Press Releases
July 12, 2011
"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."
Issues:
Economy and Jobs
Environment
July 11, 2011
"Thank you to all participants in this year's competition," said Congressman Garamendi. "This event demonstrates, once again, the remarkable intellectual and creative spirit of the students in our district. Congratulations to Tyler Oliver, Clay Sanders, and Seo Hyung Lee on placing in the competition. I wish to give a special congratulations to Ms. Lee, who has earned her spot in the nation's capital."
Issues:
Education
July 7, 2011
"Our brave men and women are doing tremendous work, but they’re on the wrong mission in Afghanistan. We need to focus on Al Qaeda like a laser wherever they propagate, yes in Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and even the United States," said Congressman Garamendi, a Member of House Armed Services Committee. "Our overextended troops and their overstressed families deserve a rapid drawdown from Afghanistan so that they can continue their lives without the constant threat of tragedy inherent in engaging in a five-sided 32-year Afghan civil war."
Issues:
Military and Veterans
July 6, 2011
"For decades, Chic Dambach has been a powerful voice for international peace and justice," said Congressman Garamendi. "We've worked with each other to end wars and to expand the reach and influence of the Peace Corps. I am confident that in his new capacity in my Congressional office, he will be a forceful and effective advocate for a peaceful and prosperous America, something we all want."
Issues:
Social Justice
June 24, 2011
In Libya, Colonel Qaddafi pledged to hunt down Libyan dissenters like ‘rats and cockroaches,’ after they demanded a transition to a more representative form of government. Without the limited intervention of a broad coalition of international forces – including the United States, UN, NATO, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Arab League – he would have succeeded. Indeed, the UN Security Council resolution authorizing limited force cited the international community’s ‘responsibility to protect’ the Libyan people.
June 21, 2011
"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."
Issues:
Foreign Policy
Military and Veterans
June 14, 2011
"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."
Issues:
Military and Veterans
June 14, 2011
"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."
June 2, 2011
"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."
June 2, 2011
"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."
Issues:
Economy and Jobs
Social Justice