Environment

"This shortsighted and destructive legislation is further evidence of how good job-creating public policy has fallen to radical partisanship indifferent to pollution and the clean technology investments that will determine America's standing in the coming century," said Congressman Garamendi. "As we move toward reducing the deficit, we must not slash those programs that save lives and money and create jobs."

"Here we have what was once a bipartisan energy standard that is creating thousands of jobs and is expected to save American consumers more than $12.5 billion every year, and the radicalized Republican majority wants to turn off the lights,” Garamendi said. “This is not a bright idea. If you think the puns about this legislation are bad, the bill is much worse."

"Ostriches are supposed to stick their heads in the sand; responsible lawmakers are supposed to help their country compete in a tough global economy. Vital game-changing energy research should be above politics, but today, the Republican majority’s pattern of actively dismantling anything that hints at American-made clean technology continued," said Garamendi, who as a state legislator in the 1970s authored the first alternative energy tax credit in America. "We need to Make It In America, especially advanced clean energy, but we won’t get there without basic building block research first. Today, a majority of Members in Congress failed the American people."

"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."

"I voted against the 2012 Republican budget, because it does not reflect my values or the priorities of our great country. I for one did not come to Washington to destroy Medicare, an effective, affordable, and popular program that provides the peace of mind of quality health coverage to 47 million seniors and persons with disabilities....

"I cannot in good faith support this Continuing Resolution, because it makes unnecessary job-destroying deep cuts to roads and public transit, clean energy, flood prevention, and schools."

"This Republican hearing seeks to reignite the water wars of the past and pit Californians against each other for short-term gain," said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-10). "There is a more constructive way forward for our community. We must focus on responsible science-based water management, with conservation, storage, and recycling playing a prominent role – balancing our water needs and creating jobs across the Golden State."

"Air pollution does not respect state lines. When some jurisdictions permit virtually no regulation of power plant emissions, they become bad neighbors, exposing the rest of us to dangerous and sometimes lethal ailments, including cancer and childhood asthma. Thousands of premature deaths will be averted by this policy."