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://hunter.house.gov/congressman-hunters-year-review,Congressman Hunter's Year In Review,2017-12-31,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Duncan Hunter,H001048,hunter.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the year comes to a close, I want to share with you some highlights of 2017. With tax reform in the news right now, its easy to forget the other successes Congress has had this year. To date, Congress has sent President Trump more than 92 bills that have been signed into law, including 15 under the Congressional Review Act, aimed at specifically overturning Obama-era rules and regulations. This regulatory reform has resulted in over $60 billion in cost savings. I also remain committed to strengthening immigration enforcement, national defense, and rebuilding our nations infrastructure. Back at home, my team remains dedicated to delivering high-quality constituent services, working to helpresidents of the 50th Congressional District cut through red tape at the VA, or assist with Social Security and Medicare issues. Thank you for giving me that honor in 2017, and I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2018. Jobs & Tax Reform Among my top priorities is promoting job creation and economic growth so all Americans can prosper. For the first time in over 30 years, Congress passed comprehensive tax reform which will unleash economic growth and put more money back in the pockets of taxpayers like you ~ who can better decide how to spend it. The tax legislation lowers rates for both individuals and businesses and eliminates loopholes and complex deductions to simplify the code and encourage job creation and economic growth. With this bill, a family of four earning a median income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. This once-in-a-generation legislation was sent to President Trumps desk to be signed into law. It makes our tax code internationally competitive and simple to understand. Im confident the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide direct benefits to the constituents of Californias 50th Congressional District. California Wildfires Over the past two weeks, devastating wildfires have affected our district and communities across California. I have been working withHouse Leadership andmy colleagues to bring resources toourstate. I ampleasedto report that tax benefits for disaster victims and funding for the recovery was included in the tax bill and a supplemental appropriations bill considered by the House this week. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Earlier this month, the House passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. I proudly voted in favor of the bipartisan legislation, of which I am an original cosponsor. The long overdue legislation ensures that law-abiding citizens that have obtained a state-issued concealed carry license or permit for their firearm may carry a concealed handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry, as-long-as the individual is properly following the laws of that state. Military Readiness As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was pleased to see President Donald Trump sign the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law earlier this month which reaffirms our nations commitment to a strong national defense. Specifically, this bipartisan legislation authorizes critical military programs and provides our warfighters with the tools they need to complete their mission and keep us safe at home. Other important provisions of the FY18 NDAA include: Increasing troop levels over FY17 levels of 15,700+ active duty personnel over the four services; Enhancing missile defense $4.4 billion over initial Presidential budget request; Authorization for the first polar icebreaker to begin the recapitalization of the existing U.S. Coast Guard fleet; Support for upgraded communication technology on the MV-22 Osprey, which has been called a game changer for our warfighters; Ensuring critical naval components are made by American workers and American businesses; Salary increase of 2.4% for service members. Enhancing Veteran Care California's 50th District is home to over 58,000 veterans and active duty service members. I am grateful and proud of their service. Earlier this month, the House passed S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, which authorizes the VA to contract with non-profits to investigate wrongdoing or substandard care practices. This bill would streamline the investigation process, ensuring that veterans get timely access to the quality care they deserve. Were almost there, next up: the presidents desk to be signed into law. Coast Guard and Homeland Security Earlier this year, the nation saw on full display what Ive already come to know as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. The Coast Guard saved 11,000 lives in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Crews have continued to provide relief to those affected by the hurricanes including the inspection of port facilities, transferring supplies such as food and water, and conducting search and rescues. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the subcommittee to ensure that the Coast Guard continues to look for ways to improve efficiency and improve maritime safety and security. The Coast Guard also has an important role as the first line of defense in protecting our Maritime border. I strongly believe the first priority in immigration reform must be to strengthen border security and ensure verifiable enforcement. Without those two things being achieved, I will not support any immigration reform effort, including DACA, that does not address border enforcement and put national security first. Period. I have alsojoined several of my congressional colleagues in introducing two important pieces of legislation critical in the ongoing effort to curb illegal immigration; the Legal Workforce Act and the Immigration in the National Interest Act. Education and the Workforce As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I understand that we need to modernize the Higher Education Act to meet the specific needs of students. It is an essential step to rebuilding Americas middle class and providing a new era of opportunity for students. It is for this reasonI introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4078, the Expanding Americas Workforce Act of 2017, whichwould establish various programs to ease the financial burden on workers who are seeking to further their education.I have also re-introduced the bipartisan Student Right to Know Before You Go Act, alongside a Senate version led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) in November. With the cost of higher education rapidly rising, this bill would allow students and their families to have access to more data to base their decision on where to pursue a higher education. Social Security Finally, I want to remind seniors that the monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase 2.0 percent in 2018. The 2.0 percent cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to Social Security beneficiaries in January 2018 and increased payments to SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 29, 2017. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). For more information about how COLA is calculated please visitwww.socialsecurity.gov/cola. Information about Medicare changes for 2018 will be available atwww.medicare.gov. Social Media If you would like to stay up to date on my work in Congress, please subscribe to my newsletter by clickinghere, likingmy pageon Facebook, or following me on Twitter at@Rep_Hunter. Looking Ahead As we enjoy the Christmas season, I hope you will join me in remembering the men and women who serve in our nation's military, especiallythe service members who are deployed abroad and unable to spend the holidays with their families. I am so grateful for them and their service. I look forward to returning to Congress in the New Year, and I am eager to work with my colleagues to advance policies that will help keep America strong and competitive. As House Republicans prepare to begin the second session of the 115th Congress, I will continue to focus my effortsto move our country forward. Your concerns remain my priority. 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.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398684,"Rep. Royce Op-Ed in the OC Register: After taking Backpage money, Nancy Pelosi needs to make things right",2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, penned the following op-ed for the Orange County Register calling on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to return campaign donations from a former owner of Backpage.com a website which knowingly facilitated prostitution and sex trafficking of children: Orange County Register After taking Backpage money, Nancy Pelosi needs to make things right By: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce December 28, 2017 At best, Nancy Pelosis October 2016 acceptance of a $10,000 check from James Larkin, a co-owner of Backpage.com, was extremely careless. At worst, she knew and didnt care. Either way, its time for Pelosi to do the right thing and finally wash her hands of this dirty money. Backpage.com has long been one of the most evil sites on the internet. For years, it knowingly facilitated prostitution and sex trafficking of children. Backpage was purposely filtering out certain words in web ads to help traffickers evade authorities. Now, as this has come to light, Backpage is facing increasing pressure from law enforcement agencies across the country. In fact, just one week before donating to Pelosis Super PAC, Larkin was charged in California on conspiracy to commit pimping. Larkin still faces counts of money laundering, and is surely hoping Backpages $200,000 in contributions to Democrats will give him political protection. Thats why Pelosis refusal to unequivocally renounce Backpage by donating or returning this money is so troubling. There are many California victims rights groups that could do a lot of good with $10,000. Because the truth is were still far from putting an end to this form of modern slavery. Despite some important progress, human trafficking is still considered the fastest-growing crime in the world. Tens of millions of lives have been devastated around the globe including far too many right here in Southern California. As representative to Californias 39th District, Im proud to help lead the fight to protect our most vulnerable. In 2013, I launched a human trafficking advisory committee comprised of victims rights groups, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and community advocates to better share information and coordinate on solutions. Later that year, we held a field hearing at Cal State Fullerton for the public to hear directly from victims. And our work continues. Two months ago, we again hosted a training seminar for local hotel managers and owners to help them better prepare their staff to identify the signs of human trafficking and to report it. Of course, each of us can play a role too. At airports, hotels and other transit hubs, human trafficking victims might lack clothing to match weather conditions, appear distressed and significantly younger than the individual they are traveling with. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, do not hesitate to call 911. In the Capitol, Im leveraging my role as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee to help empower our law enforcement agencies to stop these criminals cold in their tracks. Im an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. This legislation, which recently moved one step closer to a vote on the House floor, provides prosecutors with new tools to bring online actors like Backpage who knowingly facilitate human and sex trafficking to justice. Additionally, my committee earlier this month passed legislation I authored targeting forced labor profits estimated at $150 billion annually that are being laundered far too easily in this digital age. H.R. 2219, the End Banking for Human Traffickers Act, provides law enforcement new tools to cut off human traffickers from our banking system, and joins a series of bills my committee has passed to combat these horrific crimes. Americans today are divided on many political issues. But human trafficking and sex trafficking shouldnt be one of them. We should all be able to agree that more needs to be done to help end human trafficking. And we should all be able to agree that keeping money from child sex traffickers is wrong. I hope Nancy Pelosi will choose to make things right. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Yorba Linda, represents the 39th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bera.house.gov/media-center/amis-updates/email-update-serving-you-in-2017,Email update: Serving you in 2017,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ami Bera,B001287,bera.house.gov,,,legacy,"I sent an email update earlier in December to give an update on how my office has been servin you in 2017. Join my email updates now so you don't miss any others in the future! Friend As 2017 comes to a close, I wanted to send an update on how my office has been Making Government Work for Sacramento County. My office has long prioritized helping you however we can by cutting through bureaucratic red tape. We can assist with backlogged veterans benefits, Social Security and Medicare issues, stalled tax refunds, and more. Im pleased to share that as of this December,weve helped more than 9,000 Sacramento County residentswith these issues andreturned more than $4.6 million dollarsowed to local taxpayers. Ive been honored to be able to help so many local residents. Here are some of their stories. If you need help, please feel free to call us at (916) 635-0505 or visit bera.house.gov/gethelp to learn more. Meet Courtney: A Local Mother Who Needed to Attend Her Grandmothers Funeral Courtney lives in Folsom with her young family and came to my office looking for help. Courtneys grandmother had sadly passed away in Canada and she wanted to take her infant daughter along to attend the funeral. She had earlier applied for new passports, but now she needed them much more quickly to go on her trip and she was concerned they wouldnt arrive in time. Needless to say, it was an emotional time for her family. After hearing Courtneys story, my office got right to work. We followed up with the State Department and learned a mistake was made processing Courtneys request. We worked with the State Department to expedite Courtneys case and she received her passports just two days later. She and her family were able to make the trip and pay their respects to her grandmother. My staff is here to help constituents in their time of need, and I am glad we could help Courtney and her family. Meet Sal: A Vietnam War Veteran Undergoing Cancer Treatment Sal circa 1970-1971, while serving in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Sal is a Carmichael native and an Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Sal was diagnosed with prostate cancer related to his exposure to Agent Orange. He decided to use his Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to pay for his medicine and started responding positively to treatment. Unfortunately, Sal later received tests that his cancer had returned. It was a very stressful time for Sal and his finances. During this second treatment period, the VA had not yet provided Sal with his back-pay benefits, adding to his stress. As the bills mounted, Sal contacted my office to help with his VA disability claim we got right to work. It turned out that while Sal was approved for his back-pay, the VA had never actually sent his benefits. My office contacted the VA about expediting Sals benefits and the situation was resolved within a month. As a doctor who has helped care for veterans, I know how much our vets sacrifice for our country its critical we are there to support these heroes. Meet Steve: A local doctor who was owed thousands by the IRS Steve lives in Sacramento with his family and cares for people throughout our region as a doctor. This year Steve filed his taxes in March, well ahead of the filing deadline. He was owed a substantial tax refund, so he waited to hear back from the IRS. ButSteve was stonewalled by bureaucratic red tape. The IRS told him they wouldnt process his tax return until he provided a proof of identity, multiple past tax returns, and even more supporting documents on his claim. The IRS also told him that he had to come to the regional IRS building for an in-person interview. Steve is regularly called into surgery on short notice to help patients and couldnt take a day off. That was when Steve contacted my office, and my staff got to work. We followed up with the IRS and were able to help resolve the situation and send Steve his refund. As a doctor, Steve serves our community in many ways. We need to make sure that government is working for all taxpayers so that everyone can get ahead. Were here to help local families however we can. If you need help, please call us at (916) 635-0505 or visit bera.house.gov/gethelp. Be well, Ami Bera, M.D. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-maxine-waters-honors-legacy-della-reese,Congresswoman Maxine Waters Honors Legacy of Della Reese,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Maxine Waters,W000187,waters.house.gov,waters,https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), released the following statement honoring the late Della Reese whose life and legacy will be celebrated in a memorial service on Saturday, December 30, 2017 in Los Angeles: ""I was deeply saddened to learn of my dear friend Della Reese's passing last month. Della was a living legend and a woman of extraordinary talent, blessed with one of the most iconic voices of our time and a career that spanned several decades. While of course it was that powerful and distinct voice that earned her acclaim very early in her career, it was Della's dynamic acting ability in various film and television projects, most notably the successful primetime series, ‘Touched by an Angel,' that endeared her to millions of new fans who saw in Della's character their own loving mother, friend, or guiding mentor helping to navigate them through life's many trials and tribulations. Della's work on that series was very much aligned with her personal life and work as an ordained minister in my district at the Understanding Principles for Better Living ‘UP' Church in Inglewood, California – a ministry she steadfastly maintained by taking frequent flights between Inglewood and Salt Lake City, Utah where ‘Touched by an Angel' was filmed. ""I am very proud to have had the opportunity to know Della and experience firsthand her devotion to the church, her ministry, and ensuring our community's young people understood their place and history. Della was the beneficiary of strong women role models from her mother to Mahalia Jackson who mentored and gave Della her first big break when she was just 13 years old. Della therefore always understood the importance of mentorship and passing on knowledge to the next generation, and on that account, she was a profoundly engrossing storyteller. The lessons and pain she experienced were fundamental components of her ministry and testimony. To those who truly knew Della, her soaring voice and commanding persona onscreen was only eclipsed by her heart and sincere compassion for mankind. ""As we lay to rest the legendary Della Reese, it is my hope that we all reflect on her legacy this holiday season in sharing with one another the same love and compassion Della showed everyone she encountered. My sincere condolences are with Della's husband, Frank, her children, family, and loved ones in Los Angeles and across the country."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-for-california-s/,Brownley Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for California’s 26th Congressional District,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,juliabrownley,https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) today announced that Sophia Taylor and Abigail Creech, students at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo, have won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 26th Congressional District. Taylor and Creech developed Connect Me, an app designed to help people who are experiencing domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and other difficult situations by connecting them with talk and text hotlines, community resources, and reminders to improve their physical and mental health. “I want to congratulate Sophia and Abigail for their excellent work developing this new app,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “These young women have shown us the positive impact that can come from creative thinking, hard work, and technological know-how. I also want to commend all of the students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year. Science and technology fields are the industries of the future. These students’ submissions demonstrate how innovative the young people of Ventura County are and the many ways in which technology can help better our community.” The Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for K-12 students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding. Submissions from students across Ventura County were judged by a panel of experts, including Dr. Ramon Flores, President of the Ventura County Office of Education; Mike Pettit, Chief Information Officer for Ventura County; Philip Hampton, Interim Director of Education Partnerships at California State University Channel Islands; Irene Yang, an app developer and computer science student at California State University Channel Islands; and biomedical engineer Shannon Gillespie McComb. “I had so much fun participating in this competition,” said Taylor. “I had the opportunity to use my computer science and coding skills and develop an app to help people. I was so thrilled when I heard that the app had won.” “Rancho Campana High School is extremely proud of Abigail Creech and Sophia Taylor for winning the Congressional App Challenge for their app, ConnectMe,” said Karen Kikuchi, a computer science teacher at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo. “Abigail and Sophia are students in my Programming I class, and I challenged the entire class to enter the competition. It was amazing to witness the students’ ideas, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and teamwork – these were natural products of the Congressional App Challenge. This wasn’t just another assignment to them. Students took ownership of their app on its purpose and how it interacted with the user. I am grateful to the competition as it made my curriculum relevant to my students.” “All submissions demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication,” said Dr. Flores. “The most rewarding aspect of the Congressional App Challenge was seeing the students apply their coding skills to solve problems relevant to their school environments. Regardless of the outcome, the real winners are the students who would benefit by using these apps.” As the winning submission, Taylor and Creech’s app will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the website of the U.S. House of Representatives. The students will also receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits to support their next technology project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brownley-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-for-california-s,Brownley Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Californias 26th Congressional District,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) today announced that Sophia Taylor and Abigail Creech, students at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo, have won the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for Californias 26th Congressional District. Taylor and Creech developed Connect Me, an app designed to help people who are experiencing domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, and other difficult situations by connecting them with talk and text hotlines, community resources, and reminders to improve their physical and mental health. I want to congratulate Sophia and Abigail for their excellent work developing this new app, said Congresswoman Brownley. These young women have shown us the positive impact that can come from creative thinking, hard work, and technological know-how. I also want to commend all of the students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year. Science and technology fields are the industries of the future. These students submissions demonstrate how innovative the young people of Ventura County are and the many ways in which technology can help better our community. The Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for K-12 students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding. Submissions from students across Ventura County were judged by a panel of experts, including Dr. Ramon Flores, President of the Ventura County Office of Education; Mike Pettit, Chief Information Officer for Ventura County; Philip Hampton, Interim Director of Education Partnerships at California State University Channel Islands; Irene Yang, an app developer and computer science student at California State University Channel Islands; and biomedical engineer Shannon Gillespie McComb. I had so much fun participating in this competition, said Taylor. I had the opportunity to use my computer science and coding skills and develop an app to help people. I was so thrilled when I heard that the app had won. Rancho Campana High School is extremely proud of Abigail Creech and Sophia Taylor for winning the Congressional App Challenge for their app, ConnectMe, said Karen Kikuchi, a computer science teacher at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo. Abigail and Sophia are students in my Programming I class, and I challenged the entire class to enter the competition. It was amazing to witness the students ideas, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and teamwork these were natural products of the Congressional App Challenge. This wasnt just another assignment to them. Students took ownership of their app on its purpose and how it interacted with the user. I am grateful to the competition as it made my curriculum relevant to my students. All submissions demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, said Dr. Flores. The most rewarding aspect of the Congressional App Challenge was seeing the students apply their coding skills to solve problems relevant to their school environments. Regardless of the outcome, the real winners are the students who would benefit by using these apps. As the winning submission, Taylor and Creechs app will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the website of the U.S. House of Representatives. The students will also receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits to support their next technology project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/misleading-article-mimi-walters-letters,Misleading article on Mimi Walters: Letters,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Letters to the Editor https://www.ocregister.com/2017/12/27/misleading-article-on-mimi-walters-letters/ Re: Voting for a tax plan that will hurt her constituents [Opinion, Dec. 26]: This article is very misleading. This UC Irvine law professor spends an entire paragraph talking about tax provisions in the original bill that would hurt UCI. He has a paragraph about the deduction that was removed for fire victims. Then he admits that the offensive items were removed in the final tax bill. Yet, he still uses this in his attack on Mimi Walters. There was no reason to discuss provisions that were not in the final version. Mimi Walters voted for the final bill that removed these offensive items. James Haynes, Irvine Not the tax plans fault Of Professor Marians column decrying Rep. Mimi Walters vote on tax reform, the professor writes, UC Irvine is one of the biggest employers and one of the countys greatest institutions. Good grief. It is an agency of the state of California built and supported in large part by taxpayers. Only in recent years have exorbitant salaries and benefits throughout the UC system forced the cost of tuition skyward causing the particularly acute effect on UCI, the rest of the UC system, students, their families and taxpayers. Gerald Dyer, Trabuco Canyon Tax plan helps me Re: Tax plan a lump of coal [Letters, Dec. 27]: Letter writer Elise Power is wrong when she writes that the tax plan is a lump of coal in Americans Christmas stocking. I just estimated my 2018 taxes and my taxes were reduced $800. Im retired and on a fixed income, this was a gold nugget in my stocking. Thank you, President Trump. David Warner, Dana Point",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-joins-bipartisan-music-modernization-act-update-music-licensing,REP LIEU JOINS BIPARTISAN MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT TO UPDATE MUSIC LICENSING ECOSYSTEM,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ted Lieu,L000582,lieu.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined colleagues in introducing H.R. 4706, the Music Modernization Act, which updates the music licensing system with meaningful reforms for the first time in almost two decades. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) introduced the bill with Mr. Lieu, along with Reps. Diane Black (R-Tenn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), and Pete Sessions (R-Texas). Music is a part of cultures lifeblood. It can transform worldviews, transport listeners and inspire social movements. Music touches all aspects of our society but it has a special relationship with technology. In fact, innovations in sound have changed the way we listen to music and music has changed the way we understand technology. Ensuring that the law keeps up with music and its changing forms is important and necessary. With the support of music publishers, songwriters, and streaming services, this critical bill will provide an opportunity to truly propel the music industry into the 21st century and beyond. Fortifying copyright law ensures that change makers in the music industry can protect their work. For too long, weve had an outdated licensing system that hindered productive relationships and impacted how we listen to music. The House Judiciary Committee has worked hard to bring stakeholders together from across the industry to improve the mechanical licensing system and this carefully crafted bill reflects the dedication of everyone involved. By creating a new body the Music Licensing Collective to match songwriters and publishers with recordings, and by creating a blanket license for streaming services, we can help ensure accurate payments to those who deserve to be compensated for their creative work. This is an exciting step for both the music industry and music lovers alike. READ MORE ABOUT THEBILL HERE Support for the Music Modernization Act National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) President & CEO David Israelite,American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers(ASCAP) CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) President & CEO Mike ONeill, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) President Steve Bogard and Songwriters of North America (SONA) Executive Directors Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley: We strongly support the introduction of the Music Modernization Act which represents months of collaboration and compromise between the songwriting and tech industries. This legislation enables digital music companies to find the owners of the music they use and reforms the rate setting process for performing rights, ensuring that songwriters and music publishers are paid faster and more fairly than ever before. For too long, digital music services have taken advantage of the bulk NOI process and often failed to find the correct creators to pay, and nowby working togetherthis bill ends this practice by creating a private-sector system where money will no longer be lost to inefficiencies and lack of information. The bill also improves how mechanical royalty rates are calculated by introducing a willing-seller/willing-buyer standard. On the performance rights side, the bill also replacesthe current rate court system with the random assignment of judges used in most federal court cases, and allows the rate courts to review all relevant market evidence into the valuation of how songwriters are compensated. We thank Congressmen Collins and Jeffries for their leadership in striking this balance that improves and modernizes our outdated licensing system and gives songwriters the ability to be paid what they deserve across all platforms that use music, including the growing interactive streaming services. Digital Media Association (DiMA) CEO Chris Harrison: ""DiMA thanks Congressmen Collins and Jeffries for their work to reform an outdated and inefficient music licensing system that serves neither fans of music nor creators. We support the Music Modernization Act because it would create a blanket license, which is critical to a modern licensing system and a great step forward. We look forward to continuing to work with the sponsors and the Judiciary Committee to enact legislation that creates a music licensing system that benefits everyone."" NMPA President & CEO David Israelite: The Music Modernization Act brings the laws that govern songwriters into the modern age. This legislation will lead to improved rates for songwriters and will streamline digital music companies ability to license music. While there is still more to do to free songwriters from oppressive government regulation, this is a major step forward. ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews: For too long, songwriters have had to work within an outdated system that over-regulates and undervalues their music. ASCAP and our members have long advocated for a more flexible framework that can adapt to the realities of the modern music marketplace. We thank Congressmen Collins and Jeffries for introducing this legislation which is result of compromise between stakeholders from the music and tech sectors. We are glad to see provisions that address rate court reforms, which should ultimately result in compensation for our members that reflects the true value of their music. We will continue to push for reforms that can help move the entire music industry forward. BMI President & CEO Mike ONeill: We thank Congressmen Collins and Jeffries for their introduction of the Music Modernization Act of 2017 and for always working to protect the rights of the American songwriter. While we believe there is still more to do to protect the value of the performance right, we are gratified that the Music Modernization Act contains two important provisions that create a more level playing field when determining the fair market value of our songwriters music; a wheel assignment for rate court judges and the repeal of 114(i). BMI also takes comfort that the bills new mechanical licensing provisions were the result of an important collaboration between the subject matter experts in this areathe mechanical rights holders and the digital services who rely on those rights. While we know this bill is not yet final, we believe it is an important step forward in modernizing music licensing and we look forward to working with all of the interested parties. Nashville Songwriters Association International President Steve Bogard: This legislation has been years in the making, represents compromises with digital streaming companies and reflects substantial progress in the way digital mechanical royalties for songwriters are determined. When we begin the next CRB proceeding we will be able to actually fight for what songwriters would be paid in a free market. SONA Executive Directors Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley: After many months of working together on copyright reform and significant compromises by all parties, SONA is optimistic about the gains for publishers and songwriters that the Music Modernization Act provides.It lays the groundwork for a clear and concise system which will put an end to the mass abuses of outdated regulations, and ultimately gets songwriters and copyright owners paid more fairly for their work. SONA is proud to be a part of this historic bill.We hope this is only the beginning and look forward to continuing to work with members of Congress to fight for the rights of music creators.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oc-register-op-ed-tax-relief-holidays,OC Register Op-Ed: Tax relief for the holidays,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"By: Congresswoman Mimi Walters https://www.ocregister.com/2017/12/26/tax-relief-for-the-holidays/ I was born and raised in California and have been lucky to call Orange County home for over 50 years. The Golden State is home to beautiful weather, great people and a rich history. Unfortunately, it is also the highest taxed state due to the California State Legislature, which irresponsibly raises taxes and spends beyond its means. From income to property to gasoline, there is nothing Sacramento will not tax. After witnessing the fiscal recklessness of the Democrat supermajority in Sacramento, I ran for the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure the federal government doesnt similarly abuse hard-working taxpayers. I previously expressed reservations about this bill, but after successfully negotiating the best deal for Orange County residents, I voted in favor of tax reform legislation that lowers federal tax rates for everyone, protects popular deductions, and puts America back on track to prosperity through economic growth. The status quo was unacceptable. For too long, our tax code was broken full of special interest loopholes and a tax structure that encouraged companies to ship jobs overseas. The Tax Reform and Jobs Act ends those perverse incentives and establishes rules that benefit American workers and businesses. This bill is the product of many years of hearings, debate, and discussion, and embodies the pro-growth tax reform principles that Republicans, including myself, have always supported. These reforms provide relief for middle-class Americans. Rates are decreased across the board, and the standard deduction is nearly doubled, meaning that under the new tax code, the first $12,000 of income for individual filers and first $24,000 of income for joint filers, is tax-free. This means Americans keep more of their paychecks. Its the peoples money, not the governments. This bill will also make more Americans secure in their retirement plans. A majority of the country invests in the stock market through 401(k) accounts, pension plans, and other means. The reforms contained in this bill will jumpstart the economy, helping to create future earnings for millions of Americans who will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Additionally, rates for small businesses and job creators are significantly reduced. In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, U.S. companies need a business climate that allows them to create jobs and reinvest in our country, while increasing opportunities and wages for American workers. As I mentioned, I had serious reservations about previous versions of this legislation. However, after a great deal of negotiation, I secured substantial improvements to the bill that will benefit Orange County taxpayers. First, the state and local tax deduction was preserved up to $10,000, which will help Californians offset some of the burden that comes from Sacramentos out of control fiscal policies. For Californias 45th congressional district, where the average income is just under $95,000 a year, people earning between $100,000 and $150,000 per year deduct an average of $6,600 in state and local taxes, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Orange County residents will also benefit from an increase in the mortgage interest deduction to $750,000 for new mortgages, up from $500,000 in the original bill. Existing mortgages are grandfathered under current law. According to 2016 Census Data, the median home price in Californias 45th congressional district is $685,800. This improvement helps the middle class attain the American Dream of homeownership. Additional improvements will help families, students, and working adults. The childcare tax credit is doubled to $2,000, so families across the country will receive the tax relief they need to raise the next generation. Important deductions for medical expenses, charitable contributions, student loan interest, graduate school waivers, and school supplies purchased by teachers with their own money are preserved. Much like when Californias own Ronald Reagan overhauled Americas tax code, defenders of the status quo are quick to spread misinformation and obstruct long overdue tax reform. In fact, in the three years after the John F. Kennedy era tax cuts, the country experienced over 6.5 percent annual economic growth. The Reagan tax cuts resulted in 4.6 percent annual economic growth. There is historical proof that tax cuts that let Americans keep more of their own money results in robust economic growth and strengthens our Nation. While those in Sacramento love to stick it to California taxpayers, I was sent to Washington, DC to improve the lives of Orange County residents. This bill will do just that. The American economy will flourish and, as the sixth largest economy in the world, California will benefit the most. I wish you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous 2018. Mimi Walters represents the 45th Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/pelosi-updates/monstrosity,Monstrosity,2017-12-25,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"#TaxScam This week the Republican Congress shamelessly cheered raising taxes on millions of middle class families, in a brazen, all-out assault on the futures of hard-working Americans, just to benefit the wealthy and well-connected. Congresswoman Pelosi and Senator Schumer held a press conference immediately following the passage of this Tax Scam to discuss the impacts it will have on middle class families. According tonon-partisan analysispublished by the Tax Policy Center, the final bill passed this week will raise taxes on 86 million middle class households and hand 83 percent of the benefits to the wealthiest one percent. By the end, more than half of all American households will pay higher taxes under this tax scam. Those who voted for this tax increase for middle class families voted to let the wealthiest one percentsteal the future of the middle classin America. This bill will go down as one of the most scandalous, obscene acts of plutocracy ever. In the case of California, a dozenCalifornia House Republicansjoined their colleagues to pass this tax scam, perpetrating a monumental theft from hard-working Californians. This tax scam will have particularly devastatingconsequences for middle class familiesin our state, and Californians will not forget the Members who pushed this monstrous bill over the finish line. Democrats remain committed to fighting for Americas hard working families and offering the American people a better deal. Happy Holidays The Holiday Season offers a special opportunity to reflect on the miraculous blessings of family, community and Country. As we celebrate in the company of our loved ones, I want to express my continued and profound gratitude for the honor of representing you in the Congress. Please accept my best wishes for a happy holiday and Happy New Year to you and your family. My office recently assisted a constituent who has not received rent payments owed to him from the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA). He had contacted our office because he had not been receiving the SFHA rent contribution for two of his tenants that receive a Section 8 Housing Voucher. Therefore, my staff contacted SFHA on his behalf and conveyed the details of his situation. As a result, SFHA issued retroactive payments for the owed rent contribution. He is now fully reimbursed from SFHA. Caseworkers in my San Francisco office work to address any problems or concerns you may have with a federal government agency. To submit a Casework Authorization Form, pleasevisitmy website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aguilar.house.gov/2017/12/22/aguilar-issues-end-year-report-constituents-0/,Aguilar Issues End of Year Report to Constituents,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,aguilar,https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Press Releases Aguilar Issues End of Year Report to Constituents Today, Rep. Aguilar issued a year-end report to constituents of California’s 31st Congressional District to review his work on behalf of Inland Empire families in 2017. “Throughout this year, and throughout my time in Congress, my top priority has been to deliver results for the Inland Empire. From making it easier for returning service members to get jobs in our community, to securing critical resources for local law enforcement to keep our residents safe, my focus throughout this year has been on ensuring that our community has a chance to thrive,” Aguilar said. He continued, “Whether it’s helping small businesses grow and create jobs, working to ensure everyone has access to affordable health care or fighting to protect Dreamers and prevent families from being torn apart, I am committed to doing all I can to support Inland Empire families.” In 2017, Rep. Aguilar: Helped 431 residents resolve issues with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare and the VA. Helped return nearly $725,000 that was owed to residents by the federal government. Announced nearly $14 million in federal funding for the Inland Empire, including over $1 million in terrorism preparedness funding. Hosted the 3rd Inland Empire Jobs Fair, which resulted in over 60 Inland Empire residents getting hired. Hosted a community grants workshop to connect Inland Empire organizations with federal agencies to learn about federal grant opportunities. Hosted the 3rd Seniors Fair to help Inland Empire seniors find information on Medicare, Social Security or veterans benefits, as well as information on food programs and free health screenings. Hosted a Veterans Resource Fair to connect Inland Empire veterans with resources on health care, housing, employment and assistance with VA claims. Participated in 210 constituent meetings, tours and events. Hosted a total of 5 town hall meetings, including a Seniors Town Hall, an Immigration Town Hall and a Telephone Town Hall for nearly 10,000 constituents. Worked five different jobs as part of his “Job for a Day” tour of the Inland Empire. Founded the bipartisan E-Commerce Caucus, which provides a forum for Congress to discuss one of the Inland Empire’s largest industries. Introduced seven bills to: Ease the burden of student loan debt on recent graduates. Reduce the skills gap and connect Inland Empire employers and job seekers. Require the federal government to find the causes leading to domestic terror attacks to help prevent future attacks from happening. Provide local law enforcement with additional resources to prepare for and prevent mass shootings. Connect military service members with employment opportunities upon returning to civilian life. Hold Trump Administration officials accountable for the misuse of taxpayer funds. Honor the life and legacy of Stater Bros. Chairman Jack Brown. Passed five amendments to major legislation, including measures to increase cyber workforce development, provide additional funding to local law enforcement, and allow DACA recipients to pursue careers in the federal government. Passed the REPORT Act through the House, to require Homeland Security to submit a report on how to prevent future terrorist attacks using the lessons learned from domestic acts of terror that happen. Passed the ADVANCE Act through the House, to allow military service members to easily transition to civilian employment. The bill was passed by the Senate and is waiting for the president to sign it into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-issues-end-year-report-constituents-0,Aguilar Issues End of Year Report to Constituents,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Aguilar issued a year-end report to constituents of Californias 31st Congressional District to review his work on behalf of Inland Empire families in 2017. Throughout this year, and throughout my time in Congress, my top priority has been to deliver results for the Inland Empire. From making it easier for returning service members to get jobs in our community, to securing critical resources for local law enforcement to keep our residents safe, my focus throughout this year has been on ensuring that our community has a chance to thrive, Aguilar said. He continued, Whether its helping small businesses grow and create jobs, working to ensure everyone has access to affordable health care or fighting to protect Dreamers and prevent families from being torn apart, I am committed to doing all I can to support Inland Empire families. In 2017, Rep. Aguilar: Helped 938 residents resolve issues with federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare and the VA. Helped return nearly $725,000 that was owed to residents by the federal government. Announced nearly $14 million in federal funding for the Inland Empire, including over $1 million in terrorism preparedness funding. Hosted the 3rd Inland Empire Jobs Fair, which resulted in over 60 Inland Empire residents getting hired. Hosted a community grants workshop to connect Inland Empire organizations with federal agencies to learn about federal grant opportunities. Hosted the 3rd Seniors Fair to help Inland Empire seniors find information on Medicare, Social Security or veterans benefits, as well as information on food programs and free health screenings. Hosted a Veterans Resource Fair to connect Inland Empire veterans with resources on health care, housing, employment and assistance with VA claims. Participated in 210 constituent meetings, tours and events. Hosted a total of 5 town hall meetings, including a Seniors Town Hall, an Immigration Town Hall and a Telephone Town Hall for nearly 10,000 constituents. Worked five different jobs as part of his Job for a Day tour of the Inland Empire. Founded the bipartisan E-Commerce Caucus, which provides a forum for Congress to discuss one of the Inland Empires largest industries. Introduced seven bills to: Ease the burden of student loan debt on recent graduates. Reduce the skills gap and connect Inland Empire employers and job seekers. Require the federal government to find the causes leading to domestic terror attacks to help prevent future attacks from happening. Provide local law enforcement with additional resources to prepare for and prevent mass shootings. Connect military service members with employment opportunities upon returning to civilian life. Hold Trump Administration officials accountable for the misuse of taxpayer funds. Honor the life and legacy of Stater Bros. Chairman Jack Brown. Passed five amendments to major legislation, including measures to increase cyber workforce development, provide additional funding to local law enforcement, and allow DACA recipients to pursue careers in the federal government. Passed the REPORT Act through the House, to require Homeland Security to submit a report on how to prevent future terrorist attacks using the lessons learned from domestic acts of terror that happen. Passed the ADVANCE Act through the House, to allow military service members to easily transition to civilian employment. The bill was passed by the Senate and is waiting for the president to sign it into law. Rep. Aguilar has represented Californias 31st Congressional District since 2015. He serves on the Appropriations Committee, is the Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and is an assistant whip for the House Democratic Caucus. The former Mayor of Redlands, Rep. Aguilar is committed to empowering working families across the Inland Empire.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-honor-hmong-veterans,Costa Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Honor Hmong Veterans,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA-16) was joined by Vietnam veteran Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA-8) in introducing H. R. 4716, the Hmong Veterans Service Recognition Act. The bipartisan legislation would extend to Hmong and Lao Americans who served alongside U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War burial benefits in national cemeteries. Congressmen Raul Ruiz (D-CA-36) and Don Young (R-AK-At Large) are cosponsoring the legislation, and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has introduced a similar bill in the Senate, which currently has seven cosponsors coming from both sides of the aisle. The United States has not done enough to honor the courageous Hmong men and women who fought on behalf of the United States during the Vietnam War, said Rep. Jim Costa, who has been working for years to extend burial benefits to Hmong veterans. These brave individuals conducted direct missions and entered combat shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. soldiers. Hmong forces saved countless American lives, and more than 100,000 Hmong made the ultimate sacrifice over the course of the war. These heroes deserve our nations deep gratitude, and granting Hmong veterans the honor of being laid to rest in our national cemeteries, such as Santa Nellas San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, is long overdue. Following the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong veterans resettled across the United States and in Californias San Joaquin Valley. Currently there is only an estimated 5,000 Hmong veterans still alive, with thousands living in the San Joaquin Valley. In addition to having bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, the Hmong Veterans Service Recognition Act is supported by the national and San Joaquin Valley chapters of the Special Guerrilla Units Veterans & Families Development organization and the Lao Veterans of America. The legislation would not change eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-7th-anniversary-of-end-of-don-t-ask-don-t-tell,"Pelosi Statement on 7th Anniversary of End of Dont Ask, Dont Tell",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 San Francisco Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the 7th anniversary of the historic end of the discriminatory Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy: America has a solemn duty to safeguard the courageous men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms every day. Seven years ago, our nation took a strong, long-overdue step toward honoring the service of our nations heroes by repealing the discriminatory Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy. In relegating this shameful policy to the dustbin of history, we reaffirmed the core American principle that anyone willing and able to serve and defend this country be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or whom they love. Americas military is strongest when it fully reflects our countrys diversity and ideals. The Trump Administrations cruel attacks against our brave transgender servicemembers is a misguided decision fueled by prejudice, not the interests of national security. The White Houses hateful agenda serves only to weaken our military and the nation it defends. Today, Democrats celebrate the extraordinary advancements made to secure the equality of all LGBT citizens. Yet, more work remains to be done to fully repeal the stain of Dont Ask, Dont Tell and to ensure transgender troops are allowed to serve freely and openly. We will never stop fighting against those who seek to turn back the clock of progress and rip away our nations fundamental promise of equality for all. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-signing-of-gop-tax-scam,Pelosi Statement on Signing of GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 San Francisco Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Trump signed the GOP tax scam into law: Today, President Trump signed into a law a GOP tax scam that breaks every promise he made to middle class Americans during the campaign. The insulting crumbs Republicans give working families are meager and temporary, and thats for the families lucky enough not to face a tax hike right away. The tax breaks for corporate America are vast and permanent, and our children will be paying the price for years. Instead of focusing on the forgotten Americans, the GOP tax scam will bleed the middle class dry and explode the national debt to pad the pockets of corporate America and the wealthiest 1 percent. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://susandavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392781,Congresswoman Susan Davis Joins in Expressing Support for Robert Muellers Investigation of Trump,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Susan Davis,D000598,susandavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congresswoman Susan Davis joined over 170 of her House colleagues in expressing support for the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. In a letter to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States Rod J. Rosenstein, members urged that he ensure Mueller be allowed to continue his investigation unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence. Mueller was appointed to lead the investigation into any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. The America people are owed answers to Russian interference in our election and if there was collusion with those actions, said Rep. Davis. We need to ensure the integrity of our elections, yet a campaign to undermine Mr. Muellers investigation is underway. Its critical that Mr. Mueller be able to conduct his inquiry to find out what happened and how we can prevent it in the future. The text of the letter can be found below: The Honorable Rod J. Rosenstein Deputy Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Deputy Attorney General, We write to express our support for the work of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, and to urge you to ensure that he be allowed to continue his investigation unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence. The Special Counsel is Conducting a Methodical Investigation, Yielding Results It is unimaginable that Republicans would seek to intervene, discredit, obstruct, or terminate the Special Counsels investigation. Thus far, from every public indication, it appears that Mr. Mueller is conducting a thorough and methodical investigation. He and his investigators have not sought, and instead avoided, the public spotlight. His team has not leaked, or hinted at, criminal allegations for which they have yet to develop charges. Furthermore, the charges that have been filed to date have been sufficiently strong, and well founded, as to elicit guilty pleas from President Donald Trumps former National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, and a former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign, George Papadopoulos.[1] The Appointment of a Special Counsel was Necessary and Proper As you know, pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice Order Number 3915-2017, which you issued on May 17, 2017, Mr. Mueller was appointed to serve as Special Counsel and authorized to conduct an investigation into matters including: (i) any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump; and (ii) any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation; and (iii) any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. 600.4(a),[2]which includes authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsels investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses.[3] Your decision to appoint a Special Counsel to conduct such investigation was necessary and proper given: (1) the U.S. Intelligence Communitys assessment that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election, the consistent goals of which were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process and that Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for [President] Trump;[4](2) the obvious potential that individuals, who had served on President Donald J. Trumps campaign, as well as individuals currently serving as political appointees in the Trump administration, could be targets of, or witnesses in, any such investigation; and (3) Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusal from any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States.[5] The Selection of Robert S. Mueller III to Serve as Special Counsel was Appropriate Under the circumstances described above, your selection of Robert Mueller to serve as the Special Counsel to conduct the investigation was an appropriate and commendable decision. Mr. Mueller has earned a reputation as a non-partisan professional investigator, making him an ideal choice to lead the investigation into the highly important, complex, and sensitive matters to which he has been charged. Mr. Muellers record demonstrates that he would not allow bias, influence, or other extraneous considerations to impact his investigation, and any suggestion otherwise is not credible. Mr. Mueller is a former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who was originally appointed by a Republican President. He was vetted and, twice, unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Specifically, when appointed in 2001 by President George W. Bush, Mueller was confirmed as FBI Director by a vote of 98 to 0 in the Senate,[6]and when Mueller was nominated for a second term, in 2011, during President Barack Obamas administration, he was again unanimously confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 100 to 0. Mr. Mueller has earned bipartisan support. Republican members of the Senate attested to Mr. Muellers integrity and professionalism during Mr. Muellers confirmation hearings, which took place on July 30 and 31, 2001. For example, with regard to Mr. Muellers nomination to serve as FBI director, then Senator, now Attorney General, Jeff Sessions stated: [I]t is great to see Mr. Mueller, nominated to take one of the most important positions in our country. It is a position that requires, in my view, serious experience, great integrity, and a proven record of accomplishment. And you have all of those things, [Robert Mueller]. When I was in the Department of Justice, ... [Robert] Muellers reputation was known throughout the Department of Justice, and he was known not for any political reason, but because he was recognized as a professionals professional, a man whose skill at doing the job assigned to him was second to none., there is no doubt in my mind, that there is no more professional prosecutor, no more professional person in America with experience in the Department of Justice, ready to handle the job of FBI Director than [Robert] Mueller.[7] Likewise, Senator Mitch McConnell stated: I believe Mr. Mueller will provide strong and effective leadership. Mr. Mueller has both impressive management and law enforcement experience. [H]e is well-schooled in avoiding the problems and pitfalls inherent in criminal investigations and prosecutions. ...Mr. Mueller is not of the FBI, and therefore I believe institutional loyalty will not blind him to making the hard decisions when he needs to.[8] Senator McConnell also expressed his belief in Mr. Muellers commitment to vigorously enforcing the law without regard to politics or partisanship.[9] Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has also commented on Mr. Muellers lack of partisan bias. As reported in a July 24, 2017Washington Examinerarticle, Speaker Ryan stated: I don't think many people are saying [Robert] Mueller is a biased partisan. He's really, sort of, anything but.[10] On October 11, 2017, Kenneth Starr, who was appointed in 1994 as the independent counsel who was tasked with investigations involving President Bill Clinton and then First Lady Hillary Clinton, commented on Robert Mueller and the manner in which his investigation is proceeding.[11] Mr. Starr stated that Mr. Mueller is conducting his investigation aggressively and professionally.[12] Mr. Starr also stated: Were not seeing leaks out of the investigation as far as we know, and what we know of Bob Mueller and his background is that he is someone of total, rock-ribbed integrity.[13] Regulations Limiting the Removal of a Special Counsel Must Be Followed Mr. Mueller must be allowed to complete his investigation, and should not be threatened with removal. However, a few Republicans have indicated their support for Mr. Muellers ouster. Notwithstanding the overwhelming reasons for Mr. Mueller to be allowed to continue and complete his investigation, the rule of law demands that the Trump administration follow Executive Branch regulations, which restrict the circumstances under which a special counsel can be removed. Specifically, 28 CFR 600.7(d) regarding the removal or discipline of a special counsel provides: The Special Counsel may be disciplined or removed from office only by the personal action of the Attorney General. The Attorney General may remove a Special Counsel for misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest, or for other good cause, including violation of Departmental policies. The Attorney General shall inform the Special Counsel in writing of the specific reason for his or her removal. Since Attorney General Sessions is recused, you, in your capacity as acting Attorney General regarding Special Counsel Muellers investigation, are the only individual empowered to remove Mr. Mueller under regulation. Furthermore, the regulation clearly states that Mr. Mueller may only be removed for good cause, which has not been demonstrated. The administration is required to follow its own regulations and not remove Mr. Mueller from his investigation. Politically Motivated Challenges of Special Counsel Mueller and His Investigation Must Not Be Allowed to Threaten the Investigation Despite Special Counsel Muellers record of integrity, as attested to by these Republican leaders, and despite the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the right-wing media, some Republican Members of Congress and Donald Trump, himself, have attempted to advance a false narrative that Special Counsel Muellers investigation is biased, and some have advocated for Mr. Muellers removal. On June 15, 2017, referring in general terms to the Russia investigation, President Trump stated on social media: You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history led by some very bad and conflicted people![14] In Congress, four Republican Members, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz and including former Rep. Trent Franks, who has now resigned amidst an Ethics Committee investigation into his own conduct, have cosponsored a resolution calling for Mueller to step down. Those members have attempted to advance baseless claims of the existence of a conflict due to Mr. Muellers previous service as FBI Director. Those arguments do not have merit, and appear intended, at best, to redirect the publics focus toward matters that are wholly unrelated to the investigation to which Mr. Mueller has been tasked. At worst, those arguments are intended to stop or preemptively tarnish the perception of the Special Counsels work. The issues referenced in that Republican resolution pertain to allegations against former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton related to a 2009-2010 matter, which has nothing to do with Mr. Muellers directive to investigate links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.[15] As quoted in a December 12, 2017Politicoarticle,Rep. Matt Gaetz stated that he told President Trump that he was concerned that Mr. Muellers investigation was infected with bias.[16]Rep. Gaetz said the president responded: Thats why you guys have got to do your job.[17] Rep. Gaetz further stated that he informed the president that you would be testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on December 13, 2017, in response to which Rep. Gaetz said President Trump encouraged us to exercise our oversight responsibilities.[18] This conversation, as described by Rep. Gaetz, suggests that President Trump is encouraging the ring leaders of the recent criticisms against Mr. Mueller in order to pressure you to affect the investigation through the congressional oversight process. That is unacceptable. Some have alleged that Mr. Muellers removal of a member of his team, Peter Strzok, over text messages sent by Mr. Strzok that were critical of President Trump suggests bias or a lack of objectivity on the Special Counsels team. However, upon learning of the text messages, Mr. Mueller immediately removed Mr. Strzok from the investigation.[19] In reality, this incident and Mr. Muellers swift response demonstrates Mr. Muellers integrity as well as his desire and commitment to conduct an investigation that is beyond reproach. You must not allow the targets of the investigation, or issues being investigated, to escape thorough independent inquiry through the removal, or hindrance, of the Special Counsel. We thank you for your careful attention to this letter, and we stand ready to support you in upholding the rule of law. Sincerely, Rep. Maxine Waters Rep. Brenda Lawrence Rep. Alma Adams Rep. Alfred Lawson Jr. Rep. Pete Aguilar Rep. Barbara Lee Rep. Nanette Barragan Rep. Sandy Levin Rep. Karen Bass Rep. John Lewis Rep. Joyce Beatty Rep. Ted Lieu Rep. Ami Bera Rep. Daniel W. Lipinski Rep. Don Beyer Rep. Dave Loebsack Rep. Sanford Bishop Rep. Zoe Lofgren Rep. Earl Blumenauer Rep. Alan Lowenthal Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester Rep. Nita M. Lowey Rep. Suzanne Bonamici Rep. Ben Ray Lujn Rep. Brendan F. Boyle Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham Rep. Robert Brady Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Rep. Anthony Brown Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney Rep. Julia Brownley Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Rep. G. K. Butterfield Rep. Doris Matsui Rep. Michael E. Capuano Rep. Betty McCullum Rep. Salud Carbajal Rep. Donald McEachin Rep. Tony Crdenas Rep. James P. McGovern Rep. Andre D. Carson Rep. Jerry McNerney Rep. Matt Cartwright Rep. Gregory Meeks Rep. Judy Chu Rep. Grace Meng Rep. David Cicilline Rep. Gwen Moore Rep. Katherine Clark Rep. Seth Moulton Rep. Yvette D. Clarke Rep. Jerrold Nadler Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Rep. Grace Napolitano Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver Rep. Richard E. Neal Rep. James Clyburn Rep. Richard Nolan Rep. Steve Cohen Rep. Donald Norcross Rep. Gerry Connolly Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Tom OHalleran Rep. J. Luis Correa Rep. Beto ORourke Rep. Joe Courtney Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. Rep. Charlie Crist Rep. Jimmy Panetta Rep. Joseph Crowley Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Rep. Henry Cuellar Rep. Donald Payne Jr. Rep. Elijah Cummings Rep. Ed Perlmutter Rep. Danny Davis Rep. Scott Peters Rep. Susan Davis Rep. Chellie Pingree Rep. Peter DeFazio Del. Stacey Plaskett Rep. Diana DeGette Rep. Mark Pocan Rep. John Delaney Rep. Jared Polis Rep. Rosa DeLauro Rep. David Price Rep. Suzan K. DelBene Rep. Mike Quigley Rep. Val Demings Rep. Jamie Raskin Rep. Mark DeSaulnier Rep. Cedric Richmond Rep. Theodore E. Deutch Rep. Jacky Rosen Rep. Debbie Dingell Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Rep. Lloyd Doggett Rep. Raul Ruiz Rep. Mike Doyle Rep. Bobby L. Rush Rep. Keith Ellison Rep. Tim Ryan Rep. Eliot L. Engel Rep. Linda T. Snchez Rep. Anna Eshoo Rep. John Sarbanes Rep. Adriano Espaillat Rep. Jan Schakowsky Rep. Dwight Evans Rep. Bobby Scott Rep. Lois Frankel Rep. David Scott Rep. Marcia Fudge Rep. Jose Seranno Rep. Ruben Gallego Rep. Terri Sewell Rep. John Garamendi Rep. Carol Shea-Porter Rep. Jimmy Gomez Rep. Brad Sherman Rep. Al Green Rep. Albio Sires Rep. Gene Green Rep. Louise Slaughter Rep. Ral M. Grijalva Rep. Adam Smith Rep. Luis Guiterrez Rep. Darren Soto Rep. Colleen Hanabusa Rep. Jackie Speier Rep. Alcee L. Hastings Rep. Thomas Suozzi Rep. Danny Heck Rep. Eric Swalwell Rep. Brian Higgins Rep. Mark Takano Rep. Steny Hoyer Rep. Bennie G Thompson Rep. Jared Huffman Rep. Mike Thompson Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Rep. Dina Titus Rep. Pramila Jayapal Rep. Paul Tonko Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Rep. Niki Tsongas Rep. Hank Johnson Rep. Juan Vargas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Rep. Marc Veasey Rep. Marcy Kaptur Rep. Filemon Vela Rep. Robin Kelly Rep. Nydia Velazquez Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy, III Rep. Tim Walz Rep. Ro Khanna Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz Rep. Dan Kildee Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Rep. Derek Kilmer Rep. Peter Welch Rep. Raja Krishnamoothi Rep. Frederica Wilson Rep. Ann McLane Kuster Rep. John Yarmuth Rep. James Langevin Rep. Rick Larsen Rep. John B. Larson",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=85EF0C59-BE2D-468C-8589-A0FE370683D2,We have the technology to prevent train derailments - Los Angeles Daily News,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Dianne Feinstein Originally published by the Los Angeles Daily News The derailment of an Amtrak passenger train in Washington that killed three people and injured dozens more was a tragedy, but it may also have been preventable. The segment of track where the accident occurred had the lifesaving Positive Train Control hardware installed, but not yet fully operational. If it had been, its possible the derailment wouldnt have happened. In fact, a number of deadly train crashes and derailments over the years may have been prevented if this lifesaving technology, known as PTC, had been deployed. We know all too well the heartbreak that a deadly crash causes. In September 2008, an inattentive conductor of a Metrolink train missed a red light and entered a stretch of single track in Chatsworth going the wrong way. That passenger train collided with a Union Pacific freight train, completely demolishing the first Metrolink commuter car. The accident killed 25 and injured more than 100 and NTSB found that PTC would have prevented this tragedy. PTC is a crash-avoidance system that prevents train-to-train collisions and overspeed derailments by automatically stopping trains in dangerous situations. This isnt new technology. The National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending the installation of PTC since 1969 after a similar accident killed four and injured 43 in Connecticut. NTSBs recommendation went largely ignored by the railroad industry for almost 40 years. Since the NTSB first made its recommendation, 298 people have been killed and more than 6,700 injured in at least 148 accidents that could have been prevented by PTC. It was in the wake of the Metrolink crash that Sen. Barbara Boxer and I pressed for a PTC mandate. We included it as a provision of the Rail Safety Improvement Act that passed the Democratic Congress and was signed by President Bush in October 2008, one month after the Metrolink crash. The mandate required all 60,000 miles of passenger rail lines and freight rail lines that carry toxic materials to implement PTC by 2015. Metrolink quickly got to work, and by 2015 it was the first railroad in the country to get PTC up and running on its entire system. Thanks in part to then Metrolink Board of Directors President Richard Katz, the railroad has become a national model to how PTC can be implemented. Unfortunately, very few railroads worked at Metrolinks pace, and Congress moved to pass a blanket five-year extension in 2015. Several of my colleagues joined me in fighting such an extension, which we felt needlessly endangered lives. I met with company executives in an effort to convince them that a long delay was unacceptable. We were able to negotiate the extension down to three years, plus additional two-year extensions on a case-by-case basis. This was still too long for me, but was better than pushing the deadline to 2020. Even though railroads were given additional time under the law to complete installation, they still had a moral obligation to put this life-saving technology in place as quickly as possible because we all knew that more accidents would follow. And they did. In the Bronx in December 2013, a Metro-North accident injured 61 and killed four. In Philadelphia in May 2015, an Amtrak accident injured more than 200 and killed eight. All of these accidents could have been prevented if PTC had been installed more quickly after Congress passed the mandate in 2008. Fortunately, railroads across the country are slowly beginning to make progress. Amtrak has implemented PTC on two-thirds of its track across the country. The largest freight railroads are operating PTC on the more than 2,500 miles of track in California that they share with passenger rail. But throughout California and the country, more work needs to be done installing hardware, testing software and making sure that each railroads systems are able to work together. As we approach the 2018 deadline, the railroad industry and federal regulators must aggressively pursue full implementation on the more than 60,000 miles of track shared by freight and passenger rail. After waiting more than 45 years to implement the NTSBs recommendation, further delays are completely unacceptable. Millions of commuters travel daily on passenger rail, and any delay in implementing PTC puts their lives at risk. We cant wait any longer for this life-saving technology. Metrolink is proof positive that railroads can get PTC installed if they commit to a culture of safety and put passengers first. PTC must be fully deployed as quickly as possible to prevent yet another tragedy. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is a Democrat representing California.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0409BD16-853D-4D90-B75E-2E5567C84A73,Senate Democrats Fight for Transparency in Corporate Political Spending,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined with 40 Senate Democrats to call on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to reject any language in the 2018 Appropriations bill that would prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring public companies to disclose political spending to shareholders. We believe the SEC should require companies to disclose to their shareholders how they use corporate resources for political activities. This disclosure would not only bring much needed accountability to shareholders and transparency to corporate political spending, but it is both clearly consistent with the SECs requirement for public companies to disclose meaningful financial information to the public and squarely within the SECs primary mission of investor protection, the senators wrote. Large U.S. corporations arent alone in trying to shield their political spending. As seen in last years presidential election, the senators noted that foreign entities have the capability to pour money into Americas elections, risking the free and fair democratic elections that the United States values. Given that we know the Russian Internet Research Agency purchased digital ads meant to sway American voters and sow chaos, it is critical that we use every tool in our toolbox to shine light on any money being funneled by Russia or any other foreign entity in an attempt to undermine or dismantle our democracy, the senators wrote. Joining Sen. Feinstein on the letter are Sens. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kristen Gillibrand(D-N.Y.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Mich.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Full text of theletter follows: December 22, 2017 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader Room S-230, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Charles Schumer Senate Minority Leader Room, S-221, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Leaders McConnell and Schumer, As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations bill, we respectfully request that you reject any language that would limit the Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) ability to develop, propose, issue, finalize, or implement a rule requiring public companies to disclose political spending to shareholders. We write to highlight the importance of excluding any such language because the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 regrettably included language doing just that. We believe the SEC should require companies to disclose to their shareholders how they use corporate resources for political activities. This disclosure would not only bring much needed accountability to shareholders and transparency to corporate political spending, but it is both clearly consistent with the SECs requirement for public companies to disclose meaningful financial information to the public and squarely within the SECs primary mission of investor protection. Moreover, disclosure of corporate political spending has obvious value for our democracyit adds transparency to campaign finance, and it keeps the elections process free and fair of super-funded influences here in the U.S. or from elsewhere. The threat to our democracy from undisclosed money flowing into our elections is not confined to our countrys biggest corporations tipping the balance of power heavily in their favor. We also run the risk of allowing foreign influence to seep into our election process through undisclosed political spending. Given that we know the Russian Internet Research Agency purchased digital ads meant to sway American voters and sow chaos,[1] it is critical that we use every tool in our toolbox to shine light on any money being funneled by Russia or any other foreign entity in an attempt to undermine or dismantle our democracy. Although it is technically illegal for a campaign to receive a contribution from a foreign national, the current campaign finance disclosure and enforcement regime makes it all too possible for contributions from foreign nationals to go undetected. Increased transparency around political spending and robust enforcement are necessary to reveal the true source of election spending in this country. The Supreme Courts 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC fundamentally changed our nations campaign finance laws by allowing unlimited and unchecked corporate spending on campaign ads and various other political communicationsa decision with which we fervently disagree. However, notwithstanding our disagreement with the Courts holding, the decision clearly recognized shareholder and public interest in the disclosure of political spending. In fact, Justice Kennedy wrote: [P]rompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters. [D]isclosure permits citizens and shareholders to react to the speech of corporate entities in a proper way. This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages.[2] The lack of proper disclosure undermines the very campaign finance system envisioned by the Court. For seven long years, companies have had free rein to solidify their influence in politics and maximize their impact on elections. As the magnitude of the problem and the potential for abuse has skyrocketed, investor demand for this information has greatly intensified. In addition to the obvious benefits to democracy, the case for disclosure is clear purely as a matter of corporate governance and investor protection. Without disclosure, investors have no way of knowing whether corporate executives are spending their money on political causes that may be directly adverse to shareholder interests. Moreover, shareholders have shown time and again that they want this type of disclosure. To date, more than 1.2 million securities experts, institutional and individual investors, and members of the public have pressed the SEC to promulgate a rule to require public companies to disclose their political spending. Notably, the 1.2 million members of the public are joined in their support of the rulemaking by former SEC Chairs Arthur Levitt (D) and William Donaldson (R) and former Commissioner Bevis Longstreth (D), who emphasized in a May 2015 letter to former SEC Chair Mary Jo White that the Supreme Courts expectation of disclosure would only be met by compelling companies to inform shareholders of their political activities. We believe any appropriations language intended to block this critical disclosure will serve only to impede the SECs ability to perform its primary mission of investor protection. Considering this and the threat that secret political spending poses to shareholders and our democracy writ large, we urge you to reject any language that would prohibit the SEC from taking any action to require public companies to disclose their political spending to shareholders. We thank you for your leadership to restore transparency, accountability, and critical investor protections, and we thank you for your consideration of this important request. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=704125AF-78F9-479D-9C6F-A5E95419CA2E,"Feinstein, Harris, Warren, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Empower State AG Enforcement for National Banks",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today introduced the Accountability for Wall Street Executives Act of 2017, a bill that will allow state attorneys general and other state law enforcers to issue subpoenas during the course of investigations regarding compliance with state law by national banks. Bank fraud and other financial crimes have affected consumers in every state, including California, said Senator Feinstein. State attorneys general should have all the tools they need to investigate potential violations of state laws. This bill will help them hold banks accountable, protect consumers and preserve the integrity of our financial system. We have a duty to the American people to uncover unlawful behavior and hold violators accountable, said Senator Harris. State law enforcement should be empowered with the tools they need to protect Americans from Wall Street abuse and fraudulent behavior by national banks. As a former attorney general, I know how critical it is to conduct a thorough investigation in order to identify fraud and hold bad actors accountable. This will help ensure national banks are complying under state law and avoiding the type of illegal behavior that led to the Great Recession. Massachusetts has strong consumer protection laws, and our state attorney general should have the tools she needs to hold big banks accountable for breaking those laws, said Senator Warren. This bill will help protect consumers whove been cheated. As a former Connecticut Attorney General, I respect the essential partnerships that exist between state and federal officials, said Senator Blumenthal. This crucial measure closes a loophole in financial protection oversight to allow state attorneys general to combine forces with federal law enforcement to prevent the type of abuse and immorality by Wall Street that led to the Great Recession. Congress must restore key enforcement powers to state attorneys general immediately for fully comprehensive protection against unlawful financial activity. The Accountability for Wall Street Executives Act would: Clarify that state Attorneys General have authority to conduct visitorial oversight of federally-chartered national banks. Repair language in the National Bank Act that the Supreme Court interpreted as limiting the visitorial powers of state law enforcers when addressing compliance with state law by national banks. Permit subpoenas for suspected violations of real estate lending laws. With this subpoena power, genuine law enforcement becomes possible. Ensure there will always be at least two cops on the block to ensure federally-chartered banks are complying with state financial protection laws and avoiding the kinds of risky bets that would contribute to another financial crisis like the mortgage scandal that caused the Great Recession. A copy of the bill text is available here. The Accountability for Wall Street Executives Act has received support from the Democratic Attorney General Association (DAGA), Public Citizen, Center for Responsible Lending (CFRL), and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-warren-feinstein-blumenthal-introduce-bill-to-empower-state-ag-enforcement-for-national-banks,"Harris, Warren, Feinstein, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Empower State AG Enforcement for National Banks",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2017 Harris, Warren, Feinstein, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Empower State AG Enforcement for National Banks WASHINGTON. D.C. U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced theAccountability for Wall Street Executives Act of 2017, a bill that will allow state attorneys general and other state law enforcers to issue subpoenas during the course of investigations regarding compliance with state law by national banks. Wehave a duty to the American people to uncover unlawful behavior and hold violators accountable,said Senator Harris. State law enforcement should be empowered with the tools they need to protect Americans from Wall Street abuse and fraudulent behavior by national banks. As a former attorney general, I know how critical it is to conduct a thorough investigation in order to identify fraud and hold bad actors accountable. This will help ensure national banks are complying under state law and avoiding the type of illegal behavior that led to the Great Recession. Massachusetts has strong consumer protection laws, and our state attorney general should have the tools she needs to hold big banks accountable for breaking those laws,said Senator Warren. This bill will help protect consumers whove been cheated. Bank fraud and other financial crimes have affected consumers in every state, including California,said Senator Feinstein. State attorneys general should have all the tools they need to investigate potential violations of state laws. This bill will help them hold banks accountable, protect consumers and preserve the integrity of our financial system. As a former Connecticut Attorney General, I respect the essential partnerships that exist between state and federal officials,said Senator Blumenthal. This crucial measure closes a loophole in financial protection oversight to allow state attorneys general to combine forces with federal law enforcement to prevent the type of abuse and immorality by Wall Street that led to the Great Recession. Congress must restore key enforcement powers to state attorneys general immediately for fully comprehensive protection against unlawful financial activity. The Accountability for Wall Street Executives Act would: Clarify that state Attorneys General have authority to conduct visitorial oversight of federally-chartered national banks. Repair language in the National Bank Act that the Supreme Court interpreted as limiting the visitorial powers of state law enforcers when addressing compliance with state law by national banks. Permit subpoenas for suspected violations of real estate lending laws. With this subpoena power, genuine law enforcement becomes possible. Ensure there will always be at least two cops on the block to ensure federally-chartered banks are complying with state financial protection laws and avoiding the kinds of risky bets that would contribute to another financial crisis like the mortgage scandal that caused the Great Recession. A copy of the bill text is availableHERE. The Accountability for Wall Street Executives Act has received support from the Democratic Attorney General Association (DAGA), Public Citizen, Center for Responsible Lending (CFRL), and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). As Attorney General of California, Senator Harris created a Mortgage Fraud Strike Force within the California Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute misconduct at all stages of the mortgage process and in February 2012, she secured an unprecedented settlement with the nations five largest banks, securing $20 billion in financial relief for California homeowners flattened by the foreclosure crisis. Harris also sponsored the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, a package of laws instituting permanent mortgage-related reforms. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397618,Rep. Calvert Supports Emergency Funding for California Wildfires and Hurricane Disasters,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined a majority (251 to 169) of the House of Representatives to approve a disaster aid package to provide additional emergency assistance for recent hurricanes, wildfires in California, and related agriculture losses. The bill, H.R. 4667, totals $81 billion, and targets funds to programs to continue relief and recovery efforts in all of the affected communities, including in California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Congress has delivered the help these affected regions desperately need, said Rep. Calvert. California has experienced some of the most devastating wildfires we have ever seen. I toured northern California with my colleague Rep. Mike Thompson and saw the scale of the damage first-hand. Im proud of the way our California delegation came together in a unified, bipartisan manner to secure the funding our state needs to recover. Our work is not done. We must continue to stand together with the communities in northern and southern California that have been scorched by wildfires and ensure they have the resources they need in the weeks and months ahead. In addition to emergency funding, the bill approved by the House contained the legislative text of California Wildfire Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 4397). Rep. Calvert is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4397, which would provide the same tax relief to victims of California wildfires as was provided to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma. Specifically, the bill allows a deduction for personal casualty losses and eliminates the current law requirements that personal casualty losses must exceed 10 percent of Adjusted Gross Income to qualify for deduction. Highlights of the Disaster Aid Package: (Provided by the House Appropriations Committee) $81 billion in FY18 emergency funding for ongoing disaster recovery needs from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and wildfires. Fulfills next phase of most immediate needs to help Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, and other states recover from recent disasters. $28.6 billion for FEMA/Dept. of Homeland Security Provides funding for the Disaster Relief Fund to cover disaster costs for hurricane and wildfire relief and recovery. Provides up to 90% federal cost share for disasters declared in 2017 for wildfires. $541 million for watershed and flood prevention efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/-freedom-of-press-caucus-urges-secretary-tillerson-to-pressure-burma-to-release-two-reuters-journalists,Freedom of Press Caucus Urges Secretary Tillerson to Pressure Burma to Release Two Reuters Journalists,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Adam Schiff,S001150,schiff.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Freedom of Press Caucus Urges Secretary Tillerson to Pressure Burma to Release Two Reuters Journalists Washington, D.C. Reps. Adam Schiff (CA-28) and Steve Chabot (OH-01), today along with six other colleagues from the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press, wrote to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson requesting that the State Department urge Burma to drop all charges and immediately release Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who could face up to 14 years in prison for their investigative journalism. Their reporting has extensively focused on the Rakhine States refugee crisis, where over 600,000 Rohingya, including at least 250,000 children, have fled into neighboring Bangladesh, as they sought refuge from assault, rape, and murder by Burmese state security forces. The journalists arrested have reportedly been charged for unlawful possession of military documents pertaining to the violence in Rakhine State. In the letter, the eight members write: Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo arrest shows that the Burmese military is attempting to silence the atrocities it cannot deny. By helping to expose ongoing violence in Rakhine State violence the Burmese military has denied journalists have helped keep international pressure on Burma to end its violence. That is why we believe that press freedom is essential to ending this crisis and that working to free Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo will further American efforts to bring a resolution to the crisis. To that end, we ask you to use all available U.S. diplomatic tools to urge the Government of Burma to drop all charges and immediately release Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. Schiff and Chabot were joined in the letter by six of their colleagues: Rep. Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Rep. Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (NY-11), Rep. David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10), Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33). The full letter can be found below: Dear Secretary Tillerson, As Members of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press, we are deeply troubled by the recent arrest in Burma of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. These arrests come amid a growing crackdown on press freedom, which is having a grave impact on the ability of journalists to cover Burmas military persecution of the Rohingya in Rakhine State. Both journalists have reported extensively on the Rakhine States refugee crisis, where over 600,000 Rohingya, including at least 250,000 children, have fled into neighboring Bangladesh, as they sought refuge from assault, rape, and murder by Burmese state security forces. The journalists arrested have reportedly been charged for unlawful possession of military documents pertaining to the violence in Rakhine State. They have put themselves at great personal risk to report on the Rohingya crisis and could face up to 14 years in prison for their investigative journalism. We applaud the actions you have taken so far to help resolve the crisis in Burma, including providing humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh, correctly characterizing the violence against the Rohingya as ethnic cleansing, and a commitment to holding Burmese military officials accountable through U.S. law, including possible targeted sanctions. As you know, the House has been actively engaged in seeking a resolution to the crisis as well. Earlier this month the House passed H.Con.Res. 90 with near-unanimous, bipartisan support to condemn the ethnic cleansing in Burma. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs is also considering the bipartisan the BURMA Act of 2017, which would enhance sanctions against those who violate human rights in Burma. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo arrest shows that the Burmese military is attempting to silence the atrocities it cannot deny. By helping to expose ongoing violence in Rakhine State violence the Burmese military has denied journalists have helped keep international pressure on Burma to end its violence. That is why we believe that press freedom is essential to ending this crisis and that working to free Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo will further American efforts to bring a resolution to the crisis. To that end, we ask you to use all available U.S. diplomatic tools to urge the Government of Burma to drop all charges and immediately release Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aguilar.house.gov/2017/12/21/aguilar-s-bill-help-military-service-members-transition-civilian/,Aguilar’s Bill to Help Military Service Members Transition to Civilian Workforce Heads to President’s Desk,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,aguilar,https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Press Releases Aguilar’s Bill to Help Military Service Members Transition to Civilian Workforce Heads to President’s Desk Today, the House of Representatives passed the Jobs for Our Heroes Act, a bipartisan package of legislation designed to help military service members transition to civilian life by making sure the skills they gain in military service can be converted into good jobs in the civilian workforce. Rep. Aguilar’s bill to help active duty service members, reservists and National Guardsmen obtain commercial driver’s licenses, the Active Duty Voluntary Acquisition of Necessary Credentials for Employment (ADVANCE) Act, was included in the package. The legislative package was passed by the Senate in September, and will now go to the president to be signed into law. Upon passage of the bill, Rep. Aguilar stated, “Members of our military should know that civilian life will hold opportunities to succeed, not uncertainty. I’m proud that Congress was able to come together in a bipartisan way to pass the ADVANCE Act, legislation that will not only help provide jobs for our service members, but will also add highly-skilled workers to a growing industry right here in the Inland Empire.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-s-bill-help-military-service-members-transition-civilian,Aguilars Bill to Help Military Service Members Transition to Civilian Workforce Heads to Presidents Desk,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives passed the Jobs for Our Heroes Act, a bipartisan package of legislation designed to help military service members transition to civilian life by making sure the skills they gain in military service can be converted into good jobs in the civilian workforce. Rep. Aguilars bill to help active duty service members, reservists and National Guardsmen obtain commercial drivers licenses, the Active Duty Voluntary Acquisition of Necessary Credentials for Employment (ADVANCE) Act, was included in the package. The legislative package was passed by the Senate in September, and will now go to the president to be signed into law. Upon passage of the bill, Rep. Aguilar stated, Members of our military should know that civilian life will hold opportunities to succeed, not uncertainty. Im proud that Congress was able to come together in a bipartisan way to pass the ADVANCE Act, legislation that will not only help provide jobs for our service members, but will also add highly-skilled workers to a growing industry right here in the Inland Empire. Earlier this week, Rep. Aguilar spoke on the House floor during debate on the Jobs for Our Heroes Act. His remarks can be viewed in full here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bera.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ami-beras-statement-on-the-continuing-resolution-to-fund-the-us,REP. AMI BERA'S STATEMENT ON THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO FUND THE U.S. GOVERNMENT,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ami Bera,B001287,bera.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Ami Bera (DCA) released the following statement on the Continuing Resolution that will fund the U.S. government until January: This is not how you run a government. Instead of sitting down and working in the best interest of the American people, Washington keeps kicking the can down the road. This Continuing Resolution leaves critical issues unresolved and will only fund the government until January 19. Until lawmakers set aside partisan bickering and work together, Washington will continue to lurch from one crisis to another. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-supports-emergency-funding-california-wildfires-and-hurricane,Rep. Calvert Supports Emergency Funding for California Wildfires and Hurricane Disasters,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,calvert,https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) joined a majority (251 to 169) of the House of Representatives to approve a disaster aid package to provide additional emergency assistance for recent hurricanes, wildfires in California, and related agriculture losses. The bill, H.R. 4667, totals $81 billion, and targets funds to programs to continue relief and recovery efforts in all of the affected communities, including in California, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. ""Congress has delivered the help these affected regions desperately need,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""California has experienced some of the most devastating wildfires we have ever seen. I toured northern California with my colleague Rep. Mike Thompson and saw the scale of the damage first-hand. I'm proud of the way our California delegation came together in a unified, bipartisan manner to secure the funding our state needs to recover. Our work is not done. We must continue to stand together with the communities in northern and southern California that have been scorched by wildfires and ensure they have the resources they need in the weeks and months ahead."" In addition to emergency funding, the bill approved by the House contained the legislative text of California Wildfire Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 4397). Rep. Calvert is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4397, which would provide the same tax relief to victims of California wildfires as was provided to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma. Specifically, the bill allows a deduction for personal casualty losses and eliminates the current law requirements that personal casualty losses must exceed 10 percent of Adjusted Gross Income to qualify for deduction. Highlights of the Disaster Aid Package: (Provided by the House Appropriations Committee) $81 billion in FY18 emergency funding for ongoing disaster recovery needs from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and wildfires. Fulfills next phase of most immediate needs to help Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, California, and other states recover from recent disasters. $28.6 billion for FEMA/Dept. of Homeland Security Provides funding for the Disaster Relief Fund to cover disaster costs for hurricane and wildfire relief and recovery. Provides up to 90% federal cost share for disasters declared in 2017 for wildfires. $541 million for watershed and flood prevention efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=208,Carbajal Urges White House to Approve Major Disaster Declaration,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) contacted the President urging him to approve Governor Browns request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the Thomas Fire. This declaration would trigger the release of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to help debris removal, individuals rebuild houses and obtain temporary rental homes, as well as access Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. As thousands of families on the Central Coast are tragically unable to return to their damaged or destroyed homes this holiday season, the Administration must deploy all available federal resources to help these families and businesses rebuild, said Carbajal. A federal disaster declaration is imperative to help individuals, whose lives are upended by the Thomas Fire, gain access to critical FEMA services necessary to rebuild our communities. With over 272,00 acres burned throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and 1,041 structures destroyed by the Thomas Fires so far, this disaster declaration will release critical FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) funds. The President previously issued an emergency declaration on December 8, 2017 that released federal resources to aid suppression efforts, including additional Department of Defense air support and shelter supplies for the more than 95,000 people evacuated over the course of the fire. A copy of the letter can be found here and the full text is below: President Donald J. Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Subject: Major Disaster Declaration for the Thomas Fire Dear President Trump: I write in strong support of the State of Californias request for a major disaster declaration to provide much needed recovery assistance as a result of the fires that raged throughout regions of Southern California and the Central Coast. We urge this administration to move swiftly to approve Californias request for a major disaster declaration and federal recovery aid. People in our communities have lost everything, from their homes to their businesses. The Thomas Fire started on Monday, December 4, 2017 off the Highway 150 and Highway 126 in Ventura County and spread into portions of Santa Barbara County. It has burned more than 272,000 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures. On December 5, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency within the state of California and submitted a requested for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the Thomas Fire. On December 8, 2017, Governor Brown also submitted a request for a Presidential emergency declaration for federal assistance to help combat the fire. We were pleased to see you and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve Californias requests expeditiously. However, it is critical that you also grant this major disaster declaration to help the communities impacted by the fires rebuild. Again, we strongly support Governor Browns request for a major disaster declaration. We stand ready to provide any support to you in approving this request and provide the necessary resources to the impacted communities. Sincerely, SALUD O. CARBAJAL Member of Congress ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-statement-republican-short-term-spending-and-disaster-relief,Rep. Chu Statement on Republican Short Term Spending and Disaster Relief Bills,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. The House of Representatives today passed a limited disaster relief bill and a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through January 19, 2018. Prior to their consideration, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) called for comprehensive action to not only keep the government open, but to also fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), answer the Presidents call for a solution for undocumented immigrants, and adequately meet the needs of all areas hit by natural disasters this year, including California, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Rep. Chu voted against both billsand released the following statement: Once again, when it comes to our most fundamental purpose in government keeping it funded and functioning Republicans have us doing the bare minimum. Instead of passing a true budget, they offered another short term patch that kicks the can down the road. And in doing so, it leaves much work needlessly undone, like providing relief for the 800,000 Dreamers waiting on the DREAM Act or the 9 million low-income children who need CHIP reauthorized so they can continue receiving medical care. So thanks to Republican dereliction of duty, not only is it impossible for the government and our military to make long term plans, but neither can undocumented immigrants and their families who are instead worried they could be deported at any moment. And on the state level, the only plans they can definitively lay out after this vote are for how many more days until they run out of money meant for healthcare for poor children. Also left behind in todays votes are the people of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who are still struggling with recovering from the disastrous hurricanes earlier this year. In pure dollar amounts, this bill falls far short of what is needed by the islands. And beyond that, it exacerbates the lack of funding by failing to address cost sharing with FEMA or the coming Medicaid cliff. What we needed were long term bills that provided the needed funds for our most vulnerable populations. What we got was another short term patch that leaves urgent problems unaddressed. This cannot go on. Its bad governing and its bad for the people. I am voting no today but do so with the hope that Republicans will bring forward a full budget and adequate disaster relief bills that meet the needs of our country, not the needs of an arbitrary Republican deadline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cook-statement-on-honduran-elections,Cook Statement on Honduran Elections,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA-08), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Western Hempishere, issued the following statement on developments concerning November's elections in Honduras: Chairman Cook: I believe calm and restraint are needed now more than ever following the announcement of a winner in last months presidential elections in Honduras. While I was disappointed in the irregularities experienced in the initial vote count, it is also critical to understand that a thorough and transparent recount of close to 5,000 voting ballots occurred under the presence of OAS and EU electoral observation missions. In the days ahead, I encourage all parties to present concerns or challenges through the available legal channels with adherence to the rule of law. Strong democratic institutions that respect the will of citizens to express their views peacefully is vital for Honduras prosperity. I will always stand with the rights of people to freely elect their leaders, and the United States is committed to supporting the Honduran people in achieving a peaceful and secure outcome.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-statement-house-passage-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open,Costa Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels through January 19, 2018: Todays vote is a continuation of the dysfunction in Washington, and it further illustrates the damage that results from partisan politics and irresponsible leadership. It is unacceptable that we have to resort to funding the government for weeks at a time because we cannot sit down together Democrats and Republicans and negotiate a real budget bill. One of our key responsibilities as members of Congress is to keep the government open, which is why I voted for the spending bill today. Yet another equally-important responsibility is providing the stability and certainty the government needs to operate well and Americans need to invest and plan for their futures, and Congress has failed to fulfill this responsibility in 2017. We must do better. When Congress returns to Washington in January, I will continue to advocate for the bipartisan, stable policy solutions and the good governance Americans need and deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2191,An IED that can “rip Humvees like a beer can with a shotgun”: former Corporal Manuel Sandoval recounts his time in Iraq,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today released a new Thank-a-Vet Thursday (#TVT) video featuring Iraq combat veteran former U.S. Army National Guard Corporal Manuel Sandoval, a Central Valley native. Shared on Rep. DenhamsFacebook,TwitterandYouTubepages, this #TVT video is an excerpt from a longer interview for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Former Corporal Sandoval enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard on Sept. 11, 2000, one year to the day before terrorist attacks shook the country from New York to the Pentagon. Sandoval served as a Forward Observer, or 13F, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 as part of the 1stBattalion 184thInfantry Regiment out of Modesto. While deployed, Sandoval served as part of a Personal Security Detail for his Battalion Commander. For his service, Sandoval was awarded the Combat Action Badge, national Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and Army Service Ribbon. Sandovals story is shared as part of Rep. Denhams #TVT social media initiative to thank veterans for their service. Rep. Denham invites and encourages social media users to post photos and videos using #TVT to recognize Americas military veterans. All #TVT videos can be found on Rep. DenhamsYouTubechannel and officialFacebookpage.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2192,Rep. Denham adds FEMA reforms to emergency wildfire aid bill for California,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (CA-10) included his cost-saving FEMA reforms, initially introduced as the Supporting Mitigation Activities and Resiliency Targets for Rebuilding Act (SMART Rebuilding Act), in the emergency wildfire aid bill for California. This is the third disaster recovery bill, now totaling almost $133 billion in resources passed in response to catastrophic wildfires and hurricanes in 2017, and the second influx of funding specific to California recovery totaling over $5 billion in aid. Until now, federal resources were spent rebuilding the same structures in the same disaster-prone places, said Rep. Denham. My policies will provide resources and incentives for communities to plan for the next event by mitigating future damages to save lives and taxpayer dollars. These are disaster prevention reforms that represent a wise investment. Rep. Denham introduced the SMART Rebuilding Act on Nov. 21, 2017. The SMART Rebuilding Act provisions were included in the Disaster Recovery and Reform Act, which was incorporated in todays supplemental funding package. These provisions incentivize and enable states and communities to build more resiliently both before and after disaster strikes by increasing the federal cost share for communities that adopt mitigation measures, establishing a National Public Infrastructure Pre-disaster Mitigation Fund to allow states and communities the ability to improve infrastructure, and including building standard implementation and enforcement in the FEMA Public Assistance post disaster program. According to FEMA, every $1 invested in mitigation results in $4 in disaster cost savings for our taxpayers. This year alone we have seen mass destruction from large-scale wildfires, hurricane winds and flooding, costing the American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars in disaster relief. This bill would save lives and money by building up our resiliency to natural disaster across the nation before trouble is at our door. Rep. Denham has a proven legislative record with congressional disaster response. He authored the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA), which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2013 to address inefficiencies in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs that slow down and increase costs of recovery. The measures helped communities and tribes recovering from Hurricane Sandy but were written with future disasters in mind, such as the 2017 wildfires and hurricanes. SRIA was signed into law with the Disaster Supplemental under Rep. Denhams leadership as the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Emergency Management, and it established procedures where local governments can accept recovery grants based on fixed, capped estimates, with the flexibility to spend the money in the best way possible as determined by locals. While SRIA has been a huge success, the initial project limit of $120,000 has proven to be too low for major disasters. On March 27, 2017, the House passed H.R. 1214, the Disaster SAVE Act, which Rep. Denham co-sponsored, to increase the disaster assistance threshold to $500,000. With costs soaring in the billions, states would benefit from the red-tape reductions that this bill presents. The bill awaits action in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2216,Denham Announces January 2018 Mobile District Office Hours,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today announced Mobile District Office (MDO) hours for the month of December 2017, where 10th district residents can get help with specific casework or ask questions. 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, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies. Additional information is available through Rep. Denhams 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. Denhams Modesto office at (209) 579-5458. Wednesday, Jan. 3 and 17 Tracy 1-2 p.m. Tracy City Hall 333 Civic Center Plaza, Rm 216, Tracy, CA 95376 Friday, Jan. 5 and 19 Manteca 10-11 a.m. Manteca Chamber of Commerce 183 W. North Street #6, Manteca, CA 95336 *Held in conjunction with Assemblyman Heath Floras office. Friday, Jan. 5 Waterford 2-3 p.m. City of Waterford 101 E Street, Waterford, CA 95386 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill & Assemblyman Heath Floras offices. Friday, Jan. 5 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 & Assemblyman Heath Floras offices. Tuesday, Jan. 9 Escalon 10-11 a.m. Escalon City Hall 2060 McHenry Avenue, Escalon, CA 95320 *Held in conjunction with Assemblyman Heath Floras office. Wednesday, Jan. 10 Modesto 2-3 p.m. Housing Authority of Stanislaus County 1701 Robertson Road, Modesto, CA 95351 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Grays offices. Thursday, Jan. 11 Hughson 11 a.m.-12 p.m. City of Hughson 7018 Pine Street, Hughson, CA 95326 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill & Assemblyman Heath Floras offices. Thursday, Jan. 11 Turlock 1:30-2:30 p.m. Turlock Chamber of Commerce Conference Room 115 South Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380 *Held in conjunction with Senator Tom Berryhill & Assemblyman Heath Floras offices. Friday, Jan. 12 Newman 9-10 a.m. City of Newman 938 Fresno Street, Newman, CA 95360 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Grays offices. Friday, Jan. 12 Patterson 10:30-11:30 a.m. City of Patterson 1 Plaza, Patterson, CA 95363 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Grays offices. Friday, Jan. 19 Ceres 10-1 a.m. State Senator Anthony Cannellas Office 2561 Third Street, Suite A, Ceres, CA 95307 *Held in conjunction with Senator Anthony Cannella & Assemblyman Adam Grays offices. Tuesday, Jan. 23 Ripon 1-2 p.m. Ripon Chamber of Commerce 104 South Stockton Ave, Ripon, CA 95366 Thursday, Jan. 25 Denair 10:30-11:30 a.m. Denair Community Services District 3850 North Gratton Road, Denair, CA 95316",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garamendi-s-statement-continuing-resolution,Congressman Garamendis Statement on the Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City, CA) released the following statement following the House vote on a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government piecemeal through January 19, 2017: I voted against the continuing resolution because I dont want to kick the can down the road any more. The majority in the House has been so busy working on their tax heist for the rich that theyve abdicated their responsibility to govern on behalf of the American people and take our national security seriously. They have also failed to consult in meaningful ways with their Senate counterparts. This bill does nothing to address long-term funding for our military, which I strongly support, nor does it adequately address our other national security needs by providing increased funding for agencies like the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State. This leaves us vulnerable at a time of great instability across the world. Finally, the passage of this bill eliminated the best immediate opportunity we had to address the fate for 800,000 young men and women whose only country theyve ever known is the United States. The DACA question remains unresolved, and I look forward to January 19th, when once again an opportunity exists to pass the DREAM Act and protect thousands of young people in my district, across the state, and across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/press-release/congressman-garamendi-s-statement-continuing-resolution,Congressman Garamendis Statement on the Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis, Yuba City, CA) released the following statement following the House vote on a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government piecemeal through January 19, 2017: I voted against the continuing resolution because I dont want to kick the can down the road any more. The majority in the House has been so busy working on their tax heist for the rich that theyve abdicated their responsibility to govern on behalf of the American people and take our national security seriously. They have also failed to consult in meaningful ways with their Senate counterparts. This bill does nothing to address long-term funding for our military, which I strongly support, nor does it adequately address our other national security needs by providing increased funding for agencies like the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State. This leaves us vulnerable at a time of great instability across the world. Finally, the passage of this bill eliminated the best immediate opportunity we had to address the fate for 800,000 young men and women whose only country theyve ever known is the United States. The DACA question remains unresolved, and I look forward to January 19th, when once again an opportunity exists to pass the DREAM Act and protect thousands of young people in my district, across the state, and across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/video/garamendi-talks-trump-and-mueller-alex-witt-december-10-2017,"Garamendi Talks Trump and Mueller with Alex Witt: December 10, 2017",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Office 2438 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-1880 Fax: (202) 225-5914 Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM ET",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garamendi.house.gov/video/what-congress-did-you-december-21-2017,"What Congress Did to You: December 21, 2017",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,John Garamendi,G000559,garamendi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Office 2438 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-1880 Fax: (202) 225-5914 Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM ET",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=179,STATEMENT: Congressman Jimmy Gomez on Voting NO on the Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jimmy Gomez,G000585,gomez.house.gov,,,legacy,"STATEMENT: Congressman Jimmy Gomez on Voting NO on the Continuing Resolution f t # e Washington, December 21, 2017 Americans need lawmakers to demonstrate political courage and leadership, but this spending bill cowardly skirts tough issues and leaves nine million kids, 800,000 DREAMers, and millions of working families hanging in the balance. share: f t WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D Los Angeles) issued the following statement after voting NO on H.R. 1370, the Continuing Resolution, which passed the House today with a 231-188 vote.Today, House Republicans turned their backs on working families in my district and across the country. I voted no on the Continuing Resolution because this is yet another last-minute stopgap measure that leaves far too many priorities that Americans value unaddressed. A day after Republicans added $1.5 trillion to the debt with their tax bill, they couldnt find a way to fully fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), community health centers, or protect DREAMers. Americans need lawmakers to demonstrate political courage and leadership, but this spending bill cowardly skirts tough issues and leaves nine million kids, 800,000 DREAMers, and millions of working families hanging in the balance. I simply cannot help Republicans further their destructive policy agenda while they steal from working families around the country. The American people deserve better. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://issa.house.gov/news-room/press-releases/rep-issa-applauds-passage-california-wildfire-aid-and-disaster-relief,Rep. Issa Applauds Passage of California Wildfire Aid and Disaster Relief,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Darrell Issa,I000056,issa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Press Releases Rep. Issa Applauds Passage of California Wildfire Aid and Disaster Relief WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Vista) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved $81 billion in disaster relief, including aid for the victims of the wildfires in California this year. Im pleased that those in San Diego County affected by the recent Lilac Fire, and throughout California, will receive the help they need so that they can begin the process of restoring their lives and rebuilding all that was lost,said Congressman Darrell Issa.The package approved today comes at just the right time and will provide much-needed resources to help our area recover. I thank Congressman Calvert for his leadership in getting this funding quickly approved and encourage its swift signing into law. I remain committed to ensuring everyone impacted gets the assistance they need as they recover from the destruction these fires have brought to our community. Earlier this month, Congressman Issajoined all 53 membersof the California House delegation to write asking the appropriations committee to include relief for victims of Californias wildfires in emergency disaster legislation andwroteto Members of the Conference Committee on the tax reform bill, urging its members torestore the deduction for wildfire lossesto the final bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-house-disaster-relief-vote/,Brownley Statement on House Disaster Relief Vote,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,juliabrownley,https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today after the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on disaster relief assistance: “I am pleased that, after working with my California colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the last few weeks, the disaster assistance and tax relief legislation passed by the House today included eligibility for Southern California’s fires. While the President must still issue a Major Disaster Declaration, this is a critical first step to providing desperately needed aid to all those impacted by the Thomas Fire. I will continue to work tirelessly until my constituents get what they need to rebuild and recover.” Congresswoman Brownley sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to take swift action on Governor Brown’s request last night for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the wildfires affecting Southern California – including and especially the Thomas Fire in Ventura County.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://juliabrownley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brownley-statement-on-house-disaster-relief-vote,Brownley Statement on House Disaster Relief Vote,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Julia Brownley,B001285,juliabrownley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today after the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on disaster relief assistance: I am pleased that, after working with my California colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the last few weeks, the disaster assistance and tax relief legislation passed by the House today included eligibility for Southern Californias fires. While the President must still issue a Major Disaster Declaration, this is a critical first step to providing desperately needed aid to all those impacted by the Thomas Fire. I will continue to work tirelessly until my constituents get what they need to rebuild and recover. Congresswoman Brownley sent a letter to President Trump today urging him to take swift action on Governor Browns request last night for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the wildfires affecting Southern California including and especially the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-announces-appointment-of-local-students-to-service-academies,McCarthy Announces Appointment of Local Students to Service Academies,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Kevin McCarthy,M001165,kevinmccarthy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy is pleased to announce his nominations to the United States Service Academies.Nominees were selected in a competitive process in which a number of highly qualified 23rd Congressional District high school students applied for consideration. Congressman McCarthy designated one principal nominee for each academy that will fill one of five slots afforded to him as a Member of Congress at each academy.He also nominated a slate of competing alternate nominations for each academy that will be ranked according to their competitiveness by the Academy Admission Board and selected for admission at the academys discretion. Some applicants received a nomination to more than one academy according to the rank preference listed on their application. The academies traditionally notify the alternates by April whether or not they will be offered an appointment.Principal nominees are notified in February or late March. I am proud to nominate students from my district who display the core values of honor and courage in their commitment to serve our country, said Congressman McCarthy. I congratulate each of them in their pursuit of becoming future leaders in our Armed Forces. Each candidate was interviewed by Congressman McCarthys Academy Interview Committee in November and the selections were submitted to the Congressman.The Academy Committee Members were: Cam Martin, External Affairs Director at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, father to two USNA grads (Committee Chair); Lieutenant Tim Buehn, VX-9 detachment, Edwards Air Force Base, Test Pilot (USNA grad) Brenda Lewis, Ed.D., Associate Superintendent of Instruction, Kern High School District; Maureen Basham, Accounts Specialist and Safety Officer for Sequoia Parks Conservancy, retired Marine as Director of Manpower Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center; Dick Taylor, Director, Kern County Veterans Services Department, former Marine Corps active duty member and reservist. United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO (USAFA) Principal: Homin Key, 17, Ridgeview High School, Bakersfield, CA, son of Steve Key and Juhee Jung. In addition to receiving a nomination to the Air Force Academy, he also received a competing alternate nomination to the Naval Academy. Competing Alternates: Nicholas Arias, Frontier High School, Bakersfield, CA (2017 graduate) Ahmed Baameur, East Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, CA Lee Begin, Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield, CA Kami McCormick, Lancaster High School, Lancaster, CA Izdihar Mohamed, Centennial High School, Bakersfield, CA Alberto Moita, United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado Springs, CO Roberto Moita, University Of Phoenix, Bakersfield, CA Derek Rodriguez, Liberty High School, Bakersfield, CA Jacob Sibayan, Monache High School, Porterville, CA United States Military Academy, West Point, NY (USMA) Principal: Kobie Budak, 18, Frontier High School, Bakersfield, CA, son of Michael and Kristina Budak. In addition to receiving a nomination to the Military Academy, he also received competing alternate nominations to the Naval and Merchant Marine Academies. Competing Alternates: Karla Guzman, Ridgeview High School, Bakersfield, CA Derek Rodriguez, Liberty High School, Bakersfield, CA Jacob Sibayan, Monache High School, Porterville, CA Grant Vigneault, Sherman E. Burroughs High School, Ridgecrest, CA United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (USNA) Principal: Grant Vigneault, 17, Sherman E. Burroughs High School, Ridgecrest, CA, son of David and Kyla Vigneault. In addition to receiving a nomination to the Naval Academy, he also received a competing alternate nomination to the Military Academy. Special Mention: Karla Guzman, 18, Ridgeview High School, Bakersfield, CA, daughter of Orlando and Patricia Guzman. In addition to receiving a competing nomination to the Naval Academy, she also received a principal nomination to the Merchant Marine Academy and a competing alternate nomination to the Military Academy. Karla has received an early offer of admission for the Naval Academy and has chosen to accept that appointment. Competing Alternates: Nicholas Arias, Frontier High School, Bakersfield, CA (2017 graduate) Ahmed Baameur, East Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, CA Lee Begin, Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield, CA Kobie Budak, Frontier High School, Bakersfield, CA Homin Key, Ridgeview High School, Bakersfield, CA Derek Rodriguez, Liberty High School, Bakersfield, CA Jacob Sibayan, Monache High School, Porterville, CA Michael Stegeman, Frazier Mountain High School, Frazier Park, CA United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY (USMMA) Competing Alternates: Kobie Budak, Frontier High School, Bakersfield, CA Michael Stegeman, Frazier Mountain High School, Frazier Park, CA",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1470,Knight Cosponsors Net Protection Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"One week after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to reverse the 2015 rule to reclassify broadband internet as a Title II Common Carrier service, Representative Steve Knight (R-CA) joined as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4682, the Open Internet Preservation Act. Led by Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), H.R. 4682 would amend Title I of the Communications Act to prohibit broadband internet providers from blocking or impairing any lawful internet content, application, or service.In addition, this bill would maintain transparency requirements adopted by the FCC and create a formal complaint procedure for the FCC to address allegations of violations in a timely fashion. ""An equal and open internet is vital to protect small business, foster innovation, and deliver the best quality products and services to consumers. If you pay for a specific internet speed, you should be able to use that data transfer rate how you best see fit."" said Rep. Knight ""This bill will address many of the concerns I shared with Chairman Pai before last week's vote. I want to thank Congresswoman Blackburn for her leadership in introducing this bill and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this into law."" ""We must stop this this political ping pong of changing internet rules from one administration to the other."" said Rep. Blackburn ""That is why I introduced the Open Internet Preservation Act. This bill will ensure there is no blocking and no throttling on the internet, and will make sure the internet is an open and fair marketplace. We need light-touch regulation, and stability for the internet."" The Open Internet Preservation Act was introduced on December 19, 2017 and was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://knight.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1471,Knight applauds fire loss deduction provisions in disaster relief package,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Steve Knight,K000387,knight.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 21, 2017 the House of Representatives approved of H.R. 4667, the Emergency Disaster Aid Package. Included in this bill are the provisions of H.R. 4397, the California Wildfire Disaster Tax Relief Act, introduced by Representative Mimi Walters (R-CA) and cosponsored by Representative Steve Knight (R-CA). These provisions would protect the ability of disaster victims to deduct the value of fire and earthquake losses from their federally taxable income.""I'm relieved my colleagues and I were able to successfully put these provisions into this aid package."" Said Rep. Knight ""Fire and earthquake loss deductions are vital to help families recover from these devastating disasters. The recent fires in my district and throughout Southern California are proof that this bipartisan policy is absolutely necessary.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-government-funding-and-disaster-relief-measures,House Passes Government Funding and Disaster Relief Measures,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until January 19, 2018. Additionally, the House passed an $81 billion disaster aid package for areas affected by wildfires and hurricanes. LaMalfa said: This is a straight funding bill that will fund the government until January and keep important programs like CHIP and the Veterans Choice program running until we can reach a better, more accountable long term solution next year. Were also sending the largest-ever disaster aid package that will help those in California that have been impacted by this years wildfires and expands the ability to deduct losses from 2017.I'm disappointed the process of getting through the Senate has led us to this point, but theres still a lot left on the table to accomplish in January including properly funding our military. It is imperative that we fund these critical programs in the meantime and provide disaster victims with the assistance they need to recover. Important Highlights of the spending bill: $2.85 billion to fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) until March 2018. $2.1 billion to fund the Veterans Choice program, which allows veterans to seek care outside the Department of Veterans Affairs system. $750 million for reauthorization of critical public health programs, including teaching health centers and community health centers. 2017 wildfire losses were already deductible. This bill maintains and expands these deductions to include through the end of 2018. Includes a waiver to prevent across the board mandatory spending cuts triggered by H.R. 1. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-statement-on-fy2018-continuing-resolution,Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on FY2018 Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on FY2018 Continuing Resolution Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the FY2018 Continuing Resolution: For weeks Republicans have been too focused on giving the wealthiest 1% tax breaks to adequately fund the government. As a result, congressional Republicans have once again driven this country to the brink of an avoidable self-inflicted crisis. This reckless short-term resolution ignores the life-threatening emergencies facing millions across the country. It fails to provide long-term funding to the Childrens Health Insurance Program, betrays undocumented recipients in desperate need of a clean DREAM Act and woefully underfunds community health centers, programs that combat the opioid epidemic, and veterans in need. This irresponsible resolution also fails to raise the budgetary caps equally for defense and non-defense spending. By passing a short-term spending bill that entirely neglects crucial needs and underfunds job training, affordable housing, and education we are selling the American people short. Furthermore by allowing the Trump Administration to undercut crucial government agencies, Republicans have rubber-stamped the Steve Bannon agenda to deconstruct the administrative state. This resolution does nothing to create better jobs, better wages and a better future for American families. That is why as member of both the Appropriations and Budget Committee, I opposed this Continuing Resolution. The American people deserve better than this. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-urges-saudi-and-uae-officials-develop-humanitarian-plan-action,REP LIEU URGES SAUDI AND EMIRATI OFFICIALS TO LIFT BLOCKADE IN YEMEN,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Ted Lieu,L000582,lieu.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D Los Angeles County) led a letter co-signed by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL) to Saudi Ambassador to the United States Khaled bin Salman and Emirati Ambassador to the United States Youset al Otaiba urging their governments toend their coalitions Yemen blockade and reopen Yemens seaports, airports and land crossings. In the letter, the Members write: Unless a humanitarian plan of action is implemented immediately including ending restrictions on vessels carrying fuel and commercial goods that are essential to the humanitarian response millions of Yemeni civilians could die from famine. Beyond immediately lifting the blockade, we request that your governments take several specific steps that would help to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Yemen: Facilitate without delay the delivery and installation of the four cranes for Hudaydah port that the U.S. Government financed last year; Eliminate restrictions and delays on all vessels bound for Hudaydah and other Yemeni ports that have been cleared by the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism, including commercial vessels; Allow both humanitarian and most commercial flights to Sanaa (with the exception of Iranian air carriers and those that have a track record of facilitating the movement of Iranian personnel and their proxies) to resume unobstructed; Agree to the pre-positioning of a World Food Program vessel off Aden, to facilitate more rapid humanitarian assistance; READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcnerney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-mcnerney-thompson-desaulnier-swalwell-call-on-korean-war-vets-to,"Reps. McNerney, Thompson, DeSaulnier, Swalwell Call on Korean War Vets to Come Forward, Receive Medal from South Korean Government",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jerry McNerney,M001166,mcnerney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressmen Jerry McNerney (CA-09),Mike Thompson (CA-05),Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), andEric Swalwell (CA-15)have put out a call to all Korean War veterans living in Contra Costa County. The Congressmen are working with the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco to facilitate the presentation of medals from the Republic of Korea to Contra Costa County veterans in recognition of their service in the Korean War. Our nation owes a big thanks to our Korean War Veterans,Rep. Thompsonsaid. Thanks to those brave Americans who answered our countrys call to service, South Korea is free and prosperous today. Though the Korean War is often remembered as the Forgotten War, our veterans will not be forgotten. Were asking every veteran of the Korean War in Contra Costa County to contact my office so that they can be recognized for their service and sacrifice. We should take every opportunity we have to express our gratitude to our nations veterans, saidRep. McNerney. I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring those who served in the Korean War, and to thank them for their sacrifice. Tens of thousands of Americans risked their lives to make South Korea a safe and prosperous country,Congressman Mark DeSaulniersaid. Their sacrifice is worthy of recognition and is an example of the American ideal of service before self. We ask all Contra Costa veterans of this conflict to come forward and accept the recognition they rightfully deserve. These veterans served our nation selflessly and should be honored for their bravery and sacrifices,Rep. Swalwellsaid. Its never too late to give them the recognition and thanks they so richly deserve. The Congressmen are compiling a list of names of eligible veterans living in Contra Costa County who served in the Korean War so that they can receive an Ambassador for Peace medal from the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador for Peace medal is granted by the Republic of Korea to our veterans out of appreciation for restoring and preserving South Koreas freedom and democracy through their service in the Korean War. The medals will be presented during a ceremony in Contra Costa County to be announced at a later date. Eligible veterans include those involved in either the hostilities or the following United Nations peacekeeping mission between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953.Enlisted support personnel who aided in these missions are also eligible (e.g. nurses who served in Japan, sailors who served on support missions). Veterans should send an email toContraCosta.KoreanWarVeterans@mail.house.govor call Congressman McNerneys Antioch office (925) 754-0716 byThursday, March 1, 2018to be included among the veterans eligible for a medal. # # # Rep. Jerry McNerney proudly serves the constituents of Californias 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties. For more information on Rep. McNerneys work,follow him on Facebookand on Twitter@RepMcNerney",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-thompson-desaulnier-mcnerney-swalwell-call-on-korean-war-vets-to-come,"Reps. Thompson, DeSaulnier, McNerney, Swalwell Call on Korean War Vets to Come Forward, Receive Medal from South Korean Government",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mike Thompson,T000460,mikethompson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressmen Mike Thompson (CA-05), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), and Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today announced a call on all veterans of the Korean War living in Contra Costa County to contact Rep. Thompsons Vallejo District Office. The Congressmen are working with the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco to facilitate the presentation of medals from the Republic of Korea to Contra Costa County veterans in recognition of their service in the Korean War. Our nation owes a big thanks to our Korean War Veterans, Rep. Thompson said. Thanks to those brave Americans who answered our countrys call to service, South Korea is free and prosperous today. Though the Korean War is often remembered as the Forgotten War, our veterans will not be forgotten. Were asking every veteran of the Korean War in Contra Costa County to contact my office so that they can be recognized for their service and sacrifice. Tens of thousands of Americans risked their lives to make South Korea a safe and prosperous country, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said. Their sacrifice is worthy of recognition and is an example of the American ideal of service before self. We ask all Contra Costa veterans of this conflict to come forward and accept the recognition they rightfully deserve. We should take every opportunity we have to express our gratitude to our nations veterans, said Rep. McNerney. I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring those who served in the Korean War, and to thank them for their sacrifice. These veterans served our nation selflessly and should be honored for their bravery and sacrifices, Rep. Swalwell said. Its never too late to give them the recognition and thanks they so richly deserve. The Congressmen are compiling a list of names of eligible veterans living in Contra Costa County who served in the Korean War so that they can receive an Ambassador for Peace medal from the Republic of Korea. The Ambassador for Peace medal is granted by the Republic of Korea to our veterans out of appreciation for restoring and preserving South Koreas freedom and democracy through their service in the Korean War. The medals will be presented during a ceremony in Contra Costa County to be announced at a later date. Eligible veterans include those involved in either the hostilities or the following United Nations peacekeeping mission between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953.Enlisted support personnel who aided in these missions are also eligible (e.g. nurses who served in Japan, sailors who served on support missions). Veterans should contact Thompsons Vallejo office at (707) 645-1888 or ContraCosta.KoreanWarVeterans@mail.house.gov by Thursday, March 1, 2018 to be included among the veterans eligible for a medal. ### Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent Californias 5thCongressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties.He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force as well as the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-floor-remarks-calling-for-an-immediate-house-vote-on-the-bipartisan-dream,Pelosi Floor Remarks Calling for an Immediate House Vote on the Bipartisan DREAM Act,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the Floor of U.S. House of Representatives calling for an immediate vote on the bipartisan DREAM Act. Below are the Leaders remarks: Leader Pelosi. Thank you, Mr.Speaker. I thank the gentleman foryieldingand I thank all of the Membersof the Rules Committee for theexceptional service theyprovide to the House inreviewing legislation that willcome to the floor. I particularly want to thank mycolleagues on the Democraticside for honoring the values ofour country by advocating foran amendment to include theDREAM Act as we go forward.I hope most of our Memberswould vote no on this rule andallow for the previous questionto come forward that will allowfor the DREAM Act to beconsidered. I want to thank the Chairman ofthe Committee and theDistinguished Members on theRepublican side as well as theDemocratic side for thehospitality extended to deputy, Democratic Whip, Mr. Hoyer,Chair of the Hispanic Caucus,Congresswoman Michelle LujanGrisham, and to me. At that meeting, Mr. Speaker, Itold the colleagues that we arein a tradition of having greatDemocratic and Republicanpresidents who had beensupportive of newcomers toour country and who recognizethat immigration is theconstant reinvigoration ofAmerica. When people come to our countrywith their hopes and dreams andaspirations to make the futurebetter for their families, theyare identifying with anAmerican ideal. All of us having theresponsibility to make thefuture better for the nextgenerationand their commitment, theircourage, their optimism, theirdetermination for a betterfuture makes America moreAmerican. Every newcomer who comes here,with that determination makesAmerica more American,and among those people are ourDREAMers. This is a very discreet groupthat we were hoping to protectin the DREAM Act. Certainly, as our colleaguesacknowledged this morning, wehave important work to do incomprehensive immigrationreform. We have a responsibility toprotect our borders, north andsouth, and anything that liesin, east coast, west coast, andthrough the gulf. But the fact is that, as waspointed out by Ms. LujanGrisham, Chair of the HispanicCaucus, think of the DREAMersas a discreet piece that needsprotection now and not wait forthe entire comprehensiveimmigration reform to beresolved before we deal withthis emergency. Just as we CHIP nine million children aredepending on CHIP,but we are not waiting until werevise the whole health caresystem to revise CHIP nor didwhen we when we passed CHIP, it wasbefore the Affordable Care Acthad passed, but let me tell you why it'sreally important for this tohappen now. Unfortunately, and really I waspleased that our Speakerregistered his disappointment disagreement with PresidentTrump when he when he tookthe action he did in regard toDACA in September. When he did that and said, Illgive Congress until March topass a law, what he didn'tunderstand is he was puttingthese DREAMers at a distinctdisadvantage. Every day nearly, over 100,120-some DACA recipients, DACAeligible, lose their status. That means if they're workingor if they're whateverthey're doing, they lose theirstatus to do that in ourcountry. Over 10,000 have lost statussince the President'sannouncement,well over 10,000. So we can't wait till March todo this, because it hadconsequences known to us butunforeseen by the White Houseand by the President. I don't think in his heart thatthe President intended to hurtthese people in the very cruelway that they are being hurt bythe actions that are beingtaken. So we can't wait until March. We need action. We need it soon, and we need itto be bipartisan, and that'swhat we have been working on. Not me, Members, Member-drivenbipartisan cooperation intrying to find a path thataddresses the concerns thatsome have about the border we all do and also addresses the DREAM Act. As the President said, let'scall it DACA. Well call it DACA. Here we are, and I said atthe beginning of our remarksthat we have been blessed inour country by presidents whohave recognized the value ofimmigration, that our countrywould be in stagnation if wedidn't have this constantreinvigoration of those to ourcountry. And so when President Obamaacted because Congress had notacted to protect the DREAMersand their parents, that wasreally important for him to dobecause Congress had not acted. However, it's important to notethat President Reagan, when hewas president, and President[George] Herbert Walker Bush was, at thattime, Vice President, Congressdid act, the Immigration Act of1986. They did act and PresidentReagan's observation is theydidn't go far enough. So he took further executive action called Family Fairnessto protect people in ourcountry. Immigrants in our country. Actually, President Reagan andPresident George Herbert WalkerBush protected a higherpercentage of newcomers to ourcountry than President Obamadid with his DACA action. Higher percentage, because theyunderstood the value to ourcountry of newcomers. President Clinton continued allthat, and President George W.Bush was a champion andcontinues to be a champion onrecognizing the value ofimmigration. He has spoken about itintellectually and with respectfrom the heart for peoplecoming to our country and hasurged us to do so. He couldn't get the cooperationof his own party when he waspresident to cooperate forimmigration, comprehensiveimmigration reform, even thoughwhen we had the power asDemocrats we supported it buthe could not get the 60 votesin the Senate. But nonetheless, [George W. Bush] continues tobe a champion, really, forimmigration reform. And so here we have a newpresident who campaigned on thebacks of newcomers to ourcountry, made immigrantsvillains. Its a complete change from theRepublican Party, commitment to valuing newcomers and diversity in ourcountry. A complete departure fromPresident Reagan, President [George]Herbert Walker Bush, PresidentGeorge W. Bush, just to namethe Republican Presidents, and so we find ourselves inthis situation, but thatdoesn't change the fact that wehave a responsibility to all ofGod's children to treat themwith respect and when we can dosomething to be helpful, weshould. So there is, there is harmthat is coming to the DREAMersevery day because they arelosing status. Regardless of what some maysay, some are being deported. This may be unknown to thePresident, but it's not unknownto us in this Congress. So I want to thankCongresswoman, Madam Chair ofthe Hispanic Caucus Congressional Hispanic Caucus[Michelle Lujan Grisham] and her Members. I want to thank [Congresswoman] Judy Chu, thechair of the CongressionalAsian Pacific American Caucus; Congresswoman Yvette Clarkewho, working with theCongressional Black Caucus, hasbeen a champion in that Caucus,and all other Members on bothsides of the aisle who arestriving to find a path and one path that we have open to us is to allow to defeat this rule, to allow the DREAM Act to come up, and to put that in the mix as we go as we go forward. Again this isn't an issue, this isn't a bill, it's a value. It's a value. Thats the conversation we had with President Trump, this isn't an issue. This is a value. This is about who we are as a nation and how we respect who we are as a nation, and that's why I believe that President Trump will be receptive to signing a bill. He does want concerns for border security and we'll work with him on that. But let's start by putting on the record the support of this House for recognition that we are by and large, unless some of you are Native Americans and how proud we are of our Native American community in our country and how blessed we are, but most of us come from immigrant families. It was interesting to me in doing some reading on some of this, very proud of my own Italian-American heritage, my grandmother was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her friends were from Venice and Genoa. My father's family also from Italy. But what was interesting to me in recent days, I remember, I didn't suffer this, but I know my father and others did, they were called WOPs, Italians. Do you know what that means? Without papers. Thats what we were called, without papers, people are without papers. But in every way they are American. Every way they are American. I just want to tell you a couple of stories: one is Fernando. Fernando is in my district, his family came to the U.S., he came to the U.S. when he was 9-years-old. In high school, he was an AP scholar, received the international baccalaureate diploma and achievement award in foreign language for French. He continued to excel academically at Santa Clara University where he graduated cum laude, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in French. He now works at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center where he's working hard to provide new insights into diseases and disorders. I want to tell you one other: Lisette. She was just 6-years-old when her family brought her to the U.S. from Chile. She excelled in school and was involved in her community. She went on to attend Harvard where she received numerous awards and participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. She recently graduated Harvard with honors. She and other DREAMers have so much to contribute to our country. Donald Trump and other Republicans have made their agenda clear: they want to shut down DACA and DAPA and deport hundreds of thousands of DREAMers and parents of Americans, that's what DREAMers think. We don't want them to think that. We want them to think they are valued. The President understands the value of our DREAMers and the challenges that they face. If we don't do something soon, Lisette will be deported back to Chile, a country where she hasn't lived since she was 6-years-old. Thousands and thousands of stories of success of those serving in our military, attending our schools, teaching our children teaching our children working in high-level positions because they all have that immigrant attitude of hard work, hard work ethic, work ethic, a faith ethic, a family ethic, a sense of community. Lets, in the sense and spirit of community, defeat this rule and allow the DREAM Act to come forward. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-successful-2018-healthcaregov-enrollment-season,Pelosi Statement on Successful 2018 HealthCare.gov Enrollment Season,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid reported that 8.8 million Americans signed up for health coverage on HealthCare.gov, just below the previous years 9.2 million enrollees: From day one, the Trump Administration cynically worked to make it more difficult for Americans to hear about and enroll in the affordable health coverage available on HealthCare.gov. But even with Republicans blatant sabotage efforts, even with the Trump Administration cutting the enrollment window in half, enrollment on HealthCare.gov beat all expectations to reach 96 percent of last years. The Affordable Care Act and the landmark protection and affordable coverage it provides are here to stay. The American people surged to defend this historic law from the cruelty of Trumpcare, and they enrolled at a record pace in quality, affordable health coverage on HealthCare.gov. In marketplaces run by states committed to the ACAs success like California, enrollment looks to be even higher. Republicans continue to try to drive up Americans health costs and add to the ranks of the uninsured, as we saw with the GOP tax scam. But the Affordable Care Act represents monumental, durable progress in the lives of tens of millions of American families and we are never going back. Democrats will continue to reach across the aisle to improve and update this historic law, expanding coverage and driving down costs. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-ruiz-s-wildfire-prevention-bill-passes-house,Dr. Ruiz’s Wildfire Prevention Bill Passes the House,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Raul Ruiz,R000599,ruiz.house.gov,ruiz,https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) announced the House passage of his bipartisan Wildfire Prevention Act of 2017. ""Today the House passed my bipartisan Wildfire Prevention Act, a huge win for our district! After the 2013 Mountain Fire, I worked with first responders to introduce this bipartisan bill to give local governments the resources they need to recover, rebuild, prevent future fires, and keep communities safe,"" said Dr. Ruiz. ""I am proud to have worked with local partners to deliver this pragmatic solution for our community and the entire state of California."" ""Communities across Colorado already know that catastrophic wildfires are natural disasters because many have suffered devastation firsthand. I am pleased that we are finally recognizing that fact in law. Communities deserve and need a swift federal response after catastrophic wildfires,"" said Representative Jared Polis (D-CO), the lead Democratic co-sponsor. ""This funding is critical to combatting the threat of wildfires in both my own district as well as throughout California. Its inclusion will help areas recover that have already been devastated by the recent catastrophic wildfires. I look forward to the Senate passing this legislation and having it signed into law quickly,"" said Representative Paul Cook (R-CA), the lead Republican co-sponsor. The Mountain Fire began on July 15, 2013 near the town of Idyllwild in California's 36th Congressional district. Burning 16 days, it destroyed four homes, two commercial properties, and forced the evacuation of the entire town of Idyllwild. Costs to fight the fire were estimated at over $25 million dollars. On July 20, Dr. Ruiz met with local first responders to assess the damage and ensure the community and fire department had the resources they needed to keep residents safe. After the fire, Dr. Ruiz learned that federal support for communities devastated by wildfires ends once the fire is contained. This leaves communities without the resources they need to protect residents from post-fire flooding, or take proactive steps to prevent the next fire. To solve this problem, Dr. Ruiz introduced the Wildfire Prevention Act in October 2013 and has introduced it in each Congress since then, including as H.R.1183 in 2017. ""The IAFC is pleased that the House of Representatives has included provisions to mitigate the effects of wildland fires,"" said Chief Thomas Jenkins, President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. ""Landslides and floods remain active threats to communities struggling to recover from the tragedy of wildland fires. This legislation will help these communities by providing needed hazard mitigation assistance."" H.R.1183 allows states to apply for hazard mitigation assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in cases where a Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) is awarded. Currently, states can access FMAGs to help fight the most severe fires and prevent them from becoming a major disaster. Unfortunately, unlike other disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, once the fire is out, states and local communities do not have access to federal resources to address public safety issues created by the fire, or take proactive steps to prevent a fire in the future. This bill brings wildfire disaster relief in line with other natural disasters. You can click here to watch Dr. Ruiz discuss H.R.1183 and click here for more information. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://speier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-speier-votes-no-government-funding-and-disaster-bills,Congresswoman Speier Votes No on Government Funding and Disaster Bills,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jackie Speier,S001175,speier.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Jackie Speier on Thursday issued the following statement regarding her vote against the Republican Continuing Resolution and disaster assistance bills. I voted no on the Republican Continuing Resolution (CR) and disaster assistance package because I could not support a proposal that fails to provide for hard-working individuals and families, veterans, DREAMers, and communities across our country in the grip of the deadly opioid epidemic. I refused to accept the temporary and inadequate extension of funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which leaves the future of 9 million children very much in doubt. And I rejected the strings attached to assistance for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which demonstrate a stunning disregard for American citizens who are still without adequate shelter, electricity, and potable water. Congress is, once again, punting on its responsibility to address tough issues by passing a temporary funding bill that will see us right back at the brink of a government shutdown less than 30 days from today. Todays actions are more examples of how Republicans prioritize fat tax breaks for their donors and themselves at the expense of the middle class and Americans in need. We need an actual budget that expands economic opportunity, makes critical investments in education and infrastructure, keeps the promises weve made to seniors and veterans, and continues the progress weve made in responsibly reducing the deficit. Congress must also act immediately to protect DREAMers, who are at risk of deportation through no fault of their own, and ensure that U.S. territories are not treated like second-class citizens. I will continue to fight for these basic necessities, and I call on my fellow Members of Congress to do the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-takano-statement-on-disaster-funding-bill,Rep. Takano Statement on Disaster Funding Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark Takano,T000472,takano.house.gov,takano,https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after voting in support of the Disaster Supplemental Funding Bill, which provides emergency funding for disasters caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as the California wildfires. “Over the past several weeks, wildfires in California have damaged more than 21,000 homes and more than 2,800 businesses. The total cost of that damage is estimated to top $9 billion, and families across the state are still assessing the full extent of their losses. With all Californians in mind, I cast my vote in favor of the disaster supplemental funding bill put on the House Floor this afternoon. “However, the emergency funding provided in this bill falls far short of what is required. Three months ago, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered a natural disaster of historic proportions. This legislation does not reflect the long road ahead to help those territories rebuild, nor does it reflect the serious financial challenges they currently face. “Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve the same level of assistance that any other American community would receive. I intend to stand with my colleagues to fight for these vulnerable communities that have already suffered incredible hardship and tragedy.” Press Contact Josh Weisz, 202-225-2305",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-takano-statement-on-disaster-funding-bill-,Rep. Takano Statement on Disaster Funding Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark Takano,T000472,takano.house.gov,takano,https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after voting against the continuing resolution, which would fund the government through January 19 but excludes several key priorities. “I have repeatedly said that Congress should not leave Washington without fully funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program, fully funding our Community Health Centers, providing disaster relief for California and other hard-hit states, and finding a permanent solution for the 800,000 Dreamers who are Americans in every imaginable way except on paper. “The continuing resolution introduced by Republicans today excludes many of those critical priorities. I cannot support legislation that forces nine million children and their parents, millions of patients and community health providers, and nearly a million Dreamers to live with crippling uncertainty for the foreseeable future. “This last month has been a stunning demonstration of Republican priorities. After weeks of focusing exclusively on a $1.5 trillion tax cut for corporations and wealthy Americans, Republicans are saying we don’t have enough time for Dreamers and we don’t have enough money to provide sustainable funding for children’s health care or community health clinics. “I am deeply disappointed in my colleagues for introducing a continuing resolution that fails to reflect our nation’s priorities and betrays our nation’s principles. Press Contact Josh Weisz, 202-225-2305",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-torres-amendment-addresses-increased-threat-landslides-due-wildfires,Rep. Torres Amendment Addresses Increased Threat of Landslides Due to Wildfires,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Norma J. Torres (CA-35) released the following statement following the passage of her amendment to the National Landslide Preparedness Act. ""Many don't know that wildfire activity increases the risk of landslides and flooding,"" said Torres. ""My amendment is a small addition to the National Landslide Preparedness Act, which simply states that we should also address and study potential landslides in relation to wildfires. California has experienced a great deal of landslides that have crippled our infrastructure; from this year's Mud Creek landslide to La Conchita's 2005 mudslide that killed seven adults and three innocent children. By giving state and local governments the resources to identify burned areas that become susceptible to landslides post-wildfires, we can begin to make the necessary plans to stop the next catastrophe."" Wildfires severely damage forest canopy and vegetation, both of which hold the soil in place; this amendment will study and analyze these areas. This year alone, wildfires have damaged more than 15,000 structures, scorched over 234,000 acres of land, and have killed 45 people. Torres added, ""As our brave first responders continue to work around the clock, it's our responsibility to start thinking about the aftermath of wildfires to help prevent future loss of life and property."" Earlier this month, the Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Rep. Torres's amendment. Congresswoman Norma Torres currently serves as the Ranking Member on the Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Subcommittee on the House Committee on Natural Resources. Video of the address can be seen here and downloaded here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-torres-leads-house-democrats-object-trump-administration-response,Rep. Torres Leads House Democrats in Objecting to Trump Administration Response to Honduras Crisis,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, 20 Democratic Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to Secretary Tillerson regarding the political crisis in Honduras. The Members objected to the Trump administration's anemic response to the many troubling reports of irregularities and human rights violations that have emerged since the November 26 election. They also called on the Department of State to support the efforts of the Organization of American States to advance a peaceful and democratic path forward. The letter was drafted by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Central America Caucus, who said that: ""We are seeing a crisis of democracy in a country where we've invested a lot of money trying to build up institutions. The OAS says it cannot certify that the results are accurate. People are taking to the streets because they feel their voice was not heard at the ballot box, and Honduran security forces are killing them. This administration's response has been pathetic, and it's a sharp contrast with how the administration has reacted to flawed elections in other Latin American countries. What my colleagues and I are asking is for a consistent and principled commitment to democracy. Is that too much to ask for? The OAS Secretary General has called for new elections in Honduras and has appointed the former presidents of Bolivia and Guatemala to work toward new elections and a reconciliation in Honduras. The United States should fully support that effort."" The full text of the letter, along with the names of the signers, is below. Copy of the final letter can be found here. Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) is the founder and co-chair of the Central America Caucus and is a member of the Western Hemisphere subcommittee on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. LETTER TEXT Dear Secretary Tillerson, We write to express our deep concern regarding the post-election crisis in Honduras. Since the general elections that took place on November 26, election observation missions and the main opposition political parties have raised legitimate concerns about possible manipulation of the electoral process and have questioned the accuracy of the results. The Organization of American States electoral observation mission has indicated that, to date, Honduras's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has failed to address those concerns in a satisfactory manner. On December 17, after the TSE declared President Hernandez the winner, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, called for new elections. The failure to reach consensus on a path forward has already led to violence and unrest. The Honduran people's faith in their institutions was already weak before the election; the past weeks have further undermined that faith, and Hondurans have taken to the streets to express their anger and disillusionment. Most of the protests have been peaceful, but some have become violent. The government's response has been disproportionate: security forces have used live bullets against protesters, and they have killed at least 23 people to date. Stability and democratic governance in Honduras are of great to concern to the United States. Congress has recognized, on a bipartisan basis, that addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, especially from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, is in the United States' national interest. We have invested hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in foreign assistance programs that seek to strengthen democratic governance, reduce violence, and expand economic opportunity in the region. Thus far, the State Department's response to events in Honduras has been inadequate. The Department has called for protesters refrain from violence, but has failed to denounce the excessive use of force by Honduran security forces. Moreover, the Department's decision to certify Honduras shortly after the election has helped to foster the perception that the United States is biased, and is either unwilling or unable to serve as an honest broker. Clearly, the State Department's capacity to address the electoral crisis in Honduras is limited by the fact that the Trump administration has failed to nominate an Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs and an Ambassador to Honduras. But that is no excuse. In the past year, the United States has spoken out forcefully to express concerns about electoral processes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Cuba. The United States can and should speak out forcefully regarding the electoral process in Honduras. We urge you to take a stronger position in support of democracy in Honduras. Specifically, in addition to continuing to call for all sides to refrain from violence, the United States should denounce the excessive use of force by Honduras's security forces. The United States should also support the efforts of the OAS and its Secretary General to advance a peaceful, democratic path forward in Honduras. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Sincerely, Norma J. Torres, Co-Chair, Central America Caucus Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs Albio Sires, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere Brad Sherman, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Gerald E. Connolly, Member of Congress Theodore Deutch, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Middle East and Africa Karen Bass, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations William R. Keating, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade David N. Cicililne, Member of Congress Ami Bera, Member of Congress Lois Frankel, Member of Congress Joaquin Castro, Member of Congress Robin L. Kelly, Member of Congress Brendan F. Boyle, Member of Congress Dina Titus, Member of Congress Bradley S. Schneider, Member of Congress Thomas R. Suozzi, Member of Congress Adriano Espaillat, Member of Congress Ted Lieu, Member of Congress James P. McGovern, Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-statement-short-term-continuing-resolution-disaster-package,Torres Statement on Short Term Continuing Resolution & Disaster Package,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) released the following statement regarding votes on a four-week continuing resolution and supplemental disaster funding bill: ""Congress has been kicking the can down the road for weeks now, failing to meet our responsibilities to the people of the United States. The attempts today to jam incomplete and inadequate funding packages through Congress further delay action on multiple urgent crises that our country is facing, and for that reason I voted no. ""I have long held firm that Congress must not leave for the holiday season before we finish our work. However, instead of working in a bipartisan, constructive manner, Congress has decided to turn off the lights and go home. That means health care for 9 million children has been put into question, 122 DREAMers will continue to lose their protection every day, and those recovering from disasters in California, Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, won't have the support they need. It is sickening that Republicans and the President celebrate taking health care away from America's children in order to pay for their massive corporate tax cut. ""I urge my colleagues to remain in Washington D.C for as long as it takes to ensure all Americans see this body finish its work, and I stand ready to and willing to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to fund the government, protect DREAMers, provide urgently needed health care for children, and help our communities recover from disasters."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-wildfire-relief-bill-included-emergency-disaster-aid,Rep. Mimi Walters Wildfire Relief Bill Included In Emergency Disaster Aid Package,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2017 (202) 225-5611 Rep. Mimi Walters Wildfire Relief Bill Included In Emergency Disaster Aid Package Washington, DC Congresswoman Mimi Walters (R-California) released the following statement regarding passage of H.R. 4667, the Emergency Disaster Aid Package. This disaster relief package will deliver additional funding and tax relief for ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of this years natural disasters, including the California wildfires. Specifically, this legislation includes language previously introduced by Rep. Walters, the California Wildfire Disaster Relief Act of 2017, which will allow victims of the 2017 California wildfires declared a major disaster by the Administration to deduct property damage costs from their taxes. It will also allow victims to take penalty-free withdrawals from their retirement accounts, and encourage others to make charitable contributions to help those in need. Said Rep. Walters, The 2017 wildfire season has ravaged California, displaced families, destroyed homes and businesses, and sadly, claimed lives. The need for relief and assistance is immediate. I am pleased that my bill, the California Wildfire Disaster Relief Act of 2017, is included in the Emergency Disaster Aid Package to help mitigate the financial burdens of these devastating wildfires. I am committed to continue working for the people of California to help our state rebuild and recover. Click the image above to watch Rep. Mimi Walters speak in favor of the Emergency Disaster Aid Package on the floor of the U.S. House Walters represents Californias 45th District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/waters-leads-letter-more-100-house-democrats-support-special-counsel,Waters Leads 171 Dems in Letter of Support for Special Counsel Robert Mueller,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Maxine Waters,W000187,waters.house.gov,waters,https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, 171 Members of Congress, led by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, sent a letter to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Rod J. Rosenstein, to express their support for the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III. Special Counsel Mueller was appointed by Mr. Rosenstein on May 17, 2017 to lead an investigation into important matters arising out of the 2016 elections, including ""any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump."" However, despite Mr. Mueller's record of integrity, established through his previous service as the FBI Director during two presidential administrations, and despite the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the right-wing media, Republican Members of Congress and President Donald Trump, himself, have attempted to undermine Mr. Mueller's investigation by advancing a false narrative that Special Counsel Mueller's investigation is biased. ""We write to express our support for the work of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, and to urge you to ensure that he be allowed to continue his investigation – unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority – to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence,"" the Members wrote. The full text of the can be found below: The Honorable Rod J. Rosenstein Deputy Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Deputy Attorney General, We write to express our support for the work of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, and to urge you to ensure that he be allowed to continue his investigation – unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority – to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence. The Special Counsel is Conducting a Methodical Investigation, Yielding Results It is unimaginable that Republicans would seek to intervene, discredit, obstruct, or terminate the Special Counsel's investigation. Thus far, from every public indication, it appears that Mr. Mueller is conducting a thorough and methodical investigation. He and his investigators have not sought, and instead avoided, the public spotlight. His team has not leaked, or hinted at, criminal allegations for which they have yet to develop charges. Furthermore, the charges that have been filed to date have been sufficiently strong, and well founded, as to elicit guilty pleas from President Donald Trump's former National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, and a former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump's presidential campaign, George Papadopoulos.[1] The Appointment of a Special Counsel was Necessary and Proper As you know, pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice Order Number 3915-2017, which you issued on May 17, 2017, Mr. Mueller was appointed to serve as Special Counsel and authorized to conduct an investigation into matters ""including: (i) any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump; and (ii) any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation; and (iii) any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R. § 600.4(a),""[2] which includes ""authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsel's investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses.""[3] Your decision to appoint a Special Counsel to conduct such investigation was necessary and proper given: (1) the U.S. Intelligence Community's assessment that ""Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election, the consistent goals of which were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process"" and that ""Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for [President] Trump;"" [4] (2) the obvious potential that individuals, who had served on President Donald J. Trump's campaign, as well as individuals currently serving as political appointees in the Trump administration, could be targets of, or witnesses in, any such investigation; and (3) Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from ""any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States.""[5] The Selection of Robert S. Mueller III to Serve as Special Counsel was Appropriate Under the circumstances described above, your selection of Robert Mueller to serve as the Special Counsel to conduct the investigation was an appropriate and commendable decision. Mr. Mueller has earned a reputation as a non-partisan professional investigator, making him an ideal choice to lead the investigation into the highly important, complex, and sensitive matters to which he has been charged. Mr. Mueller's record demonstrates that he would not allow bias, influence, or other extraneous considerations to impact his investigation, and any suggestion otherwise is not credible. Mr. Mueller is a former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who was originally appointed by a Republican President. He was vetted and, twice, unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Specifically, when appointed in 2001 by President George W. Bush, Mueller was confirmed as FBI Director by a vote of 98 to 0 in the Senate,[6] and when Mueller was nominated for a second term, in 2011, during President Barack Obama's administration, he was again unanimously confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 100 to 0. Mr. Mueller has earned bipartisan support. Republican members of the Senate attested to Mr. Mueller's integrity and professionalism during Mr. Mueller's confirmation hearings, which took place on July 30 and 31, 2001. For example, with regard to Mr. Mueller's nomination to serve as FBI director, then Senator, now Attorney General, Jeff Sessions stated: ""[I]t is great to see Mr. Mueller, nominated to take one of the most important positions in our country. It is a position that requires, in my view, serious experience, great integrity, and a proven record of accomplishment. And you have all of those things, [Robert Mueller]. When I was in the Department of Justice, ... [Robert] Mueller's reputation was known throughout the Department of Justice, and he was known not for any political reason, but because he was recognized as a professional's professional, a man whose skill at doing the job assigned to him was second to none…., there is no doubt in my mind, that there is no more professional prosecutor, no more professional person in America with experience in the Department of Justice, ready to handle the job of FBI Director than [Robert] Mueller.""[7] Likewise, Senator Mitch McConnell stated: ""I believe Mr. Mueller will provide strong and effective leadership. Mr. Mueller has both impressive management and law enforcement experience. … [H]e is well-schooled in avoiding the problems and pitfalls inherent in criminal investigations and prosecutions. ...Mr. Mueller is not ‘of' the FBI, and therefore I believe institutional loyalty will not blind him to making the hard decisions when he needs to.""[8] Senator McConnell also expressed his belief in Mr. Mueller's commitment ""to vigorously enforcing the law without regard to politics or partisanship.""[9] Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has also commented on Mr. Mueller's lack of partisan bias. As reported in a July 24, 2017 Washington Examiner article, Speaker Ryan stated: ""I don't think many people are saying [Robert] Mueller is a biased partisan. He's really, sort of, anything but.""[10] On October 11, 2017, Kenneth Starr, who was appointed in 1994 as the independent counsel who was tasked with investigations involving President Bill Clinton and then First Lady Hillary Clinton, commented on Robert Mueller and the manner in which his investigation is proceeding.[11] Mr. Starr stated that Mr. Mueller is conducting his investigation ""aggressively and professionally.""[12] Mr. Starr also stated: ""We're not seeing ‘leaks' out of the investigation as far as we know, and what we know of Bob Mueller and his background is that he is someone of total, rock-ribbed integrity.""[13] Regulations Limiting the Removal of a Special Counsel Must Be Followed Mr. Mueller must be allowed to complete his investigation, and should not be threatened with removal. However, a few Republicans have indicated their support for Mr. Mueller's ouster. Notwithstanding the overwhelming reasons for Mr. Mueller to be allowed to continue and complete his investigation, the rule of law demands that the Trump administration follow Executive Branch regulations, which restrict the circumstances under which a special counsel can be removed. Specifically, 28 CFR § 600.7(d) regarding the removal or discipline of a special counsel provides: ""The Special Counsel may be disciplined or removed from office only by the personal action of the Attorney General. The Attorney General may remove a Special Counsel for misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest, or for other good cause, including violation of Departmental policies. The Attorney General shall inform the Special Counsel in writing of the specific reason for his or her removal."" Since Attorney General Sessions is recused, you, in your capacity as acting Attorney General regarding Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, are the only individual empowered to remove Mr. Mueller under regulation. Furthermore, the regulation clearly states that Mr. Mueller may only be removed for good cause, which has not been demonstrated. The administration is required to follow its own regulations and not remove Mr. Mueller from his investigation. Politically Motivated Challenges of Special Counsel Mueller and His Investigation Must Not Be Allowed to Threaten the Investigation Despite Special Counsel Mueller's record of integrity, as attested to by these Republican leaders, and despite the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the right-wing media, some Republican Members of Congress and Donald Trump, himself, have attempted to advance a false narrative that Special Counsel Mueller's investigation is biased, and some have advocated for Mr. Mueller's removal. On June 15, 2017, referring in general terms to the Russia investigation, President Trump stated on social media: ""You are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history — led by some very bad and conflicted people!""[14] In Congress, four Republican Members, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz and including former Rep. Trent Franks, who has now resigned amidst an Ethics Committee investigation into his own conduct, have cosponsored a resolution calling for Mueller to step down. Those members have attempted to advance baseless claims of the existence of a conflict due to Mr. Mueller's previous service as FBI Director. Those arguments do not have merit, and appear intended, at best, to redirect the public's focus toward matters that are wholly unrelated to the investigation to which Mr. Mueller has been tasked. At worst, those arguments are intended to stop or preemptively tarnish the perception of the Special Counsel's work. The issues referenced in that Republican resolution pertain to allegations against former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton related to a 2009-2010 matter, which has nothing to do with Mr. Mueller's directive to investigate ""links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.""[15] As quoted in a December 12, 2017 Politico article, Rep. Matt Gaetz stated that he told President Trump that he was ""concerned"" that Mr. Mueller's investigation ""was infected with bias.""[16] Rep. Gaetz said the president responded: ""That's why you guys have got to do your job.""[17] Rep. Gaetz further stated that he informed the president that you would be testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on December 13, 2017, in response to which Rep. Gaetz said President Trump ""encouraged us to exercise our oversight responsibilities.""[18] This conversation, as described by Rep. Gaetz, suggests that President Trump is encouraging the ring leaders of the recent criticisms against Mr. Mueller in order to pressure you to affect the investigation through the congressional oversight process. That is unacceptable. Some have alleged that Mr. Mueller's removal of a member of his team, Peter Strzok, over text messages sent by Mr. Strzok that were critical of President Trump suggests bias or a lack of objectivity on the Special Counsel's team. However, upon learning of the text messages, Mr. Mueller immediately removed Mr. Strzok from the investigation.[19] In reality, this incident and Mr. Mueller's swift response demonstrates Mr. Mueller's integrity as well as his desire and commitment to conduct an investigation that is beyond reproach. You must not allow the targets of the investigation, or issues being investigated, to escape thorough independent inquiry through the removal, or hindrance, of the Special Counsel. We thank you for your careful attention to this letter, and we stand ready to support you in upholding the rule of law. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=188AB439-DEFE-4CDE-98ED-348E2CACA0D6,Feinstein Statement on Republican CR,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) submitted the following statement for the Congressional Record: In addition to the many, many problems I have with how this bill was secretly written without any attempt to work with Democrats, I also cannot support it because of the absence of the Dream Act and long-term funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Process On four occasions, Republicans tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act with bills they drafted in secret. These bills had no input from Democrats or really anyone who would have actually been affected by repeal. Then they drafted a so-called tax reform bill, again entirely in secret, not consulting anyone outside a small group of Republican lawmakers. So its not surprise that the bill they jammed through is actually nothing more than a tax cut for the richest Americans and large corporations. And all at the expense of American families, who will actually pay higher taxes. And now, doubling down on their failed strategy of secrecy, Republicans came up with a government funding bill at the very last minute that ignores many of our highest-priority needs, including passing the Dream Act and coming up with a long-term solution for CHIP. I hope that Republicans will finally realize that this isnt the right way to govern. Youre not representing the country when you govern one month at a time and rush through poorly-written bills that only benefit certain special interests. Its time to return to regular order. DACA Now Id like to speak about the absence of the Dream Act in this bill, a negligent decision that even the majority of Republicans in this country disagree with. To say that Republicans have sent mixed signals on DACA is an understatement. During his campaign, Donald Trump said he supported deporting all undocumented immigrants, including those who had registered for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. Later, he said DACA recipients had nothing to worry about. Then, in September, the Justice Department canceled the DACA program. I cant even imagine the uncertainty that DACA recipients have felt since Donald Trumps election. DACA was put in place in 2012 by President Obama to remove the crushing fear of deportation experienced by hundreds of thousands of young people. These are outstanding individuals who were brought into the country through no choice of their own, at very young ages, and who know no other country than the United States. In fact, the average DACA recipient was brought into the United States at the age of 6. Now, there are nearly 700,000 individuals with DACA in the United States, approximately 220,000 of whom live in California. Each day, more than 100 lose their DACA protection, plunging them back into the uncertainty that President Obama relieved. These young people study, they work, they pay their taxes. Theyre patriotic. Theyre American in every way that counts, and to leave them in such uncertainty is nothing less than cruel. Sanchez family One family in particular has really brought this issue home for me, and thats the Sanchez family from Oakland. Maria and Eusebio Sanchez lived in the United States for more than 20 years before they were deported in August. Maria was an oncology nurse and Eusebio was a truck driver. They had no criminal records, they paid their taxes, they owned a home and they contributed to their community. They also had four children, three of whom are U.S. citizens. Little Jesus is just 12. Elizabeth is 16 and currently enrolled in a community learning center. Melin is 21 and is currently enrolled at UC Santa Cruz studying molecular cell and developmental biology. She wants to be a pediatrician. Their oldest daughter, Vianney, is 23, and she is not a citizen. She is, however, protected under DACA. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in psychology, and today Vianney is taking care of her three siblings. Imagine being thrust into the role of caregiver to your three siblings after your parents are kicked out of the country, but your own ability to remain here also remains uncertain. Vianney will lose her DACA status in August. Imagine the fear and stress she carries with her every day. All DACA recipients have to register with the government, so immigration officials know where Vianney lives and works. They could show up any day and deport her, leaving her three younger citizen siblings behind with no one to care for them. Sadly, the experience of this family isnt rare. There are families like this across the country, people who came to America looking for a better life, who work and follow the law and contribute. And by ignoring their plight, by not prioritizing the Dream Act, Republicans are telling them theyre just not important enough. I simply cant accept this and ask my Republican colleagues to look into their hearts and find their compassion. Tell these young people theyre safe. Tell them they deserve to stay and the Dream Act will pass. CHIP This bill also fails to provide long-term funding stability for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and for community health centers. Both of these programs are vital to our communities and provide health care for millions of Americans. CHIP provides health coverage for nearly 9 million children. In California, 1.3 million are currently enrolled in the program, and around 2 million are covered at some point during the year. This program is absolutely critical to support children in working families that are moderate income and cant afford private coverage. Around a quarter of kids on CHIP have special health care needs. Ive been hearing from my constituents about how important this program is. Rachel, from Orange, wrote me to say, There are many who depend on this assistance to stay alive. I was a type 1 diabetic at 12 with two disabled parents. If not for governmental assistance, I would be dead. Don't leave someone in this same situation hopeless. Kathleen from Arcata wrote to me and said, I am a single mom and though my kids are grown now, I had the CHIP for them. I cant imagine what it would be like to raise a child living in similar circumstances now without this program. CHIP is also an important program for pregnant women. In California, 30,000 expecting mothers depend on the program. This care is so important for ensuring healthy moms and babies. If funding lapses, these expectant mothers are at risk of losing their coverage. Health centers Funding for community health centers is also at risk. There are more than 10,400 centers that see more than 25 million patients across the country. In California, we have more than 1,500 centers that care for more than 4.4 million patients each year in California. If we dont provide long-term funding for these centers, theres no doubt theyll have to limit hours, lay off staff or even close. Supporting community health centers isnt just the right thing to do for access, but for positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness as well. Health center patients have an 18% lower rate of emergency room visits. Medicaid patients receiving care at health centers have costs that are 24% lower and the quality of care is exceptional. Patients do better and it costs less. For all the talk about bipartisan support for these two programs, Im profoundly disappointed that we have not addressed their funding in a meaningful way. Health care coverage for kids and access to basic health care services in our communities should be a no-brainer. I strongly support these programs and hope we can provide stability soon. Conclusion In conclusion, this has been a bad year for governance, and its being capped off by yet another disappointing display by Republicans. All of us saw and heard the thousands of Dreamers who visited our offices. We saw not only their passion but also their desire to make a difference. Many of these young people live in fear every day. Mr. President, Congress has a chance to improve their lives and provide for them a positive, productive future. But Republicans have chosen to ignore truly time-sensitive issues like DACA, CHIP and basic government funding. Instead, they chose to spend months on tax cuts for rich Americans and big corporations. Tax cuts for rich people arent time-sensitive. Protecting children is. Lets get back on track, lets add the Dream Act and CHIP to this bill, and lets return to the good governance that our people expect. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=68BADA00-A63F-48D6-906E-B9A792F2EA06,Senate Democrats Demand DOT Hold Railroads Accountable for Implementation of PTC After Fatal Derailments and Safety Shortfalls,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) joined a group of 15 senators calling on Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to hold railroads accountable for failing to implement sufficient safety measures. The senators demanded a status report on railroads implementation of positive train control (PTC), a lifesaving technology required by Congressional mandate to be fully implemented by 2018. The senators letter comes four days after an Amtrak train derailed in DuPont, Washington, killing three and injuring dozens more. The tragedy is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal train derailments and collisions. Senator Feinstein was joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the letter to Chao. Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred, the senators wrote. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline. They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Chao: On Monday, an Amtrak train derailed onto a busy interstate highway in DuPont, Washington. This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to improve rail safety, including the nationwide implementation of positive train control (PTC) technology, as mandated by Congress. We write requesting an update on the status of railroads compliance with the pending deadline for implementation and your efforts to carry out other rail safety measures. The NTSB has been urging the adoption of PTC technology since 1970, soon after a collision in Darien, Connecticut killed four people. Following the 2008 Chatsworth, California crash that killed 25 people, Congress mandated that railroads implement the technology, which prevents trains from colliding and speeding. For years, however, the implementation of the technology has been delayed. Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline. They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt. Please provide information on the following questions: 1. Based on the reports and information provided to you by railroads, and your knowledge of efforts necessary to complete PTC implementation, what railroads do you anticipate will have fully implemented PTC by the end of 2018? 2. What railroads do you anticipate will fail to implement PTC by 2018? 3. What is your plan to impose fines and penalties for railroads that fail to comply with the law? 4. Can you confirm that you will be vigorous in enforcing the deadline, imposing strong fines and penalties, where necessary, on railroads that fail to meet the deadline? 5. How are you communicating your enforcement plans to the industry? 6. What steps are you taking to implement other provisions of law and safety requirements, such as requirements from the 2015 surface transportation bill, known as the FAST Act, that passenger and commuter railroads complete a speed-limit action plan (section 11406) to prevent over-speed accidents into curves and commuter railroads improve inspection practices (section 11409)? 7. What level of funding will be included in the Presidents yet-to-be-released infrastructure proposal to expedite PTC implementation and advance other rail safety efforts? 8. What steps is DOT taking to approve and expedite the use of federal funds and grants by recipients for the implementation of PTC? We appreciate your attention to this matter and urgent efforts to ensure railroads implement lifesaving PTC technology. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D92E811E-C31A-4EAA-BF6F-6599676A9263,"Without DACA, CHIP, Feinstein To Vote Against Continuing Resolution",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the Republican continuing resolution: Ive supported passage of the Dream Act for more than a decade. Ive been a vocal supporter of young people protected by DACA since President Obama created the program in 2012. Ive been an advocate for CHIP, which insures millions of children, for two decades. Im not new to these issues, and my positions havent changed. Its absolutely unconscionable that Republicans are leaving these items out of their bill to fund the government. Given the lack of any realistic plan to pass the Dream Act and long-term CHIP funding, its my intention to vote against the continuing resolution. Around one-third of all young people protected by DACA live in California. Ive talked with them, Ive met with them, I understand their plight and it breaks my heart. In California, 200,000 DACA youth are living in fear. The government knows where they live, where they study and where they work, and unless Congress acts, they know the government can show up at any moment and deport them. To allow these young people to suffer is tragic. These young people came here through no choice of their own. Most know no other country than the United States. The country overwhelmingly believes they shouldnt be deported. And yet all we get from Donald Trump and congressional Republicans is lip-service. I call on President Trump, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan to do their job, include the Dream Act in this bill, include long-term funding for CHIP in this bill, include funding to stabilize the Affordable Care Act so millions dont lose health care. Republicans so far this year have put on a terrific display in how not to run a government. Please do your job, the country demands it."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F69E859A-3BCA-4AEF-871D-75DA0D1DD448,"Feinstein, Harris to Trump: Declare Southern California Wildfires a Major Disaster",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala D. Harris (both D-Calif.) today called on President Trump to declare the Southern California wildfires a major disaster and make federal assistance available to wildfire victims. We strongly support Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.s request for a Major Disaster declaration for the State of California in response to the severe wildfires that have swept through Southern California this month, the senators wrote. We urge you to approve the Governors request to make federal assistance available under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and other programs. The full text of the letter follows: December 21, 2017 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We strongly support Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.s request for a Major Disaster declaration for the State of California in response to the severe wildfires that have swept through Southern California this month. We urge you to approve the Governors request to make federal assistance available under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and other programs. This years wildfire season in California has been nothing short of catastrophic. Over 1.2 million acres have burned in the state this year. In October, wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and killed 44 people in Northern California. Since the beginning of December, six large wildfires have burned nearly 300,000 acres in Southern California. Driven by high temperatures, strong and unpredictable winds, low humidity, and dry brush, the wildfires have forced more than 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes, burned over 1,000 structures, and have tragically claimed the lives of one civilian and one firefighter. One of these fires, the Thomas Fire, is now the second largest wildfire in state history and continues to threaten communities in Southern California. Additionally, five other large fires have burned across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego counties. These fires led to evacuations, road closures, destruction of residences, and terrible air quality hazards. Put simply, this has been the worst wildfire season in recent memory and one of the worst in California history. We appreciate your approval of earlier requests to provide federal assistance, and we ask that you again approve this request for disaster aid. We support Governor Browns request and strongly urge you to declare a major disaster. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dianne Feinstein United States Senator Kamala D. Harris United States Senator ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-peters-press-commerce-secretary-on-unfilled-leadership-positions-at-census-bureau,"Harris, Peters Press Commerce Secretary on Unfilled Leadership Positions at Census Bureau",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2017 Harris, Peters Press Commerce Secretary on Unfilled Leadership Positions at Census Bureau WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Gary Peters (D-MI), both members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), sent a letter today to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross pressing him on the unfilled Director and Deputy Director positions at the Census Bureau ahead of the 2020 Census. The senators wrote, The Census Bureau has been without a permanent Director since former Director John Thompson resigned on June 30, 2017, and has been without a permanent Deputy Director since former Deputy Director Nancy Potok resigned in January 2017. This is a critical time for the 2020 Census. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has placed the upcoming decennial census on its High-Risk List because it faces myriad challenges, including massive delays in implementing a complex information-technology infrastructure and historic lows in public trust in government. The senators also expressed concern over a report that the Administration intends to appoint Thomas Brunell, Ph.D., to be Deputy Director of the Census Bureau. Dr. Brunell not only lacks the managerial experience needed as the Census Bureau faces critical management challenges ahead of the 2020 Census, but has a partisan work-history that conflicts with the traditionally non-partisan reputation of the Census Bureau. The appointment of Dr. Brunell would be a significant departure from past practices and would further undermine the Census Bureaus efforts to increase public trust in the Census. It would also raise questions about the Administrations intent to comply with the constitutionally mandated requirement to complete an accurate count of the U.S. population, the senators continued. Harris previously questioned Ross at a HSGAC hearing on the 2020 Census, where she pressed him on cuts to personnel and stated that it is critically important that we put as many resources as possible into improving the confidence that people have about their relationship with their government and the importance of actually being counted. Full text of the letter below and available here. December 21, 2017 The Honorable Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. Secretary U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 Dear Secretary Ross, The Census Bureau has been without a permanent Director since former Director John Thompson resigned on June 30, 2017, and has been without a permanent Deputy Director since former Deputy Director Nancy Potok resigned in January 2017. This is a critical time for the 2020 Census. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has placed the upcoming decennial census on its High-Risk List because it faces myriad challenges, including massive delays in implementing a complex information-technology infrastructure and historic lows in public trust in government. In order to address these issues and ensure an accurate count, the Census Bureau requires qualified and non-partisan leadership. We write to express concerns about media reports stating the Administration plans to appoint Thomas Brunell, Ph.D., to be Deputy Director of the Bureau. It was also reported that Dr. Brunell was previously considered for Census Director, a position requiring Senate confirmation, but was ultimately not selected for unknown reasons. The Deputy Director position is a critical, non-partisan role that is primarily focused on Census Bureau operations. Over the past four decades, the Deputy Director position has traditionally been filled by an individual with a background in statistics, economics, or a related field through a competitive-hiring process. For example, the previous Deputy Director is a well-respected statistician, who came to the Census Bureau with significant experience managing large, complex projects and organizations. Dr. Brunell has neither the managerial experience nor the non-partisan reputation to fill this position. The decennial census is the nations largest, most complex peacetime activity. Furthermore, the American Community Survey the ongoing part of the census surveys 3.5 million addresses annually and produces data that guide trillions of dollars in public resource allocations and private sector investments. Dr. Brunell is a political science professor who has never managed a large organization before, with a partisan, political work-history that includes serving as a Republican witness in a number of redistricting and Voting Rights Act cases. Dr. Brunell offered a report in support of a state law that would have significantly curtailed early voting in Ohio, disproportionately affecting African-American voters. He is also the author of Redistricting and Representation: Why Competitive Elections are Bad for America. In his book, Dr. Brunell argues that less-competitive congressional districts, an electoral model that results in gerrymandering and increased political polarization, is the most desirable outcome from a redistricting process. The appointment of Dr. Brunell would be a significant departure from past practices and would further undermine the Census Bureaus efforts to increase public trust in the Census. It would also raise questions about the Administrations intent to comply with the constitutionally mandated requirement to complete an accurate count of the U.S. population. You testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) that it was your mission to ensure a full, fair and accurate count for the 2020 Census. We urge you to work with the White House to quickly install leadership that can overcome serious management challenges as well as earn the confidence and trust of the American people. Furthermore, we ask that you respond to the questions below by January 5, 2018, and before any appointment is made to the position of Deputy Director: What plans, if any, does the Department of Commerce have to fill the vacant Census Bureau Director and Deputy Director positions? Please provide a timeframe for when these prospective appointments will be made. Was Dr. Brunell considered for the position of Census Bureau Director and, if so, why was he not nominated? Is Dr. Brunell being considered for the role of Deputy Director? If so, please provide the following: The hiring authority under which Dr. Brunell would be appointed. When this appointment is expected to be made. A description of the role and responsibilities for this appointment, including any personnel who are direct reports under this position. What is the current leadership structure within the Census Bureau? Please provide areas of responsibility and reporting structure for senior leaders of the Census Bureau. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-statement-on-opposition-to-stopgap-spending-bill,Harris Statement on Opposition to Stopgap Spending Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2017 Harris Statement on Opposition to Stopgap Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris released the following statement tonight on the Senates passage of a short-term spending bill: Americans rely on the federal government to ensure our fundamental right to public safety, public health, and public education. I believe we must fund our governmentespecially for the brave service-members who defend our freedom. Instead, my Republican colleagues prioritized jamming through a tax bill to benefit corporations and the top one percent. And, they did so at the expense of middle-class families and the most vulnerable among us. Since the President terminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in September, more than 13,000 young people have had their protection expire and can now be deported. On average, more than one hundred more will lose DACA status each day Congress does not act. We promised these young people that if they gave us their information, led a lawful life and contributed to their communities, they would be protected from deportation. That is why I've repeatedly called for passage of the bipartisan DREAM Act. While I applaud the work of members on both sides to find common ground, a promise to do something down the road is not good enough. It is unconscionable that we have not yet acted and I will continue to fight to protect these incredible young people who have known no other country as their home. We must also keep fighting to ensure that every American has access to health care, especially our children. Right now, the parents of 9 million children across this countryincluding 1.3 million children in Californiaworry whether they will be able to take their child to the doctor the next time they are sick. That is not right. The Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has long had bipartisan support, but this Republican Congress has time and again put politics ahead of public health. If the majority can permanently cut taxes for the top one percent, they can act now to pass a long-term reauthorization of CHIP, community health centers, and other public health programs with bipartisan support. And as Californians work to rebuild after the historic wildfires that continue to devastate our state, this bill does not do enough to help families who have lost homes and businesses. It is a basic responsibility that when disaster hits anywhere in Americawhether it is a hurricane, snowstorm, tornado, or wildfirewe come to the aid of our fellow Americans. Yet, despite bipartisan requests from our delegation, this Administration has refused to request necessary disaster relief to rebuild. Californians are resilient, but we need a long-term commitment to provide relief to home owners and small businesses who have fallen victim to these fires. It is critical that we fund our governmentbut when we fund our government, we must be sure to fund all of the priorities that are crucial to Californians and the middle-class. With this short-term and short-sighted spending bill, this Congress has said loud and clear that Dreamers, children, and families devastated by wildfires can waitbut corporate tax cuts cant. I do not accept that. And I will continue to fight for a spending bill that puts hard-working Americans first. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-harris-lankford-klobuchar-collins-and-graham-introduce-comprehensive-election-cybersecurity-bill,"Senators Harris, Lankford, Klobuchar, Collins, and Graham Introduce Comprehensive Election Cybersecurity Bill",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2017 Senators Harris, Lankford, Klobuchar, Collins, and Graham Introduce Comprehensive Election Cybersecurity Bill LegislationWould Protect Against Foreign Interference in Future Elections WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris, a member of both the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), along with co-sponsors Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today introduced The Secure Elections Act, a bill to modernizeelection cybersecurity across America and protect against foreign interference in future elections. The Intelligence Community has confirmed that,during the 2016 election,Russia launched an unprecedentedhacking campaign against the nation's election infrastructure. The Department of Homeland security has notified over 20states that Russia probed their election systems and, according to press reports, Russia successfullybreached multiple election agencies and technology vendors. Russia attacked the very heart of our democracy when they interfered in the 2016 election, said Senator Harris. With the 2018 elections just around the corner, Russia will be back to interfere again. We must act now to fortify our election systems against attacks by foreign powers in a way that is smart, comprehensive, and allows for effective communication and information-sharing between election and intelligence officials. ""At a time when cybersecurity threats to our nations election infrastructure are increasingly frequent and sophisticated, federal inaction is simply inexcusable, said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Our nations intelligence agencies agree that our elections will continue to be targets of cyberattacks. An effective cyber defense plan requires close collaboration among federal, state and local officials. The Secure Elections Act would provide much needed resources to better secure voting systems and establish clear protocols for information sharing with elections officials to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses and effectively combat threats to our democracy."" The Secure Elections Act is directly responsive to the lessons of the 2016 election and testimony beforethe Select Committee on Intelligence. The legislation would improve cybersecurity information sharing between federal and state agencies, ensure state electionofficials have timely access to classified material, establishexpertguidelines for securing election systems, provide $386M ingrants for both long-term and immediate cybersecurity improvements,encourage effective post-election auditing, and establish a bug bounty program for election infrastructure. Senators Harris and Lankford are the only Members of the Senate who serve on both the Homeland Security Committee and Intelligence Committee. Details of theSecure Elections Act: Reaffirms individual state leadership in administering federal elections. Ensures the federal government promptly shares election cybersecurity threats and information with state, county, and municipal election agencies. Provides security clearances to appropriate state officials so they can access and act quickly on classified cybersecurity information. Develops, through a panel of independent experts and an open process, a set of voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for election-related systems. Provides grants to states forimplementation of the cybersecurity guidelines and replacing outdatedelectronic voting machines. This bill follows a series of hearings Senator Harris has participated in this year as a member of both HSGAC and SSCI that focused on cybersecurity and election security. During a June SSCI hearing, Senator Harris pressed DHS and FBI representatives on why the federal government has not consistently and promptly notified a states top election official when an election system is breached within state. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bass.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bass-hosts-facebook-live-after-2nd-tax-vote,Rep. Bass Hosts Facebook Live After 2nd Tax Vote,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Karen Bass,B001270,bass.house.gov,,,legacy,"Los Angeles, CA Office 4929 Wilshire Blvd Suite 650 Los Angeles,CA 90010 Phone: (323) 965-1422 Fax: (323) 965-1113 Washington, DC Office 2241 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7084 Fax: (202) 225-2422",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/88-members-congress-request-clarification-hhs-and-cdc-reported-agency,88 Members of Congress Request Clarification from HHS and CDC on Reported Agency Censorship,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) was joined by Representatives Jim Langevin (D-RI), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) in leading a letter expressing concern about censorship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As first reported byThe Washington Post, CDC guidance directs employees to refrain from using the words vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based in documents related to the CDCs Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal. The letter, which was signed by 88 Members of Congress, requests information regarding the origin, purpose, and scope of the word ban. In the letter, the lawmakers emphasize that ideology cannot influence the ways a scientific agency communicates with the American public. The United States has advanced a national dialogue on ways to improve the health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations,the lawmakers wrote to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Eric Hargan and CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald.Any explicit limitation of expression would be a step backwards from decades of progress. The American people deserve to know the source and reason of a perceived effort to censor science. HHS has said that the guidance offered to CDC employees was mischaracterized in media reports. However, any directive limiting the use of language is troubling, and it would appear to violate the CDCs ownGuidance on Scientific Integrity. The letter requests documents be provided on or before January 3, 2018, to clarify the situation and give Congress an understanding whether the censorship extends beyond CDC. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. Cosigners of the letter include Representatives: James R. Langevin, Diana DeGette, Judy Chu, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Patrick Maloney, A. Donald McEachin, Adam Schiff, Alan Lowenthal, Alma Adams, Ami Bera,Barbara Lee,Betty McCollum,Bill Foster,Bobby L. Rush,Brian Higgins,Carol Shea-Porter,Charlie Crist,Chellie Pingree,Cheri Bustos, Colleen Hanabusa,Daniel T. Kildee,Danny K. Davis,David N. Cicilline,David Price,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,Denny Heck,Derek Kilmer,Dina Titus,Donald S. Beyer Jr.,Doris Matsui,Dwight Evans,Earl Blumenauer, Ed Perlmutter, Eleanor Holmes Norton,Elijah E. Cummings,Eliot L. Engel,Emanuel Cleaver,G. K. Butterfield,Grace Meng,Gregory W. Meeks, Gwen Moore, Jacky Rosen, James P. McGovern, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Jim Cooper, Jimmy Gomez, John K. Delaney, John Lewis, John A. Yarmuth, Jos E. Serrano, Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Katherine Clark, Kathy Castor, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Lois Frankel, Louise M. Slaughter, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Mark DeSaulnier, Mark Pocan, Mark Takano, Matt Cartwright, Mike Doyle, Mike Thompson, Nanette Diaz Barragn, Niki Tsongas, Nydia M. Velzquez, Paul D. Tonko, Peter A. DeFazio, Peter Welch, Pramila Jayapal, Raul Ruiz, Rick Larsen, Rosa L. DeLauro, Ruben Gallego, Salud O. Carbajal, Scott H. Peters, Seth Moulton, Stephen F. Lynch, Steve Cohen, Suzan K. DelBene, Ted Lieu, Terri Sewell, Tim Ryan, Tulsi Gabbard, William R. Keating and Yvette D. Clarke. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-cook-meets-with-under-secretary-shannon,Chairman Cook Meets with Under Secretary Shannon,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Paul Cook (CA-08), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committees Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, held a meeting with the U.S. State Departments Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, where they discussed U.S. policy priorities in the Western Hemisphere, including developments in Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, and Honduras, the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Peru in April 2018, and how Congress can support advancing the release of U.S. citizen Joshua Holt from Venezuela. They also discussed the State Departments redesign effort. Chairman Cook: The Western Hemisphere is facing very serious challenges that have a direct impact on the United States. We're seeing increasing evidence of drug production and trafficking, illegal migration, corruption, and political instability throughout the region. Countries like Venezuela and Cuba also continue to receive support from Russia, China, and Iran, enabling further repression and autocracy in the region. We must do more to address these challenges, secure the release of U.S. citizen Joshua Holt, who is being unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela, advance freedom for the Cuban and Venezuelan people, and support our democratic friends in Central America and the Caribbean. I believe next year provides a huge opportunity to increase U.S. engagement in these areas, as well as to consider ways to advance energy and trade partnerships, and I look forward to working with Under Secretary Shannon to ensure we advance policies that are in the best interests of the United States and that result in a more democratic, safe, and prosperous region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cook-poe-and-ros-lehtinen-urge-more-action-on-hezbollah-in-western,"Cook, Poe, and Ros-Lehtinen Urge More Action on Hezbollah in Western Hemisphere",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Paul Cook (R-CA-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Ted Poe (TX-02), Chairman of Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to President Trump urging stronger U.S. action on Hezbollahs drug trafficking activities in the Western Hemisphere. The letter urges the Administration to designate Hezbollah as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and as a Designated Kingpin Entity (SDNTK) and to open an investigation into Hezbollah as a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act: Chairman Cook: For far too long we have ignored the growing convergence of Iran-backed Hezbollah with transnational criminal networks in Latin America. While I applaud the Trump Administration for prioritizing the need to deter and disrupt Hezbollah in the Middle East and elsewhere, we need to do more to address Hezbollahs illicit activities closer to home in the Western Hemisphere. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that also runs a criminal enterprise and traffics drugs from South America to fund its global terrorist operations. The U.S. and our regional partners have a vital interest in using every possible tool to prevent Hezbollahs ability to conduct terrorism, particularly given past attacks on Jewish targets in Argentina in the 1990s and an attempted attack in Washington, D.C. in 2011. President Trump has a huge opportunity now to strike a major blow to Hezbollahs ability to carry out its terror operations, and I look forward to supporting the Presidents efforts on this critical issue. Chairman Poe: The U.S. government must use all resources at our disposal to go after Irans number one terrorist proxy: Hezbollah. Hezbollah leverages both traditional fundraising methods as well as illicit activities,such as drug trafficking and money laundering,to fund their murderous plots. Hezbollah is the poster-child for what has been called the terrorist-criminal nexus. There is absolutely no reason why they should not be designated by the United States as a Transnational Criminal Organization and a Designated Kingpin Entity. The decades-old terrorist designations on Hezbollah only go so far to address the size and scope of Hezbollahs global illicit activities. I call upon the Trump Administration to not repeat the mistakes of the past administration and make targeting Hezbollahs illicit activities a first order priority. Chairman Ros-Lehtinen: Its no secret that, in its pursuit of the weak and dangerous nuclear deal, the Obama administration ignored Irans illicit activity and the threat the state sponsor of terror-regime posed to our national security and the security and stability of our allies. If recent reports of the size and scope of Hezbollahs operations in Latin America are true, we should all be alarmed as it puts the terror group right in our own hemisphere. We have no time to waste in addressing this threat and that is why I have joined Ted and Paul in writing to the administration and urging it to take immediate steps to disrupt Hezbollahs financial networks and to attempt to reverse the damaged already caused. The text of the letter can be found below. December 19, 2017 President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: We write to express our support for stronger U.S. action to address Hezbollahs drug trafficking activities in the Western Hemisphere. While Hezbollah is designated under several terrorism programs as well as Syria country sanctions, we do not believe that these actions are sufficient to address the size and scope of Hezbollahs illicit activities in the Americas. Therefore, we urge your Administration to advance a new focus on Hezbollahs drug trafficking efforts and connections to organized crime in the region by directing U.S. agencies to designate Hezbollah as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) under E.O. 13581 and as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficking Kingpin (SDNTK) entity pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. We also urge you to direct the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into Hezbollah as a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We are concerned over press reports that the Obama Administration may have inhibited efforts by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Treasury, and State to target and prosecute key Hezbollah operatives engaged in terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Addressing Hezbollahs illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere has been a top U.S. Congressional priority for many years as demonstrated by multiple oversight hearings and visits to the region. These efforts, along with findings by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, have uncovered direct ties between Hezbollah and criminal groups in the region that have reportedly allowed Hezbollah to amass nearly $1 billion annually to support its global terrorist operations. We believe the U.S. has failed to take sufficient action to disrupt Hezbollahs illicit financing, and this issue warrants immediate review given recent developments. When the report mandated by The Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act was submitted to Congress in 2013, the Government Accountability Offices 2014 review revealed that the report only addressed two of the 12 elements required by law. In June 2017, an individual with alleged ties to Hezbollah was indicted in Miami after being extradited to the U.S. by Paraguay, and one individual was arrested for attempting to provide support to Hezbollah in targeting U.S. and Israeli embassies in Panama. These events follow the 2014 arrest of a Hezbollah operative in Peru, the Iranian-linked assassination attempt on the Saudi Ambassador in 2011, and the terrorist attacks against two Jewish targets in Argentina in the 1990s as well as the assassination of former Special Prosecutor Alberto Nisman in 2015, who uncovered evidence of Iran and Hezbollahs role in these attacks. In October 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3329, the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act, which included Section 105 mandating a U.S. strategy to address Iran and Hezbollahs illicit networks in the Western Hemisphere and requiring the alignment of U.S. actions on these issues and greater engagement with regional partners. We believe H.R. 3329 along with application of targeted drug trafficking designations are critical to address loopholes in the current U.S. approach to Hezbollahs illicit activities. We urge your support in addressing these matters and look forward to working with you to advance your new National Security Strategy in the days ahead. Sincerely, Col. Paul Cook, Ret. (CA-08) Ted Poe (TX-02) Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) Chairman Chairman Chairman Subcommittee on the Western Subcommittee on Terrorism Subcommittee on the Middle Hemisphere Nonproliferation, and Trade East and North Africa",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://denham.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2186,Congress Passes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Jeffrey Denham,D000612,denham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress Passes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act f t # e Washington, December 20, 2017 Congress has passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, clearing the way for President Trump to sign into law the first comprehensive tax reform passed in over 30 years. Congress has delivered on our promise to lower taxes for the middle class by reducing rates while preserving the credits and deductions that matter most to the people I represent like the now-doubled Child Tax Credit. The lowering of marginal tax rates means Americans will receive more money in their paychecks immediately, and at minimum, the first $12,000 to $24,000 of their paychecks will be tax-free. This is a win for the Valley and for everyone who will see an increase in their paychecks in 2018. But the biggest issue in the Valley has always been jobs. This bill will expand exports on the many things we grow in our community, which will allow our local agricultural businesses to be more globally competitive and hire more of our neighbors. With the provisions in this bill, the average family of four making $90,000 a year in Californias 10th congressional district will see a savings of $1,279. Specific benefits include the following: For individuals: Lowers individual tax rates to 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% Down from 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35% and 39.6% Doubles the Standard Deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for each child and providing new credits of $500 each for other dependents. Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit Preserves the deduction for charitable contributions Preserves the deduction for medical expenses Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes for interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage principal Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000 for both property and income (or sales) taxes Eliminates the ACA individual mandate penalty beginning Jan. 1, 2019 For businesses: Lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% Provides a deduction of 20 percent of qualified pass-through income for small businesses Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of purchases of new or used equipment Protects the ability of small businesses to write off the interest on loans Retains the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds to encourage infrastructure investment Modernizes our international tax system to prevent double taxation of American businesses Returns income trapped overseas to encourage domestic investment Includes provisions to prevent companies from hiding U.S. profits in offshore affiliates Click here to read an explanation of the bill as passed. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lamalfa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lamalfa-announces-rural-broadband-funding-for-butte-county,LaMalfa Announces Rural Broadband Funding for Butte County,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Doug LaMalfa,L000578,lamalfa.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $493,695 grant will be awarded to California State University (CSU) Chico Research Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to development broadband framework, process, and strategy that supports entrepreneurship and job creation in the region. LaMalfa said: In rural areas like Northern California, our broadband infrastructure often lags far behind the rest of the country. This funding will help establish better broadband framework in our communities, which will encourage private investment and provide more reliable access for local economies. This EDA investment funds the Northern California Broadband Planning Project, to collect and analyze business broadband data and to develop strategic broadband plans, including cost analysis and business models for Northern California communities.The project will provide reliable broadband service to the agriculture processing and health care industries, which will help attract private investments, boost businesses and grow jobs throughout the region. Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing Californias First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lee.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-house-republicans-are-holding-the-government-hostage-to-restrict-access-to-abortion,Congresswoman Barbara Lee: House Republicans are Holding the Government Hostage to Restrict Access to Abortion,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Barbara Lee,L000551,lee.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Congresswoman Barbara Lee: House Republicans are Holding the Government Hostage to Restrict Access to Abortion Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement amid reports that House Republicans are demanding a provision in the continuing resolution that would withhold critical cost-sharing reductions funding from health insurance plans that cover abortion services. I am outraged, though not surprised, that House Republicans are bringing harmful, ideological policies into the year-end spending debate. It is clear that they are more than comfortable holding government funding hostage in order to advance their agenda to deny women access to abortion. This latest attempt to undermine womens fundamental rights is a dramatic expansion of the already devastating and discriminatory Hyde Amendment which already disproportionately affects low-income women and women of color. If successful, this rider would push abortion care out of reach for even more people who are accessing their insurance through the private market. With so much at stake this week including reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), protection for DACA recipients and funding for community health centers it is simply unacceptable that House Republicans are yet again taking aim at womens reproductive rights instead of governing. Background Funding for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to help lower-income people pay for health care may be included in the continuing resolution on which both houses of Congress must vote in order to keep the government operating. Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-floor-remarks-ahead-of-house-republicans-re-voting-to-pass-the-goptaxscam,Pelosi Floor Remarks Ahead of House Republicans Re-Voting to Pass the #GOPTaxScam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks on the Floor of the United States House of Representatives ahead of House Republicans re-vote on the #GOPTaxScam. Below are the Leaders remarks: Leader Pelosi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman [Congressman Richard Neal] for yielding and once again I commend him for being a champion of middle-class families. I want my colleagues all to hear the esteem in which we hold our Democratic Members of the Ways and Means Committee. I thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Neal, for being our Ranking Member, for your extraordinary leadership on behalf of America's middle-class working families and that includes millions of veterans so thank you. Today is a very sad day in the history of America because we have on the floor probably the worst bill in recent time to come to the floor that doesn't mean it doesn't have stiff competition from other legislation the Republicans have brought to the floor but this is the worst because so many people are affected in such a negative way and because trillions of dollars of impact on our economy have been voted upon without any hearing, without any hearing from the people who will be most affected by it. No hearings, no expert, no listening to the American people. Yesterday, our Republican colleagues stood on this floor and voted for a GOP tax scam that the American people oppose two to one. Our Republican colleagues stood on the floor and cheered, they cheered a bill that will raise taxes on 86 million middle class families and hand a staggering 83 percent of its tax cuts to the wealthiest one percent. Shamefully, the Republicans were cheering against the children as they rob from their future and ransack the middle class to reward the rich. So today, the Republicans take their victory lap for successfully pillaging the American middle class to benefit the powerful and the privileged. I come to the floor with stories of men and women and children that Republicans shamefully cheered against yesterday. Yesterday, I wish the Republicans had heard, as we did, the story of Ady Barkan 30 years old, father of a beautiful baby son Ady is suddenly stricken with ALS 30 years old. From his wheelchair, with a strong but wavering voice, he begged Congress not to pass this bill. He pleaded with anyone who would listen not to vote for this tax scam that will raise his health [premiums] and condemn Medicaid to devastating cuts as the logical next step. Hes been lobbying on Capitol Hill against this bill for a while. Ady said yesterday, It would do so much damage, it would deprive me of the Medicaid I need to stay alive a little longer and see baby Carl learn to read and teach him how to play chess and watch him go to first grade. But Republicans didn't listen said no and cheered. Yesterday, we heard the story, and I wish our Republican friends could have heard it, of Laura Hatcher, mother of sweet and kind 11-year-old Simon one of the Little Lobbyists. Simon has a rare disease and cerebral palsy his mother spoke how their family watches the Muppet version of A Christmas Carol and Simon sees himself in Tiny Tim, another kind boy with braces on his legs. Unfortunately, this story as of today does not have the same kind of happy ending as [A] Christmas Carol but this story is not over. Like Tiny Tim, Simon [and] his family now find their future in danger because of the greed of those with power, the cruelty that is in the heart of the tax scam. As Simons mother Laura said, Very soon I could once again be facing a future where I dont know how Ill be able to care for my child this is a thought I simply find too difficult to bear. Since you didn't hear yesterday, Ill go on to say what she said, We parents [who] have medically complex kids understand consequences we know what will happen if this tax passes, if our country does not turn from this destructive and immoral path, she says. But the Republicans didn't listen. They said no and they cheered they cheered against Simon because Republicans value the issues of special interest lobbyists over the Little Lobbyists, the voices of Little Lobbyists, sick children standing up for themselves and for their siblings Ill repeat: because Republicans value the wishes of special interest lobbyists rather than the voices of the Little Lobbyists, sick children standing up for themselves and with their siblings children standing with their siblings. Yesterday, we heard from faith leaders too they implored Congress to reject this bill that punishes working families and rewards the wealthiest 1 percent I repeat, 83 percent of the benefits go to the top 1 percent. 86 million American working middle class families will have their taxes raised. Sister Simone said she wept for the fact that our Representatives are not weeping over the damage they are doing to families across America. They challenged us to honor our faith in this holy season to remember our first responsibility to those who have the least, not to enrich those who are already privileged and powerful. They challenged us to heed not only the message of Christmas but to remember the words of Jesus enshrined in the Gospel of Matthew. But Republicans didn't listen they said no. They cheered they cheered. They cheered against little Simon they cheered about Ady they cheered against people in need. The GOP tax scam is a monumental con-job. But who got conned? President Trump will sign a bill, whenever he signs it I thought it was supposed to be today but I hear the special interests are weighing for him to delay it for some reason or another. President Trump will sign a bill that betrays the promises he made in the campaign. President Trump promised to eliminate the carried interest loophole. Yet the Republicans wrote a tax scam that not only continues this outrageous loophole, but even has more loopholes to the wealthy and well-connected. President Trump promised to stop corporations from shipping jobs overseas, but Republicans wrote a tax scam that gives corporate America even bigger incentives to ship jobs overseas. President Trump promised a tax reform focused on the middle class families tax breaks for middle class families. Republicans wrote a tax scam that raises taxes on 86 million middle-class families in our country. President Trump promised he would protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. But Republicans wrote a tax plan to explode the deficit and use it as an excuse to cut Medicare, Medicaid they have made no secret of their plans and they have even said this week to raise the Social Security age. So as the Republicans so who got conned? Did the people get conned by the promises? Did the president get conned by the Republicans? Is he signing a bill that betrays his promises to the American people? Its all about the Republicans in Congress. They have in their DNA trickle-down economics. Tax breaks for the rich. Tax breaks for corporations and the former Speaker even said, [if] it trickled down and created jobs that would be good if it doesn't, So be it. Thats the free market. So as Republicans head to the White House for their victory lap, hopefully they won't trip over the wheelchair of Ady Barkan and other Americans with pre-existing conditions. I caution them not to trip over the wheelchair of Simon Hatcher and other children with severe medical needs. They will be in the paths of your victory lap. Dont trip over the sisters and brothers and mothers and fathers who tend to the health and well-being of a sick children and their siblings. I told them yesterday, but in a public forum, I caution you not to get in the way of a mother and father of a child with special needs and disabilities or extreme medical conditions. They will do anything to protect that child and they notice what you are doing here while you are on this victory lap you probably have to put on earphones to block out the pleas of faith leaders speaking up for hard working families Speaker. The House is not in order. Leader Pelosi. I know Republicans want to talk so they don't hear the truth about their bill, but the American people won't forget the false representations you have made. They won't forget how loudly you cheered when you hurt their families, their children with special needs, their families struggling to attain some financial stability, and why? These people say to me how could they be so cruel as to put the health provision in this bill that would possibly eliminate 13 million people from the rolls of health insurance? How could they do that? Why did they do that? Why? The answer is always [the] same: to give them room to give tax breaks to the wealthiest people in our country and to corporate America, unpaid-for permanently. I understand the gentleman from Massachusetts will show his credit card today. This holiday they are talking about giving people a Christmas present. Well, Joe six-pack the president said he was there to help. Joe will be delivering the champagne to their party. Thats how this is. This isn't about anything better for working class families. This is about champagne glasses clip pinging in wealthy families across the country clinking in wealthy families across the country. I dont begrudge them their success, wealth, or achievement. I don't want to see it at the exploitation of Americas working families. Shame on you for voting for this outrageous theft from the American middle class. Once again, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing in this People's House and vote no on behalf of the American people. With that I yield back the balance of my time. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-remarks-at-democratic-women-s-working-group-press-conference-calling-for,"Pelosi Remarks at Democratic Womens Working Group Press Conference Calling for Immediate, Bipartisan CHIP Reauthorization",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined the Democratic Womens Working Group, led by Reps. Lois Frankel, Brenda Lawrence and Jackie Speier for a press conference calling on House Republicans to drop their dangerous partisan pay-fors and work with Democrats to reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Below are the Leaders remarks: Leader Pelosi. Excuse me for stepping out but we are trying to keep the government open. But let me just talk about CHIP for a moment because this is a subject that many of us have been involved with for a long time. The health and well-being of our children is a primary responsibility for those of us in Congress for me, personally, my motivation for me to be in politics is the one in five [children] who live in poverty in our country, go to sleep hungry at night in America, the greatest country that has ever existed in the history of the world. That we should be addressing their health issues is without question, and even if you are oblivious to the concerns and its amazing how much patience people have for other peoples suffering the threshold is so high for other peoples suffering. But nonetheless, this issue should have been done by September 30 when the reauthorization ended. The Republicans because they wanted to pay for it in a strange way we could not come to an agreement on it. But the reason is the problem is that they were making children pay for childrens health, for example. Im very comfortable up here [Laughter] They were making children pay for children. For example, the Walden bill, which they continue to put forth, is a bill that says, 5-year S-CHIP weve been fighting for this for so long so it used to be called State Childrens Health Insurance Program 5-year reauthorization of CHIP must be paid for, it sunsetted, and it must be paid for at the same time that the Republicans have given a nearly one and a half trillion dollar tax break, permanently, unpaid-for, to corporate America. So where is their value system? Corporations are people, okay, so corporate people get more attention than little children to that ratio of difference thats intolerable, thats unconscionable. So, okay, right now, again, weve been working for a few months to find respectable pay-fors for this, recognizing that this has to be paid for. Were working in a bipartisan way to get that done, but nonetheless Republicans are still insisting on putting forth the Walden bill, which says we are going to use money that would be used for childhood inoculations for you, my friend from Michigan I was thinking of Flint but shes not from Flint, nonetheless, Flint area lead poisoning all those kinds of issues. They are taking that money to pay for Childrens Health Insurance Program get out of here I mean, really, what are you thinking? Not thinking. So, anyway, that is what has been holding it up for nearly three months and that is really unfortunate because, as has [been] said by my colleagues, states are running out of money some states have already run out of money. We must do this. We must do it very soon and, again, they are sticking with their bad plan, the same plan that they put on the Floor that we all voted against because it was cannibalizing childrens health care in order to pay for other childrens another version of childrens health care. What was the question? Congresswoman Frankel. Whether or not the CR was going to keep the government going Leader Pelosi. Did you want to formulate it? I stepped out of the room. The government will be open by the Republicans because they have the votes. They have the votes in [the] House, the Senate and they have the White House they control whether government is open. We are very proud of our unity in our Caucus: 100 percent against their terrible tax bill, which has implications on the budget side as well, and were waiting to see what they put forth, but we have very serious concerns about what they might have in the CR. More than you want to know on this subject? The question is about parity. We have a budget agreement that we would have parity. That means whatever you increase defense by, you increase domestic discretionary budget by. This is more than youd ever want to know in your life. They said 54 for defense, 37 for domestic discretionary thats not good math 17 billion dollar difference. Especially when you recognize that the domestic discretionary is one-third is Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, anti-terrorism activities of the Justice Department and the State Department 34 percent of the discretionary is that. We are having that fight on the numbers and we have bipartisan suggestions on the 17 billion, whether its opioids, veterans, institutes of health very bipartisan interests where that money could be invested. So thats part of the discussion. They have to, in their own Caucus, come up with a CR where they have the votes. So far they havent. You have to ask them. But my understanding is, now, the can has been kicked down to five oclock tonight where their Rules Committee will meet and well see what they put forth. The other piece of it is disaster assistance on the supplemental totally inadequate in terms of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands so thats problematic as well, whereas other states that are being treated well, like Texas, dont think its enough. So, again, that question is better to ask to the Republican Caucus but, as far as were concerned, we havent seen anything reached out to us that we would support. Follow up? Q: Have there been recent negotiations on CHIP? Leader Pelosi. Thats been ongoing. We have people who are very knowlegeable and the ramifications of any change they might do a CHIP patch, and how thats funded has ramifications as well. When I say patch, I mean a short-term CHIP but we shouldnt be doing it short-term, we should be addressing proper pay-fors in order to have certainty on how people can provide health care to our children our children all these children are our children they are Americas children. Q: On the tax bill, Republicans are convinced that this is going to help them win elections in 2018. Do you think the tax bill is going to help Republicans win elections? Leader Pelosi. Let them think that. [Laughter] Q: Are there any circumstances under which Democrats would vote to extend government funding? Leader Pelosi. Well we havent seen any bill to that extent, but it isnt up to us to keep the government open, its up to them. We have never supported shutting down government but they have the votes and they have the signature so they have the power. Just to remind [us] when the government was shut down before, the current Speaker of the House, the current head of the the Office of Management and Budget they all voted to shut down government and when the vote came to open the government 17 days later, they voted to keep it shut down so you understand where theyre coming from. Q: So, is your sense that this continuing resolution is a more minimalistic way of Leader Pelosi. Yes, I would imagine. I dont know, you have to ask them. Q: You know better than any of us Leader Pelosi. Let me say, that would be a course of action that might work for them. To hear the Senate talk to hear certain Senators talk theyre going to have issues related to health care and all the other things on there. I dont know if that will be the case. The question is we pass something, it goes to the Senate, they put on health care, is that what their promise was? It comes back here. Do the Republicans support that? You really think these Republicans are going to support that? So, probably a minimalistic approach would be better for them but I dont give them advice. My colleagues, anyone else want to weigh in on this? Q: A question back on tax reform for a second in 2010, you passed Obamacare and for years you had problems messaging it when it was unpopular. Do you expect Republicans to have similar issues on this tax bill? Leader Pelosi. Well, let me just say: there is no equivalence on this subject. When we did the Affordable Care Act, we did scores of hearings, took hundreds of amendments probably took hundreds of them took some, probably modified some just the way we treated Democratic amendments. So we had a full airing of that because they have a bill now that will affect the economy to the tune of trillions of dollars in which they have had no hearings, no expert testimony. I only wish they could listen to the people in wheelchairs with disabilities that we heard from yesterday to what it would do in their lives, to listen to health care professionals or even listen to their own people. The person who was the master [Bruce Bartlett], who worked with [Congressman] Jack Kemp, master of trickle-down, supply-side economics said, Anybody who tells you this will pay for itself its not true, its nonsense, its B.S. Except he used the whole word in an open hearing an open hearing that the Democrats had because the Republicans refused to hear the truth about the bill. The other statement that was made yesterday by the former head of an institution that deals with these matters said, Anyone who says this is for the middle class its completely untrue. Eighty-[three] percent of the benefits go to the top one percent 8[3] percent of the benefits go to the top one percent. So, theyll try to message it. They were able to mischaracterize what the Affordable Care Act was. I would say I take some responsibility we thought others would have been messaging it and we probably [should] have been doing it ourselves clearly. But when people understood what it was about, it has broad support. These people who have pre-existing conditions and families and stress and the rest of it say to me, Why? How cruel can they be that theyre possibly stripping 13 million people off the Affordable Care Act? Why are they doing this? Why are they doing this? To give a tax break to the rich. To give a tax break to corporations. In some cases, to ship jobs overseas. Thats who they are thats in their DNA trickle-down economics and its trickling all over the middle class and its not giving them any benefits and it never did. Under George W. Bush, weve had this experience in recent memory and we have it further back. My colleagues? Congresswoman Frankel. I think there are a few other questions Q: Has the Democratic Caucus decided who is going to replace Congressman Conyers on Leader Pelosi. Excuse me, what did you say? Others. The Judiciary votes. Q: Who won? Members. [Congressman] Jerry Nadler. Leader Pelosi. [Congressman] Jerry Nadler won. We had two excellent candidates. Two fabulously excellent candidates, it was great to see their presentations and their nomination. Thank you for asking because I didnt even know, I came right over here. Just to know, [Congresswoman] Val Demings filled the vacancy on the Committee and that was approved this morning. Law enforcement background, former police chief of Orlando Val Demings, we are so proud and she will bring such an important voice to the Judiciary Committee. And I congratulate Jerry Nadler on winning and both Jerry and Zoe Lofgren were great campaigns. Q: The repeal of the individual mandate its fair to say the Republicans now own Obamacare. Is that correct and how do you feel about them owning it? Leader Pelosi. Well, its not a question of owning Obamacare its about owning the demise of Obamacare. But we do not agonize of these things we organize and thats our motto: dont agonize, organize. We keep on fighting because we have to mitigate the damage that they are doing in the lives of the American people. Some of the people said yesterday how, with pre-existing conditions, you couldnt get insurance it was so unaffordable then that went away. Now many more people millions more will be subjected to that discrimination. So, in any event, they may have won a battle yesterday but I think it will be a Pyrrhic victory for them because we [will] be continuing that fight. Congresswoman Castor. Ill [add] one quick thing. It shouldnt be lost on anyone that because of the Childrens Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act, we have reached levels of insurance for our kids. That means they get to see the pediatricians on a regular basis. They get the ever-important check-ups and vaccinations and this is good for America so we will be able to watch and keep up our fight for Americas kids as states inform families that CHIP is at risk and children are at risk. Congresswoman Kuster. I just want to add, in addition to families all across America, that have been hit so hard by the opioid epidemic, particularly children we, in New Hampshire, have skyrocketing [numbers of] foster children now. Children who are being raised by grandparents, who are in the foster system, thats why childrens health insurance and coverage is so important. This is the only access many of my people have to treatment for opioid addiction and its the only access they have for health care treatment. So, I think our colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk the talk about opioid and the President talks about this being an emergency but we dont see him walking the walk in terms of the taking care of Americans all across the country who need treatment for addiction and their children who are being left behind. Q: Just back to government funding. The American people send people to Washington to fund the government. How do you answer the criticism that Congress has been unable to do its most basic job Leader Pelosi. Youre asking us? Why dont you take that question to the Speaker of the House because all they have succeeded in doing is giving tax breaks to the wealthy. But your question is well-considered because the fact is they are anti-governance and so the next step is to underfund Medicare, Medicaid and they talked about, recently, this week, raising the age for Social Security. So there is a role since the beginning of our country, in the beginning of our country, we have debated how much government how much federal, how much local, how much state but this is anti-governance. Just as they say, Starve the beast. Who is the beast? The American people. Starve the beast. So they have not been living up to their responsibilities and thats the fight we have. We have to find a way to find common ground on how we invest in our future, reform our tax code to create growth, to create good-paying jobs again, Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, Better Future, and thats what this debate will be about and thats what the elections will be about. To Kasies question, the Republicans say this will be a good issue for them in the campaign a tax bill that has the lowest approval rating of anything that has been put forth about a third of the American people similar to the amount of people who support President Trump the number is the same. So if they think that this bill is a good political argument for them, let them think that. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-remarks-at-joint-press-conference-with-leader-schumer-on-the-negative,Pelosi Remarks at Joint Press Conference with Leader Schumer on the Negative Impact of #GOPTaxScam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Nancy Pelosi,P000197,pelosi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616 Washington, D.C. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to outline why the GOP tax bill will hurt Americans in communities across the U.S. Below are the Leaders remarks: Leader Pelosi Opening Remarks. Thank you very much, Mr. Leader. I associate myself with the Leader's remarks in the interest of time. When he talked about champagne bottles being opened in the executive suites and in the White House, I will add to that Joe Six-Pack is paying the price in a very severe way. Today, the House Republicans are cheering. They are toasting the fact that they raised taxes on 86 million American families, middle class families. Remember these three numbers. Eighty-six: 86 million middle class families get a tax increase. Eighty-three:83percent of the tax advantage goes to the top percent. Thirteen: 13 million Americans may lose health insurance as their premiums go up under elimination of the individual mandate. This is what they are [toasting] to. Now, the Republicans are taking their cruel victory lap, toasting it with champagne with their donors and the wealthiest. But they didn't do what they promised. Think of this: in the campaign, the president said that he would end the carried interest loophole. Instead, maybe he didnt communicate this to the Republicans in Congress, or maybe they used him as their front man, but they didn't do that. Instead they did not end the carried interest loophole. They protected and even added more loopholes for the richest. Secretary [Steven] Mnuchin, Secretary Mnuchin promised the GOP would not cut taxes for the rich, and then they handed the wealthiest one percent 83 percent of the benefits in this tax proposal. The president promised the middle class would benefit when he was on the campaign trail. And of course it raises taxes again on 86 million middle class American families. The GOP said it would pay for itself. It would pay for itself. Instead, it will explode the national debt. And on that score, when Speaker Ryan was asked this morning, while Mitch it was in the wee small hours. I don't know why he said what he said, but it was this morning, either early-early or later this morning he was saying the Speaker was on the TODAY show, and when they asked him if the tax bill would create enough growth to not add to the deficit, the Speaker said, nobody knows the answer to that. Well, we know the answer to that. It will not. And don't take it just from us. We have always known. Every credible analysis from every expert in or out of government, Republican and Democrat, say Republicans are exploding the debt with their giveaways to the wealthy. As Bruce Bartlett, who helped create the Republican tax trickle-down with Jack Kemp said: anyone who says this, it's not true, it's nonsense. Should I say what he said? Its B.S. But he said the full thing. And the Republicans know it. The Republicans only care about the deficit You know, whatever happened, I say it over and over. The poor deficit hawk its become, if not an endangered species, extinct, because the Republicans only seem to care about the deficit when it comes time to invest in people. Not when it comes time to give giveaways to corporate America and the wealthiest. That's okay, but the sad fact is: investing in people, the education of our children nothing brings more to the Treasury than investing in early childhood, K through 12, higher education, postgrad, lifetime learning for our workers. Nothing brings more money to the Treasury than investing in education, but that always has to be offset, whereas permanent tax cuts for corporate America to the tune of over a trillion dollars which will add more in terms of interest on the debt that does not have to be offset or paid for. If its corporate America, you have a free ride, if its investing in our children, you have to pay for it just look at CHIP being one example of that. So as their tax scam explodes the deficit, Republicans will tell seniors, Oh, we have this big deficit to disabled children, to working families, to seniors, We cant afford Medicare, Medicaid in fact they said this week about raising the age to be eligible for Social Security. Republicans are again we have a better path we hope going forward to make the case to the American people that we should be working in a bipartisan way to create growth that generates good-paying jobs that does reduce the deficit. Thats the comparison between us. In fact, when Speaker Boehner was Speaker, and this all came up in the Bush years, he wasnt Speaker then but he referenced it they said, trickle-down economics the policy they were advocating for if it creates jobs, thats good, but if it doesnt? So be it. Thats the free market free market. These guys had a hand in Uncle Sams pocket every step of the way, but its the free market when it comes to anything else. Americans saw right through this brazen con-job Republicans tried to sell them. Even the simplicity of it all --they were going to reduce the brackets they did not there were seven, they said it was going to be four its seven. They said you could return your taxes on a postcard, really? Maybe the size of this postcard [gesturing towards poster board] but I dont know how you get that through the mail. The American people saw the Republican tax scam is not working for American working families. The foundation has been laid on this message: the GOP tax scam is about bleeding the American people dry to pad the pockets of corporate America and the wealthiest one percent. Im pointing to the sign, Mr. Leader. Leader Schumer. I am certainly not in that bubble. Leader Pelosi. Insulting crumbs the insulting crumbs they give working families are meager and temporary. The tax breaks for corporate America are vast and permanent. After all the Presidents promises I am just thinking, Did he get conned by Republicans in Congress? Because they have kept their promises to the American people. Leader Schumer. Willingly conned. Leader Pelosi. Willingly conned. Hes responsible for his actions, for sure, but they have not kept his promises to the American people maybe that was the con? After all the Presidents promises, after all the Republicans brazen, brazen misrepresentations to the American people, the true face has been revealed. Instead of focusing on themillions of our veterans our veterans are theforgotten Americans Republicanshave voted to install apermanent plutocracy in ourcountry that does violence to the visionof our founders, violence to the vision of whatthey sacrificed so much for. Thank you. *** Leader Schumer. Questions firston this subject. Q: On the subject oneof the big Republican promiseswas that they were going tosweep corporate loopholes out ofthe tax code how did they do on that front? Leader Schumer. Every day we'refinding more corporate loopholesthat were put in that bill. That will continue over the nextmonth or two. When you do a bill in the dark,it gives a great opportunity forlobbyists to do their handiworkand give huge breaksto specific corporations andothers. The corporate loopholes areworse than ever in this bill it's more complicated today thanit was before they started. Its more regressive today thanbefore they started. Its more unfair today thanbefore when they started.. Leader Pelosi. By the way, theseare tax expenditures. That is spending the taxpayers'money to give to corporations ofcourse they are not paid for. Q: One of theconsequences of the bill is thatthey talked about having towaive the pay-go provisionshere. Thats something they want to doright away I know on your side, I haven'tspoken to you about it, but Mr.Hoyer said that they wouldprovide the votes, keep the government open ifthey put that in there, seems like you guys got Leader Schumer. They haven'tshown us any plan how they'llget it done. Lets wait until they come to usand tell us how they expect toget [it] done let's wait until they come to usand see what their plan is forgetting it done. Q: Do you think LeaderMcConnell misled Senator Collinsin promising they could pass thebills to win her support? Leader Schumer. Unclear whatthey said it's clear one thing, LeaderMcConnell and all theRepublicans have made the healthcare system much worse. Thirteen million people not covered. Premiums going up by 10 percent and no one believes that the twobills that Senator Collins wantsadded to this, which now theyhave said they are delayinguntil January, but no onebelieves that those two billswould make up for thedestruction that is caused byremoving the mandate and they are going to pay aprice for that, bigtime. They talk about, again, theincrease in premiums for so manyAmericans will far outweigh anytax decrease they get. Leader Pelosi. Those increases arewholly owned by the RepublicanParty. When you take the individualmandate and reduce by 13 millionpeople, perhaps that many fromthe pool, you're increasingcosts. Leader Schumer. One otherthing. [Senator] Patty Murray has said this Alexander-Murray was notdesigned for a system where themandate was removed. It doesn't work anymore. Its an empty promise whetherit's in a bill or out of a bill. Q: They are talkingabout correction bill on theextenders. You warned that there may beloopholes in here hemorrhagingrevenue. How much do and democrats engageon subsequent Leader Schumer. We think thisbill is so bad it's very hard tofix in small little tweaks. Well see what they propose, butour view we're going tohammer away at this. This is going to be an issue forus all year. This is not just forgotten. The fact they say once peoplelearn of what is in this billthey'll be for it. The Koch brothers have spenttens of millions of dollarstrying to persuade people thisis a good bill and [a] majority ofAmericans by most polls thinkit's a bad bill. The reason is simple:the suspicions of the Americanpeople that the Republican Partyis helping the wealthy and thepowerful corporations and notthe middle class has beenconfirmed in this bill. Leader Pelosi. Just to say: they dida massive bill that hastrillions of dollars of impacton the economywithout a single hearing, withonly the person from the jointtax committee responding toquestions at the markup, with accepting no amendments. And now, all of a sudden, theyhave this massive bill that theyhave done, the speed of light inthe dark of night, they thinkthat we're going that theyare going to tweak this intosomething better? We have to go to comprehensivetax reform in a bipartisan way,create growth, generategood-paying jobs, and reduce thedeficit. If they have those goals, youwouldn't end up if they hadthose goals you wouldn't end up Leader Schumer. We hadbipartisan talks going in theSenate with Republicans andDemocrats and the Republican Leadershippulled the Republicans out. We could have had a much betterbill, done in a bipartisan way,that would have been permanent,would have done much more forthe middle class and done muchmore to reduce the deficit. Leader Pelosi. That's not what theywere about. They weren't about the middleclass. In their DNA, the Republicansare about tax cuts for thewealthy and corporate America. They are for trickle down. They are not for bubble up. Q: The Republicansrepeatedly said, look, the proofwill be in the paycheck nextyear you are going to see more money that you can spend on your own. What can you point to asDemocrats to say, this tax planisn't so good for you? Leader Schumer. First, a wholelot of people will get taxincreases and, second, the average Americansays, even if I get $100 taxdecrease, why is the wealthyperson getting a $50,000 taxdecrease? The decrease should go to themiddle class and people tryingto get there, not wealthy people. Thats why the bill is sounpopular. They know what this bill is allabout. They know they are gettingcrumbs, if that, while the wealthy are gettingbig pieces of cake that's why it's so unpopular. Q: Eighty percent would see somekind of tax cut. Is that true? Leader Schumer. The Tax PolicyCenter certainly said some would get atax cut,but it's small it vanishesand the wealthy get a muchbigger break. Thats what the American polling data, very interesting. The world has changed since thetime even of George W. Bush'stax cuts. When people ask if you get asmall tax break and the wealthy geta big tax break, do you want itor not? Overwhelmingly, the people sayno. Q: Different topic. Leader Schumer. Any more onthis one? Q: On the child taxcredit, could you talk about theDemocratic provision not tosupport the Rubio-Lee amendment? Was it a missed opportunity? Leader Schumer. The Rubio-LeeAmendment wasn't hardlyanything we had a much better proposal. They missed opportunity by notsupporting in our house theBrown-Bennet proposal, whichwould have done something. So many of our Republicancolleagues knew this was a badbill. They tried to tweak it to makeit a tiny little bit better that's not going to solve theproblem at all. Leader Pelosi. In that regard, oneof the champions of the childtax credit in our house,Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, whohas devoted her life toaddressing the needs of childrenin America, child tax credit wassomething she wanted. It's important to note this:if you make $400,000 a year, youget a $4,000 child tax credit family of four you're a single mom with twochildren making $14,000 a year,how much do you think you get?Seventy-five dollars 75 dollars. Leader Schumer. The child taxcredit they did mirrors whatthey have done in the bill the wealthier you are, thebetter you did. Leader Pelosi. Not just amount ofmoney percentage. Q: How do you point theDemocrats keep hammering thisgoing forward, you alluded tothis, the President himselftends to do very well under thisbill. Is that going to be acentral part of the Democrats'message? Leader Schumer. The Presidentdoes very well under this bill. Most of his cabinet does verywell under this bill large percentage of hiscontributors do very well underthis bill. Yes,the President is part of the top1 percent and the bill is aimed to helpthe top 1 percent. So the President's part andparcel to the problem. Leader Pelosi. Our focus in thecampaign will be what this meansto people and their individuallives financial insecurity, financialinstability is a major concern apprehension for the Americanpeople and we have to show them thereis a better way. We have a Better Deal: BetterJobs, Better Wages, Better Future, and that's part of the debatethat we will have. Yes, they get all of that at theexploitation of the workers and on top of it all, which isreally kind of very sad, is theytry to represent that, it's aboutthe middle class. Let me go back to [Treasury Secretary Steve] Mnuchin. I think his statement is just so Mnuchin, we're talking aboutbillionaires here. Leader Schumer. [Secretary] Mnuchin seemsto make it up as he goes along. Leader Pelosi. [Mnuchin] says, GOP wont cut taxes for the rich. The GOP handed the top 1 percent 83 percent ofthe benefits that's one part what does it mean to you in yourlife? You are going to lose some ofyour deductions whether it's onyour mortgage or estate taxes the SALT [state and local income tax] will hurt people and the services they receivefrom their state and localgovernments. It is also about they are goingto lose access to quality,affordable health care as well the list goes on and on it's really more about ourconstituents. Yes, making the contrast, butfocusing on what it means tothem. Leader Schumer. About ourconstituents one place we'llfocus on is the suburbs this is a horrible bill for somany suburban people. And they know itand the suburbs are now, I think, going to move much bluerbecause of this tax bill. Q: Will you allowCongress to adjourn without aCHIP deal? Leader Schumer. Look, we'retrying to get as good a deal aspossible. We're not going to negotiateagainst ourselves right here,but the bottom line is wehaven't even seen anything, theyare so busy with the taxproposal that we haven't seena proposal haven't evenseen a proposal.Leader Pelosi can talk about thehouse. We haven't seen a thing fromSenate Republicans. We have to see what theyproposed. Bottom line is there are thingsthey want, things we want. If they sit down with us, wecould come to a good agreement. If they don't, it will lead toreal problem. Leader Pelosi. The Children'sHealth Insurance Program serves9 million children in ourcountry. Its authorization ended onSeptember 30, the end of thefiscal year. For three months, nearly, howmany months is that, we have hadthis vacuum where states arelosing funds running out of funds to meet theneeds,and what are the republicansdoing? They sent a bill to the floorcalled the Walden bill. How they pay, because you haveto pay for children's health,you have to pay for corporateAmerica how do they pay for it? What offsets do they use? Other children's health in order to pay for the CHIPprogram, they'll take money outof the prevention fund, which isabout inoculations for children, it's about addressing leadpoisoning in regard to children and other issues that relate tochildren's health. So they are saying to children,we'll pass the Children's HealthInsurance Programs, but you aregoing to pay for it out ofanother children's account that's totally unacceptable. That's the bill they sent to thefloor. That's the bill we votedagainst. That is the same bill that theysay they are going to put in theCR. Leader Schumer. Why did theywait so long? Childrens health has been introuble in since September. On issue after issue, they havebeen so busy giving tax breaksto the wealthy that they haveneglected so many issues,including CHIP, including FISA,including issues very importantto America they are derelict in theirduties now they are scrambling at thelast minute.One more. Q: The House isconsidering taking up a billthat would boost defensespending there is less money Leader Schumer. From what wehave been told, the previous anomaliesare ways to get around thedefense cap. We will not accept that. One way or the other they should we have said all alongthere's got to be parity,defense goes up, spending for average familiesgoes up. In terms of health care, interms of education, in terms ofinfrastructure, veterans, opioids, pensions. Were sticking with that. Were not letting them try toget around this one way or theother. Thank you, everybody. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scottpeters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-peters-opposes-house-version-of-va-care-in-the-community-bill,Rep. Peters Opposes House Version of VA Care in the Community Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Scott Peters,P000608,scottpeters.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) voted against the VA Care in the Community Act that passed the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on a party-line vote. The bill includes reforms to the Veterans Choice Program and a renewed focus on care in the community for veterans. Rep. Peters has supported the Choice program, which allows qualifying veterans to see providers outside the VA healthcare system to ensure high-quality, timely health care, since first being elected to Congress; however, the Choice Program cannot be a permanent solution for fixing the problems at the VA and reforms need to be made to guarantee that. The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs passed their version of the VA Care in the Community Act on a 14-1 vote count. Their version takes a broader approach at reforming the VA and the Choice Program by including $4 billion for new care in the community program efforts, $1 billion to other operations needed in the VA, and expands the valuable family caregiver program to qualifying veterans. Rep. Peters released the following statement: Veterans have earned the best healthcare our nation can offer, yet the bill passed today falls short of this criteria, said Rep. Scott Peters. I strongly prefer the bipartisan effort the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee passed, which includes an increased amount of funding and an expansion of numerous VA programs essential to providing quality healthcare for our veterans. When the Senate and House come together to reconcile their differences for final passage of this bill, I urge my House colleagues to adopt the stronger measures put in place by the Senate. The House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees have both passed versions of VA Care in the Community Act and will likely conference in the next year to resolve the differences in each bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/torres-eshoo-pallone-introduce-legislation-fund-and-improve-9-1-1,"Torres, Eshoo, Pallone Introduce Legislation to Fund and Improve 9-1-1 Systems",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Norma J. Torres,T000474,torres.house.gov,torres,https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35), along with Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Co-Chair of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus and Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced legislation to upgrade our nation's 9-1-1 call centers to meet the demands of rapidly changing communications technology. The Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1 Act of 2017 strengthens federal efforts to help state and local governments to transition to NG9-1-1 technology by providing new federal funding, technical assistance, and training, while ensuring 9-1-1 is kept under state and local control. ""Our 9-1-1 call centers are the first point of contact for Americans in an emergency situation, but they rely on technology that has been in place since the time of the first 9-1-1 call 50 years ago,"" Rep. Eshoo said. ""We need to make certain the public safety community has all the tools it needs to serve and protect our communities because in life-threatening situations, seconds matter. This legislation will help bring our 9-1-1 call centers into the 21st Century."" ""In the wake of so many natural disasters this year, it's clearer than ever that we need to upgrade our 9-1-1 systems to be more secure and resilient. Americans deserve access to better technology when they call 9-1-1—that means ensuring that 9-1-1 knows your location when you place a call at the very least. I'm proud that we're introducing legislation that will help save lives and modernize our 9-1-1 centers,"" Ranking Member Pallone said. ""As someone who spent seventeen years as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, I know first-hand the demands and stress of the job,"" Rep. Torres said. ""Dispatchers must process powerful pleas for help and deliver the information in just seconds to our first responders. I'll never forget my experience in the job – where I was asked to interpret callers' information only from the limited information they could share over the phone. The transition to a new system won't be easy, but NextGen 9-1-1 will provide our dispatchers with greater tools to save lives – tools I could have used to expedite help to those I was trying to help. The Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1 Act of 2017 will bridge the gap between what is needed and what is possible."" NG9-1-1 allows people to communicate with 9-1-1 call centers the same way they communicate with each other. When faced with an emergency, people will be able to send text messages, pictures, videos and other information captured by the devices we use today to 9-1-1 call centers, which currently rely on aging infrastructure and outdated technology. These call centers will be able to process and pass this information seamlessly to first responders across jurisdictions so they have the most accurate information about an emergency. Progress on 9-1-1 has been slow though, largely due to lack of funds and local resources. Earlier this year, Senator Nelson and Senator Klobuchar introduced the NG 9-1-1 Act in the Senate. With the introduction of the NG 9-1-1 Act in the House, Congress is one-step closer to expanding the federal NG9-1-1 grant program, establishing an advisory board to recommend updates to the definition of NG9-1-1, and providing assistance to NG9-1-1 systems to help them guard against cyberattacks. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://walters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mimi-walters-cosponsors-bill-improve-sober-living-facilities-and,Rep. Mimi Walters Cosponsors Bill to Improve Sober Living Facilities and Protect Those Suffering from Addiction,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Mimi Walters,W000820,walters.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2017 (202) 225-5611 Rep. Mimi Walters Cosponsors Bill to Improve Sober Living Facilities and Protect Those Suffering from Addiction Washington, DC Congresswoman Mimi Walters (R-California) released the following statement regarding H.R. 4684, the Access to Quality Sober Living Act. Rep. Walters is an original cosponsor of this bill, which Rep. Judy Chu (D-California) introduced yesterday. The Access to Quality Sober Living Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish best practices for operating recovery residences, or sober living facilities, to ensure patients receive high quality care. This legislation follows a December 12th Energy & Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on patient brokering and other scams that plague sober living facilities and harm those in need of help. At the hearing, Rep. Walters questioned the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals about oversight of these facilities. Said Rep. Walters, Opioid abuse is an epidemic in Orange County as addiction statistics continue to increase at an alarming rate. Since 2005, opioid-related emergency room visits are up by 140%. Drug overdose deaths due to accidental prescription drug overdoses rose 88% between 2000 and 2015. In 2015 alone, 1.7 million opioid prescriptions, totaling 122 million pills, were dispensed in Orange County. The rapid rise in addiction has drawn attention to recovery housing centers in our community and the methods they use to help patients achieve sobriety, and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, many sober living facilities have engaged in fraudulent behavior and unethical practices that hurt the people that need help the most. The Access to Quality Sober Living Act will develop best practices for recovery facilities to ensure patients receive quality care that puts them on the road to recovery. I appreciate my colleagues joining together to address important issue. I will continue to work to end this growing epidemic. Walters represents Californias 45th District and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/republican-tax-scam-takes-poor-and-gives-rich,The Republican Tax Scam Takes from the Poor and Gives to the Rich,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Maxine Waters,W000187,waters.house.gov,waters,https://waters.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after Congress passed the Republican tax bill: ""The Republican Tax Scam takes from the poor and gives to the rich."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B95A68C6-6172-479B-A37E-833867CC1642,Feinstein: Republican Tax Cut Bill Raises Taxes on Half of American Families,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after Senate Republicans passed a tax cut bill that will raise taxes on more than half of American families: Republicans just gave corporations and the richest Americans an early Christmas present at the expense of middle-class families. Just days before a potential government shutdown, Republicans have rushed through a tax cut bill written in secret that adds more than $1 trillion to the deficit in order to give the top 1 percent a big tax cut. Thats unconscionable. Republicans will now turn around and claim we dont have enough money for domestic programs like Medicare and Social Security. The middle class cant afford to lose these vital programs. Even more appalling, Republicans made the huge tax cut for corporations permanent while the few savings given to the middle class disappear over time. Talk about misplaced priorities. Californians will be hit especially hard by the cap on the state and local tax deduction, making it more difficult for communities to pay for services that our families rely on. Its no wonder a bill that primarily benefits the wealthy is so unpopular with the American people. They understand this isnt middle-class tax reform, its a middle-class tax hike. Favors the Rich Over the Middle Class The Republican tax bill shifts the tax burden onto the middle class, raising taxes on more than half of American families by 2027. Meanwhile, it lowers the top rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent for the richest individuals. By 2027, more than 80 percent of the plans benefits will go to the top 1 percent. Windfall for Corporations The Republican tax bill permanently slashes the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, while the lower rates for individuals will expire in 2026. It also repeals the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, allowing companies to drive their effective tax rate down further. Limits the State and Local Tax Deduction The bill significantly weakens the deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT, paid by individuals. This provision in our tax code has prevented the double taxation of income since 1913. The bill caps the deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000. In 2015, more than 6 million California households claimed the SALT deduction with an average deduction of $18,400. In 33 California counties, the average SALT deduction in 2015 was more than $10,000. Limits the Mortgage Interest Deduction The Republican tax bill caps the mortgage interest deduction at $750,000 for new mortgages. In California, seven counties have average home prices that are more than $750,000: Alameda, Marin, Orange, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Increases the Deficit According to the latest Joint Committee on Taxation analysis, the Republican plan will increase the deficit by nearly $1.5 trillion. Estimates of previous versions of this bill have shown it would not generate nearly enough growth to pay for the lost revenue. Threatens Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security The increased deficit could automatically trigger across-the-board cuts to important social safety net programs, including $25 billion in Medicare cuts. The increased deficit could also be used as an excuse by Republicans to enact future cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other domestic programs to pay for the lost revenue. Hurts California Wildfire Victims The Republican tax bill limits the deduction for losses suffered during a disaster to only federally declared disasters. Since most wildfires do not receive a federal declaration, this bill could make it harder for victims of future wildfires to recover. Attacks the Affordable Care Act The bill repeals the individual mandate, which would increase health care premiums by more than 10 percent in the individual market and leave 13 million more Americans without health insurance. Threatens the Alaskan Wilderness The Republican tax bill opens up an untouched region of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and natural gas drilling. The Arctic region has already been destabilized by climate change and this provision only increases our dependence on greenhouse gases. It also creates the potential for a catastrophic oil spill that would devastate a pristine area of the Alaskan wilderness. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CA4EA6CA-FD27-427C-9ACB-6B4A255DA9B6,Senators Urges Leadership to Strike GOP Provisions Preempting State Safety Laws For Truck Drivers,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala D. Harris (both D-CA) today led a group of Senate Democrats in a letter to Senate leadership urging that they strike Republican provisions from end-of-year legislation that would preempt state laws that provide for truck driver meal and rest breaks. These decades-old state laws protect the safety and working conditions of our nations truck drivers and the safety of the men, women, and families that use our roads and highways every day, the senators wrote. Currently, twenty-one states and U.S. territories, including California, enforce additional safety regulations requiring that companies provide minimum meal and rest breaks for truck drivers, which keep fatigued drivers off the road. The Department of Transportation has previously acknowledged that these additional safety regulations fall squarely within the states traditional power to regulate worker health and safety. The senators continued, We urge you to again protect workers rights and states power to protect their citizens by not including meal and rest break riders in a final Fiscal Year 2018 spending bill, FAA reauthorization, or any other legislation. In addition to Feinstein and Harris, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Gary Peters (D-MI). Full text of the letter: December 20, 2017 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Charles Schumer Democratic Leader United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer: We write to express our strong opposition to the inclusion of provisions that preempt state safety laws providing meal and rest breaks to truck drivers in legislation to fund the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018, reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or any other end of the year vehicle. These decades-old state laws protect the safety and working conditions of our nations truck drivers and the safety of the men, women, and families that use our roads and highways every day. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration develops and enforces federal hours-of-service regulations for interstate commerce, 21 states and U.S. territories have adopted additional regulations requiring motor carriers to provide minimum meal and rest breaks to truck drivers. One purpose of these state laws is to keep fatigued drivers off the road by placing limits on when and for how long they may drive. In 2014, a federal appellate court upheld Californias meal and rest break law against a federal preemption challenge. Congress never intended to preempt such state regulations, and should not do so now in must-pass legislation. The Department of Transportation has acknowledged that state meal and rest break laws fall squarely within the states traditional power to regulate the employment relationship and to protect worker health and safety. Adopting provisions like the ones in the Interior and Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Commerce, Justice, Science, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State and Foreign Operations, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 3354) and Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S. 1405) would infringe upon states power to protect the safety of their citizens and workers, and could worsen the working conditions of truck drivers. Congress should be focused on improving the wages and labor standards of truck drivers and all working people, not eliminating workplace safety rights that states have conferred on them. Enacting legislation to void state safety laws would hurt truck drivers and put at risk the safety of the public. In 2015, Congress wisely struck such provisions from the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act during conference negotiations. Last year, Congress did not support the inclusion of meal and rest break preemption provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017. We urge you to again protect workers rights and states power to protect their citizens by not including meal and rest break riders in a final Fiscal Year 2018 spending bill, FAA reauthorization, or any other legislation. Sincerely, CC:Honorable Thad Cochran, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Honorable Patrick Leahy, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Honorable John Thune, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Honorable Bill Nelson, Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.feinstein.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E533E445-64E2-44E0-A2BC-32FADB9DC4B3,"Senators Call on DNI Coats To Act on Sexual Discrimination, Harassment",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Dianne Feinstein,F000062,www.feinstein.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonSenators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris (both D-Calif.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), along with all other members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats calling on him to review concerns in an November 28 letter sent from female national security employees to do more to protect, empower and defend women who serve our nation. Full text of the letter to DNI Coats follows: December 19, 2017 The Honorable Daniel Coats Director of National Intelligence Office of the Director of National Intelligence Washington, D.C. 20511 Dear Director Coats: The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has taken many steps since its inception to ensure discriminatory and harassing behavior will not be tolerated. As Members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, we write to ask that your office review the concerns outlined in a recent open letter (attached) signed by 223 women in national security that calls upon the Intelligence Community (IC), and other national security communities, to do more to protect, empower, and defend the brave women who serve our nation. The letter requests a comprehensive set of actions to ensure that women can work free from fear and can be confident that their gender will not affect their opportunities. The IC should be a leader in establishing, and promoting, a workplace culture that respects and includes women as equal peers and colleagues. We therefore request that you review the concerns and recommendations in the letter described above with other senior leaders of the intelligence community. We additionally request that you personally make yourself available for a discussion on this matter with interested members and provide the Committee with a plan of action to ensure that sexual discrimination and harassment in the Intelligence Community will not be tolerated either in policy, or in practice. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dianne Feinstein Kamala Harris Susan Collins Ron Wyden Mark Warner John Cornyn Angus King Richard Burr Roy Blunt Martin Heinrich Marco Rubio James Risch Joe Manchin James Lankford Tom Cotton ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-statement-on-final-passage-of-republican-tax-plan,Harris Statement on Final Passage of Republican Tax Plan,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2017 Harris Statement on Final Passage of Republican Tax Plan WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement on tonights vote on the Republican tax plan: The tax plan approved by my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate today is a gift to corporations and the top 1% at the expense of middle class families. At a time when wages have stagnated and working Americans are trying to do more with less, this tax plan pulls the rug out from the middle class to give billions to those who already have so much. This is an attack on our values, and Americans deserve better. Instead of a real middle class tax cut, 83% of the benefits of this bill go to the top 1% over the next decade. While corporate profits are at an all-time high, this plan permanently lowers the corporate tax rate and increases taxes on 57% of middle class Americans over the next decade. Many California families will see a tax increase as a result of changes to the state and local tax deduction. And while millions of Americans are only one trip to the emergency room away from bankruptcy, Republicans have just voted to eliminate the individual mandate and leave 13 million more Americans uninsured over the next decade. If we really want to help working Americans, then lets take up causes that would actually put money into their hands, like raising the minimum wage, making public colleges and universities tuition-free, and guaranteeing access to health care for everyone. There are far better ways to deliver to the American people, and I remain committed to fighting for them. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-urges-senate-leadership-to-strike-gop-provisions-preempting-state-safety-laws-for-truck-drivers,Harris Urges Senate Leadership to Strike GOP Provisions Preempting State Safety Laws For Truck Drivers,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Kamala Harris,H001075,www.harris.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2017 Harris Urges Senate Leadership to Strike GOP Provisions Preempting State Safety Laws For Truck Drivers WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris led a group of Senate Democrats in a letter to Senate leadership urging that they strike Republican provisions from end-of-year legislation that would preempt state laws that provide for truck driver meal and rest breaks. These decades-old state laws protect the safety and working conditions of our nations truck drivers and the safety of the men, women, and families that use our roads and highways every day, the senators wrote. Currently, twenty-one states and U.S. territories, including California, enforce additional safety regulations requiring that companies provide minimum meal and rest breaks for truck drivers, which keep fatigued drivers off the road. The Department of Transportation has previously acknowledged that these additional safety regulations fall squarely within the states traditional power to regulate worker health and safety. The senators continued, We urge you to again protect workers rights and states power to protect their citizens by not including meal and rest break riders in a final Fiscal Year 2018 spending bill, FAA reauthorization, or any other legislation. In addition to Harris, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Gary Peters (D-MI). Full text of the letter below and available here. December 20, 2017 The Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Charles Schumer Majority Leader Democratic Leader United States Senate United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer: We write to express our strong opposition to the inclusion of provisions that preempt state safety laws providing meal and rest breaks to truck drivers in legislation to fund the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018, reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or any other end of the year vehicle. These decades-old state laws protect the safety and working conditions of our nations truck drivers and the safety of the men, women, and families that use our roads and highways every day. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration develops and enforces federal hours-of-service regulations for interstate commerce, 21 states and U.S. territories have adopted additional regulations requiring motor carriers to provide minimum meal and rest breaks to truck drivers. One purpose of these state laws is to keep fatigued drivers off the road by placing limits on when and for how long they may drive. In 2014, a federal appellate court upheld Californias meal and rest break law against a federal preemption challenge. Congress never intended to preempt such state regulations, and should not do so now in must-pass legislation. The Department of Transportation has acknowledged that state meal and rest break laws fall squarely within the states traditional power to regulate the employment relationship and to protect worker health and safety. Adopting provisions like the ones in the Interior and Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Commerce, Justice, Science, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State and Foreign Operations, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2018(H.R. 3354) and Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017(S. 1405) would infringe upon states power to protect the safety of their citizens and workers, and could worsen the working conditions of truck drivers. Congress should be focused on improving the wages and labor standards of truck drivers and all working people, not eliminating workplace safety rights that states have conferred on them. Enacting legislation to void state safety laws would hurt truck drivers and put at risk the safety of the public. In 2015, Congress wisely struck such provisions from the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act during conference negotiations. Last year, Congress did not support the inclusion of meal and rest break preemption provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017. We urge you to again protect workers rights and states power to protect their citizens by not including meal and rest break riders in a final Fiscal Year 2018 spending bill, FAA reauthorization, or any other legislation. Sincerely, CC: Honorable Thad Cochran, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Honorable Patrick Leahy, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations Honorable John Thune, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Honorable Bill Nelson, Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://calvert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397617,Rep. Calvert Votes for Historic Tax Relief for American Taxpayers and Job Creators,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a majority (227 to 203) of the House of Representatives to approve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report. With the House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we are on the verge of enacting the most pro-growth tax policy our country has seen in decades, said Rep. Calvert. Lower taxes, more jobs, and higher wages are on the way. Congress listened to the concerns voiced about the original bill and we produced an even better bill. I am confident that our economy is now poised for tremendous growth thanks to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As soon as next month, Americans will see and feel the impact of this bill by having more money in their paychecks."" It has been 31 years since President Ronald Reagan signed our last sweeping tax reform bill into law. Over time, the tax code once again became muddled with special interest deductions and credits. We have had time to evaluate the benefits of each provision wedded in to the code, and I believe the bill considered today is a monumental step forward in cleaning out the tax code and creating a more fair system that will achieve the growth our economy experienced after the Reagan tax reform."" I was proud to support one of the most consequential pieces of legislation that I have had the opportunity to vote on in my career. This legislation provides a direct path to higher wages and more jobs. The reduction of the corporate tax rate will bring jobs back to America and unleash the untapped potential of our entrepreneurs. I look forward to the President signing this legislation before the end of the year, allowing constituents in my district to reap the benefits beginning January 1, 2018. According to the independent Tax Foundation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will lead to an estimated 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs throughout the nation. It is estimated that 9 in 10 Americans will find it more beneficial to take the standard deduction, saving time and money on tax preparation and leaving more money in the pockets of Americans. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide tax relief to Americans by: Lowering individual tax rates forall income levelsso people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Nearly doubling the standard deduction to protect more of your annual earnings from being subject to taxation. The law increases the standard deduction for individuals from $6,500 to $12,000, and for married couples from $13,000 to $24,000. Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and the income threshold at which the tax credit begins to phase out has been raised which means more families will qualify. Continuing to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income, or sales, taxes whichever best fit their personal circumstances. Preserving the mortgage interest deduction for current and future homeowners. For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide a tremendous boost to our economy by: Allowing businesses to immediately write-off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Lowering the corporate tax rate, which today is the highest in the industrialized world, to a more globally competitive rate. Delivering significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. Modernizing our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators. Making it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Preventing American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. For more information on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act please visitwww.fairandsimple.gop. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://royce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398671,Rep. Royce Helps Secure Wins for California in Final Version of Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Edward Royce,R000487,royce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Ed Royce (CA-39) released the following statement in support of the Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major overhaul of our nations tax code since 1986: Since day one, Ive been fighting for provisions that allow struggling California families to keep more of their hard-earned money. Im pleased to see many of those provisions protected in the final Conference Report including a deduction for state and local taxes, the mortgage interest deduction, the student loan interest deduction, as well as the exclusion for graduate student tuition assistance. Combined with reducing tax rates for small businesses, the vast majority of California families will see their taxes reduced and simplified while keeping more of their paychecks. The final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actcreates a competitive, pro-growth tax code that will empower a new generation of American innovation and prosperity. The full text of Conference Report can be foundHERE. Summary of the Conference Report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: (Courtesy of the House GOP Conference) Lowers individual taxes rates across the board so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantlyincreases the standard deductionto protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income or sales taxes to best fit their unique circumstances. Expands the Child Tax Creditfrom $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit. Preserves the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. Improves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future. For job creators of all sizes: Offers a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Protects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans, helping these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks Retains the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home. Modernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398484,House Passes Tax Reform Conference Report,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,David Valadao,V000129,valadao.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Passes Tax Reform Conference Report Valadao Votes to Deliver Real Tax Relief to Central Valley Families f t # e Washignton, December 19, 2017 | Anna R. Vetter ((202) 815-1685) Today, UCongressman David G. Valadao voted in support of the Conference Report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which passed in the United States House of Representatives. share: f t WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) voted in support of the Conference Report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which passed in the United States House of Representatives. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will create a fairer and less complex tax code for individuals, families, and job creators, delivering real tax relief to Americans across the country, especially those in Californias Central Valley. U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) stated, My constituents have suffered under an outdated tax code for far too long and as a result, unemployment rests at 10.2%, the median household income barely reaches $40,000, and a staggering 27.2% of my constituents live in poverty. Reforming our tax code to make it simpler and fairer will create jobs, grow our economy, and increase the amount of money Central Valley workers take home to their families."" Local Impact The typical CA-21 family will receive an annual tax cut between $1,300 and $1,900 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create 975,000 jobs throughout the United States, 111,108 of which will be located in California alone More than 64,000 taxpayers in CA-21 will see a 100% increase from the Child Tax Credit which increases from $1,000 to $2,000 per child 25,731 taxpayers in CA-21 have small business income The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help these businesses grow and hire more workers More than 90% of CA-21 residents will be able to file their taxes on a form the size of a post card While only 17% of CA-21 residents currently itemize their tax returns, under the new policy, just 5% of residents will itemize their returns The Median Household Income in CA-21 is $41,174. Under the new code, the average Californian will see an after-tax wage increase of $2,932 Key Provisions for Individuals and Families: Lowers individual tax rates so people can keep more of their hard-earned money Zero, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% Doubles the standard deduction so that Americans can keep more of their paycheck Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,00 to help parents with the cost of raising children Allows Californians to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000 Eliminates special interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans taxes so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard Preserves the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction ($750,000 cap) to help Americans achieve the dream of homeownership Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the exemption so family owned farms and businesses can remain in the family Preserves the ability for individuals to deduct the interest on student loan debt Key Provisions for Job Creators Allows small businesses, most of whom currently file at the individual level, to apply a 20% deduction on the first $315,000 of joint income earned Lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% Allows businesses to immediately write off the cost of new equipment Retains the low-income housing tax credit to encourage businesses to invest in affordable housing Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad The Conference Report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 by a vote of 227 to 203. 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://aguilar.house.gov/2017/12/19/aguilar-reacts-passage-gop-tax-bill/,Aguilar Reacts to Passage of GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,aguilar,https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/,scraper,"Press Releases Aguilar Reacts to Passage of GOP Tax Bill Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Conference Report for H.R. 1, Congressional Republicans’ attempt to provide a massive tax cut for corporations at the expense of middle-class families: “Instead of providing tax relief to middle-class families and small businesses like the ones here in the Inland Empire, this bill is specifically designed to give massive tax breaks to the wealthiest corporations and individuals in our country. In addition to adding a trillion dollars to the deficit, this bill will drive up health care costs and raise taxes for millions of working Americans. Tax reform should be about creating a level playing field where every American has a chance to find success, not lining the pockets of wealthy corporations on the backs of working people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aguilar-reacts-passage-gop-tax-bill,Aguilar Reacts to Passage of GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Pete Aguilar,A000371,aguilar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Conference Report for H.R. 1, Congressional Republicans attempt to provide a massive tax cut for corporations at the expense of middle-class families: Instead of providing tax relief to middle-class families and small businesses like the ones here in the Inland Empire, this bill is specifically designed to give massive tax breaks to the wealthiest corporations and individuals in our country. In addition to adding a trillion dollars to the deficit, this bill will drive up health care costs and raise taxes for millions of working Americans. Tax reform should be about creating a level playing field where every American has a chance to find success, not lining the pockets of wealthy corporations on the backs of working people. Rep. Aguilar has been an advocate for tax policies that incentivize job creation and growth, and earlier this year he introduced legislation to provide tax relief for businesses as they train new hires. Rep. Aguilar voted against the Conference Report for H.R. 1 after voting against the original version of the bill in November.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-votes-historic-tax-relief-american-taxpayers-and-job-creators,Rep. Calvert Votes for Historic Tax Relief for American Taxpayers and Job Creators,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Ken Calvert,C000059,calvert.house.gov,calvert,https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) voted along with a majority (227 to 203) of the House of Representatives to approve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report. ""With the House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we are on the verge of enacting the most pro-growth tax policy our country has seen in decades,"" said Rep. Calvert. ""Lower taxes, more jobs, and higher wages are on the way. Congress listened to the concerns voiced about the original bill and we produced an even better bill. I am confident that our economy is now poised for tremendous growth thanks to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As soon as next month, Americans will see and feel the impact of this bill by having more money in their paychecks."" ""It has been 31 years since President Ronald Reagan signed our last sweeping tax reform bill into law. Over time, the tax code once again became muddled with special interest deductions and credits. We have had time to evaluate the benefits of each provision wedded in to the code, and I believe the bill considered today is a monumental step forward in cleaning out the tax code and creating a more fair system that will achieve the growth our economy experienced after the Reagan tax reform."" ""I was proud to support one of the most consequential pieces of legislation that I have had the opportunity to vote on in my career. This legislation provides a direct path to higher wages and more jobs. The reduction of the corporate tax rate will bring jobs back to America and unleash the untapped potential of our entrepreneurs."" ""I look forward to the President signing this legislation before the end of the year, allowing constituents in my district to reap the benefits beginning January 1, 2018."" According to the independent Tax Foundation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will lead to an estimated 1.7 percent increase in GDP over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs throughout the nation. It is estimated that 9 in 10 Americans will find it more beneficial to take the standard deduction, saving time and money on tax preparation and leaving more money in the pockets of Americans. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide tax relief to Americans by: Lowering individual tax rates for all income levels so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Nearly doubling the standard deduction to protect more of your annual earnings from being subject to taxation. The law increases the standard deduction for individuals from $6,500 to $12,000, and for married couples from $13,000 to $24,000. Expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and the income threshold at which the tax credit begins to phase out has been raised which means more families will qualify. Continuing to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes – up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to deduct property taxes and income, or sales, taxes whichever best fit their personal circumstances. Preserving the mortgage interest deduction for current and future homeowners. For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide a tremendous boost to our economy by: Allowing businesses to immediately write-off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers – unleashing growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Lowering the corporate tax rate, which today is the highest in the industrialized world, to a more globally competitive rate. Delivering significant tax relief to Main Street job creators by offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. Modernizing our international tax system so America's global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated ""worldwide"" tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nation's job creators. Making it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Preventing American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. For more information on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act please visitwww.fairandsimple.gop. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=204,Carbajal Opposes Harmful GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Salud Carbajal,C001112,carbajal.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) voted against the harmful, Republican tax bill that narrowly passed the House of Representatives. The bill explodes our national debt by $1.5 trillion, repeals the individual healthcare insurance mandate, triggers a 4% reduction in Medicare payments, and increases taxes on 86 million middle-class families by 2027, providing 83% of the benefits to the wealthiest one percent of Americans and multinational corporations. Carbajal released the following statement on his vote: Reforming our tax code is one area in which Democrats and Republicans can agree as we have in the past. We need to update and simplify our tax system aimed at making our tax code more competitive for businesses and fairer for middle-class taxpayers. Lasting reform requires difficult trade-offs to achieve fiscal responsibility. The GOP tax plan avoided these hard choices and instead, will raise deficits by $1.5 trillion over the next decade. We need comprehensive tax reform, but not a plan that ignores the fiscal repercussions and expects our children to reconcile this debt down the road. By 2027, many of the short-term individual benefits included to make this legislation more palatable will be eliminated, raising taxes on 86 million middle-class families. However, the permanent reduction for multinational corporations will remain in place. Additionally, as California continues to battle one of our largest and most devastating wildfires in history, this bill eliminates a critical deduction benefiting those who suffered financial losses due to wildfires not included in Presidential Disaster declarations. I have voted six times this year against dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to unprecedented public engagement, we defeated attempts to repeal this legislation that makes healthcare more accessible and affordable. Todays vote signifies another attempt to undermine the ACA by repealing the individual mandate. This will mean 13 million Americans will no longer have healthcare coverage, driving up premiums by an additional 10% each year and creating even more uncertainty in our healthcare market. Sadly, the President and his party have shown more urgency in giving massive tax cuts away to corporations than they have for funding a bipartisan Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that provides healthcare for nine million children or for protecting hardworking Dreamers from deportation. This tax hike is a bad deal for Central Coast families, and I will continue to vehemently oppose legislation that favors large corporations, while eliminating many of the tax deductions and credits that middle-class families and small businesses rely on.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cardenas.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/c-rdenas-votes-no-gop-tax-scam-refuses-steal-americans-christmas,"Crdenas Votes No on GOP Tax Scam, Refuses to Steal from Americans' Christmas Stockings",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Tony Cárdenas,C001097,cardenas.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tony Crdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement after the House adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the GOP Tax Bill: Today, House Republicans voted on a Tax Scam that increases taxes on 86 million middle class families. This is a disaster for working American families. It's a giveaway to large corporations. This sham drives up the deficit on the American people. Republicans have given their big donors everything & working people nothing. They are sticking our children and grandchildren with the debt. While wildfires continue to rage in California, Republicans in Congress have steamrolled the Tax Scam, punishing families that lose their homes to catastrophes by eliminating the ability to deduct their losses. For these reasons and more, I voted against the Republican Tax Scam. A majority of Americans oppose this bill. My Republican colleagues should have listened to the American people instead of their donors. They have stolen from American taxpayers stockings to leave massive gifts under their corporate donors trees. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/op-ed-even-donald-trump-wants-congress-save-dreamers-so-whats-hold,Op-Ed: Even Donald Trump wants Congress to save DREAMERS. So what's the hold-up?,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,,,legacy,"Only Open on Tuesdays & Thursdays 415 W. Foothill Blvd, Ste 122 Claremont, CA 91711 Phone: (909) 625-5394 Fax: (909) 399-0198",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-chu-introduces-bipartisan-bill-improve-sober-homes-assist-opioid,Rep. Chu Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Sober Homes that Assist in Opioid Recovery,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), joined by nine other bipartisan Members of Congress, introduced the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act. This bill would authorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop best practices for recovery residences that promote sustained recovery from substance use disorders. Recovery residences, often known as sober homes, are family-like, shared living environments that are free from alcohol and illicit drug use, and centered on peer support and connection to services that help individuals just out of treatment continue on their journey to recovery. Rep. Chu drafted this legislation after meeting with a constituent who lived in one of these homes and reported incidents of residence staff not recognizing the signs of overdose. Rep. Chu released the following statement: When a family is going through the pain of treatment for drug addiction, they should be able to trust the facilities that are looking after their loved ones. Many sober homes play an invaluable role in the recovery process, providing residents with resources and support as they leave treatment and re-enter their communities. But, a lack of regulation and oversight has also allowed many other less scrupulous or unqualified facilities to exploit a familys need for help. This is wrong. Ive been shocked by some of the first person accounts Ive heard from constituents and others about staffs inability to recognize the signs of an overdose in their residents. Lack of training or preparation for something like an overdose is not just an oversight, its a basic failure to do what those in need have come for. This bill addresses these shortcomings by helping to develop best practices for sober homes and provide technical support for states that wish to assist sober homes in implementing these practices. This will allow individuals and their families to distinguish the good actors from the bad when selecting a residence to transition to after treatment. Im proud that this important bill could gain bipartisan support and I hope to see it passed soon so that we can ensure all who are struggling during this national opioid epidemic have the best help available. The bills original cosponsors are: Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mimi Walters (R-CA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Ann Kuster (D-NH), and Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX). The text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-judy-chu-statement-gop-tax-bill,Rep. Judy Chu Statement GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Judy Chu,C001080,chu.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1, a tax bill that, according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, will raise taxes on 86 million middle class households while cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement: We were promised a middle class tax cut. This is not it. Republicans claim this bill will support families, which is belied by the fact that 83% of the benefits go to the top 1%. Most of the expected benefits of this bill depend on a belief that tax cuts to the wealthiest eventually trickle down to the rest something that has been tried and disproven time and again. This bill will not raise wages, but it will make the rich richer. Many, like families in my own state, could actually end up paying more in taxes, thanks to changes to the state and local tax deduction needed to pay for tax cuts for corporate interests. Others will suffer the after-effects as Republicans slash Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security in order to pay down the trillion dollar deficit this bill creates. So to those who are not in the top 1% who are not the intended beneficiaries of this bill, when corporate profits have increased but your paycheck hasnt, remember the broken promises that Republicans made to you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cook.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-paul-cook-votes-for-final-version-of-tax-reform-bill,Rep. Paul Cook Votes for Final Version of Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,CA,Paul Cook,C001094,cook.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today voted in favor of the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 227-203. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide the average family of four with approximately $2,059 annually- a 58% reduction in their taxes. Americans will see these savings on taxes collected next year and pay a reduced amount by April 2019. H.R. 1 lowers the income tax rate for all Americans, so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Under H.R. 1, the standard deduction nearly doubles to $12,000 from $6,350 for individuals and to $24,000 from $12,700 for married couples. It allows individuals to continue to write off the cost of state and local income taxes up to $10,000. It expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for children under 17 and provides a $500 credit for each non-child dependent. The legislation also preserves the mortgage interest deduction, covering interest on up to $750,000 in mortgage principal on first or second homes, and grandfathers existing mortgages. Additionally, the bill expands the medical expense deduction, eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate tax, and maintains the deduction for charitable giving. The legislation also makes American businesses more competitive internationally. Currently, US tax rates for businesses are among the highest in the industrialized world. This bill gives American companies a level playing field on the world stage and incentivizes them to hire new workers in the U.S., while small businesses will receive relief in the form of simplified accounting rules, improved expensing rules, and protection of the deduction for interest on loans. Rep. Cook said, This bill delivers crucial tax relief for middle-class and low-income Americans. Despite the misinformation being spread about this bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide more than 90 percent of taxpayers in my district with a tax break putting more money in their pockets. Money in their pockets means better retirement savings, a better shot at a down payment for a home, and more money in local economies rather than federal coffers. The bill also simplifies the tax code and provides important relief to small businesses and job creators. I look forward to the Senate passing it and the President signing the bill before the end of the year. 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 https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-statement-house-passage-tax-bill,Costa Statement on House Passage of Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Jim Costa,C001059,costa.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed the conference committees version of the tax bill: Todays vote reflects a missed opportunity to use bipartisan comprehensive tax reform to return our nation to a fiscally-responsible path while making our tax system fairer and simpler. Instead, the House passed a partisan tax bill which will increase our national debt by $2.2 trillion and which pays for permanent corporate tax cuts by increasing taxes on Americas middle class and families in 2025. The legislation the House passed today is fiscally-reckless and a sad excuse for reform, and it will harm people across our country and the San Joaquin Valley. History shows us that tax cuts are less effective at growing the economy than revenue-neutral reform, so adding $2.2 trillion to our national debt is not only irresponsible, it is senseless. By limiting the individual state and local tax deduction to $10,000, the bill will essentially be punitive double taxation on many individuals who live in states where both property and sales tax are high, such as California. By eliminating the individual health care mandate, the legislation will also increase both the cost of premiums and the amount government pays in health care subsidies while decreasing the number of individuals with health insurance. The California Hospital Association estimates that this will cause 40,900 individuals in my district to lose coverage and 1,810,000 individuals in California to lose coverage by 2025, all while adding to the national deficit. Although there are some good things in this bill, overall the bill does more harm to Americans and to the American economy than it does good. I simply could not vote for a bill that we all know is fiscally irresponsible, and that we all know will hurt so many people in our Valley. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://desaulnier.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-desaulnier-s-statement-passage-republican-tax-scam,Congressman DeSaulniers Statement on Passage of the Republican Tax Scam,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,CA,Mark DeSaulnier,D000623,desaulnier.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement after Republicans voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1) out of the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 227-to-203. Hatched in secret and rushed through Congress, this lopsided bill increases taxes on more than half of all middle class families, at least 5.5 million of which are Californians, and fans the flames of inequality in our country. With more than 80 percent of the bills benefits going to the top 1%people like President Trump, his family, and billionaire political donors and to corporations, our children will be left to pay the bill. The long-term effects of this plan, which adds $2.2 trillion to the national debt and causes 13 million to lose health coverage, will be devastating to the American public and will lead to future cuts to programs middle class families depend on, like Medicare and Social Security. In the interim, families in California will lose the ability to fully deduct their state and local taxes (SALT), double-taxing on average $13,000 of annual income - a change that will impact many families in my district. There have been very few times in my career that I have been as repulsed as I have been watching Republicans pull this fast-one on the American people. #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z