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"There are some priorities that are too important to be derailed by partisan machinations, our nation’s investments in science research and education among them," said Congressman Garamendi. "When the COMPETES Authorization Act was passed with broad bipartisan support and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007, Congress appropriately demonstrated that our global competitiveness remains an important priority. A scant three years later, with COMPETES coming up for reauthorization, Republicans in the House are now demonstrating that they’d rather score cheap partisan 'victories' than demonstrate real leadership."

"The disaster in the Gulf Coast requires multiple responses. We must have a thorough investigation of what exactly went wrong; we must make sure that oil companies are held responsible for every penny of damage they cause; and we must do all we can to prevent new leases in federal waters,” Rep. Garamendi said. “As I continue working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass my legislation that would stop all new leases in federal waters on the West Coast, I am also proud to cosponsor a number of other bills that address the inherent problems of offshore oil drilling."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Senators Boxer, Cantwell, Feinstein, Merkley, Murray, and Wyden for standing up for the Pacific Coast. Now that the House and Senate have identical bills to stop all new drilling from platforms in federal waters on the West Coast, our chances of success have significantly increased."

"The Gulf Coast oil spill is a clarion call to reevaluate our nation’s priorities," Congressman John Garamendi said. "Do we want to continue drilling and spilling, or should we instead invest in the renewable energy sources that are our future? The West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 stops all new offshore oil drilling in federal waters off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. We know disaster can strike from any platform, and the risk simply isn’t worth the reward."

"Major scientific breakthroughs occur every year at the Livermore labs, and it’s important that we harness these advances to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and improve our way of life," said Congressman Garamendi. “My bill creates a technology transfer center at the Lawrence Livermore and Sandia labs, making it easier for private sector companies and universities to convert ideas into employment engines."

"Today’s new employment figures are welcome news for thousands of people in my district who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. We gained 290,000 jobs this month, most of which are in the private sector. We still have a long way to go, but we’ve made undeniable progress."

“The Home Star Act is an example of policy innovation where it is needed most. By providing consumer incentives towards energy efficient homes, this bill will accomplish three crucial goals: a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a big boost in household incomes, and the creation of American jobs.”