Economy and Jobs

"Elizabeth Warren has had the temerity to fight back on behalf of consumers, and for this, she's become a target. She is eminently qualified to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and she's been instrumental in getting the Bureau up and running. For the sake of every American who has ever been ripped off by a financial institution, it's time for the President to appoint Warren to the Director's post."

"Our CODEL to Afghanistan solidified my belief that there is no military victory in Afghanistan. Whether we stay in that country a year or a century, the ultimate solution will be a political settlement with a power-sharing arrangement between the central government in Kabul and powerful governors and tribal leaders throughout the country," added Congressman Garamendi. "Afghanistan has a long tradition of feudalism, and America cannot continue spending our precious blood and treasure in a futile exercise in nation-building by force. When a power sharing agreement is reached, we can work with our international partners – within and outside governments – to plan a long term path toward infrastructure construction, secular education, economic development, and with time, a more representative government. But we’re not going to get there until most of our troops get out."

"My amendment would have created good local jobs by forcing the Defense Department to more actively engage local businesses. While I regret this amendment was not incorporated in this year's NDAA, I look forward to working with Congress and the military to continue addressing this problem."

"It was an honor to participate in YouTube’s first official Congressional town hall. Public servants must go where the people are, and thousands of videos are watched every second on YouTube," said Congressman John Garamendi. "Through this important outreach, thousands of Americans will be introduced to the Democratic Make It In America plan to bring back American manufacturing and create good jobs."

"While we agree on the need to address the nation’s long-term deficits, shifting the costs of Medicaid expenditures such as nursing facilities and hospice care onto individuals not only creates excessive hardship on families with aging relatives, it does little to alleviate rising health care costs," they continued. "According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid spending grew significantly slower (4.6 percent) per capita than private insurance premiums (7.7 percent) over the past decade."

"Investments in transportation are key to unlocking this country's economic potential," said Congressman Garamendi. "I commend this decision to direct money to a proven job creator and to require that the equipment is made in this country. If America is going to make it, we have to Make It In America again."

"Today House Democrats clearly demonstrated to the American people that our top priorities are jobs, jobs, and jobs. We must bring back America’s manufacturing sector if we’re going to stay competitive in an increasingly competitive global economy," said Congressman Garamendi. "I’m honored that my legislation was included in this Make It In America package. My bill requires all transportation equipment purchased with federal dollars to be made in America. This commonsense approach helps make American companies competitive while creating good middle class jobs right here in America. It just makes sense."

"This Transportation Department grant to CalTrans is a gift that will keep on giving,” said Congressman John Garamendi. "Transportation Secretary LaHood and Federal Railroad Administrator Szabo are wisely harnessing grant money, so that we Make It In America and create jobs now. Also, by connecting people and markets, these expanded rail lines will provide a boost to California's economy."