Press Releases

"Understanding the specific federal needs of our counties and cities will be of incredible importance when I return to Washington," said Congressman Garamendi, Northern California’s only representative on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. "I am not shy about telling my Congressional colleagues that California is the nation’s largest and most important economy. National recovery begins in California, and our transportation needs must be met to make that happen."

"We have the greatest research facilities in the world," Congressman Garamendi told employees at LLNL. "From this incredible asset will be the answers to issues we confront in the future – if we’re willing to make the investment. Not only is the work done here important today, it will be important for decades to come."

Unemployed workers in my district and around the country want the security that comes with having a job and the hope that comes with having a paycheck,

"The Iranian government has suppressed peaceful protest and is on a dangerous path toward nuclear weapons. And with its funding of Hamas and Hezbollah, the Iranian government continues to threaten Israel and undermine the two-state solution. With this vote for sanctions against Iranian oil exports, Congress is taking a measured and responsible approach. I have spoken to many Iranians who sincerely want peace in the Middle East, and I look forward to a day when Iranian government listens to its people and engages in productive diplomacy. Until that time, I stand with the people of Israel and millions of peaceful Iranians."

"For eight years as California’s Insurance Commissioner, I regulated the largest financial industry in America: the insurance companies. The insurance companies had one commandment: thou shalt pay as little as possible as late as possible. Many in finance have their own commandment: thou shalt build up thy house of cards as fast as possible as profitably as possible without consideration of the long term consequences. The games have to stop; it’s time we created an economy that can withstand the unhinged greed of financiers."

Today's announcement that the unemployment rate dropped in November is welcomed news for the millions of American workers, including tens of thousands of people in my district, struggling to find a job in this difficult economy. The Recovery Act and other jobs-creating measures have laid down the building blocks to repair our economy.

I thank President Obama for his careful and thoughtful deliberation on this matter. He faces a difficult decision on a war he inherited, and I know his heart is in the right place. However, I remain convinced that increased diplomatic, economic, social, and educational assistance in the region will result in a lasting solution in Afghanistan. American national security, our dedicated soldiers already serving, and the people of Afghanistan will be better served if we focus our efforts on improving the socioeconomic conditions of the region instead of sending more of our brave soldiers to fight in this war.