Press Releases

"We urge a significant and sizable reduction of U.S. military forces in Afghanistan beginning July 2011," the bipartisan group of Members of Congress wrote. "With Osama bin Laden killed and Al Qaeda largely driven from Afghanistan, it is time to accelerate the transfer of security responsibilities to the Government of Afghanistan and to reduce the U.S. military footprint there."

"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am especially concerned with the work and safety of our service members, but as we ensure that none are left behind at the battlefield, we must remember to care for all veterans once they return," Garamendi continued. "It is a relief to me that on this occasion, Congress was able to put our differences behind to assist the honorable men and women who served in uniform. They deserve our respect and help, which we delivered that with this vote."

"It's no secret that there are too many Americans out of work -- and that one of the reasons has been the exodus of American manufacturing overseas," said BART Director Joel Keller (District 2--Contra Costa). "This has made it difficult for transit systems like BART to purchase American-made vehicles and other products that support job creation in the US. The BART Board supports "Make It In America" goals because we should not only be providing reliable public transit service to Bay Area riders, but also assisting in creating jobs by encouraging more opportunities for greater American manufacturing. H.R. 613 (Garamendi) will help us get there."

"I’m a battle-tested veteran of the California water wars, and I’d frankly prefer to talk about past battles than wade into this hornet’s nest again, but I’ll be damned if I let anybody destroy the Delta," Garamendi said. "This legislation threatens the Delta, jeopardizes drinking water for California cities, and puts the interests of a select well-connected few above the entire state."

"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."

"Today Congress voted to grant the President limitless authority to declare war without Congressional approval – authority President Obama said he does not need or want. I am saddened that 234 of my colleagues have signed a blank check for any war anywhere," said Congressman Garamendi. "I’m cautiously optimistic that the U.S. Senate has a better understanding of the intent of our Constitution."

"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."