Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced legislation to extend the Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) designation to Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad, ensuring that U.S. servicemembers stationed in these high-risk areas receive critical tax exclusion benefits.  This bill comes alongside bipartisan support from fellow lawmakers and endorsements from leading military organizations, including the Special Operations Association of America and the Military Officers Association of America.

The QHDA designation allows servicemembers deployed in hazardous areas to exclude their compensation from federal taxes.  Currently, only countries where servicemembers receive Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) are eligible for this designation.  Mali, Chad, Kenya, Burkina Faso have already been designated as IDP areas.  Rep. Panetta secured retroactive IDP for servicemembers operating in Burkina Faso following deteriorating security conditions.

“The Sahel region is facing increasing threats from violent extremist organizations and mercenary groups, including Russian proxies, and our servicemembers are operating in extremely dangerous conditions,” said Rep. Panetta.  “This legislation acknowledges the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day to bring stability to a region marked by political instability and rising threats.  Providing this tax benefit is a small way to honor their service and ensure they are supported while serving in these high-risk environments.”

The Sahel region is witnessing increased activity from violent extremist organizations and political instability, including numerous military coups and ongoing instability in neighboring countries.  With the withdrawal of French partner forces, U.S. military personnel in the region are now operating with limited additional support, including medical evacuation services.  This legislation provides much-needed support for the relatively small number of U.S. servicemembers deployed in the region.

The total cost of the proposal is estimated at just $3 million over the next decade, given the small number of U.S. servicemembers stationed in these areas.  The bill ensures that when a country is no longer designated for IDP, the QHDA designation will automatically end, ensuring that the benefits are provided only as long as necessary.

The legislation is being led by Reps. Austin Scott (GA-08), Blake Moore (UT-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), (GA-08), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Don Davis (NC-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Jen Kiggans (VA-02). Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Cory Mills (FL-07).

“As our foreign adversaries expand their influence in the Sahel, the risk to our servicemembers in that region increases,” said Rep. Scott.  “It only makes sense that they receive benefits that reflect that risk.”

“The Sahel has emerged as the epicenter of global terrorism, accounting for over half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide and posing unprecedented threats to security and stability,” said Rep. Schneider.  “Our servicemembers stationed in this region confront escalating violence and increasingly complex threats every day, often under conditions as dangerous as combat zones.  This bipartisan effort acknowledges their sacrifices by extending well-deserved tax benefits, recognizing their bravery and commitment as they serve on the front lines of this critical global security challenge.”

“It has been my priority on the Ways and Means Committee to represent the interests of our military servicemembers through commonsense tax policies like this,” said Rep. Moore.  “The Sahel region poses acute threats to the American homeland, and our servicemembers stationed there should be given every possible leg up from Congress.  At a time when terrorist activity in the Sahel is ramping up and Russian mercenaries are stalking the region to exert their influence, now is the time to provide this low-cost tax exclusion to uniformed Americans putting their lives on the line.”

“The Sahel region of Africa has become a hotspot for global instability, with our servicemembers facing increasing danger and violence in the region everyday,” said Rep. Carbajal.  “As threats continue to grow, extending tax benefits to the troops serving there is a simple and necessary step.  I’m proud to support this vital legislation to honor their service.”

“Our servicemembers in high-risk areas sacrifice so much for our country, they deserve nothing less than our unwavering support,” said Rep. Kiggans. “As threats in the Sahel region of Africa continue to rise, we must do everything in our power to take care of our troops on the ground working to neutralize terrorist activity and restore peace and stability.  Providing tax exclusion benefits to our brave servicemembers stationed in dangerous areas like the Sahel is a no brainer.  I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation to support the men and women in uniform who risk so much to serve our great nation.”

“Our servicemembers face an increasingly deadly and complex threat landscape in the Sahel region of Africa,” said Rep. Nunn.  “Their fight against extreme terrorists and Russian mercenaries is critical to peace and stability in the region and we’re here to support their mission all the way.  This bipartisan effort extends critical tax benefits for our troops in high-risk areas and I’m proud to join my colleagues to support our men and women in uniform.”   

“As a Marine officer who has spent time in hazardous theaters, I understand the added pressures and risks that are incurred,” said Rep. McCormick.  “Our service members in the Sahel are operating in an increasingly dangerous environment, facing threats from terrorist organizations, Russian mercenaries, and political instability. The Qualified Hazardous Duty Area designation rightly recognizes their sacrifice and ensures they receive the benefits they have earned.  This is a common-sense measure to support those who put their lives on the line for our national security.”

“Today, there is no sanctuary for service members – at home or abroad. This legislation is far overdue and is displayed from the bi-partisan veteran co-sponsors,” said the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA).  “The Special Operations Association of America applauds Representative Panetta and the all-star cast of veteran Members for bringing this legislation to Congress in a region where US Special Operations Forces are heavily engaged.   -David Cook, Executive Director Special Operations Association of America”

“Servicemembers serving across Africa confront substantial and shifting obstacles and hazardous conditions as they collaborate with our regional allies,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret).  “Extending tax benefits to our personnel operating in this challenging and risky environment aligns with other priorities and geographic areas where our military serves to safeguard our nation and ensure international stability.  MOAA appreciates the bipartisan leadership of the House in championing this legislation to recognize and compensate troops facing well beyond normal hazardous conditions.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced the bipartisan Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act, aimed at removing barriers to agriculture disaster assistance for producers.  This bill would provide farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture producers with improved access to federal disaster assistance following natural disasters, ensuring that basic safety net programs are available when they are needed most.  Reps. Kat Cammack (Fl-03), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Austin Scott (GA-08) co-lead this legislation.  A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would address outdated adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations that prevent many full-time farmers from accessing crucial USDA disaster programs. These limitations have not kept pace with inflation, and specialty crop producers, particularly those affected by disasters like flooding in California, have faced significant barriers to receiving aid.

“Barriers to assistance programs for our farmers and ranchers can hold back the recovery of rural economies after natural disasters,” said Rep. Panetta.  “This bipartisan legislation would ensure that producers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods can access the resources they need to not only get by during times crisis but also to rebuild stronger.  This is a commonsense solution that will strengthen our agricultural safety net and the agriculture of our country.”

“Our farmers, ranchers, and producers work hard every day to feed and clothe our nation.  When disaster strikes, they should be able to access the important programs designed to protect them,” said Rep. Cammack.  “The AGI limitations set years ago have denied access for producers who truly need it, and the exemption for farms making 75 percent of their income from farming and farming-related practices is much-needed to bolster resilience. I’m glad to join my House and Senate colleagues in leading this effort to ensure fair access to these critical disaster programs.”

“As natural disasters increase in both scope and frequency, the federal government should reform and provide safeguards for local specialty crop producers. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act does that by revising income limits that often act as barriers to accessing USDA programs. We should all want to make commonsense reforms that help the agriculture industry rebound and stay afloat after disaster strikes,” said Rep. Lofgren.

“From wildfires and drought damaging our farmland to storms flooding our fields, growing conditions for farmers in California and across the country are facing unprecedented impacts from natural disasters,” said Senator Padilla. “As we approach the Farm Bill expiration later this year, hundreds of thousands of farmers — including growers devastated by the 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary floods — are still counting on us to make things right. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation would even the playing field for specialty crop growers hoping to access critical federal agriculture disaster programs.”

“North Carolina farmers are all too familiar with natural disasters and the barriers to access disaster relief programs,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand access to critical disaster relief programs for farmers across the state and give them the tools to rebuild when disaster strikes.”

Specifically, the Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would:

• Exempt the AGI limitation for farms that get 75% of their income from farming or related farming practices (agri-tourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, sale of agricultural equipment owned by person or entity, and other agriculture-related activities, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture).
• This would apply to the following disaster programs:
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
  • Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act is endorsed by the Almond Alliance, American Honey Producers Association, Blue Diamond, California Aquaculture Association, California Farm Bureau, California Strawberry Commission, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Aquaculture Association, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Northwest Aquaculture Alliance, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Western Growers. 

“The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act is a critical step toward ensuring that fresh produce growers can access the economic relief they need when disaster strikes their operations,” said Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association.  “By exempting the AGI limitation for these producers, this bill recognizes the unique financial realities of agriculture and strengthens the safety net for those who feed and nourish our communities nationwide.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, DC –  United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on his vote against the majority’s partisan government funding continuing resolution:

“Unfortunately, Speaker Mike Johnson chose to stop negotiating with Democrats on a reasonable short-term continuing resolution that invests in working families. Instead, the Majority put forward and passed a partisan government funding bill that includes drastic cuts to housing assistance for working families, support for shelters, funding for Army Corps of Engineers infrastructure projects, food assistance for seniors, services for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and more.  These types of cuts to federal services that are included in the Majority’s continuing resolution will make it tougher for working families, especially at a time when grocery prices are high, proposed tariffs are causing the stock market to fall, and there are mounting jitters about the economy.

“As our system of checks and balances continues to flex its muscles in response to an executive branch that is overreaching, Speaker Johnson has chosen to embolden this Administration and Elon Musk and their efforts to dismantle government agencies and stop critical services for working families, seniors, and veterans.  Instead, we should take up and pass a short-term continuing resolution that lets us finish the bipartisan appropriations bills that invest in our country.  Although I didn’t support the Majority’s long-term continuing resolution, I will continue to stand up for the working families of California’s 19th Congressional District and fight for the federal support and services that they have earned.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar denounced the extreme Republican government funding bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. In addition to cutting veterans’ health benefits by nearly $23 billion, the funding bill denies over $17.5 million in direct federal investments to the Inland Empire.
“This extreme funding bill evaporates the resources our community deserves, while doing nothing to lower costs or make life better for hardworking families,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “For decades, our community has been shortchanged and I’ve worked hard to reverse this trend. This government funding bill proves yet again that Donald Trump and House Republicans do not care about the Inland Empire and the families who live, work and pay taxes here. Donald Trump is only focused on cutting funding for things like Social Security, Medi-Cal, veterans’ health care and investments in our community to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. I will never stop fighting to bring home more resources that help make the Inland Empire safer and more affordable.”
The extreme government funding bill cut $17,548,605 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding for community funding projects that would have improved housing, public safety, water conservation and cybersecurity in the Inland Empire. Those cuts in California’s 33rd Congressional District include:

$3,000,000 for the next phase of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino’s (HACSB) Arrowhead Grove Inclusive Redevelopment Project, which would develop 92 new affordable units in the City of San Bernardino.
$2,500,000 for San Bernardino County’s new Bloomington Animal Shelter Construction that will promote public safety through the management of stray animals, abused pets and other homeless animals
$1,184,000 for California State University, San Bernardino’s (CSUSB) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) Research and Retraining Center, which would provide students with the skills in AI and Virtual Reality and support their careers in cybersecurity.
$1,184,000 for the City of San Bernardino’s Mobile Crime Prevention Program to purchase license plate readers and other technology to support the police in cracking down on crime.
$1,184,000 for the Hope Through Housing Foundation’s Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab to provide access to AI and other technology to encourage innovation and help support the Inland Empire’s workforce.
$1,105,800 for the City of Fontana’s Cypress Storm Drain System for a new storm drain system to help enhance underground infrastructure at key intersections and areas of the city where flooding occurs during heavy rainstorms.
$1,105,800 for the first phase of San Bernardino County’s Bloomington Septic Conversion, which would install 1,200 linear feet of mainline sewer to improve wastewater treatment. 
$1,105,800 for the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District’s (SBVMWD) Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin Conjunctive Use Program Well Construction in the City of San Bernardino, which would construct and connect two extraction wells to improve groundwater quality. 
$1,105,800 for West Valley Water District’s Cybersecurity and Water Reliability Project to protect the region’s water systems from cybersecurity threats.
$1,023,405 for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Relocation, which would relocate the current Emergency Operations Center to allow police, fire and other emergency response personnel to coordinate and arrive on scene much more quickly.
$850,000 for Omnitrans to enhance public transit infrastructure and improve our air quality.
$850,000 for the City of Rialto’s project to rehab and make ADA modifications of the Crossings, a 100-Unit Family Apartment Community to expand affordable housing options. 
$850,000 for the City of Rialto’s Foothill Boulevard Revitalization Project, which would improve the parkways at Foothill Boulevard to make it accessible and improve commutes.
$250,000 for the City of Redlands’ Texonia Park Modernization, which would help build new facilities and make the park more accessible and safe for the community.
$250,000 for the second phase of the City of Highland’s SR-210/5th Street Interchange, which would improve State Route 210 and 5th Street to help ease traffic congestion and improve safety.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that Ralph Figueroa, a U.S. Army veteran, graduate student at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and Student Veterans of America’s 2024 Student Veteran of the Year, will be his guest to President Donald Trump’s First Address to a Joint Session of Congress on March 4, 2025. The Trump and Elon Musk-led White House have fired nearly 6,000 veteran federal workers since taking office while promising to slash Medicaid and cut off funding for VA health care.
“As Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Republicans continue to make massive funding cuts to veterans services, and lay off thousands of veterans from vital civil service jobs, Ralph’s commitment to his community serves as a powerful antidote to the chaos and confusion the White House is inflicting on the American people,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “All of us know that the President will not tell the truth during his joint address to Congress. House Democrats will never waver in supporting our nation’s veterans and holding the Trump White House accountable for the devastating cuts to the VA and for firing thousands of veterans. No one understands the harm these reckless actions will cause better than Ralph because he is working with local veterans every day. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to fight back against Republican attacks on our veterans.”
“I am honored to join Representative Aguilar as his guest to the First Address to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday,” said Ralph Figueroa, U.S. Army veteran and CSUSB student veteran leader. “As a dedicated student leader, my top priority is to give back to the veteran community by making sure they are able to find good-paying, stable jobs so they can thrive. The current administration’s layoffs are harming veterans by exacerbating the problems they already struggle with, by taking their jobs away and making their lives harder. I hope that my presence tonight serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to our veteran community.”

Ralph Figueroa is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate student in the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Program. At the CSUSB Veterans Success Center, Ralph works as a master-level paraprofessional specializing in veterans resources and benefits advising. Ralph is a dedicated student leader in the veteran community, serving as President of the CSUSB Student Veterans Organization (SVO) since fall 2022. In January 2025, Ralph was named the 2024 Student Veteran of the Year by the Student Veterans of America. 
Joining the military at age 17, Ralph served in the U.S. Army for 12 years. While in the Army, he worked as a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist and a Fire Direction Center Specialist. He was deployed twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) before being honorably discharged in 2006.
Ralph serves as the 5th District Commissioner of the San Bernardino County Veterans Advisory Committee, where he works to unify veterans of San Bernardino County and advocate on their behalf to ensure their voices are heard.
An analysis by the House Appropriations Committee Democrats reveals that Donald Trump and Elon Musk have fired nearly 6,000 veteran federal workers since taking office. The federal government is the largest employer of veterans, making up 30 percent of the civilian workforce. The Trump administration’s stated goal is to eliminate 75 percent of the federal workforce, which could mean that up to 500,000 veterans could lose their jobs. 
The fact sheet from the House Appropriations Committee Democrats detailing how many veterans Donald Trump and Elon Musk have fired so far can be found here and the analysis can be found here.
Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar and Maggie’s Kids Foundation hosted a U.S. Post Office dedication ceremony to honor the late Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a longtime educator and community advocate in the Inland Empire.
“Dr. Margaret B. Hill was a passionate advocate for education and a dedicated community leader who devoted her life to making San Bernardino a better and more compassionate place,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Dr. Hill always stood up for what she believed was right and became the voice for countless children throughout our community. It is so important to see her name enshrined here in San Bernardino, and I hope this tribute inspires us all to carry on her legacy for years to come.”
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude for the incredible honor bestowed upon Dr. Margaret Hill today,” said Dr. Hill’s family. “This post office, now proudly bearing her name, stands as a testament to her extraordinary impact. It is a symbol of how one person, through their dedication, can change a community for the better. Dr. Hill taught us all the importance of giving back and the power of kindness, and we are forever grateful for the example she set. As a family, we are filled with immense pride to see her memory celebrated in such a meaningful way. We know that this post office will continue to serve the community she loved and supported, and in doing so, it will keep her spirit alive for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible.”
“Maggie’s Kids Foundation is extremely proud of this legacy milestone surrounding our beloved Dr. Margaret B. Hill,” said Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, President of MaggiesKidsFoundation. “Her efforts to uplift the community with positive information will forever be remembered on this occasion and it is our honor to witness with overwhelming joy a U.S. Post Office dedicated in her honor that will be cherished by all.”
Dr. Margaret B. Hill dedicated her life to ensuring that children in the Inland Empire have access to high-quality education. A longtime member of the San Bernardino City Unified School Board, she devoted 49 years to her career in education.Rep. Pete Aguilar’s bill to dedicate the Del Rosa Post Office to honor the late Dr. Margaret B. Hill was signed into law by President Biden on November 25, 2024, after it passed the House and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. The Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building is located at 1663 E. Date Place in San Bernardino, California.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that his bill codifying the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) University Center Economic Development Program was signed into law by President Biden. This program will boost economic development, create jobs and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.“This University Center program has shown that when universities, businesses and the federal government work together, we build a stronger economy and lower costs for hardworking Americans who are struggling,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This program will support regional economic strategies to create better-paying jobs, promote entrepreneurship and support economic growth. I am proud to have led the effort alongside Senator Padilla to make this program permanent and ensure the economic benefits of regional cooperation reach communities with the greatest need.”The University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity (GDP) Act, co-led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, was passed by Congress as part of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 and was signed into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025.“Higher education institutions play an important role in growing our economy and driving entrepreneurship opportunities for community members,” said Senator Padilla. “The University Center program has been one of EDA’s most effective efforts to boost economic development, and I applaud President Biden for signing our legislation to make this program permanent and expand it to reach more communities.”University Centers are federal partnerships that leverage higher-learning institutions’ research programs and technological resources to assist small businesses in regions experiencing economic hardship.This law will expand the University Center program nationwide by creating a University Center at an Institute of Higher Education in all fifty states. This program expansion will encourage economic development in economically distressed regions currently underserved by existing University Centers.Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that he helped secure a $14,055,578 Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for the City of San Bernardino to build and operate a public electric vehicle (EV) charging network of 101 EV charging stations at 15 municipality-owned locations throughout the City. The funding comes as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Rep. Aguilar helped pass in 2021.
“By equipping our communities with publicly accessible clean energy solutions, we are investing in a more sustainable and affordable future for Inland Empire residents,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This grant funding will help San Bernardino implement EV chargers throughout the City, taking crucial steps to combat climate change, reduce air pollution and improve public health.” 
“This grant propels San Bernardino toward a greener, more resilient future,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “By adding over 100 community EV charging stations, we are not only improving access to sustainable transportation but reaffirming our dedication to environmental progress and community growth.”
The grant funding will enable the City of San Bernardino, in partnership with local non-profit Uplift San Bernardino, to install 101 EV chargers at 15 city-managed locations. All sites will include Level 2 fast chargers, DC fast chargers, Level 1 micro-mobility outlets for e-bikes and e-scooters and a 200kWh Battery Energy Storage System to ensure long-term reliability and usage. 
The 15 locations throughout the City of San Bernardino that will receive EV charging stations are City Yard, the San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino City Hall, the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center, the Ruben Campos Community Center, Delmann Heights Park, Lytle Creek Park, Anne Shirrells Park, Feldheym Library, Nicholson Park, the San Bernardino Soccer Complex, Carousel Mall, the Regal Theater parking lot, and two street parking locations at 160 E. 5th Street and 455 W. 4th Street, respectively.
The funding comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s $635 million investment in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Round 2 Grant Awards, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The $1.3 billion grant program aims to strategically deploy funding for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural areas. 
Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Barragán’s Statement on Trump’s Executive Order Today to Dismantle the Department of Education

Washington — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán released the following statement today, in response to President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). 

“Donald Trump’s reckless decision to dismantle the Department of Education is an attack on America’s students. Across the country, students from kindergarten to the twelfth grade are already suffering from overcrowded classrooms, dwindling resources, and a lack of specialized support. With this executive order, Trump and his Republican allies are further gutting critical federal resources —harming students with disabilities, veterans, and students who come from lower-income and underserved communities the most. 

“Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans are ready to destroy our public education system for the purpose of slipping a few extra dollars in the pockets of their billionaire donors.  They will strip away essential programs and resources, like Pell grants, Title I funding, and anti-discrimination protections, that are critical to student success. 

“While they’ve chosen tax breaks for the rich over educational opportunity for our children, House Democrats will fight this illegal action to protect our students’ right to a high-quality public education.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Barragán, Bonamici, Garcia, and Ramirez Announce the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness

Long Beach, CA – Today, Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) announced the reestablishment of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. The Caucus will act as a dedicated forum for Members of Congress to work toward the common goal of ending homelessness in this country.

“Housing is a basic human right, yet too many people in our communities are forced to live on the streets, in shelters, or in unstable conditions. We need bold, compassionate solutions that address both the immediate needs of the unhoused and the systemic issues that fuel this crisis, said Rep. Barragán. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reestablishing the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness to fight for real, lasting solutions that will help get people into homes and keep them there.”

“Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to thriving families and communities. It’s unacceptable that affordable housing is out of reach for too many Oregonians and Americans, and too many people are one bad day away from becoming homeless,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues Reps. Barragán, Garcia, and Ramirez to reestablish the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and work on real, evidence-based, solutions to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage.”

“No one should have to worry about having a safe place to call home, but too many veterans, families, and individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. That’s why I’m working hard in Congress, pushing for real solutions, securing critical funding, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to keep people housed,” said Rep. Garcia. “As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and a Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, I’m committed to fighting for our most vulnerable and making housing more accessible for all.”

“Safe, quality, affordable housing is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. No one in the richest nation in the world should have to live without a place to call home. Yet, too many of our neighbors are unhoused,” said Rep. Ramirez. “As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, Representatives Barragán, Bonamici, Garcia, and I are committed to fighting like heaven and hell to address the root causes of homelessness in our country.”

The Congressional Caucus on Homelessness aims to analyze the complex factors contributing to homelessness and educate Members on the various federal programs vital to serving our unhoused community members. Just as importantly, the Caucus will continue its work advocating for funding for these programs and explore the varying policies necessary to secure housing and life-changing services for the nearly 800,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States.

Current members of the Caucus include Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Mark Takano (CA-39).

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