Economy and Jobs

"However, many Americans are still struggling. That is why last month, I hosted a job resources fair for my constituents to help them retool their resumes and connect with employers. Just today, I cosponsored the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act, which is estimated to bring 170,000 American jobs. I welcome today’s news of economic growth. We have a ways to go, and I will continue my work to set policy that spurs business expansion and job creation."

"Sadly, the people of the Gulf Coast are now learning what offshore oil drilling reaps: the destruction of natural preserves, the ruination of coastlines, and the disruption of ocean-based economies," said Congressman Garamendi. "This marks a turning point in our national discussion on new offshore oil drilling. Those calling for 'drill, baby, drill' need to start including the corollary, 'spill, baby, spill'."

"Livermore’s National Ignition Facility may be on the cusp of developing the next great clean energy advance: fusion power," Congressman Garamendi said. "As their research brings us closer to a fusion powered future, we must prepare for the commercial development of this technology. Our amendment makes sure that once fusion technology is harnessed, we will put it to work creating clean energy and green jobs as soon as possible."

"This Earth Day, it’s worth remembering that job creation and environmental protection go hand-in-hand," said Congressman Garamendi. "The economic consequences of inaction on climate change could cripple our economy, yet with sound investments in clean technology and energy efficiency, we are capable of creating millions of jobs while leaving our grandchildren a greener, more hopeful future."

"It’s about time. Millions of Americans are still struggling to find a job and need the emergency relief provided by unemployment insurance. Unfortunately, Republicans in the Senate proved once again that they aren’t much interested in helping the people they are supposed to serve. Until the unemployment rate drops substantially, we must not abandon the fight for job creation, and we must maintain the added protections found in the Recovery Act and other pro-growth bills. That’s what my constituents and the American people deserve and expect."

"Highway 4 is the only major east-west transportation link joining the communities of Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley and Brentwood with central Contra Costa County and the Greater Bay Area, and it’s one of the most heavily used commercial and commuter highways in Northern California," Congressman Garamendi said. "This project, a top priority of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, is coordinated with a Bay Area Rapid Transit extension and will extend the present four lanes express lane into a six lane freeway – reducing a very significant daily traffic jam."

"Today is tax day, but for most working Americans, we might as well call it tax rebate day," Garamendi added. "President Obama and Congressional Democrats are responsible for some of the most significant middle class tax cuts in U.S. history. We were handed a broken economy and have made great strides in fixing it, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The unemployment rate is still unacceptably high, and that is why we must pass more jobs-producing bills."