Congressman Garamendi Secures Money for Travis Air Force Base Environmental Review, Will Help Base Progress toward AB 32 Climate Change Goals
"By developing strategies to reduce Travis’s carbon footprint through the EMIS pilot program, the Air Force will also help California achieve its AB 32 climate change goals," Garamendi added. "We’ve had a rough patch in the economy, but one bright spot in California has been the rapid growth of our green technology sector. Our leadership in reducing greenhouse gases – at Travis and throughout the state – is a win for our economy and a win for our precious natural resources."
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Latest News
December 1, 2010
"Yesterday’s report by the Department of Defense demonstrates once and for all that our nation’s continuing discrimination against gay and lesbian soldiers serves no purpose and must end. Anyone willing to put on the uniform and risk their life for our nation deserves the ability to serve openly in our military without fear of reprisal." Read More »
November 23, 2010
“The Patient’s Bill of Rights was the most significant expansion of health care in America since the establishment of Medicare. Democrats in Congress ended lifetime limits in health coverage. We broadened access to preventative care without copays. We offered seniors in the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole immediate relief while completely closing the drug coverage gap in a few short years. Today is another important step on America’s road to a healthier tomorrow.” Read More »
November 18, 2010
"We will not give up on people looking for a job. We were unable to get the necessary two-thirds of members of Congress to immediately move on an extension of unemployment benefits today. 454,500 California families continue to rely on their unemployment insurance checks to pay for food, mortgage and rent payments, and clothing, and this vital income is now imperiled." Read More »
November 6, 2010
Congressman Garamendi Backs Majority Leader Hoyer for Democratic Whip
"Make It In America: that's the vision the 112th Congress needs. That's the vision America needs. Because of his effectiveness as a leader and his concrete vision for a prosperous America, Majority Leader Hoyer has my unwavering support for Democratic Whip." Read More »
November 5, 2010
Congressman Garamendi Proud to Back Speaker Pelosi for Minority Leader
"Much more work needs to be done to bring back American jobs and repair our economy. We need the steadfast leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer to lead our caucus in the rebuilding of America’s manufacturing sector and to pass Make It In America legislation." Read More »
October 28, 2010
"Just yesterday, China debuted its latest high speed rail expansion, while America is still in our early construction phase at best – and you better believe most of China’s equipment and trains are made in China," Garamendi added. "It’s time we responded in kind and made sure that our tax dollars are going to developing the latest transportation and clean technology right here in America. Our future success as an economic dynamo with a large and vibrant middle class depends on it." Read More »
October 26, 2010
"This program gives motivated women the tools and skills they need to thrive in a challenging economy," Congressman John Garamendi said during the tour. "I am deeply impressed by the Women's Initiative and convinced that this program pays for itself and then some." Read More »
October 20, 2010
"This worthy $10 million investment in our local communities by the Department of Transportation will improve commute times for pedestrians and bicyclists, helping to reduce congestion on our busy streets," Congressman Garamendi said. "Once again, President Obama and the Democratic Majority in Congress are stepping in where help is needed most, creating more than 500 jobs and improving local communities, including Livermore and Antioch, during tough economic times." Read More »
October 18, 2010
"I’ve read countless reports on the issues facing our veterans, but nothing replaces listening to the firsthand reports of our returned heroes," Congressman Garamendi said. "Our first duty as a nation is to take care of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. They put everything on the line. We must make sure they every resource they need in the field and back home. I want to thank Secretary Shinseki and Congressman McNerney for putting together this important site visit and roundtable." Read More »
October 18, 2010
New Study: Flight Delays Cost $32.9 Billion, and Passengers Foot Half the Bill
"It is imperative that we immediately pass and fund the next generation of air traffic control systems (NextGen). The total 'once and done' cost for the FAA to invest in NextGen systems is more than a third less than the annual cost of delay. I applaud UC Berkeley, the FAA, and their research partners for working together to produce this essential non-biased report, shedding light on a significant policy issue that directly impacts consumers." Read More »
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Garamendi urges Senate to pass home lending reform
KGO ABC 7 | Ken Miguel | July 6, 2010Few places in the country have been harder hit by the housing crisis than western Contra Costa County. That is where Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, was Tuesday, urging the Senate to pass comprehensive home lending reform.
Elected officials and advocates in Antioch to tout bill meant to aid homeowners
Contra Costa Times | Paul Burgarino | July 6, 2010Hess and his wife, Carmela, spoke at a news conference Tuesday held by Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, Antioch leaders and local housing advocates to tout a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives aimed in part at helping struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.
162 House Votes for an Exit Strategy From Afghanistan
The Nation | John Nichols | July 2, 2010"We’ve been in Afghanistan for nine years, making it the longest war in our nation’s history, and it’s come at a tremendous cost. We’ve tragically lost more than 1,100 American lives and spent close to $300 billion. We’ve also been in Iraq for seven years, where we’ve lost more than 4,400 American lives and spent more than $700 billion," explained Congressman John Garamendi.
Labor Secretary: $19 million for NUMMI workers
San Jose Mercury News | George Avalos | June 7, 2010A congressman from the East Bay, Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said it's possible the NUMMI factory could be used for more than electric vehicles. After all, the auto factory measures about 5.4 million square feet.
Lawmakers eager to raise limit on spill damage
San Francisco Chronicle | Jennifer A. Dlouhy | May 6, 2010Garamendi said the Deepwater Horizon disaster should mark "a turning point in our national discussion on new offshore drilling."
Gulf oil spill: More calls for moratorium on offshore drilling
Los Angeles Times | http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/05/gulf-oil-spill-more-calls-for-moratorium-on-offshore-drilling.html | May 5, 2010"Enough is enough," Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek) declared in a letter to House colleagues seeking support for a bill introduced Wednesday to permanently ban new energy exploration off California, Oregon and Washington state.
Pleasant Hill Job Fair Sponsored By Rep. Garamendi
Bay City News | | April 10, 2010More than 40 employers and organizations will be participating in a free job resource fair Saturday at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, according to U.S. Rep. John Garamendi.
Bay Area Legislators Celebrate Health Care Vote
CBS 5 | | March 22, 2010A bill reforming America's health care system, what one Bay Area congressman said was "one of the most important bills in the past 40 years," was approved tonight by the U.S. House of Representatives.
As Anthem Blue Cross sends profits to WellPoint, it plans hefty rate hikes for Californians
Los Angeles Times | Lisa Girion | February 22, 2010"The extraordinary greed of Anthem/WellPoint Blue Cross is a clear indication that this company has put profit before people," said Garamendi, who as California insurance commissioner presided over the merger. "People need to be able to get out of the shark pool with a public-option lifeboat."
Garamendi tours Solano County clean energy plant
Vacaville Reporter | Kimberly Fu | February 21, 2010A blue sky late last week perfectly backlit a series of monolithic wind turbines in the Montezuma Hills, their unmoving blades casting long shadows that shaded slumbering cattle. The 26-story turbines, part of Solano's Shiloh II Wind Project, and the clean energy they produce, were the impetus for an hours-long visit Thursday by Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who serves on the House Science and Technology Committee.
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September 23, 2010
Real People Really Helped by the Patient's Bill of Rights
Gail was told by her doctor, “Either you dip into your retirement fund, or you’re going to die.” Because of health care reform, she can now choose to live and keep her retirement. Gail, previously denied coverage because she has a pre-existing condition, was able to enroll in a temporary high-risk pool to receive the cancer treatment she needs and deserves because of the Patient’s Bill of Rights. By 2014, no insurance company in the nation will be allowed to deny her care. Read More »
June 23, 2010
Join Me at My Women Veterans Fair
We must always honor and help the soldiers, veterans, and their families who sacrifice so much for this country. No matter our views on specific policies or wars, I think we can all agree those who risk their lives for this country should be given access to quality veterans’ benefits, health care, and job opportunities. I have met brave men and women in uniform throughout my district, during multiple visits to Travis Air Force Base and recent Memorial Day Services. One theme that recurs with frequency is the variety of unique challenges female soldiers face in the field and upon their return home. Read More »
June 15, 2010
On Israel and the Flotilla Incident
I also call on all powers in the Middle East to value human life and do everything possible to avoid bloodshed. The loss of life in the flotilla incident was tragic, and I look forward to the findings of the recently formed Independent Public Commission, which will examine such issues as the naval blockade of Gaza, actions taken by the Commandos during flotilla incident, and the identities and conduct of the organizers and participants of the flotilla. In the mean time, we must focus on avoiding escalation, preventing more violence, and continuing the peace process. The greatest tragedy would be to allow the flotilla incident to end the region’s prospects for peace. Read More »
May 10, 2010
"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." Read More »
April 21, 2010
Health Care Reform: What’s in it for You?
Congressman John Garamendi had the privilege to vote for a comprehensive health insurance reform bill that will expand coverage to 32 million Americans. As your former State Insurance Commissioner and a long time state legislator, Congressman Garamendi has long been an advocate for reforming our broken health care laws. Under our new health care laws, many important reforms will come into effect this year. Read More »
April 21, 2010
Tax Cuts for You: Lower Taxes, More Opportunities
According to Bruce Bartlett, a conservative economist and economic advisor to President Reagan, "federal taxes are very considerably lower by every measure since Obama became president." In a little more than a year since the Recovery Act was signed into law and after other measures put into place by Democrats, Americans are seeing the real benefits of Democratic tax cuts and credits. Read More »
April 7, 2010
Northern California Residents: I'm Hosting a Job Resources Fair this Saturday
At the job resources fair, participants will have access to one-on-one resume review and interview skills training. In addition, we are also hosting some helpful workshops. Read More »
March 21, 2010
In Order to Form a More Perfect Union...
With the passage of time a more perfect union has emerged and a broader consensus has been reached. Yet for many Americans justice is not yet secured. When personal and national economic conditions deny individuals access to the health care necessary for survival, where is the justice? The Declaration of Independence calls for every American to have access to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Yet 45,000 Americans die each year because they do not have health insurance and millions more uninsured remain one accident away from economic devastation. For the victims and their families, lives are robbed, liberty is not pursued, happiness is not attained. Read More »
January 28, 2010
"And let me be clear, I’m not the least bit concerned about using majority rule in the Senate to pass meaningful health care reform. Congress has employed reconciliation in the past to make major policy shifts, including the passage of welfare reform and the Bush tax cuts, and the fact of the matter is this country will find itself in serious trouble if we do not act now. No one Senator should feel entitled to veto power over 17% percent of our economy." Read More »
December 11, 2009
Madame Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill.Listening to this debate, it amazes me how short the... Read More »
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My Work in Congress
I am proud to serve on the House Armed Services, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Science & Technology Committees.
Today in Congress
My Voting Record
| Date | RC# | Bill | Vote |
| 12-1 | 595 | H RES 1724 | Yea |
| 12-1 | 594 | H RES 1217 | Aye |
| 12-1 | 593 | H J RES 101 | Yea |
| 12-1 | 592 | H RES 1430 | Aye |
| 12-1 | 591 | H RES 1735 | Aye |
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