Very informative discussion today with Admiral Jonathan White, the chief oceanographer for the Navy and a NPS graduate. I understood the danger to our environment and our economy caused by ocean acidification but he explained how it's also a threat to our national security. I look forward to working with his team as we search for new ways to reverse this growing problem. It was also great to talk about our shared passion for the ocean and where it comes from. His was formed not because of his service in the Navy but like so many of us, it is due to a neighbor who shared his love of scuba diving with the Admiral while growing up in Florida.

Congressional Republicans’ unwillingness to govern has left the President no choice but to act. It's clear our immigration system is broken; weakening our economy, threatening our national security and tearing families apart. 

The President's plan is both reasonable and legal. It shifts our resources towards increased security by strengthening our borders and prioritizing the deportation of violent criminals and felons. It also demonstrates our true national values by keeping families together. 

This plan is a good first step but it does not fully address all of our immigration problems. It does not go far enough to protect our local economy by ensuring that the agriculture industry has access to a stable workforce. Hopefully this announcement will force Congress to finally address our broken immigration system. The American people will no longer let Republicans duck the issue. Inaction, more grid-lock or another government shutdown is not the answer. A vote now on the Senate's bipartisan bill is the only responsible thing to do.

Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day. Your voice is your vote so find your polling place here: http://bit.ly/1j5C0Si and then get out to vote!

Today is the last day to register to vote in California. Make sure your voice is heard in November! You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov.

I'm an ally against bullying. Join me by going purple to show your support for #LGBT youth. #spiritday 

Today I voted against the President's plan to defeat ISIS. While I agree with the his decision to remove the threat created by ISIS, I felt the plan laid out by the White House is still too vague. I could not support the amendment without clear answers to how that threat will be removed and exactly what the United States role will be. ISIS remains a roadblock in creating stability in the region and they must be stopped. However, I am fearful today’s vote does not bring us closer to our ultimate goal of peace.

President's plan is a great first step but he wasn't able to include protections for our ag industry. Congress passing immigration reform would be a boost to our local economy.

"Decisions are made by those who show up."

Show up and vote today.

The joint VA/DOD clinic at Fort Ord is going vertical! I stopped by today to check on the construction progress. Looking great for our target opening in the fall of 2016.

Today is a great day for marine conservation. Two-thirds of the planet is covered by water yet we have protected more land than ocean. The President’s announcement is a gigantic step in the right direction by almost doubling the amount of the ocean that is now protected around the globe. 

When President Teddy Roosevelt established the first national park, it changed our country’s mindset towards the world around us. These special places did more than just preserve wilderness for future generations to enjoy. They educated us about our connection to the environment and fostered a greater understanding about our stewardship of the planet. 

Designating these marine specials places will have that same effect. Our future is going to be determined by how we manage the health of our oceans. This announcement is about much more than just protecting pristine sections of the ocean. It is about raising awareness of our link to the oceans and educating more people about the role we all play in preserving it.

Today our nation remembers the innocent lives that were lost on #September11 and celebrate the heroism of the thousands of Americans who put themselves in harm’s way to help their fellow citizens. #NeverForget