan guarantees so we can move towards a more reliable, innovative water system throughout California and the west."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-wiin-act-california-drought-language,"House Approves WIIN Act, California Drought Language",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) released the following statement after the House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act conference report, which authorizes resources for ports, waterways, and flood protection and importantly, includes long-overdue language to address the California drought: “California is nearly five years into a drought that impacts not just our state, but nearly 40 percent of the western United States.  While we cannot control drought conditions, we can properly prepare for future rain shortages.  Our current drought crisis is not just a lack of rain; it is the result of failed policies that have mismanaged critical water resources throughout the West.  We need a long-term strategy to improve management of California’s water resources so we do not find ourselves in a similar man-made crisis in the future.  The drought provisions in the WIIN Act will help our state recover from this devastating drought while providing resources for water projects such as storage, desalination, conservation, efficiency, and recycling.  While a great deal of work remains, this bill will put us on the right path. If we do not act, hard-working Americans will lose their livelihoods, food and water prices will escalate dramatically, and our economy will suffer greatly.  California is about to enter the rainy season, and timing is of the utmost importance. I urge the Senate to pass this legislation expeditiously, so that Californians can have finally have the drought relief they so desperately need.” Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/wrda-a-critical-moment-for-tahoe-and-the-west,WRDA - A Critical Moment for Tahoe and the West,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"WRDA Conference Report: Water for California; Fire Protection for Tahoe December 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, The conference report on the Water Resources Development Act is the product of many, many hours of good-faith negotiations between the House and Senate and between Republicans and Democrats.  Like any compromise, I don’t like everything in it; but the net effect is an important step forward in protecting against the devastation of future droughts in California and catastrophic wildfire that threatens Lake Tahoe. It provides for $335 million for desperately needed surface water storage.  It opens a new era of hatcheries to provide for burgeoning populations of endangered fish species.  It adds flexibility to management of New Melones Reservoir and water transfers to assure water can be more efficiently moved to where it is most needed.  It adds strong protection to Northern California area of origin water rights.  It expedites review and approval of new projects.  It updates flood control management criteria to make better use of our existing reservoirs.     I particularly want to highlight the provisions related to Lake Tahoe.  For many years, we’ve spent enormous resources to adjust drainage in the basin to improve water clarity at the lake.  The Senate version of the measure introduced this session by Senators Heller and Feinstein continued this effort. But the Heller-Feinstein bill neglected the most immediate environmental threat to Lake Tahoe, and that is catastrophic wildfire.  The Senate bill had no provision for forest management specifically for fire prevention.   The number of acres burned by wildfire in the Lake Tahoe Basin has increased each decade since 1973, including a ten-fold increase over the past decade.  Eighty percent of the Tahoe Basin forests are now densely and dangerously overgrown.  They are dying.  At lower elevations, there are now four times as many trees as the land can support.   Modeling by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit warns that in two thirds of the forest, conditions now exist for flame size and intensity that are literally explosive.  If a super-fire of the size we’ve seen in other parts of the Sierra were to strike the Tahoe Basin, it could decimate this lake and its surroundings for a generation to come.   For this reason, Congressman Amodei and I introduced a bill aimed strictly at fire prevention.  This measure is specifically designed – after extensive input from fire districts throughout the Tahoe region – to reduce excess fuel before it burns.  It provides for expediting collaborative fuel reduction projects consistent with the Lake Tahoe Land and Resource Management Plan and it calls for funds generated by timber sales and other fee-based revenues to stay in the Tahoe Basin to provide for further fuels management and other improvements.   This was falsely portrayed by left-wing activists in the region as a substitute for the Senate bill.  As Congressman Amodei and I repeatedly made clear, it was designed to supplement that bill and to fill a very glaring deficiency that ignored the single greatest environmental hazard to the lake. I am very pleased to note that the critical provisions of both bills – for lake clarity and fire prevention – are now in the conference report, thanks to the bipartisan negotiations between House and Senate negotiators, most notably by Senator Feinstein and House Majority Leader McCarthy. Unfortunately, in the last 48 hours, Senator Boxer has threatened to blindside this effort and destroy the fruit of these years of labor and endless hours of negotiation.  She has threatened to assemble enough votes – not to put forward a positive and credible plan of her own to address these critical needs – but rather to ruin the painstaking negotiations of many others just as they are coming to fruition. In the last four years, the King Fire, the Butte Fire, the Rough Fire and the Rim Fire have destroyed more than a thousand square miles of forests in the Sierra.  If we don’t restore forest management in the Tahoe Basin NOW, the next fire could reduce its magnificent forests to cinders, and clog the lake with ash and debris for decades to come.  We can only pray that wiser heads prevail in the Senate and that this conference report is speedily adopted by both houses and signed by the President.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397529,Rep. Calvert Slams Defense Dept. for Burying Report on the Cost of the Pentagon Bureaucracy,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, criticized the Defense Department for willfully ignoring the findings of a report issued by the Defense Business Board on the unsustainable growth in the civilian bureaucracy at the Pentagon. An investigation by The Washington Post found that Defense Department officials took a series of actions to keep the report and its findings out of public view.   “I introduced the REDUCE Act because there’s an undeniable reality that the civilian workforce at the Pentagon has become too large and too costly,” said Rep. Calvert. “The dollars being wasted on the Defense Department’s oversized bureaucracy hurts taxpayers and it hurts our troops because those funds would be better spent on new equipment, training and readiness. The status quo at the Pentagon must stop.  As The Post’s investigation found, Pentagon officials prefer to bury their heads in the sand on this critical issue, which is why Congress must pass the REDUCE Act and mandate that civilian workforce reductions take place.”   The Rebalance for an Effective Defense Uniform and Civilian Employees (REDUCE) Act (H.R. 340) would require the DOD to make civilian workforce reductions in a systematic manner without compromising our ability to maintain a strong national defense over the long term. Rep. Calvert introduced the bill on January 14, 2015. The requirements of the REDUCE Act will accomplish the following: Reduce our Defense civilian workforce by 15% by FY 2022. This percentage was recommended by the Defense Business Board, a trusted, authoritative, and independent source of expertise. The Department of Defense civilian workforce would remain at or below this established cap of a 15% reduction for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026. The Department of Defense civilian Senior Executive Service career appointee workforce will be reduced to 1,000 by 2022 and remain at or below 1,000 employees for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026. Provide the Secretary of Defense the authority to use voluntary separation incentive payments and voluntary early retirement payments in order to achieve the required reductions in personnel.  Provide the Secretary of Defense the authority to assign greater weight to job performance versus tenure in a Reduction in Force. Require a two-fold reporting requirement for this Act: (1) a report from the Secretary of Defense covering the progress and impact of the requirements of this Act in the annual budget request for Fiscal Years 2018 through 2026. The Secretary of Defense may also report to Congress on the impact of the provisions at any time throughout the year (such as when submitting the report on achievement of performance goals as required by Sec. 116 of title 31 of the United States Code on “Agency performance rating.”), (2) a GAO study, no later than 3 years after enactment of this Act, that shall examine the progress and impact of the requirements of this Act.    Rep. Calvert will be reintroducing the REDUCE Act in the 115th Congress and continuing his call to reduce the civilian workforce at the Department of Defense.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397530,Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Passed by the House,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert’s Veterans Education Bill Passed by the House f t # e Washington, D.C., December 6, 2016 Today, the House passed H.R. 6416, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges.   “Our veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,” said Rep. Calvert. “Community colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased Congress is taking action to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions.”   H.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as Riverside Community College District (RCCD). Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions.       ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-legislation-to-ensure-effectiveness-of-veterans-programs,Rep. Paul Cook Legislation to Ensure Effectiveness of Veterans Programs Passes in House,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Cook (R- Apple Valley) announced that one of his bills, HR 832, the Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2015, passed the House of Representatives unanimously today as part of a larger bill. The larger bill, HR 6416, the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, included language from Cook’s bill, HR 832, which will help ensure that veterans receive effective and successful employment training services.  Cook’s HR 832 is a bipartisan bill authorizing an independent organization to collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS). The study will focus on veterans who have received intensive services from two programs under VETS, the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER). DVOP specialists provide intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans. They focus primarily on veterans who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless veterans and veterans with barriers to employment. LVER conduct outreach to employers and focus on increasing and promoting the hiring of veterans. HR 832 would track veterans’ employment status, determine if the program has contributed to their employment, monitor their employment retention rate, and determine if the services provided helped them increase their average earnings. Annual reports of the findings will be presented to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the House and Senate for five years. Rep. Cook said, “Congress owes it to our veterans to provide them with the best employment services possible. Simply authorizing these programs isn’t enough. We have to follow up to ensure that they’re working as intended. We saw at the VA what happens when the bureaucracy isn’t subject to vigorous oversight. If we’re going to authorize these programs to boost veteran employment, Congress has a duty to ensure that they’re working.” A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/hr-4680-national-park-service-centennial-act,H.R. 4680 National Park Service Centennial Act,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 4680 – National Park Service Centennial Act House Chambers, Washington, D.C. December 6, 2016 This year marked the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service and of the uniquely American notion that our most beautiful and historic lands should be set aside for the use, resort and recreation of the American people as set forth in the original Yosemite Grant Act. Or, in the words of the Organic Act of 1916 that established the National Parks, “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same.”   Yet, a century into this endeavor, the Park Service faces considerable challenges to achieving these objectives.  The Park Service’s original charge was to manage just 35 national parks and monuments. Today, it is responsible for over 400 units across 84 million acres. This exponential growth has left many locations in disrepair, facing a growing backlog of deferred maintenance, now exceeding $12 billion. In addition to desperately needed maintenance, the Park Service also faces challenges with fee collection, technological upgrades, management of concessions contracts for visitor services, and most disturbingly, a substantial decrease in over-night visitation. The decline has been particularly high among young people.  Recent reports indicate that visits to parks by those 15 years of age and younger has fallen by half in the last decade.    The National Park Service Centennial Act provides the Park Service with new tools and authorities it can use to maintain and improve the system. Provisions in this bill help reduce the Service’s deferred maintenance backlog by generating new revenue to pay for needed capital improvements and leveraging private philanthropic donations to amplify this effort.  In turn, these funds will be used to enhance visitor services, provide wi-fi and cellular access that young people demand and expand the Volunteers in Parks and Public Lands Corps programs that are so important in welcoming the public to the public lands.  I believe the three greatest challenges to federal lands management are to restore public access to the public lands, to restore sound management to the public lands, and to restore the federal government as a good neighbor to those communities directly affected by the public lands. This bill does all three.  It promotes public access and enjoyment of the parks by promoting the expansion, modernization and improvement of visitor services and amenities.  It promotes good management by placing priority and generating funds to address the growing maintenance backlog.  And it repairs the relationship between the federal and local governments by giving local officials a say in future historic designations.   I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the last century and begin the next century of our National Park Service than to restore the vision of its founders.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/on-the-impeachment-of-john-koskinen-as-irs-commissioner,On the Impeachment of John Koskinen as IRS Commissioner,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"On the Impeachment of John Koskinen as IRS Commissioner:  On the motion to lay on the table: NO. On the motion to refer to committee: YES. On December 6, Congressman Jim Jordan moved to impeach John Koskinen as IRS commissioner for actions related to the IRS harassment of taxpayer groups based on their political beliefs.  Although Koskinen did not order the harassment, there is considerable evidence that he willfully obstructed a lawful Congressional investigation of the matter and that he lied to Congress.  If proven, either of these actions constitutes an impeachable offense.  Nancy Pelosi moved to lay the motion on the table, which in House practice is the same as defeating it.  Because I believe the motion to impeach Koskinen is a legitimate exercise of Congress’ constitutional authority, I voted against this motion.However, the power of impeachment is one of the most serious checks on an abusive executive branch that Congress possesses, and it must be exercised judiciously and with full respect to due process. Once an impeachment resolution is introduced, the Judiciary Committee must then begin a full investigation, the accused accorded the right to answer the charges, and the evidence obtained from this investigation must then guide the Congress in its deliberations.  Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte moved to refer the motion to his committee to begin this constitutional process.  I voted to do so.It is unfortunate that this impeachment motion was made in the closing hours of the session, with no time for serious and sober consideration in the House or trial by the Senate.  I believe this tactic made a mockery of this vital constitutional function and trivialized the very serious charges against Koskinen.  This resolution should have been introduced many months ago, so that a credible impeachment process could proceed.  It was not.  The new Congress convenes on January 3rd.  Koskinen’s term as IRS commissioner does not expire until November of 2017.  If the authors of this resolution were serious about proceeding – and they should be – the time to introduce an impeachment resolution would be in less than a month, when a credible, factual and compelling impeachment could be undertaken.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-s-veterans-education-bill-passed-house,Rep. Calverts Veterans Education Bill Passed by the House,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed H.R. 6416, which contained legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) to streamline veteran education benefits at community colleges. ""Our veterans should be able to receive their education benefits without any unnecessary delays,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""Community colleges provide incredible educational opportunities for our veterans, so I am pleased Congress is taking action to make it easier for veterans to use their education benefits at these institutions."" H.R. 6416 contained the legislative text of H.R. 182, introduced by Rep. Calvert on January 7, 2015, which streamlines the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes for community colleges that have multiple campuses. Currently, the VA requires community colleges to certify that their veteran students are enrolled for a specific number of classes before the VA will disperse student benefits. These rules must be updated to account for multi-college Community College Districts, such as Riverside Community College District (RCCD). Without such an update, veterans that take classes at a multi-college District see their benefits delayed while colleges and the VA complete and shuffle unnecessary paperwork. H.R. 182 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit the centralized reporting of veteran enrollment by certain groups, districts, and consortiums of educational institutions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-slams-defense-dept-burying-report-cost-pentagon-bureaucracy,Rep. Calvert Slams Defense Dept. for Burying Report on the Cost of the Pentagon Bureaucracy,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42), a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, criticized the Defense Department for willfully ignoring the findings of a report issued by the Defense Business Board on the unsustainable growth in the civilian bureaucracy at the Pentagon. An investigation by The Washington Post found that Defense Department officials took a series of actions to keep the report and its findings out of public view. ""I introduced the REDUCE Act because there's an undeniable reality that the civilian workforce at the Pentagon has become too large and too costly,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""The dollars being wasted on the Defense Department's oversized bureaucracy hurts taxpayers and it hurts our troops because those funds would be better spent on new equipment, training and readiness. The status quo at the Pentagon must stop. As The Post's investigation found, Pentagon officials prefer to bury their heads in the sand on this critical issue, which is why Congress must pass the REDUCE Act and mandate that civilian workforce reductions take place."" The Rebalance for an Effective Defense Uniform and Civilian Employees (REDUCE) Act (H.R. 340) would require the DOD to make civilian workforce reductions in a systematic manner without compromising our ability to maintain a strong national defense over the long term. Rep. Calvert introduced the bill on January 14, 2015. The requirements of the REDUCE Act will accomplish the following: Reduce our Defense civilian workforce by 15% by FY 2022.This percentage was recommended by the Defense Business Board, a trusted, authoritative, and independent source of expertise. The Department of Defense civilian workforce would remain at or below this established cap of a 15% reduction for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026. The Department of Defense civilian Senior Executive Service career appointee workforce will be reduced to 1,000 by 2022 and remain at or below 1,000 employees for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026. Provide the Secretary of Defense the authority to use voluntary separation incentive payments and voluntary early retirement payments in order to achieve the required reductions in personnel. Provide the Secretary of Defense the authority to assign greater weight to job performance versus tenure in a Reduction in Force. Require a two-fold reporting requirement for this Act: (1) a report from the Secretary of Defense covering the progress and impact of the requirements of this Act in the annual budget request for Fiscal Years 2018 through 2026. The Secretary of Defense may also report to Congress on the impact of the provisions at any time throughout the year (such as when submitting the report on achievement of performance goals as required by Sec. 116 of title 31 of the United States Code on ""Agency performance rating.""), (2) a GAO study, no later than 3 years after enactment of this Act, that shall examine the progress and impact of the requirements of this Act. Rep. Calvert will be reintroducing the REDUCE Act in the 115th Congress and continuing his call to reduce the civilian workforce at the Department of Defense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397528,Rep. Calvert Supports California Drought Language in Water Bill,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Supports California Drought Language in Water Bill f t # e Washington, DC, December 5, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) released the following statement in response to the inclusion of several California drought provisions in the FY17 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which will be voted on later this week by both the House and Senate:   “For many years now, California families and businesses have been desperate for solutions to our state’s drought conditions and long-term water challenges. Now, as a result of bipartisan negotiations, we stand ready to move on important water legislation. The provisions included in this legislation are not a silver bullet to all of our state’s water woes, but they represent a meaningful step towards a water infrastructure that Californians can rely on. Like any negotiation, neither side got everything they wanted, but in the end Californians will benefit because a deal was reached and solutions will be put into action.”       ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=559,Rep. Denham Supports California Drought Provisions,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate today announced they have reached an agreement on comprehensive water resources infrastructure language, the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which should be considered this week on the House floor, which includes critical provisions to improve California’s water system and bring immediate relief to the Valley. “The timing of these drought provisions is critical so our water system can capture and store desperately needed water,” said Rep. Denham. “The regulatory flexibility of the provisions will benefit the Valley and allow our local districts to begin protecting our threatened salmon and steelhead from non-native predator fish and to allow for additional storage at New Melones Reservoir.” Among the provisions included are Rep. Denham’s Save Our Salmon Act, a fish predation pilot program on the Stanislaus River, and expanding storage at New Melones reservoir, which passed the House during the 114th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-releases-statement-on-california-water-supply-language-in,Rep. LaMalfa Releases Statement on California Water Supply Language in Water Resources Bill,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC –  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today released the following statement in support of the California water resources language included included in a bill to be considered in Congress this week: “After years of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, we’ve reached an agreement to modernize water supply in the short term and invest in storage projects to secure California’s economic future,” stated Rep. LaMalfa. “This agreement improves water supply for all Californians, North and South, while using the latest science to provide more water without harming wildlife.” For the North State, this agreement achieves several major goals: it secures the region’s senior water rights, improves supplies for junior water right holders, and will authorize construction of Sites Reservoir, a key project needed to prepare California for the future. “While this bill is a step in the right direction, as a negotiated agreement it does not reform environmental restrictions or dedicate resources to storage to the degrees I believe are needed,” LaMalfa added. “My colleagues and I remain committed to continuing to working on this issue and expect the President-elect to be a much more willing partner in those efforts than the current administration.” Key North State components of the House amendment to S.612, which may be read here, include the following: Ironclad protections for the North State’s senior water rights and language ensuring that any additional water provided South of the Delta is not taken from North State allocations. (Title J, Section 4005) Significant improvements in deliveries for less senior North State water right holders, ensuring that even in droughts they receive at least 50% allocations. (Title J, Section 4005) A new system of authorizing surface water storage projects, including Sites Reservoir, that will speed construction of the infrastructure 67% of Californians voted for in passing Proposition 1 in 2014. The bill also directs $335 million in federal funding toward storage projects. (Title J, Section 4007) Language ensuring that businesses impacted by new storage projects are not only compensated fairly, but have the opportunity to construct replacement facilities on federal land. This provision is intended to protect marinas, resorts, and others who could be impacted by a raised Shasta Dam. (Title J, Section 4008) Requirements that a greater portion of South of Delta water supplies be diverted and stored during winter storms, when doing so does not impact North State supplies or the environment. The current system pits North and South against one another for access to Shasta and other reservoirs during California’s dry summers. Now, the South can store additional water that was never available for use by the North and has no environmental benefit. (Title J, Section 4003)   Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398259,Valadao Releases Statement Following Drought Agreement,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,David Valadao,V000129,valadao.house.gov,,,legacy,"Valadao Releases Statement Following Drought Agreement f t # e Washignton, December 5, 2016 | Anna R. Vetter ((202) 815-1685) U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the below statement following an agreement between the House and Senate regarding California water provisions. The legislative language will be included in the FY2017 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which is scheduled to be considered by the House and Senate this week. share: f t WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the below statement following an agreement between the House and Senate regarding California water provisions. The legislative language will be included in the FY2017 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which is scheduled to be considered by the House and Senate this week. ""As we head into the winter rainy season, including these temporary provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to strengthen California water infrastructure and increase water deliveries is both dire and extremely judicious.These provisions will not solve California’s water crisis, but they will provide interim relief, which my constituents desperately need. With 2017 upon us, I look forward to working with the new Republican Administration and my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to reach a complete agreement."" The legislation has received support from water agencies throughout California including Friant North Authority, Friant Water Authority, Kern County Water Agency, Metropolitan Water District, San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors, South Valley Water Association, Tehama Colusa Canal Authority, and Westlands Water District. Read their letter of support here. Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-supports-california-drought-language-water-bill,Rep. Calvert Supports California Drought Language in Water Bill,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) released the following statement in response to the inclusion of several California drought provisions in the FY17 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which will be voted on later this week by both the House and Senate: ""For many years now, California families and businesses have been desperate for solutions to our state's drought conditions and long-term water challenges. Now, as a result of bipartisan negotiations, we stand ready to move on important water legislation. The provisions included in this legislation are not a silver bullet to all of our state's water woes, but they represent a meaningful step towards a water infrastructure that Californians can rely on. Like any negotiation, neither side got everything they wanted, but in the end Californians will benefit because a deal was reached and solutions will be put into action."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walters-supports-wiin-act-california-drought-language,"Walters Supports WIIN Act, California Drought Language",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) released the following statement regarding the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act conference report, which authorizes resources for ports, waterways, and flood protection and importantly, includes long-overdue language to address the California drought: “This legislation will improve ports, waterways, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure across the country.  Notably, the WIIN Act will help alleviate the California drought by providing much-needed water to the state’s communities and businesses.  The drought provisions will help boost our economy while providing resources for water projects such as storage, desalination, conservation, efficiency, and recycling.  While a great deal of work remains, this bill will put us on the right path.   “Inclusion of this language in WIIN would not have happened without bipartisan and bicameral cooperation.  I would like to especially thank Senator Feinstein, Chairman Shuster, Chairman Inhofe, and Chairman Bishop for their leadership on this bill.  I urge my colleagues to support the WIIN Act when it comes to the House floor for a vote later this week, and I remain committed to finding solutions that will provide long-term drought relief for all Californians.”   Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397527,Rep. Calvert Votes for CA National Guard Bonus Fix,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Votes for CA National Guard Bonus Fix f t # e Washington, DC, December 2, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority of the House (375 to 34) to pass legislation that provides relief for California Guardsmen who were ordered to repay enlistment bonuses.  The legislative fix was included in S. 2943, the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. “Our servicemembers deserve the peace of mind that this legislation will provide them,” said Rep. Calvert. “The misguided effort to collect these bonus payments was wrong from the start, so I’m pleased Congress has been able to come together in a bipartisan way and find a solution.” Language in The National Defense Authorization Act makes the following reforms: The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) shall conduct a review all bonus pay, special pay, student loan repayments, and similar special payments made to National Guard members of the State of California from January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2015.   Process shall be expedited and the goal is for all cases to be finished by July 30, 2017. If any pays have been recouped, DOD will determine whether the recoupment was unwarranted. The burden to prove a service member knowingly accepted a bonus despite not being qualified is on DOD and SecDef guidance is to error on the side of the service member. Board may waive repayment or repay the recouped amount. If a consumer reporting agency was notified of a member’s debt, the agency will be notified that no such debt was valid. If financial hardship was experienced as a result of the government to recoup the debt, the member will be assisted in addressing that financial hardship in accordance with mechanisms developed by the SecDef. Rep. Calvert also advocated for the inclusion of a $32 million authorization to restore the TRICARE autism reimbursement rates to levels not less than the rates that were in effect on March 31, 2016 for the Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program.  “California was disproportionately impacted by the change in TRICARE autism reimbursement rates so I am pleased that the Conference Report included this vital language and funding authorization. Military families that face the challenge of raising a child with autism deserve our full support.  The Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program provides critical resources for families caring for a child with autism.” Additional highlights of The National Defense Authorization Act include: $619 billion for national defense which included $3.2 billion for readiness stabilization funding to stop the military drawdown which is fueling the readiness crisis. A 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the largest increase in six years and 5% above the President’s request. Improves access to quality health care for warfighters, retirees, and their families, while enhancing medical readiness. Maintains the current status of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Reforms the Commissary system to preserve the benefit, while also making improvements to ensure continued savings for shoppers, a good value for taxpayers, and ongoing support for morale, welfare, and recreational activities. Maintains the status quo on prohibition on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the transfer of detainees to the U.S. Continues acquisition, military organization, and National Security Council (NSC) reforms. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-votes-for-key-national-security-legislation,Rep. Cook Votes for Key National Security Legislation,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today voted for the annual national security bill, which maintains benefits for active duty service members and assures the readiness of our troops. The bill now moves to the Senate and will then be sent to the President. Most importantly, the bill provides a 2.1% pay increase to our men and women in the US Armed Forces. This will reduce the widening pay gap created by the President, who unilaterally cut the pay raise in each of the previous three years. The bill also prevents further cuts to the Basic Allowance for Housing, which provides servicemembers with housing compensation based on housing costs when government quarters are not provided. It also protects military health care by making no changes to out-of-pocket costs for the current force or retirees. This year’s bill also takes the necessary steps to restore military readiness: It stops the reduction of military forces at a time of new and greater threats to our nation. It addresses shortcomings in Marine Corps aviation readiness, allowing for more training hours for pilots and much needed maintenance to rapidly aging aircraft. It increases the number of training rotations that will come through the National Training Center at Fort Irwin and fully funds depot-level maintenance, such as the type provided by Marine Corps Logistics Base-Barstow. Rep Cook said, “This year’s bill makes substantial enhancements to military readiness while also ensuring we’re taking care of our troops and our veterans. It gives our troops the pay raise they deserve, while ensuring we aren’t raising costs on retirees or those currently in the force.” A member of the House Armed Services, Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RepDevinNunes/~3/C8MFz78toN8/ill-be-on-kelly-file-tonight.html,I'll be on the Kelly File tonight,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,feedproxy.google.com,,,legacy,"skip to main | skip to sidebar I'll be on the Kelly File tonight I'll be discussing the Trump transition and other topics on the Kelly File on Fox News tonight in the 9:00 EST/6:00 PST hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=852,Knight's Small Business Contracting Measure Advances,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bill by Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) to help small businesses compete for defense contracts cleared one of its final legislative hurdles on Friday. H.R. 4322, the Mentor-Protégé Cooperation Reform Act, would simplify the qualification process for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Mentor-Protégé program, which assists firms considered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to be “disadvantaged,” such as small businesses owned by women and veterans. According to the SBA, there are over 250 such companies in Rep. Knight’s district, which covers the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valleys. Recently, issues with the Mentor-Protégé program’s qualification process have caused confusion for participating firms, and the DOD contends that it is not equipped to handle certain aspects of that process itself. Rep. Knight’s bill would solve this by authorizing the SBA to manage those trouble areas as they do for other federal agencies with similar Mentor-Protégé programs, thus streamlining the program and making it easier for companies to participate.  “Our communities are in the unique position of having a huge presence of defense contracting companies as well as a large number of small businesses that are seeking government contacts,” said Rep. Knight. “The DOD Mentor-Protégé Cooperation Reform Act would help bridge the gap between those two groups so that our region’s economy can thrive.”   In April H.R. 4322 was added to the language of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, a major annual bill that authorizes the budgets and expenditures for most national defense operations in the upcoming fiscal year. The NDAA passed the House in May, and entered a lengthy conferencing process to reconcile its differences with the version the Senate passed. Today the final version came to the floor along with Rep. Knight’s bill and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.“This bill is another commonsense step toward ensuring that our small businesses have opportunities to compete and grow their operations,” said Rep. Knight. “I am pleased that my colleagues in the House joined me in advancing H.R. 4322 and I will continue to work to ensure that it becomes law.”The Conference Report for the NDAA for FY 2017, along with Knight’s Mentor-Protégé Cooperation Reform Act, passed the House 375-34. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398676,I'll be on the Kelly File tonight,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,nunes.house.gov,,,legacy,"I'll be on the Kelly File tonight f t # e Washington, December 2, 2016 I'll be discussing the Trump transition and other topics on the Kelly File on Fox News tonight in the 9:00 EST/6:00 PST hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walters-votes-protect-california-national-guard-bonuses-increase-troop,"Walters Votes To Protect California National Guard Bonuses, Increase Troop Pay",2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) released the following statement after voting in support of the Conference Report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, which would provide the critical tools our military forces need to fight terrorism and protect national security: “One of the federal government’s primary responsibilities is providing for a strong national defense. Today, the House passed legislation with wide bipartisan support to keep our country safe, ensuring that our brave service members have the resources they need to carry out their missions.  Importantly, this legislation will also protect the men and women of the California National Guard from unfairly having to repay their bonuses; I am proud to have worked to resolve this issue. “The NDAA also provides all members of our military with a well-deserved 2.1 percent pay increase, more than the President requested.  It also improves access to healthcare for our current service members, veterans, and their families and takes several necessary steps to prevent sexual assault in the military by improving the reporting process and enhancing victims’ rights.  As the daughter of a U.S. Marine, I was proud to support this legislation, and I urge the Senate and the President to work with us to provide for the common defense and sign this bipartisan legislation into law.”   Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=358,Denham to Host Facebook Live on U.S. House Passage of 21st Century Cures Act,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) will host a Facebook Live session on Friday, Dec. 2 at 9:15 a.m. PT (12:15 p.m. ET) with 10th District constituents and 21st Century Cures Act advocates Kim and Scotty Whitecotton to discuss the importance of the bill to advancing research and treatment for rare diseases. A link to Rep. Denham’s official Facebook page is available here: https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffDenham/ WHO: U.S. Representative Jeff Denham with CA-10 21st Century Cures Act advocates Kim and Scotty Whitecotton WHAT: Facebook Live interview on U.S. House passage of the 21st Century Cures Act WHEN: Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at 9:15 a.m. PT (12:15 p.m. ET) # # # Editor’s Note: Time subject to change based on the U.S. House of Representatives schedule; changes will be communicated via the congressman’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/paying-for-infrastructure-without-soaking-the-taxpayer,Paying for Infrastructure Without Soaking the Taxpayer,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"Paying for Infrastructure Without Soaking the Taxpayer Congressman Tom McClintock House Chambers, Washington, D.C.  December 1, 2016 Mr. Speaker:     President-elect Trump has many difficult fiscal tasks ahead – one of which is to promote long-overdue infrastructure construction at a time when the national debt exceeds our entire economy and interest costs alone are eating us alive.       Some have said that a rebounding economy resulting from tax reform will pay for it.  That may be, but it’s not guaranteed; it cannot be accurately forecast; and we’ll need any new revenues to beef up our defenses and reduce our deficit – two other critical objectives of the new administration.      Others have proposed tax credits to leverage private capital for infrastructure improvements.  But tax credits reduce revenue and widen the deficit.  Worse, such public-private partnerships have also proven a fertile breeding ground for corruption, crony-capitalism, waste and fraud.       And as we learned during the Obama stimulus fiasco, massive government spending might stimulate government, but it does little to stimulate the economy when it is squandered for boondoggles like subsidizing Solyndra and paying cash for clunkers.       So how do we avoid the mistakes of the past, control the deficit, protect taxpayers and yet add a trillion dollars of new infrastructure in a way that helps the economy and not merely lines the pockets of politically well-connected interests?     FIRST: Get government out of the way!  Stop obstructing major infrastructure projects like the Keystone Pipeline.  Keystone and many other projects like it across the country already have private capital ready to finance them.  Keystone by itself would unleash an estimated $8 billion of privately financed infrastructure construction and would deliver a half million barrels a day of Canadian crude oil entering U.S. markets.     In my district alone, one abusive official at the Sacramento office of the Army Corps of Engineers single-handedly blocked tens of millions of dollars of critical infrastructure construction desperately sought by local governments in the region.  Multiply that across the country, and you can see how much infrastructure is ALREADY financed but cannot move forward because of federal obstructionism.     SECOND: Streamline radical regulations that have made many infrastructure projects cost-prohibitive.     In my district, the little town of Foresthill gets its water from the Sugar Pine Reservoir, formed by a dam that has an 18-foot spillway, but no spillway gate.  The town is trying to increase the reservoir’s capacity by adding the missing gate.  The gate will cost $2 million.  But environmental studies, environmental mitigation and U.S. Forest Service Fees have inflated that cost to at least $11 million – so this project has stalled.  Multi-billion dollar expansion of Shasta Dam is stalled for the same reason.  Once again, multiply this across the rest of the country.     THIRD: Use revenue bonds to finance capital-intensive projects like dams and bridges.  California built its iconic Golden Gate and Bay Bridges with loans from private investors – repaid by tolls charged only to the users of the bridges.  The taxpayers were never on the hook for a dime, and the loans were paid back ahead of schedule.       The famous California Water Project constructed 21 dams and more than 700 miles of canals.  The revenue bonds and self-liquidating general obligation bonds that financed it were paid back not by general taxpayers, but by the users of the water and power.       FOURTH:  Restore the integrity of our highway trust fund.  We built the modern Interstate system with the federal excise tax paid only by highway users at the gas pump.  The more you drove, the more you paid for the roads you were using.  But over the decades, more and more of these funds were bled away to subsidize mass transit and other purposes unrelated to highway construction. Restoring highway taxes for highways would go a long way toward addressing the maintenance and construction backlog.       FIFTH: Repeal the outdated Davis-Bacon Act that requires federal projects to pay grossly inflated wages.  Think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and the Competitive Enterprise Institute estimate that Davis-Bacon alone inflates total construction costs by roughly 10 percent.   Just repealing this act alone would add one new project for every ten existing ones at no additional cost.     These are just a few ways that massive infrastructure projects can be financed at zero cost to general taxpayers.  And because these reforms are actually directed at projects for which there is a demonstrated economic need, political favoritism and corruption inherent in government-directed programs can be greatly reduced.     Mr. Speaker, freedom works.  And it is time we put it – and America – back to work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-ca-national-guard-bonus-fix,Rep. Calvert Votes for CA National Guard Bonus Fix,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a bipartisan majority of the House (375 to 34) to pass legislation that provides relief forCalifornia Guardsmen who were ordered to repay enlistment bonuses. The legislative fix was included in S. 2943, the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. ""Our servicemembers deserve the peace of mind that this legislation will provide them,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""The misguided effort to collect these bonus payments was wrong from the start, so I'm pleased Congress has been able to come together in a bipartisan way and find a solution."" Language in The National Defense Authorization Act makes the following reforms: The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) shall conduct a review all bonus pay, special pay, student loan repayments, and similar special payments made to National Guard members of the State of California from January 1, 2004 December 31, 2015. Process shall be expedited and the goal is for all cases to be finished by July 30, 2017. If any pays have been recouped, DOD will determine whether the recoupment was unwarranted. The burden to prove a service member knowingly accepted a bonus despite not being qualified is on DOD and SecDef guidance is to error on the side of the service member. Board may waive repayment or repay the recouped amount. If a consumer reporting agency was notified of a member's debt, the agency will be notified that no such debt was valid. If financial hardship was experienced as a result of the government to recoup the debt, the member will be assisted in addressing that financial hardship in accordance with mechanisms developed by the SecDef. Rep. Calvert also advocated for the inclusion of a $32 million authorization to restore the TRICARE autism reimbursement rates to levels not less than the rates that were in effect on March 31, 2016 for the Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program. ""California was disproportionately impacted by the change in TRICARE autism reimbursement rates so I am pleased that the Conference Report included this vital language and funding authorization. Military families that face the challenge of raising a child with autism deserve our full support. The Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program provides critical resources for families caring for a child with autism."" Additional highlights of The National Defense Authorization Act include: $619 billion for national defense which included $3.2 billion for readiness stabilization funding to stop the military drawdown which is fueling the readiness crisis. A 2.1% pay raise for our troops, the largest increase in six years and 5% above the President's request. Improves access to quality health care for warfighters, retirees, and their families, while enhancing medical readiness. Maintains the current status of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Reforms the Commissary system to preserve the benefit, while also making improvements to ensure continued savings for shoppers, a good value for taxpayers, and ongoing support for morale, welfare, and recreational activities. Maintains the status quo on prohibition on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the transfer of detainees to the U.S. Continues acquisition, military organization, and National Security Council (NSC) reforms. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/vote-notes/hr-6-21st-century-cures-act-yes,H.R. 6 21st Century Cures ACT: YES,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 6 – 21st Century Cures ACT: YES.  This bill expedites FDA approvals for new medical drugs and devices and authorizes spending on major research into cancer and Alzheimer’s.  I voted against the original bill because it established multiple new mandatory spending programs outside of Congress’ annual appropriations review and depended primarily on budget gimmicks to pay for them.  This version replaces the mandatory spending aspects of the bill with discretionary spending that Congress must review and approve ever year, and greatly reduces the pay-for gimmicks.  It also incorporates HR 2646, a sweeping mental health bill that is critical to public safety.  It is not a perfect bill, but does far more good than harm.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398215,Rep. Royce Supports 21st Century Cures,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) released the following statement after voting for the 21st Century Cures Act, landmark legislation to strengthen the government's search for cures to diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and cystic fibrosis, reform the nation's mental health care system, and bolster the fight against opioid abuse:""Today's effort is the culmination of years of feedback from doctors, nurses, scientists, and, most importantly, patients. I was glad to be a part of this victory for millions of Americans fighting diseases without a cure, mental illness, or an addiction to opioids, and look forward to the President signing this bipartisan compromise into law.""Specifically, the 21st Century Cures Act:• Streamlines and improves the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) review of life-saving drugs for patients with breast cancer and muscular dystrophy • Modernizes clinical trials and removes regulatory uncertainty for the development of new medical apps • Supporting greater investments in fostering the next generation of medial researchers •Provides $4.8 billion over 10 years to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for cancer prevention research and regenerative medicine using adult stem cells •Provides $500 million to the FDA over 10 years to move drugs and medical devices to patients more quickly •Provides $1 billion over 2 years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs and implementing prevention • Establishes an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (Assistant Secretary) to head the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) • Creates a coordinating committee to evaluate federal programs related to Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and provide recommendations to better coordinate mental health services for people with SMI • Reauthorizes and makes technical updates to develop and implement programs to divert individuals with a mental illness from the criminal justice system to community-based services • Reauthorizes and makes updates to grants for states to provide services to homeless individuals who are potentially suffering from serious mental illness • Reauthorizes grants to institutions of higher education or accredited professional training programs to support the recruitment and education of mental health care providers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walters-supports-21st-century-cures-act,Walters Supports 21st Century Cures Act,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) released the following statement after voting in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, which would accelerate the cycle of discovering, developing, and delivering innovative cures: “Over the last two years, I have met with Southern Californians of all ages and backgrounds, who suffer from incurable diseases, and I have been continuously inspired by their hope and optimism to beat the odds.  Today, the House took an important step to ensure Americans have access to the most effective cures and treatments. We passed the 21st Century Cures Act with tremendous bipartisan support to encourage scientific collaboration and accelerate the development of life-saving cures. “For far too long, our regulatory policies have lagged behind scientific advancements, but the Cures Act will change that.  We have worked with patients, doctors, healthcare providers, researchers, and innovators to ensure this legislation will expedite the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments.  The Cures Act will ensure that the United States remains the global leader in biomedical innovation, protecting and creating jobs here at home.  California is home to over 3,000 life sciences companies, and these companies employ nearly 300,000 people, who work to develop lifesaving treatments.  This bipartisan legislation will help ensure patients have access to these cures and treatments when they need them.  I am proud to have voted in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, and it is my hope the Senate and the President work with us to sign this innovative legislation into law.” Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cooks-veteran-employment-bill-passes-house-of-representatives,Rep. Cook's Veteran Employment Bill Passes House of Representatives,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Today, Rep. Paul Cook’s (R- Apple Valley) bill HR 3286, the HIRE Vets Act of 2016, passed unanimously on the House floor. This bipartisan bill would promote private sector recruiting, hiring, and retaining of men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military through a voluntary and effective program. Specifically, it would create an awards program recognizing the meaningful, verifiable efforts undertaken by employers – both large and small – to hire and retain veterans. Once established, the HIRE Vets Act would be a self-funded program within the U.S. Department of Labor that allows employers to proudly display one of two Presidential Awards on their products and marketing materials. These “HIRE Vets Medallions” would be awarded to deserving employers who make critical contributions to our veteran workforce. The medallions –Gold and Platinum –would be awarded to employers that achieve specific hiring and retention goals each year. The program also establishes similar tiered awards for small and mid-sized businesses with less than 500 employees. To ensure proper oversight, the Secretary of Labor would be required to provide Congress with annual reports on the success of the program with regard to veteran employment and retention results.   Veterans account for about 7% of the civilian labor force. Approximately one quarter of veterans in the labor force served after September 2001 (""Post-9/11 veterans""), and the remaining three quarters served in prior periods. Historically, Post-9/11 veterans have had higher unemployment rates than non-veterans. Rep. Cook said, “Our veterans have displayed great courage in serving their country, and they’ve acquired distinctive skills that make them ideal candidates for employment. So as a combat veteran myself, I’m deeply concerned that the men and women of our Armed Forces continue to struggle to find jobs upon returning to civilian life. “The HIRE Vets Act is an opportunity for Americans to see which companies truly live up to the employment promises they make to veterans. Veterans who serve this country honorably shouldn’t struggle to find employment, and this bill creates an innovative system to encourage and recognize employers who make veterans a priority in their hiring practices.” This bill previously passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously and will now move to the Senate. A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=851,Knight Veterans Legislation Passes House,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"A bill by Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) that would help veterans recover from post traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), chronic pain, and opiate addiction passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday.HR 5600, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, would establish a pilot program with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on a promising new neurological treatment for mental trauma. Magnetic eResonance therapy is used to treat PTS, TBI, MST, chronic pain, and opiate addiction pioneered by an interdisciplinary clinic based in Southern California called the Brain Treatment Center. Knight’s bill would require the Secretary of the VA to establish one-year pilot programs to utilize this therapy at two VA Medical Centers and report back to the Veterans Affairs Committee on the pilot program’s results.“Too many of our nation’s veterans continue to suffer from the invisible wounds of war.  We can honor those who have served by making the right investments in innovative and proven medical treatments like magnetic eResonance therapy,” said Paul W. (Buddy) Bucha, a Vietnam War Veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient.  “I am grateful to Congressman Knight’s leadership, as the No Hero Left Untreated Act is exactly what our nation’s veteran’s need and deserve.”Since Rep. Knight introduced the measure in June it has received considerable bipartisan support, including over thirty co-sponsors and endorsements from American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Blue Star Families.  “Our veterans risked everything to protect our country and our values, and we owe them a tremendous debt,” said Rep. Knight. “Today the House took a huge step toward expanding on a promising technology that could bring relief to our heroes, and I am proud to be part of the effort.”The No Hero Left Untreated Act passed the House floor with bipartisan, unanimous support. The bill now awaits introduction in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398213,Chairman Royce Statement on Chao DOT Nomination,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the nomination of Elaine Chao for United States Secretary of Transportation:“Elaine Chao is a friend, and I've always been impressed with her leadership ability and grasp on the challenges facing our country. She will make an excellent Transportation Secretary and I look forward to working with her to address Southern California's infrastructure needs, such as funding to relieve congestion on the 57/60,” said Chairman Royce.Chairman Royce, who represents the Congressional district that encompasses the 57/60 confluence, has been a longtime advocate for fixing the freeways. Both the current Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and his colleague Chairman Bill Shuster of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have visited the confluence at Chairman Royce's invitation to observe the gridlock. Chairman Royce has also wrote letters to the Department of Transportation in support of the 57/60 being included in the Primary Freight Network, which assisted Diamond Bar during its successful TIGER grant bid.Elaine Chao, the former United States Secretary of Labor, is the first Asian American woman to serve as a Cabinet secretary. Her nomination is expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate early next year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398257,Rep. Valadao Announces June Mobile Office Hours,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,David Valadao,V000129,valadao.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) announced December dates and locations for his Mobile Office Hours program. share: f t HANFORD– Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) announced December dates and locations for his Mobile Office Hours program.To better serve you, Congressman Valadao’s staff conducts mobile office hours throughout California’s Twenty First Congressional District on a regular basis. This is a responsible, inexpensive way for you to voice your opinion on legislative issues or seek assistance with federal agencies.This program affords residents, who are unable to visit the Congressman’s office due to time or location restrictions, the opportunity to meet with congressional staff and receive services offered by Congressman Valadao’s office face-to-face.Should you have additional questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment in advance, you can call our Hanford Office at (559) 582-5526. Pre-arranged appointments, however, are not required and walk-ins are always welcome. Fresno County December Mobile Office Hours Monday, December 12 Tuesday, December 13 Thursday, December 15 Friday, December 16 Fowler Branch Library 306 South 7th Street Fowler, CA 93625 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Sanger Branch Library 1812 Seventh St. Sanger, CA 93657 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Firebaugh Library 1315 O St. Firebaugh, CA 93622 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Coalinga Library 305 North 4th St. Coalinga, CA 93210 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Parlier Library 1130 E Parlier Ave. Parlier, CA 93648 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Selma Branch Library 2200 Selma Street Selma, CA 93662 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mendota Branch Library 1246 Belmont Avenue Mendota, CA 93640 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Huron Public Library 3605 O Street Huron, CA 93234 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Kingsburg Branch Library 1399 Draper Street Kingsburg, CA 93631 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Kerman Branch Library 15081 W. Kearney Blvd. Kerman, CA 93630 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Kern County December Mobile Office Hours Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Thursday, December 15, 2016 Arvin Branch Library 201 Campus Drive Arvin, CA 93230 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM McFarland Library 500 West Kern Avenue McFarland, CA 93250 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lamont Library 8304 Sergrue Road Lamont, CA 93241 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Delano Branch Library 925 10th Avenue Delano, CA 93215 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Wasco Branch Library 1102 7th Street Wasco, CA 93280 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Shafter Library 236 James Street Shafter, CA 93263 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Buttonwillow Library 101 Main Street Buttonwillow, CA 93206 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Kings and Tulare County December Mobile Office Hours Friday, December 16, 2016   Lower Tule Irrigation District 357 East Olive Avenue Tipton, CA 93272 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Corcoran Train Depot 1099 Otis Avenue Corcoran, CA 93212 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Avenal Branch Library 501 East Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-signals-castro-s-death-with-hopes-for-cubans-freedom,Rohrabacher Signals Castros Death with Hopes for Cubans Freedom,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Dana Rohrabacher,R000409,rohrabacher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher on Saturday issued the following statement on the death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro: The shouts of ""Cuba Libre!"" heard this jubilant hour in the streets of Miami reverberate throughout the world, wherever freedom and liberty and self-government are prized. A tyrant is dead, indeed a tyrant whose iron rule lasted longer than any other contemporary dictator's, but the shouts must also be heard as ongoing resolve not to rest until the Cuban people are liberated from his family and his poisonous, Marxist ideology.  We must come to terms with Fidel Castro's oft-romanticized rule, understanding that what this diabolical man did was build a Caribbean Animal Farm, wherein this pretend man of the people stole from the most productive and lived high on the proverbial hog while his people eked out the most meager living. His was rule by firing squad, torture, imprisonment of dissidents, neighborhood spies, even starvation -- a toxic blend of fascism and Communism.  What the American Left and those world leaders now paying tribute neglect as they write their own history is the apocalyptical danger Castro, in tandem with his Soviet sponsor, presented to the peace of the world. In his memoirs, the late Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev reported that Castro, in one of his moments of megalomaniacal fantasy, urged a nuclear strike on America, which means the madman advocated the incineration of millions. For decades his ideological influence contaminated the rightful political aspirations of Latin Americans with his patented brew of arsenic and anti-American demagoguery. Throughout the South American continent his violence-centered agenda brought a plague of revolution and counter-revolution, spurning the light of freedom and democracy wherever it tried to break through. To see the bitter fruit of Castroism we need only look at today’s Venezuela, one of the world's richest countries thrown into tyranny, destitution, and despair by following the radical Left’s prescriptions.  The new administration must look for ways to undermine the continuing Castro regime and encourage a new spirit of personal liberation on this long-suffering island of despotism. Cuba Libre! Contact: Kenneth Grubbs, 202-225-2415",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RepDevinNunes/~3/tfNQX_ghy34/trump-transition-gets-underway.html,Trump transition gets underway,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,feedproxy.google.com,,,legacy,"As a member of the executive committee of the Trump transition team, I'm gratified to see the future Trump administration starting to take shape. Today, the Trump team announced it is nominating Congressman Mike Pompeo as CIA Director, Congressman Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, and retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor. I think these are excellent candidates, particularly Mike Pompeo, who serves with me on the House Intelligence Committee. Mike has spent an immense amount of time in the field all across the world meeting with our intelligence professionals and service members on behalf of the Committee, and he's oneof the most respected voices in the House of Representatives on national security issues. I am confident that these three men will help shape strong national security policies to keep Americans safe during these dangerous times.I discussed the transition and some other issues with Bret Baier last night on Fox News. You can watch the video here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398675,Trump transition gets underway,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,nunes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Trump transition gets underway f t # e Washington, November 18, 2016 As a member of the executive committee of the Trump transition team, I'm gratified to see the future Trump administration starting to take shape. Today, the Trump team announced it is nominating Congressman Mike Pompeo as CIA Director, Congressman Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, and retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor. I think these are excellent candidates, particularly Mike Pompeo, who serves with me on the House Intelligence Committee. Mike has spent an immense amount of time in the field all across the world meeting with our intelligence professionals and service members on behalf of the Committee, and he's one of the most respected voices in the House of Representatives on national security issues. I am confident that these three men will help shape strong national security policies to keep Americans safe during these dangerous times. I discussed the transition and some other issues with Bret Baier last night on Fox News. You can watch the video here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/the-senate-must-reform-cloture,The Senate Must Reform Cloture,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Tom McClintock,M001177,mcclintock.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate Must Reform Cloture Congressman Tom McClintock House Chambers, Washington, D.C. November 16, 2016 Mr. Speaker: The American people have given our 45th President and the 115th Congress a clear mandate to revive our economy, secure our borders, restore our nation’s sovereignty, reinstate our Bill of Rights, and uphold the Rule of Law.  Moreover, they have given us majorities in both houses of Congress to do so.  There is no excuse for failure. President Obama and Secretary Clinton set a positive tone for the peaceful transition of power, a tone no doubt shared by many members of Congress and many Americans of good will who did not vote on the prevailing side.  This represents the best of American statesmanship. Yet we have also heard reactionary elements of the Democratic Party make a vicious pledge to thwart this mandate and destroy this president.  One need look no further than Senator Reid’s disgraceful diatribe on Friday to realize that these threats far exceed the lunatic fringe now violently rioting in our streets.  They reach directly into the halls of Congress.   To fulfill the mandate of the American people, we will need to deliberate wisely and in good faith, with all sides participating in the discussion and all voices heard.  But ultimately, those deliberations must result in laws to fulfill that mandate.  The agenda is daunting and time is fleeting. The greatest single obstacle to this era of reform is the 60-vote threshold to invoke cloture in the Senate, and I rise today to urge the Senate to finally reform it.  Given the record of abuse of this rule and the avowed intentions of many in that body, nothing will change legislatively unless the Senate Republican majority takes action when they organize in January.  All the reforms that the American people called for and that the President will request and the House will pass will be stopped dead in the Senate.   I do not argue to abandon this rule, but rather to restore it to its original purpose.  Cloture is rooted in a sound and ancient parliamentary principle: that as long as one third of a deliberative body wants to debate an issue, that debate should continue.  After all, a minority exists to convince the majority to its way of thinking; this is the essence of deliberation. But this principle assumes it is an actual debate where members are talking to one another – and it requires that the debate be germane to the question at hand and that it is not dilatory.  That is how cloture started – but over the 20th Century it degenerated into a 60-vote administrative threshold just to consider legislation.  Ironically, a procedure designed to PROTECT debate has now morphed into a procedure that very effectively PREVENTS debate. The two houses of Congress are designed to disagree with each other.  Once the House and the Senate independently exercise their best judgment on a particular matter, there is a conference process developed over centuries to resolve their differences.  But this process cannot function if one house simply refuses to consider the other house’s work.  The modern notion of cloture prevents that process, and the system breaks down.  During the last several congresses, the House sent hundreds of bills – including the appropriations bills that fund this government – to the Senate.  But instead of amending their ideas into those bills – or sending us bills of their own – they have simply refused to consider them by a minority denying cloture. Some Senators have said that this mechanism is necessary to preserve collegiality and encourage compromise.  How can you have collegiality when one side simply refuses to talk to the other?  How can you have compromise when the matter to be compromised cannot be taken up and discussed? Others have said that since most legislation grows the powers of government, this is an effective brake on that tendency.  It’s true this rule effectively blocks bad legislation.  It also very effectively blocks good legislation that is necessary to reverse this trend.  The current cloture rule provides a ratcheting effect that locks in every expansion of government over the past century.   Some Republicans have said it has been most useful when they’ve been in the minority.  I ask them: do you want to be a successful MAJORITY or a successful MINORITY?  You cannot be both as long as cloture exists in its current form.    Voters elected Republican majorities in both houses of Congress and they expect action.  They’ll get it from the President and from the House.  But in order for the Senate to rise to this occasion, it must reform its cloture rule when it organizes in January.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-condemns-turkey-s-erdogan-on-basic-human-rights,Rohrabacher Condemns Turkeys Erdogan on Basic Human Rights,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Dana Rohrabacher,R000409,rohrabacher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher on Tuesday spoke out against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s widespread purges and targeted repression of his countrymen. Since July Erdogan has excused his actions as necessary following what he calls a failed coup attempt, which he blames on ethnic Kurds and the Gulenist movement, an Islamic sect preaching peace, benevolence, and education. The Gulenists are named for Erdogan’s longtime critic Fetullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania. Gulen and his followers, once allied with Erdogan, were alienated when Turkish media were muzzled after reporting charges of government corruption. Erdogan blames Gulenists for a power grab by a faction of officers within the Turkish military. He has demanded the extradition of Gulen back to Turkey for prosecution. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch recently have issued reports of torture and other abuses at Turkey’s detention centers and prisons. According to these sources, 36,000 prisoners arrested after the July events include journalists, politicians, judges, prosecutors, military and police officers, academics, teachers, business leaders, and other citizens. Said Rohrabacher: “I strongly condemn Erdogan’s reckless assault on peaceful dissent and his disingenuous attempt to disguise this assault as a fight against terrorism. President Erdogan needs to stop this destructive tirade, abide by international laws, and ensure the safety and well-being of all detainees, especially prisoners. The U.S. government cannot turn a blind eye to the murder of prisoners and to the loss of freedom of the innocent people of Turkey. “This power grab and irrational fixation on oppressing any opposition already has had negative impact even outside Turkey. The Turkish military continues to attack some of our most vital allies in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism as well as targeting of our democratic Kurdish allies in that fight. Clearly, Turkey’s president is more concerned about consolidating complete political control, whatever the ramifications to the stability of the region and even to the freedom of the people of Turkey.” Rohrabacher, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, held a hearing on Sept. 14 concerning the condition of democracy in Turkey after the July events.   Contact: Ken Grubbs, 202.225.0145",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walters-staff-host-mobile-office-hours-tustin-mission-viejo,Rep. Walters Staff To Host Mobile Office Hours in Tustin & Mission Viejo,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Irvine, CA – Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) today announced that staff will host mobile office hours in Tustin and Mission Viejo on December 1st.  Rep. Walters’ staff will meet with constituents and assist them with federal casework issues dealing with Veterans Affairs, Social Security, IRS, immigration/passports, housing, grants, D.C. tours, and more. To schedule an appointment, please contact Donovan Higbee at (949) 263-8703 or Donovan.Higbee@mail.house.gov. Please note appointments are encouraged but not required.   What: Mobile Office Hours in Tustin When: Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Where: Tustin City Hall 300 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780   What: Mobile Office Hours in Mission Viejo When: Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Mission Viejo City Hall 200 Civic Center Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691   Walters represents California’s 45th District and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Judiciary Committees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397526,Rep. Calvert Cosponsors CA National Guard Bonus Fix Bill,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that he has cosponsored the Veterans Earned Their Bonus Act (VET Bonus Act), H.R. 6316. The legislation will legislatively correct the CA National Guard bonus claw back issue that has affected thousands of veterans. “Like all Americans, I was outraged when I learned about the hardships our veterans were being forced to endure due to no fault of their own,” said Rep. Calvert. “While I was relieved by the Sec. of Defense’s decision to halt the collection of these bonuses, Congress should ultimately pass legislation to resolve the matter once and for all.  The VET Bonus Act will provide our veterans with the peace of mind and financial relief that they deserve.” Here is a summary of the VET Bonus Act: ·         Presumption is with Veterans that their bonuses were received in good faith and that the Veteran met the criteria to receive their bonus. ·         Receipt of bonus money from California National Guard between 2004 – 2010 shall not be subject to repayment to DoD unless the Vet committed fraud or did not satisfy service requirements in obtaining the bonus. ·         If bonus money has been repaid by a Veteran in part or in full it shall be returned to the Veteran, plus interest in accordance with existing law. ·         For Vets who are reimbursed by the Army, the Secretary must notify credit agencies that any debt previously reported was never valid. ·         In addition, if a separate financial hardship has been incurred by a Vet who has been required to repay a bonus in part or in full, the Secretary of the Army shall provide financial assistance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lamalfa-votes-to-continue-iran-sanctions-authorize-sanctions-on,"Rep. LaMalfa Votes to Continue Iran Sanctions, Authorize Sanctions on Syria",2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC –  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) supported measures to authorize continued sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and impose sanctions on those who support attacks on civilians in Syria. H.R. 6297, the “Iran Sanctions Extension Act”, extends authorization for the President to impose sanctions through 2026; the authorization would otherwise expire at the close of 2016. H.R. 5732, the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act”, directs the Departments of State and Commerce to impose sanctions on officials of the Syrian government and any individuals or entities which provide financial or material support to Syria’s attacks on civilians.     “For too long, the Obama administration has stood idly by while rogue nations develop weapons of mass destruction and perpetrate war crimes on innocent civilians,” LaMalfa said. “Today we provided the tools that President-elect Trump will use to end that complacency, beginning on January 20, 2017.” “We acted today to ensure that the President-elect is able to fulfill his pledge to the American people to reject this administration’s dangerous agreement with Iran and to prevent a state sponsor of terror from ever acquiring nuclear weapons,” added LaMalfa. “We’ve also acted to cut off the financial and material lifelines that the Assad regime relies upon to continue its attacks on innocent Syrian civilians.” H.R. 6297, the “Iran Sanctions Extension Act”, passed on a 416-1 vote, while H.R. 5732, the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act”, received unanimous support.   Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398205,Royce Questions Chair White on Cumulative Impact of SEC Regulations,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White about the cumulative impact of Commission regulations during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled “Examining the SEC’s Agenda, Operations, and FY 2018 Budget Request.”“The focus of the SEC originally was, and I think should continue to be, the strength and resilience of our markets. That is critical to economic growth, to the jobs that are created thereby. When it comes to capital markets lending, I've got a question about the last few years... because we've had a lot of major regulatory changes, such as risk retention, accounting changes, prudential changes with new capital and liquidity rules, new disclosure regimes, and automated trading platforms. And all of this is occurring at the same time,"" said Rep. Royce""European regulators have raised concerns about how these new regulations fit together. Specifically, on his way out the door, E.U. financial-services chief Jonathan Hill concluded that, ""whereas after 2008 the greatest threat to financial stability had been the financial crisis, over time the greater threat had become the lack of growth itself. In other words, too little risk itself became a stability risk.' Then [Hill] went on to say that, 'the crisis may have made the scale and the pace of regulatory change inevitable. But the various layers of regulation could have been better aligned.'That was his reflection. I was going to ask you yours, whether you agree with that sentiment. If we stepped back and reflected on the cumulative impact of all these regulations and carefully understand what this means for growth and lending before we move forward with major changes, what would your observations be?"" said Rep. Royce.“The capital markets are an innovation built on taking prudent risk with factors fully disclosed. That's obviously a very important driver of growth of the economy and everything else that is positive. One has to worry about, and we do, system risk that could destabilize the system and obviously cause tremendous harm to investors. I think in terms of the impact of the regulations mentioned a little earlier, our economists at the SEC are studying, and will be reporting to Congress next year, on the cumulative impact of regulations on capital formation as well as corporate bond liquidity. It's something we study all the time. When we do our rules, by the way, our economists do study the economic impacts and they do look at not just the particular four corners of one rule and what your're changing there. Look you've got these other nine rules out there, so when you add this one, what is going to be the cumulative effect on all sorts of economic impacts. There may be a benefit for investors, there might not be, but what are the costs of it?"" answered Chair White.“I think [Hill] is just in retrospect looking at this at a time, as you know, when there is still more coming down the pipeline. We have discussions continuing on Basel 4. We have the proposals on the ‘Fundamental Review of the Trading Book’. I assume you share that overarching goal which I think [Hill] speaks to, that we need to balance the goals of market stability and safety and soundness with the needs of market liquidity, end-users, and overall economic growth,” concluded Rep. Royce.“That’s part of the cost-benefit analysis we do. You have to think more broadly as I said before when you do that, and that’s very much a part of it,” replied Chair White.Watch Rep. Royce's questioning of Chair White here or by clicking on the image below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398207,Rep. Royce Protects CalGuard Bonuses,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) cosponsored the VET Bonus Act (H.R. 6316), legislation to stop U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) efforts to reclaim bonuses rightfully paid to California National Guard members. “Bonus payments made in good faith to CalGuard members shouldn't be touched. These soldiers shouldn't be punished for serving their country,” said Rep. Royce.On October 22, 2016, the Los Angeles Times reported that nearly 10,000 soldiers in the California National Guard had been ordered to repay enlistment bonuses of $15,000 or more by DoD. Shortly thereafter, Rep. Royce wrote Defense Secretary Ash Carter to request a suspension of his Department's attempts to clawback such bonuses.The VET Bonus Act, authored by U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Modesto), dictates that:• Bonuses paid between 2004 and 2010 in good faith shall not be subject to repayment to DoD unless the recipient committed fraud or did not satisfy corresponding service requirements• Bonus payments reclaimed by DoD shall be paid back with interest to veterans who accepted them in good faith• For veterans who are reimbursed by the U.S. Army, the Secretary of the Army must notify credit agencies that any debt previously reported is invalid• The Secretary of the Army shall provide financial assistance to veterans who suffered severe financial hardships after having bonus payments reclaimed",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398209,"House passes two sanctions bills, sending foreign policy message on Iran and Syria",2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"House passes two sanctions bills, sending foreign policy message on Iran and Syria The House laid down markers Tuesday as to how it will try to shape foreign policy going into the new administration by passing two sanctions bills: one targeting Iran, the other Syria. The House overwhelmingly passed a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) by a vote of 419 to 1. The ISA forms the basis for energy, banking and defense sanctions against Iran’s nuclear and missile activities, and was set to expire at the end of the year. The House also passed by voice vote a measure imposing new sanctions on anyone who provides the Syrian government with financial, material or technological support — a category that includes Russia and Iran — in an effort to “halt the wholesale slaughter of the Syrian people.” The Obama administration had sought to delay both measures, though the president never threatened a veto, and President-elect Donald Trump has yet to weigh in on either bill. But the bills are a message from the House that it favors a strict approach to dealing with Tehran and international powers helping Syria’s government target civilians in that country’s civil war — even if the White House would rather be left to its own devices. Though the United States and other parties agreed last year to eventually lift certain sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran scrapping its nuclear program, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long argued that an extension of the ISA is necessary to ensure that there are punitive measures to “snap back” to if Iran violates its obligations under the nuclear deal. Since then, the Obama White House has indicated that it thinks the ISA is unnecessary, asserting that the president already has the authority to sanction Tehran over any violations of the deal, as well as over recent ballistic missile activity and other aggressive moves. Congressional leaders don’t accept this argument. “The original understanding was that we would extend it so we would have snapback sanctions if we needed them,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward R. Royce (R-Calif.) said Monday. “That was the agreement, that we would have these in abeyance, we would have these in place and thus be able to assure enforcement.” The ISA renewal does not change its terms — a choice that is expected to influence debate in the Senate, where there are three competing proposals to extend the law. In addition to a clean ISA renewal, there is a proposal from Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) to supplement the extension with new sanctions related to ballistic missile tests, cyberthreats and espionage, and the activities of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, and another from Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) to tie the ISA extension to $1.5 billion in aid for Israel. But it will probably be difficult for either to gain a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, where most Democrats favor an unchanged ISA renewal akin to the House’s measure.The House vote is also a signal to Trump, who campaigned on a promise that he would rip up the Iran deal when he took office, at one point even calling that his No. 1 priority as president. But in the week since his election, he has been backing away from that threat. Last week, Trump foreign policy adviser Walid Phares indicated that Trump would demand changes to the deal but would not scrap it entirely. President Obama, who recently met with Trump about the transition, said Monday that he doubted that Trump would make changes to the deal, calling Iran “a good example of the gap, I think, between some of the rhetoric in this town — not unique to the president-elect — and the reality.” “My suspicion is, is that when the president-elect comes in, and he’s consulting with his Republican colleagues on the Hill, that they will look at the facts,” Obama told reporters Monday. “When you are responsible for the deal and preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, you’re more likely to look at the facts.” Despite the GOP’s criticism of the Iran deal, which not a single Republican in Congress supported, Republicans don’t sound too eager for Trump to keep his promise to rip up the agreement. Instead, leaders are hoping that Trump takes cues from Congress about how to further squeeze Tehran. “An alternative way is to ratchet up this pressure outside of the agreement … it doesn’t allow the world to say the United States ripped up this deal,” said one Republican congressional aide, who added that the GOP hoped Trump would lean into Iran with more sanctions and efforts to clamp down on cash payments. The GOP has argued that a payment of about $1.7 billion that the Obama administration sent Iran to settle an outstanding tribunal judgment was “ransom” because it was timed to coincide with the release of American prisoners being held in Tehran. The House has already passed measures to restrain Iran in all of those areas, and on Wednesday, it will probably add one more to the mix when it votes on a bill to prevent Boeing from sending planes to Iran. Obama has already promised to veto that measure. But first, House lawmakers voted on a measure to impose new sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and anyone, including Iran and Russia, who supports his government’s efforts to acquire weapons to be used in Syria’s civil war. The purpose of the measure is to compel an international response to the targeting of civilians, documented by a defector who took tens of thousands of pictures depicting the mass murder of civilians and torture practices. But by looping Russia into the category of regimes that would be targeted by the new sanctions, the House risks running afoul of the incoming Trump administration, which has advanced a friendlier posture toward Russia and espoused a more hands-off strategy vis-à-vis Syria. Trump has not weighed in on the bill. House GOP leaders were adamant this week that any differences between them and their president-elect over their approach to Russia would not create discord over this bill. “Regardless of people’s perception about a given regime, or how we approach the conundrum of Syria, there’s going to be consensus on the books to call to account those who committed the war crimes of this magnitude,” Royce said Monday. “Regardless of perspectives on Syria, there’s some unanimity of opinion in sending a message on this kind of conduct.” House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) added in a statement Tuesday that he was “glad the White House has stopped blocking these critical sanctions, which are a necessary response to Assad’s crimes against humanity.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-cosponsors-ca-national-guard-bonus-fix-bill,Rep. Calvert Cosponsors CA National Guard Bonus Fix Bill,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that he has cosponsored the Veterans Earned Their Bonus Act (VET Bonus Act), H.R. 6316. The legislation will legislatively correct the CA National Guard bonus claw back issue that has affected thousands of veterans. ""Like all Americans, I was outraged when I learned about the hardships our veterans were being forced to endure due to no fault of their own,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""While I was relieved by the Sec. of Defense's decision to halt the collection of these bonuses, Congress should ultimately pass legislation to resolve the matter once and for all. The VET Bonus Act will provide our veterans with the peace of mind and financial relief that they deserve."" Here is a summary of the VET Bonus Act: Presumption is with Veterans that their bonuses were received in good faith and that the Veteran met the criteria to receive their bonus. Receipt of bonus money from California National Guard between 2004 2010 shall not be subject to repayment to DoD unless the Vet committed fraud or did not satisfy service requirements in obtaining the bonus. If bonus money has been repaid by a Veteran in part or in full it shall be returned to the Veteran, plus interest in accordance with existing law. For Vets who are reimbursed by the Army, the Secretary must notify credit agencies that any debt previously reported was never valid. In addition, if a separate financial hardship has been incurred by a Vet who has been required to repay a bonus in part or in full, the Secretary of the Army shall provide financial assistance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nunes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398673,Nunes Named to Trump Transition Team,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,nunes.house.gov,,,legacy,"Nunes Named to Trump Transition Team f t # e Washington, November 11, 2016 Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22) released the following statement today after joining the executive committee of Donald Trump’s transition team:“Today I was honored to have been named to the executive committee of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team. In this role, I will advise President-elect Trump on the appointments of his Cabinet members and on appointments to other top positions in the new administration. I look forward to helping to assemble an energetic and forward-looking team that will capably lead our country toward more economic growth, greater opportunity, and a safer homeland for all Americans.”  #  #  # f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398199,Rep. Royce Announces CA-39 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), national Co-Chair of the Congressional App Challenge, announced the winners of his district's competition: Christopher Jhaveri, Christopher Leung, Jason Kwan, and Santiago Torres of the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program at Los Altos High School. The winning students created Election Connection, a mobile application designed to educate voters on candidates' political positions.Rep. Royce made his announcement during the competition's Exhibit and Awards Ceremony last night at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.""I enthusiastically chaired the Congressional App Challenge this year because its mission aligns with my priorities: promoting STEM education in our schools and encouraging students to pursue technology-related interests. Congratulations to Los Altos High School and all of the participating teams. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of the talented competitors,"" said Rep. Royce. ""As national Co-Chair of the Congressional App Challenge, Congressman Royce has led the charge in promoting STEM and computer coding education in our schools. Over 2100 students creating 650 apps participated in this year's Challenge, a 20% jump from last year,"" said Melissa Medina, Congressional Affairs Director for the Congressional App Challenge.Second place was awarded to Troy High School's Neil Prajapati for his app ""AntiStipulator"" and Ayala High School's Noah Allen, Justin Harsono, Jeffrey Hsu, and Ramakrishna Senthil for their app ""TuteeMe.""Third place was awarded to Los Altos High School's Aum Brahmbhatt, Tiffany Liao, and Breeze Hernandez for their app ""BrainTrain.""A panel of independent judges determined the winning team of the competition that featured mobile applications created by students from California's 39th Congressional District. Judging was based on factors such as quality of the application's operations, implementation of the application's concept, and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.The winning student developers and Los Altos High School will have Election Connection displayed in the United States Capitol alongside winning submissions from around the nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397525,Rep. Calvert Congratulates President-Elect Donald J. Trump,2016-11-09,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Congratulates President-Elect Donald J. Trump f t # e Washington, D.C., November 9, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement congratulating President-elect Donald J. Trump on winning the 2016 presidential election:   “I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning an historic election last night. Throughout this campaign Donald Trump echoed the deep frustrations of many Americans about the lack of economic opportunities and the direction of our country. That is exactly why I endorsed and supported his campaign since he won our competitive primary process.   As President-elect Trump said last night, now the real work must begin to enact the policies that will put our nation on a different path.  Republicans must work together to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a more competitive, patient-focused health care policy.  We also have a tremendous task ahead of us unwinding the unprecedented amount of job-killing regulations that the Obama administration has jammed down the throats of our job creators. Finally, we must secure our border, require mandatory employment verification to ensure American jobs go to American workers, and reassert our sovereignty.    America is the greatest democracy in the history of the world because we entrust the true power of our government with our citizens. They have now exercised that power to shake up our government and sent a clear message to our media and cultural elites.  Those of us who have been chosen to represent our fellow citizens in Washington owe them our full and complete effort to put America on a path of peace and prosperity.”         ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-congratulates-president-elect-donald-j-trump,Rep. Calvert Congratulates President-Elect Donald J. Trump,2016-11-09,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement congratulating President-elect Donald J. Trump on winning the 2016 presidential election: ""I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning an historic election last night. Throughout this campaign Donald Trump echoed the deep frustrations of many Americans about the lack of economic opportunities and the direction of our country. That is exactly why I endorsed and supported his campaign since he won our competitive primary process. As President-elect Trump said last night, now the real work must begin to enact the policies that will put our nation on a different path. Republicans must work together to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a more competitive, patient-focused health care policy. We also have a tremendous task ahead of us unwinding the unprecedented amount of job-killing regulations that the Obama administration has jammed down the throats of our job creators. Finally, we must secure our border, require mandatory employment verification to ensure American jobs go to American workers, and reassert our sovereignty. America is the greatest democracy in the history of the world because we entrust the true power of our government with our citizens. They have now exercised that power to shake up our government and sent a clear message to our media and cultural elites. Those of us who have been chosen to represent our fellow citizens in Washington owe them our full and complete effort to put America on a path of peace and prosperity."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rohrabacher.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rohrabacher-blasts-obama-s-remarks-on-voting-by-illegal-immigrants,Rohrabacher Blasts Obamas Remarks on Voting by Illegal Immigrants,2016-11-07,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Dana Rohrabacher,R000409,rohrabacher.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher strongly condemned President Obama’s remarks in an interview suggesting illegal immigrants will not be penalized if they vote in Tuesday’s elections. In the televised interview with actress Gina Rodriguez, the president accepted her premise that anyone who votes is a citizen and reassured viewers that immigration authorities do not check voters in search of people in the country illegally. “President Obama’s betrayal of the American people was exposed by his own words,” said Rohrabacher. “Over the last several years the president has hidden his real goals regarding immigration. But it was finally revealed in response to the interviewer’s question about whether illegals would be allowed to vote and not be tracked down. “The president’s answer was clearly a signal that illegal immigrants may vote without repercussion in Tuesday’s elections,” said the California Republican. “While his wording was nebulous, his intent was clear. The president of the United States was encouraging people in this country illegally to go ahead and cast ballots.” In the live broadcast Nov. 3, Rodriguez asked President Obama: “Many of the millennials, Dreamers, undocumented citizens — and I call them citizens because they contribute to this country — are fearful of voting. So if I vote, will immigration know where I live? Will they come for my family and deport us?” President Obama responded: “This is not true. And the reason is — first of all, when you vote, you are a citizen yourself, and there is not a situation where the voting rolls somehow are transferred over and people start investigating, et cetera. The sanctity of the vote is strictly confidential in terms of who you voted for.” “The president’s words,” said Rohrabacher, “are a betrayal of the people of this country, both naturalized and native-born. The American people should understand that the president is trying to negate their vote.” Rohrabacher is a long-time advocate of verifying the citizenship of voters. “The president’s statement, coming just days before opening the polls, is tantamount to election fraud,” he said. “I call on President Obama to recant his statement immediately. Such a statement, coming from someone with the stature of an American president, is unprecedented in history, and it will encourage illegal immigrants to break our election law and thus delegitimize Tuesday’s election.” The congressman is available for further comments on this issue.                                                                                                       ############## Kenneth Grubbs Communications Director Rep. Dana Rohrabacher Forty-eighth District, California",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RepDevinNunes/~3/MqKLuVKOysU/the-obamacare-death-spiral-continues.html,The Obamacare Death Spiral Continues,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,feedproxy.google.com,,,legacy,"The Obama administration recently revealed that premiums for Obamacare's benchmark silver plan will jump an average of 22 percent in 2017. This meanspremiums have now skyrocketed 116 percentin the last three years.Obamacare defenders argue that the price hikes are not as bad asthey seem, since manyenrollees will get more subsidies. Of course, these defendersdidn't mention escalating costs at all when they were selling the Obamacare idea to the American peopleto the contrary, Obama repeatedly promised that his plan would lower the typical family's premiums by $2,500 per year. Since that has proven false, we're now told that everything's fine because of magical subsidies that, in fact, are paid for by American taxpayers. Of course, rising prices are not the only problem with Obamacareinsurers are fleeing the exchanges in droves, leaving consumers with dwindling options. As CNN reports, ""The number of carriers will drop to 228 next year in the federal exchange and selected states, down from 298 in 2016."" It also relates that21 percentof customersreturning to the exchanges will only have one available carrier next year, and thatfive stateswill only have one insurer providing plans on the federal exchange. Think about what an honest explanation ofObamacarewould have sounded like before its enactment: ""We will create a healthcare system thatfeatures spiraling premiums,steadily decreasing choices, and a giant bill for taxpayers.Oh, and by the way, if youlike your doctor, you can't necessarily keep your doctor."" I'm guessing that would not have been an effective sales pitch. As Obamacare continues its death spiral, House Republicans are proposing far-reaching healthcare reforms that wouldlower costs, increase competition, expand choice, guarantee coverage, and accelerate medical breakthroughsyou can read aboutour planhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2016/11/san-juan-capistrano-endorses-issas-sober-homes-bill/,San Juan Capistrano Endorses Issas Sober Homes Bill,2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"The City of San Juan Capistrano today became the third local government to express support for Congressman Darrell Issa's bill, the Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act (H.R. 6070), that would allow cities and states to implement oversight of sober living facilities. In a letter to Congressman Issa, the Mayor of San Juan Capistrano, Pam Patterson, writes, ""Cities in California and across the country are dealing with a proliferation of residential recovery facilities in residential neighborhoods…The challenges derived from noncompliant residential recovery facilities are a strain on law enforcement resources, represent legitimate public safety threats to the community, and negatively affect the patients seeking treatment. The residential recovery facilities that are concerned with the quantity of patients, rather than the care of patients, have had a harmful effect on all of the compliant and well-operating facilities, leaving patients with incomplete treatment and local governments to deal with the fallout."" ""This bill would make a positive impact in mitigating these issues, by requiring residential recovery facilities to provide residents with a safe and sober living environment that is completely free from illegal drugs, alcohol, abuse, and harm; and requires homes, its owner, and its operator to obtain a license or permit to operate, meet a set of consumer protection standards, and register with the government."" The full letter from the City of San Juan Capistrano is available here. ""Cities and local government have had their hands tied in dealing with sober living facilities so I'm glad to have worked together to introduce this necessary update to the law,"" said Congressman Darrell Issa. ""In many ways, the biggest issue I hear about day-to-day from constituents is the rapid growth of poorly-run sober living facilities that are helping neither those in recovery nor the communities they are supposed to serve. This simple update will help ensure local governments have the tools they need to solve these problems and sure these faculties are working for everyone. I'm proud to have the support of San Juan Capistrano and look forward advancing our solution when Congress reconvenes this fall."" Congressman Issa recently held town hall meetings in Oceanside and San Clemente on Sober Living Homes where constituents came out in the hundreds, packing meeting rooms to the brim to share their concerns over the proliferation of these facilities. The City of San Clemente endorsed the Congressman's legislation in September and the Orange County Board of Supervisors quickly followed in October. Issa's bill would: Correct the Fair Housing Act to specifically clarify that state or local governments may enact and enforce zoning ordinances or other regulations that would limit the number of sober homes within a particular neighborhood Enable states and cities to require sober homes to be licensed and registered and to meet state-passed standards Enable sober home zoning to be enforced only if necessary to preserve the residential character of communities and if it allows at least some sober homes to be located within a particular area Require sober homes receiving payments or reimbursements for housing or drug testing services from Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, or via private insurance purchased on an exchange to meet a set of standards and to provide residents with a safe and sober living environment that is completely free from illegal drugs, alcohol, abuse, and harm.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20161111181123/http://issa.house.gov/issues/defense-and-veterans/2016/11/san-juan-capistrano-endorses-issas-sober-homes-bill/,San Juan Capistrano Endorses Issas Sober Homes Bill,2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"San Juan Capistrano Endorses Issas Sober Homes Bill November 1, 2016 The City of San Juan Capistrano today became the third local government to express support for Congressman Darrell Issas bill, the Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act (H.R. 6070), that would allow cities and states to implement oversight of sober living facilities. In a letter to Congressman Issa, the Mayor of San Juan Capistrano, Pam Patterson, writes, Cities in California and across the country are dealing with a proliferation of residential recovery facilities in residential neighborhoodsThe challenges derived from noncompliant residential recovery facilities are a strain on law enforcement resources, represent legitimate public safety threats to the community, and negatively affect the patients seeking treatment. The residential recovery facilities that are concerned with the quantity of patients, rather than the care of patients, have had a harmful effect on all of the compliant and well-operating facilities, leaving patients with incomplete treatment and local governments to deal with the fallout. This bill would make a positive impact in mitigating these issues, by requiring residential recovery facilities to provide residents with a safe and sober living environment that is completely free from illegal drugs, alcohol, abuse, and harm; and requires homes, its owner, and its operator to obtain a license or permit to operate, meet a set of consumer protection standards, and register with the government. The full letter from the City of San Juan Capistrano is available here. Cities and local government have had their hands tied in dealing with sober living facilities so Im glad to have worked together to introduce this necessary update to the law, said Congressman Darrell Issa. In many ways, the biggest issue I hear about day-to-day from constituents is the rapid growth of poorly-run sober living facilities that are helping neither those in recovery nor the communities they are supposed to serve. This simple update will help ensure local governments have the tools they need to solve these problems and sure these faculties are working for everyone. Im proud to have the support of San Juan Capistrano and look forward advancing our solution when Congress reconvenes this fall. Congressman Issa recently held town hall meetings inOceansideandSan Clementeon Sober Living Homes where constituents came out in the hundreds, packing meeting rooms to the brim to share their concerns over the proliferation of these facilities. The City of San Clemente endorsedthe Congressmans legislation in September and the Orange County Board of Supervisors quickly followed in October. Issas bill would: Correct the Fair Housing Act to specifically clarify that state or local governments may enact and enforcezoning ordinances or other regulations that would limit the number of sober homes within a particular neighborhood Enable states and cities to require sober homes to be licensed and registered and to meet state-passed standards Enable sober home zoning to be enforced only if necessary to preserve the residential character of communities and if it allows at least some sober homes to be located within a particular area Require sober homes receiving payments or reimbursements for housing or drug testing services from Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, or via private insurance purchased on an exchange to meet a set of standards and to provide residents with a safe and sober living environment that is completely free from illegal drugs, alcohol, abuse, and harm.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397524,Rep. Calvert Hails Transfer of Ontario Airport,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Hails Transfer of Ontario Airport f t # e Washington, D.C., November 1, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the official transfer of Ontario International Airport from Los Angeles World Airports  to the Ontario International Airport Authority: “Today is a great day for Inland Empire air travelers.  Restoring local control of Ontario Airport was a team effort that I was incredibly proud to be a part of by sponsoring the law facilitating the transfer. The transfer of Ontario Airport is just the start of the process to give Inland Empire air travelers a premiere airport with competitive flight fares and modern amenities. ###   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2016/11/issa-receives-commitment-from-head-of-san-diego-va-to-resolve-local-veterans-issues-2/,Issa Receives Commitment from Head of San Diego VA to Resolve Local Veterans Issues,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, October 28, Congressman Darrell Issa met with Dr. Robert Smith, M.D., Director of the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System and secured a commitment to fix several issues plaguing the local VA. Over the last week, Congressman Issa had been leading an outreach program, asking veterans to submit concerns and problems with the VA to a special hotline he'd set up at Issa.Veterans@mail.house.gov. San Diego area veterans submitted their concerns on a wide range of issues they have faced when dealing with the VA. During Friday's meeting, Issa raised those issues with Dr. Smith in order to find a resolution. ""I've heard from San Diego veterans who need the VA health care system to work better for them, whether it's finding a parking spot within walking distance of a clinic or not being able to reach anyone on the suicide prevention hotline. These are serious issues that need to be immediately addressed promptly. That's why I sat down with the head of the San Diego VA so that we could find solutions for each major problem because our veterans deserve better than what they currently receive. I'm glad to announce that Dr. Smith will be dedicating VA resources to make sure the needs of San Diego area veterans are addressed,"" said Issa. In early October a string of recent VA scandals came to light, including a report from the Union Tribune that detailed the VA's failure to help a veteran until the reporter publicized the veteran's attempts to have the Mission Valley VA Clinic's phone system fixed. Issa then asked area veterans to contact his office with specific problems. Friday's meeting was the culmination of Issa's efforts to bring the veterans' issues directly to the head of the San Diego VA. As a result of Issa's meeting, Dr. Smith committed to dedicated VA resources to address four major issues: Streamlining women's health services, tailoring VA visits to individuals' needs, fixing suicide prevention hotline, and improving parking options at various VA centers. Additionally, Dr. Smith agreed to meet with Issa in one month to update the Congressman on the status of Issa's requests Women's Services: women veterans requesting the VA improve services for gynecological health. Issa's request: The VA should streamline listing and scheduling of women's services so that women veterans have easy access to a full range of services that include family planning, infertility, and pregnancy consults, and gynecological oncology. Tailoring VA Visits: A majority of the veterans who contacted Issa's office requested the VA tailor services to the individual's needs. Issa's office found that generally older veterans prefer consistent long-term health care services, including developing relationships with specific doctors. Younger veterans were more concerned with immediate access and convenience, such as having the ability to visit any VA clinic and obtain the services they need. Issa's request: The VA should provide both options of consistent long-term and immediate, convenient care to all veterans. Suicide Prevent Hotline: The VA's suicide prevention hotline has been experiencing problems on a national scale. In San Diego, veterans have been unable to utilize the suicide prevention hotline due to technical problems that would abruptly end incoming calls. Issa's request: The VA should immediately fix all technical problems with suicide prevention hotline so that it is available and working twenty four hours of each day. Parking: Several veterans contacted Issa's office regarding problems with parking availability at various San Diego VA centers. The lack of or inconvenience of certain parking situations has led to veterans missing their appointments. Issa's request: The VA should work with city officials to create ample available and convenient parking for veterans, especially service-disabled veterans. California has the largest veteran population in the United States, and the VA San Diego Healthcare System is responsible for providing care to over 235,100 veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2016/11/issa-ups-pressure-on-dod-to-return-bonuses-to-veterans/,Issa Ups Pressure on DoD to Return Bonuses to Veterans,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) is today increasing pressure on the Department of Defense to return bonuses to veterans who've already repaid them as part of the bonus clawback scandal exposed by the LA Times earlier last week. In a letter to Under Secretary Levine, Congressman Issa demands that the California National Guard work expeditiously to return the monies which soldiers have already repaid under the bonus clawback program. Though the Department of Defense agreed to suspend further collection efforts last week, the Department still has not put forth a plan for returning monies to soldiers who've already unfairly repaid them. ""The Guards' own inept actions and lack of oversight created this debacle.  The government has instead forced many of our war-fighters to deplete their life savings, take on more debt by refinancing their homes, and ruined their credit."" ""You have a duty to make the victims whole without delay, which includes compensation for all applicable interest fees and penalties.  As such, the Department of Defense must clear these debts and assist with all service member issues related to invalidate the debts,"" writes Congressman Issa. The letter was sent this morning. It can be read in its entirety below and at the link here. Dear Mr. Levine: As the member of Congress who represents thousands of Marines and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton, I work on behalf of the service members and veterans in our community.  Therefore, I request the California National Guard immediately act to fully reimburse and compensate soldiers who accepted payments in good faith and kept their commitment when they volunteered to protect our country. In light of recent revelations that unveiled the mismanagement and fraudulent activities of the California National Guard’s incentive programs, it would reasonable to assume that the Guard would expeditiously offer a solution and eliminate the burden place on military members. In contrast, the Guard has refused to accept wholesale responsibility for their failures, attempted to shift the blame, and offered only bureaucratic indifference, which is unacceptable at best. I believe in holding both individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.  Any person or group that schemes and defrauds the government should face consequences.  However, the Department of Defense has acknowledged that the vast majority of service members who received bonus and retention payments accepted the payments in good faith and fulfilled their commitment to serve.  Therefore, those individuals should not face hardship as a result of the actions of others. The Guards' own inept actions and lack of oversight created this debacle.  The government has instead forced many of our war-fighters to deplete their life savings, take on more debt by refinancing their homes, and ruined their credit. You have a duty to make the victims whole without delay, which includes compensation for all applicable interest fees and penalties.  As such, the Department of Defense must clear these debts and assist with all service member issues related to invalidate the debts. If this continues my congressional colleagues and I will act to compel and force you to honor your commitments, just as the soldiers honored theirs.  I respectfully request a detailed, substantive, and realistic solution to be delivered promptly. Sincerely, Darrell Issa Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398197,Rep. Royce Announces Congressional App Challenge Exhibit and Awards Ceremony,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) announced details of this year's Congressional App Challenge Exhibit and Awards Ceremony, featuring mobile applications created by over 100 participating students from California's 39th Congressional District.A panel of independent judges will determine the winning team and Rep. Royce will announce their decision at the ceremony. Competition winners will have their work displayed in the United States Capitol.“I've had the opportunity to visit students hard at work for this year's Challenge and look forward to seeing the final products. As the national Co-Chair of the Congressional App Challenge, I thank our event speakers and judges, all of whom share my passion for instilling the value of a STEM education in our community's students,"" said Rep. Royce.Event DetailsWhat: Congressional App Challenge Exhibit and Awards Ceremony Who: U.S. Representative Ed Royce Date: November 9, 2016 Time: 7 PM Location: Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Address: 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda, CA 92886Event SpeakersMarc Fischer Marc Fischer is the founder and CEO of Dogtown Media, a mobile technology studio based in Santa Monica, California with offices in San Francisco and New York City. Fischer is also a Professor at Santa Monica College where he teachers App Design to computer science and graphic design students.Katie Lamkin Kathleen Lamkin is a Software Engineering major at Chapman University, graduating in December 2016. She works as a Software Engineer at Anivive Lifesciences. She has three years of industry experience in design and implementation of web services, backend web applications, and data integrations. She has worked in a wide range of industries consisting of media & entertainment, consumer electronics, logistics, and pharmaceutical. Kathleen is the sole inventor on a pending patent entitled ""Method for Creating and Displaying Content.""Daniel Tenorio Daniel Tenorio is a full-stack developer at CASEpeer and recent Computer Science graduate from the University of California Irvine. Tenorio was involved in AppJam+, a program aimed at introducing young students to computer science by mentoring them as they build their first Android applications.Event JudgesShannon Alfaro, Lecturer, University of California Irvine Abby Atchison, Chapman University Melissa Crawford, Software Engineer, Capital One Scarlett Kwong, Walnut Valley Water District Erik Linstead, Professor, Chapman University John Natividad, Vice President, AlixPartner Japan Bing Neris, Environmental Engineer, City of Los Angeles Chi Ni, Education Consultant Captain Eugene Park, Assistant Civil Works Branch Chief, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ryan Rysley, Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli LLPPress This event is open press. Those interested in attending can do so by contacting Stephanie Hu at (626) 964-5123 or Stephanie.Hu@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-hails-transfer-ontario-airport,Rep. Calvert Hails Transfer of Ontario Airport,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the official transfer of Ontario International Airport from Los Angeles World Airports to the Ontario International Airport Authority: ""Today is a great day for Inland Empire air travelers. Restoring local control of Ontario Airport was a team effort that I was incredibly proud to be a part of by sponsoring the law facilitating the transfer. The transfer of Ontario Airport is just the start of the process to give Inland Empire air travelers a premiere airport with competitive flight fares and modern amenities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=824,Knight Requests Sand Fire Assistance,2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"Knight Requests Sand Fire Assistance Congressman Writes Letter to Governor Asking to Redirect State Funds f t # e Washington, October 31, 2016 Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) sent a letter on Monday to Governor Brown asking the state to use funds from an existing block grant to support efforts to repair damages caused by the Sand Fire.In July, the Sand Fire burned over 40,000 acres and destroyed 19 homes in the Santa Clarita Valley. Knight worked with local, state, and federal officials to secure funding and coordinate efforts to rebuild the damage, but learned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) do not consider the amount of destruction caused by the Sand Fire to be significant enough to qualify for funding through their programs. “The fire, in addition to the drought, has strained public resources causing tremendous stress particularly on individual families who are now displaced from their community after losing their homes,” Knight states in the letter. “Several months have passed, and many of my constituents are still in need of assistance from the state and federal government in order to rebuild and restore the community” In his letter to the Governor,  Knight states that while he will continue to press the agencies, the state must provide assistance in the meantime. He identifies the best approach as using funds given to California by the federal government through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), an action that could be authorized by the Governor. Knight concludes the letter by urging Governor Brown to move ahead with the authorization so that Santa Clarita residents can receive necessary assistance before winter begins. “The Sand Fire was devastating for many in our community, and we must act to ensure they have the assistance they need as quickly as possible,” said Knight.  f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hunter.house.gov/press-release/hunter-reaction-court-ruling-dcgs-army,Hunter reaction to court ruling on DCGS-Army,2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Duncan Hunter,H001048,hunter.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hunter reaction to court ruling on DCGS-Army U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter made the following statement today in response to a federal ruling that imposes an injunction on the U.S. Army’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS): “It’s about time this happened, but it’s still amazing that it took a court of law to reveal the truth about DCGS and counter the blatant misrepresentations and falsehoods that originated within a bureaucracy that is supposed to look out for the best interests of our soldiers.  Instead, our troops have been put at a disadvantage, all while taxpayers have been asked to give even more money—above the billions of dollars allocated so far—for the next installment of DCGS. “From the start, this was always more than just a contracting fight.  Soldiers in combat have repeatedly requested an off-the-shelf alternative that they assert saves lives.  In one instance, a commander of a major division called it a matter of life and limb.  The fact that this technology has been repeatedly denied and actively discredited is an example of bureaucracy at its worst.  “We must not allow bureaucrats and others with personal agendas to stop our soldiers from fighting and winning wars.  And I’m pleased today that a court sided with our soldiers and is forcing the Army to reissue its RFP on DCGS.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397523,Rep. Calvert Statement on FBI Investigation of Hillary Clinton,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Statement on FBI Investigation of Hillary Clinton f t # e Washington, DC, October 28, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the FBI reopening its investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s private email:   “Today’s announcement by the FBI is just another reminder that Secretary Clinton consistently finds herself under scrutiny for poor decisions and reckless behavior.  Obviously, what’s most concerning is when those actions compromise our national security.  The American people deserve a complete, unbiased investigation into Secretary Clinton’s conduct.”       ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RepDevinNunes/~3/AviTS__aU0c/hillary-clinton-should-not-have-access.html,Hillary Clinton should not have access to classified information,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Devin Nunes,N000181,feedproxy.google.com,,,legacy,"Today I released the following statement about the FBI reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server:Since tens of thousands of emails traversed Hillary Clintons unauthorized server, including 30,000 that she deleted to avoid disclosure, its no surprise that the FBI has found additional problematic emails. FBI Director James Comey is right to reopen the investigation and pursue all leads until we know the full extent of Clintons misconduct and the full extent of the harm she did to our national security. In light of these circumstances, its impossible to see how Director of National Intelligence James Clapper can believe Clinton or any of her implicated staffers should ever again be provided access to classified information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://issa.house.gov/issues/2016/10/issa-on-fbi-decision-to-reopen-investigation-into-hillary-clintons-private-email-server/,Issa on FBI Decision to Reopen Investigation into Hillary Clintons Private Email Server,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement after the FBI announced that it has re-opened its investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server to send and receive classified information. ""This decision shows exactly why we need strong watchdogs in Congress to ensure thorough oversight of the executive branch. The federal government constantly needs to be held accountable to curb poor judgment -- like using a private server to circumvent federal records laws -- and incomplete investigations that fail to deliver justice and erode public faith in government. This decision also makes clear that Hillary Clinton's continued efforts to deceive the public on her actions that willingly put classified information at risk, need to come to an end."" ""With the FBI reopening their investigation, it's important that this time we get it right. As a representative of more than 42,000 Marines at Camp Pendleton many of whom handle classified information every day, it's critical that Clintons and other well-connected elites are held to the same standards they are. As a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, I'll be working with Chairman Goodlatte and others to ensure the FBI completes its investigation thoroughly and impartially this time around."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=811,Knight Discusses Future of Flight At Mojave,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) and House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21) hosted a panel discussion with aerospace experts on Thursday. The American Aeronautics Forum was hosted by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and held at the Mojave Air and Space Port in the Antelope Valley. In a discussion moderated by retired Mojave Air and Space Port CEO Stu Witt, leaders from public and private sector flight experimentation programs discussed the state of American aeronautics research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs. “Yesterday’s event forecasted the future of American aviation. My colleague, Rep. Knight, and I share a deep appreciation for our nation’s aviation history, and we are inspired by what we see on the horizon. It is important that we continue to work with stakeholders so that we remain the world’s leaders in flight,"" said Chairman Smith. ""Yesterday’s panel, rooted in Rep. Knight’s home district, emphasized that the U.S. is in the midst of international races to field hypersonic piloted aircraft, to quiet the boom of supersonic planes, and push the frontiers of aviation. Rep. Knight and I appreciated our experts’ input and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the U.S. remains the leader in aerospace.” In addition to Chairman Smith and Rep. Knight, the panelists included Mr. David McBride, Director, Armstrong Flight Research Center, NASA; Mr. Craig Johnston, Director, Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development, Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin; and Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Bedke, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Senior Non-resident fellow, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.The panel discussed the major transformations that have shaped flight experimentation since the first “X-Planes” program, the Bell X-1, made its historic sound barrier-breaking flight in 1947. Private businesses are taking the lead in many technology development efforts, but taking on high-risk, long-term research for which there is not yet a profit rationale remains one of NASA’s fundamental roles. Panel experts emphasized that the U.S. is in the midst of international races to field hypersonic piloted aircraft, to quiet the boom of supersonic planes, and to develop ultra-efficient commercial airliners that can reduce fuel usage upwards of 60%, and called for a renewal of the successful X-Plane programs. “It was an honor to have Chairman Smith and these distinguished leaders in the flight science community all in the Antelope Valley to discuss the state of aerospace in our country,” said Rep. Knight. “The success of our aeronautics programs will have a tremendous impact on America’s economy and national security far into the future. Yesterday's discussion produced several important ideas, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure they become realities.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lamalfa-expresses-opposition-to-cascade-siskiyou-national-monument,LaMalfa Expresses Opposition to Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Expansion Proposal,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC –  Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today released the following statement opposing proposals to expand the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument: “Any expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument would not only negatively impact private property rights, public access and forest management, but would occur over the objections of local residents. “Time and time again, this administration has ignored the views of residents to impose new federal restrictions on public and private land through misuse of the Antiquities Act. Monument designations invariably restrict the public’s right to access public lands, damage property owners’ ability to access and use their land, and hurt rural economies. “That’s why my colleagues and I passed legislation on the House floor to defund monument designations in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties and protect the rights of those who live and work in the area. “It’s time that this administration listen to those who are actually impacted by these designations, rather than deciding that Washington knows best.” The Interior Appropriations bill for the 2017 fiscal year, HR 5538, contains language specifically defunding any monument designation in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties (Section 453), both of which have passed resolutions opposing unilateral Presidential designations. The bill was passed by the House on a 231 – 196 vote (Roll no. 477) and is now being considered in the Senate. LaMalfa also cosponsored HR 3389, the National Monument Designation Transparency Act, with five members of the California delegation to reform the Antiquities Act by requiring Congressional approval before designations become permanent, requiring economic analysis of proposed designations, and limiting the size of designations.     Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-fbi-investigation-hillary-clinton,Rep. Calvert Statement on FBI Investigation of Hillary Clinton,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement in response to the FBI reopening its investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's private email: ""Today's announcement by the FBI is just another reminder that Secretary Clinton consistently finds herself under scrutiny for poor decisions and reckless behavior. Obviously, what's most concerning is when those actions compromise our national security. The American people deserve a complete, unbiased investigation into Secretary Clinton's conduct."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20161108192237/http://issa.house.gov/issues/defense-and-veterans/2016/10/dod-not-interested-in-actually-fixing-bonus-scandal-2/,DoD Not Interested in Actually Fixing Bonus Scandal,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"DoD Not Interested in Actually Fixing Bonus Scandal October 27, 2016 Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) released the following statement after members of Congress were briefed on a call yesterday afternoon with the California House Delegation and the Department of Defense leadership about the current National Guard scandal. On the call, the Department of Defense outlined a plan to go through the bonuseson a case-by-case basisa process the DoD said could take as long as 9 months. The Department of Defense officials made it clear that theyre not eager tosolve this injustice, but quiteinterested in getting the story out of the headlines to stop their own embarrassment. Their half-baked plan still fails to address what will happen to the veterans whove had their credit ruined, their life savings taken from themor been forced to refinance their homes.The bottom line is that soldiers sacrificed for our nation, accepted the offers in good faith and deserve to be made whole immediately. Secretary Carter and the National Guard need to stop the delays put forward a plan for when and how these veterans will have every penny returned to them and get serious about righting this horrible injustice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://issa.house.gov/press-releases/2016/10/dod-not-interested-in-actually-fixing-bonus-scandal/,DoD Not Interested in Actually Fixing Bonus Scandal,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) released the following statement after members of Congress were briefed on a call yesterday afternoon with the California House Delegation and the Department of Defense leadership about the current National Guard scandal. On the call, the Department of Defense outlined a plan to go through the bonuses on a case-by-case basis -- a process the DoD said could take as long as 9 months. ""The Department of Defense officials made it clear that they're not eager to solve this injustice, but quite interested in getting the story out of the headlines to stop their own embarrassment. Their half-baked plan still fails to address what will happen to the veterans who’ve had their credit ruined, their life savings taken from them or been forced to refinance their homes. The bottom line is that soldiers sacrificed for our nation, accepted the offers in good faith and deserve to be made whole immediately. Secretary Carter and the National Guard need to stop the delays put forward a plan for when and how these veterans will have every penny returned to them and get serious about righting this horrible injustice.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398255,Valadao Releases Statement on National Guard Bonuses,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,David Valadao,V000129,valadao.house.gov,,,legacy,"Valadao Releases Statement on National Guard Bonuses f t # e Washignton, September 27, 2016 | Anna R. Vetter ((202) 815-1685) Congressman Valadao released the following statement in response to the Pentagon's announcement that they would discontinue their collection efforts of bonuses and loan repayments given to enlisted California National Guard members. share: f t WASHINGTON - This morning, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement in response to yesterday's announcement from the Pentagon that they would discontinue their collection efforts of bonuses and loan repayments given to enlisted California National Guard members: “Yesterday, the Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work assured me that the Department of Defense would suspend all efforts to collect reimbursements from those impacted as soon as possible. Our service men and women courageously serve their country, spending time away from their families to make sure we remain safe and I am pleased the Department of Defense has responded to our requests to halt the collections. We must work to ensure this issue is addressed and prevented from occurring again.” Congressman David G. Valadao represents the 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397522,Rep. Calvert Applauds Suspension of National Guard Bonus Collection,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Calvert Applauds Suspension of National Guard Bonus Collection f t # e Washington, DC, October 26, 2016 Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) applauded the decision by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to suspend efforts to collect reimbursement from affected California National Guard members. “I’m pleased to hear the Department of Defense has heeded the call from so many Americans to halt the unfair collection of bonuses paid to our soldiers many years ago,” said Rep. Calvert. “Now, it’s important that Congress fully investigate how this happened and what steps we must take to protect our soldiers – including reimbursing those who have inappropriately been forced to repay money. I am still deeply troubled that so many of our brave men and women in uniform have been put through a tremendous hardship due to no fault of their own. We must all work to prevent that from happening again in the future.” “While I appreciate the Secretary’s concern for the taxpayer, I believe the majority of American taxpayers do not want the Department going after our U.S. service members for repayment of bonuses.  Halting the collection of bonuses just to begin it again in earnest January 1, 2017 is not the relief that is necessary and Congress stands ready to provide a legislative fix.” Earlier this week, Rep. Calvert joined a number of his House colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Defense requesting that the Department of Defense stop all collection efforts on the bonuses in question.   ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cook-issues-response-to-secretary-carters-statement-on-suspension-of,Rep. Cook Issues Response To Secretary Carter's Statement on Suspension of Collections of Reenlistment Bonuses,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Cook (R- Apple Valley) issued the following statement today in response to Secretary Ashton Carter’s announcement that the Pentagon would suspend collections from California National Guard Members who received improper reenlistment bonuses: “As I stated from the beginning of this controversy, Secretary Carter has long had the authority to suspend collection of these reenlistment bonuses, so I’m pleased he’s heeded my call to use that authority and stop taking money from our veterans. But there’s more work to be done, as this is only a suspension of collection, not a permanent solution. I agree with Secretary Carter that we must resolve this in a way that puts as little burden as possible on servicemembers. These men and women answered our country’s call and defended the nation in a time of war. They should be praised, not punished.” A member of the House Armed Services, Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/guard-members-bonus-repayments-waived,Guard Members Bonus Repayments Waived,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,CA,Kevin McCarthy,M001165,kevinmccarthy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on the Pentagon’s decision to waive the repayment of bonuses and loan repayments given to enlisted California National Guard members: “I am very pleased that the Department of Defense responded to the outcry from Americans across the nation. As I discussed with the Deputy Secretary of Defense last night, our veterans have already given more than what they owe to this nation, and today’s swift action demonstrates that the Department agrees. While I am happy we were able to work with officials at the Department of Defense to address this issue, we must continue to work to provide a long-term legislative solution so that this never happens again.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z