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Legislative History and Accomplishments in Congress

Accomplishments in Congress

Congressman Garamendi is proud to represent the people of the Eighth District of California. Throughout his time in Congress, Congressman Garamendi has become a leader on many issues, passing legislation, delivering federal funds for local projects and securing federal assistance for his constituents. While he continues to advocate for the residents of California's 8th Congressional District, a summary of his hard-fought victories can be seen below. For a detailed list of accomplishments in previous Congresses click here.

Legislative Victories:

Congressman Garamendi has successfully introduced multiple bills that have been enacted into law either as standalone bills or as amendments to a larger legislative packages. Congressman Garamendi is unafraid to reach across the aisle to find common-sense solutions to America's problems. As a result, his legislation has often been supported on a broad, bipartisan basis, allowing him to be effective under both Democratic and Republican control of Congress. Some of his legislative achievements include:

H.R.4996, Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act passed the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Biden on June 16th 2022. This bipartisan bill will help clear congestion at US ports and protect American jobs and manufactures from unfair foreign competition.

H.R. 5059, Make it in America Act

The Make it in America Act was passed as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation protects American jobs by making it harder for federal agencies to circumvent Buy America requirements, establishing a new Made in America Office within the federal government, and strengthening Buy American requirements for federal agencies.

H.R. 5560, Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act

The Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act was partially passed as part of the financial year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This important legislation requires the Department of Defense to expedite requests made by the National Guard to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the case of fire, natural disaster, search and rescue or other emergency situations. This advanced military data will allow the National Guard and California firefighters to better understand the blazes they are battling and better safeguard human life.

H.R.550, Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act

In times of war, America's Merchant Mariners become auxiliaries of the US Navy and are given the crucial task of ensuring that America's military and allies receive the supplies needed to carry on the fight. This legislation recognized the enduring and invaluable contributions made by the Merchant Mariners in the Second World War who suffered a higher proportion of deaths than any other branch of the US military during the war. This bill awarded the Merchant Mariner veterans of World War Two with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the US Congress.

H.R.357, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Act

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Act unlocked federal funding for the preservation of the Delta's unique ecosystems and rich history. The designation as a National Heritage Area unlocked $10 million in federal funding over a 15 year period to local non-profits, local governments and historical groups to ensure the preservation of this unique environment.

H.R. 1739, Support Our Military Working Dogs Act

The Support Our Military Working Dogs Act ensured that the dogs serving in the US military received veterinary care after retiring from service. Previous law had guaranteed service dog handlers and their families the first right of adoption, however many were unable to afford the expensive veterinary care that was required as a result of the animal's lasting service. This bill allowed the Department of Defense to provide the resources needed to care for these animal after their service and to cover the cost of transportation of service animals (including horses) to their forever homes upon the completion of their service.

H.R.3340, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for Airports

The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) for Airports Act altered existing law to allow public airport projects eligible for low-interest federal loans and loan guarantees under the Department of Transportation's TIFIA program. This $1.8 billion program is a crucial part of ensuring American airports are able to invest in the modern infrastructure needed to meet 21st century demands and to build climate resiliency infrastructure.

Other Legislative Accomplishments:

  • A requirement that the Department of Defense publish results of drinking and ground water PFAS testing conducted on or near military installations or former defense sites.
  • Rep. Garamendi voted to certify the lawful results of the 2020 Presidential election shortly after the U.S. Capitol was overrun by rioters attempting to prevent the certification of the election results.
  • Rep. Garamendi voted to pass H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," a sweeping anti-corruption package to clean up Washington, protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government and put the needs, and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests.

Fighting for Constituents and Cutting Bureaucratic Red Tape:

Congressman Garamendi understands that dealing with federal agencies can be difficult and frustrating at times. As such, he employs one of the most effective casework teams in Congress. Throughout his congressional career, Congressman Garamendi has helped his constituents recover $12,484,756.49 from federal agencies. This includes over $11 million recovered on behalf of veterans. Last year alone, Rep. Garamendi secured over $1,858,000 for his constituents and helped countless others expedite immigration cases, passport applications and other federal paperwork.

Rebuilding America's Infrastructure:

As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Garamendi has played an instrumental role in ensuring historic investments in American infrastructure. Perhaps the most important of the dozens of bills Congressman Garamendi has helped craft is the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bill secured $29.5 billion in federal highway funding for California, a $10.3 billion investment in California's public transportation infrastructure and billions of dollars to help improve airports, electric car charging facilities, street safety and railway improvements.

Ensuring America's Military Rediness:

As the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, Congressman Garamendi has jurisdiction over a significant portion of U.S. military spending. The Subcommittee on Readiness has jurisdiction over military readiness, training, logistics and maintenance, military construction, organic industrial base, the civilian and contract workforce, environment, military installations and real property management, family housing, base realignments and closures, and energy. Through his position as Chair, Congressman Garamendi has fought for improved military housing, secured safer drinking water for military families and ensured that the Department of Defense is prepared for the myriad threats of the 21st Century.