Press Releases

Since the founding of our great Republic, LGBT service members have selflessly fought and died in defense of our country. For too long, our country in return forced these brave heroes to live a lie in order to serve. This has led to thousands of dismissals and jeopardized national security by denying skilled Americans the opportunity to serve. As of today, this injustice is relegated to the dustbin of history – where it belongs.

"Americans need jobs. This is my first priority in Congress, and I was encouraged by President Obama's speech in which he laid out a robust plan to put Americans back to work."

"Americans need jobs. Yet, the Republican majority, which has been in control of the House for 247 days, has not brought one job-creating bill to this floor. My amendment would create jobs by giving the Secretary of Education the authority to prioritize charter school investments that Make It In America," said Rep. Garamendi. "We must educate our youth to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges, and there is a role for charter schools in achieving this goal. However, without my amendment, this charter school bill fails to notice that millions of Americans are right now out of work through no fault of their own."

"As our men and women return from Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, PTSD is a growing problem. You see it in your communities and among your parishioners," Congressman Garamendi said. "We cannot turn our backs on our wounded warriors. We're here today to make sure that men and women who risked everything have everything they need to rebuild their lives. With your help, veterans in our community will not be left behind."

"Northern California has extraordinary opportunities to manufacture cutting edge goods and to export them abroad. We need to Make It In America, and sell it to the world," Congressman Garamendi said. "From UC Davis to the Livermore Labs, from UC Berkeley to the Silicon Valley, our region is ready for another economic revolution. We are already blessed with successful clean energy, transportation, and biomedical firms, and the International Trade Administration and Small Business Administration are working closely with us to broaden our manufacturers’ reach."

"Investing in Livermore Airport will give local residents peace of mind from improved safety. It will also spur job creation through immediate construction work and long-term business activity."

"I'm glad our work and the hard work of Tri-Valley Transit, BART, and other regional leaders succeeded in securing this desperately needed investment. Connecting Antioch to BART through eBART will help thousands of residents in East Contra Costa and beyond get to work and have easier access to locations throughout Northern California," Congressman Garamendi said. "The Antioch eBART station and park-and-ride will serve as a hub to BART and also be available for express bus service, better connecting Antioch to its neighbors."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave troops. These heroes have lost their lives in service to their country, and for that America will be eternally grateful."