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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) issued the following statement on the Israel-Iran conflict:

“I am closely monitoring the unfolding crisis in the Middle East following Israel’s operation targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure — and Iran’s subsequent response. This is a deeply volatile moment. I am gravely concerned about the potential for escalation into a broader regional conflict.

Iran’s repressive regime continues to pose a grave threat to global security — sponsoring terrorism throughout the region, violently suppressing its own people, and targeting Americans. Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Preventing that outcome is a matter of America’s national security.

I want to be clear: the Iranian people are not our enemy. They are victims of an oppressive regime. Like all people, they deserve dignity, peace, and the opportunity to live free from fear, violence, and repression.

Clearly, Israel has the right to defend itself against existential threats. It is also clear that we need strong, principled American leadership that ensures Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, while simultaneously working to de-escalate tensions, avoid regional war, and chart a path forward through diplomacy, stability, and lasting security.

I will continue to engage directly with my constituents — including the vibrant and diverse Muslim and Jewish communities in the East Bay — as we confront these difficult issues together. My priority remains the safety and security of all people, and our shared hope for peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, June 25th, Representative Ro Khanna and  members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus joined anti-war civil society leaders to call on Congress to pass Rep. Khanna’s bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran.  

There are currently 73 members signed onto the resolution. The text can be found here. 

Following the press conference, Rep. Khanna delivered a floor speech calling for the U.S. to “invest in good jobs at home, not billions in more missiles that we cannot afford.”

“Americans do not want another costly and disastrous war in the Middle East. They want peace abroad and good-paying jobs at home,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). “I am standing with my Progressive Caucus colleagues today to say no to more endless wars and to urge Congress to pass my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress.”

“Donald Trump cannot drag America into another endless foreign war. The House should vote this week on a War Powers Resolution,” said Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (TX-35).

“Donald Trump said he was going to be the president of peace that got America out of foreign wars. He then unconstitutionally struck Iran without Congressional approval, even though Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States,” said Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “This is not our war to fight. Congress must vote on our War Powers Resolution to preserve our authority and stop’s President Trump’s illegal acts.” 

“Trump claims to be ‘pro-peace’, yet he’s dragging us into another destructive, unpopular, and expensive forever war without Congressional approval,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04). “The War Powers Act exists exactly for situations like these—to prevent Presidents from pursuing reckless, ego-driven military actions. Only Congress can authorize war—and frankly, in this case, we shouldn’t.”

“President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12). “The American people do not want another forever war. We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us—all based on the lie of ‘weapons of mass destruction.’ We are not falling for it again.” 

“The American people do not want to be dragged into yet another war. As Members of Congress, it’s our job to make their voices heard—and our constitutional obligation to debate and vote on going to war,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02). I pray that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran holds. U.S. military involvement should never have happened absent Congressional approval. That’s why I support the War Powers Resolution led by Representatives Massie and Khanna and why I encourage all of my colleagues in Congress to do the same.”

“Time and again, Trump has exercised executive overreach—from mass firings to deporting citizens, and most recently, to dropping bombs on Iran without congressional authorization,” said Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12).“This resolution is about reining in a wannabe dictator who continues to bypass Congress and risk the lives of the American people who are tired of sending their babies and spouses abroad into endless war. I am proud to be a co-sponsor and oppose this descent into fascism.”  

“If you want to send our children to war, you better come to Congress first,” said Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04). “The Constitution is clear—that’s our call, not the President’s. I represent a working-class district, and no one back home is asking for another war. They’re asking for us to lower costs on rent, groceries, and healthcare—not to be used as cannon fodder in someone else’s fight. I will keep fighting for them.”

“Four days later, we haven’t received a Congressional briefing scheduled on the president’s decision to unilaterally engage in an act of war. The facts about the impacts of the strike and Iran’s remaining nuclear capability are unclear. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “Congress has a constitutional role in our national security and we need the facts. We all want stability in the Middle East. We must work toward peace, not get drawn into another extended war.”

“It has only been a dozen years since nearly 100 Republican colleagues demanded that President Obama seek Congressional approval for his proposed attack against Syria,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Today, it appears most have ignored their own warning about the constitutional duty to consult and receive approval from Congress before engaging in an act of war. With the evidence coming forth that Trump misled the world on his claims of a ‘spectacular success,’ all that’s been obliterated is the credibility of Republicans who are displaying contradictions as big as the President’s. Our democracy is endangered more and more by the contradictions of both Trump and his enablers.”

“President Trump’s attack on Iran without authorization from Congress was illegal, threatens to destabilize the entire region, and makes Americans less safe. I stand with my CPC colleagues in supporting this resolution to reinforce the constitutionally-mandated separation of powers, and urging the President to return to a strategy of diplomacy that was successful under President Obama in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10).

“Regardless of our political party, we should all be clear that the power to declare war does not belong in the hands of the President. When unaccountable, extremist leaders seek to profit from endless wars and human suffering, we as Congressmembers have the obligation to affirm the Constitution and exert oversight,” said Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03). “It’s why I joined my colleagues to cosponsor the War Powers Resolution.”

“President Trump’s unilateral and unauthorized decision to conduct military strikes against Iran shows how he continues to put his own ego above the safety of our country. The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Trump’s reckless strike violates the clear intent of our Founders, that Congress, not a king-like executive, should decide when our nation goes to war. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to reassert the constitutional power of Congress,” said Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08). 

“Donald Trump created this mess when he walked away from the Iran deal, and now he’s trying to bomb his way out of it. It didn’t work – we know we don’t have inspectors that can access Iran’s nuclear sites or information about where crucial stockpiles are,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War. “We are so grateful to Ro Khanna and all the members who have supported his resolution to ensure that Donald Trump cannot take such reckless action that puts so many lives at risk again. We thank them for showing what it means to take a pledge to the Constitution of the United States and not to a wannabe king. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, DC – Representative Ro Khanna released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced U.S. strikes in Iran: 

“Stopping Iran from having a nuclear bomb is a top priority, but dragging the U.S. into another Middle East war is not the solution. Trump’s strikes are unconstitutional and put Americans, especially our troops, at risk. Congress needs to come back to DC immediately to vote on Rep. Thomas Massie and my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to ensure there is no further conflict and escalation. President Obama’s JCPOA limited enrichment to 3.67 percent and only in Natanz. After Trump ripped it up, we had 60 percent enrichment in Fordo. Americans want diplomacy, not more costly wars. We need to deescalate and pursue a path of peace,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.  

Rep. Khanna and Massie’s bipartisan War Powers Resolution has 47 cosponsors: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Val Hoyle, Rashida Talib, Pramila Jayapal, Don Beyer, Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Ayanna Pressley, Delia Ramirez, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Chuy Garcia, Nydia Velazquez,  James McGovern, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Veronica Escobar, Paul Tonko, Becca Balint, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Hank Johnson, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Sara Jacobs, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Chris Deluzio, Gwen Moore, Mike Thompson, Yasmin Ansari, Bennie Thompson, Luis Correa, Betty McCollum, Marcy Kaptur, Mark DeSaulnier, Stephen Lynch, Andre Carson, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joaquin Castro, Maxwell Frost, Al Green, Debbie Dingell, Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury, Sylvia Garcia, Leger Fernande, Diana DeGette. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Washington, D.C.–– Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), the Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems (CITI), announces that he has introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prohibit “United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives and can be called up for debate and a floor vote after 15 calendar days without action in committee.                                                                                                                                                       

Rep. Khanna joins Rep. Massie as co-lead of the Iran War Powers Resolution. 

“No president should be able to bypass Congress’s constitutional authority over matters of war. The American people do not want to be dragged into another disastrous conflict in the Middle East. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie to reassert that any military action against Iran must be authorized by Congress,” said Rep. Khanna.

“The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States,” said Rep. Massie. “Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”

In addition to Reps. Khanna and Massie, original cosponsors include Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Gregorio Casar (D-TX), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Ayanna Presley (D-MA), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate. 

The text of the Khanna-Massie Iran War Powers Resolution is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, and Nanette Barragán (CA-44) led Democrats in introducing a resolution to condemn Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines during the LA protests, while reaffirming support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest. This resolution provides a fact-based response to Representative Young Kim’s distorted, partisan, and misleading resolution that House Republican leadership will have the House vote on later this week. 

Rather than working on a bipartisan basis to condemn violence, defend the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, and thank members of law enforcement, Rep. Kim’s resolution instead falsely claims that violence was widespread across LA and that California’s leadership has “prioritized protecting illegal immigrants and violent individuals over United States citizens” among other highly partisan claims. 

In contrast, the Barragán-Lofgren resolution accurately notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. When communities exercised their First Amendment right to assemble and protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, President Trump wrongfully deployed the National Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or local officials. Democrats’ resolution commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military servicemembers in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County. 

“Rep. Kim’s resolution regarding the L.A. protests is not just misguided, inaccurate, and disingenuous: it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “President Trump’s deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong. Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials in deploying active-duty troops also put both protestors and state and local law enforcement officers at risk. House Republicans should be conducting vigorous oversight of the shocking deployment of servicemembers – a blatant attempt to take over states’ law enforcement responsibility – not reflexively jumping to providing justification for Trump to send troops into other communities or defending his dangerous attempt to squash constitutionally-protected dissent.”

“Our communities have been terrorized by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s indiscriminate mass deportation ICE operations — in response, people spoke up and protested to express their fear, anger, and anxiety,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “State and local law enforcement had the situation under control and the Trump Administration intentionally escalated the situation when they deployed troops into Los Angeles. Our resolution makes clear that we will not stand by while the federal government tries to intimidate Californians into silence through a show of military force. We must protect the right to protest, condemn violence, and reject authoritarian tactics that have no place in America.”

“Communities throughout California have been upended by ICE raids where masked ICE agents are using excessive force to go after people without probable cause. People want safer communities, not to see elementary school students and sick people at hospitals deported without due process. Instead of deescalating violence, Trump has fomented it. By deploying Marines and the National Guard against protestors in LA, Trump exacerbated a situation that local officials had under control. The resolution introduced by Rep. Kim does not accurately state the facts of the situation and instead falsely lays blame on Californians for Trump’s escalatory actions. By introducing a resolution with the correct facts, Democrats are standing up for Californians, including our law enforcement officials, who have been repeatedly demonized by partisan hacks looking to score cheap political points,” said Rep. Lieu. 

“There was only one reason Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles: to launch his pathetic, made-for-TV reality show to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids,” said Rep. Kamalger-Dove. “But Angelenos know our city is not on fire.  We see right through the reality TV president’s theatrics that are meant to distract from this Administration’s tanking of our economy, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and the brutality and inhumanity of its mass deportations. If you pan away from the set, you won’t see Trump’s toy soldiers or violence, but real people hurting from his policies. Let’s focus the camera back on that.”

“The Trump Administration is using our military service members as political pawns to create a false narrative of uncontrolled violence, trample on legal precedent, and perpetuate fear and hate in our communities,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Last week, I led a letter with over 34 of my colleagues demanding that the President withdraw troops from L.A. and allow our local officials and law enforcement to do their jobs.  I’m proud to join California Democrats in demanding answers from the Administration.”

“As a proud born-and-raised Angeleno, Los Angeles will always be home. The Republican resolution we are voting on this week is a distorted and inaccurate attack on Los Angeles and our great state,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I thank Representatives Barragan and Lofgren for leading our California colleagues in introducing this resolution that reaffirms our support for peaceful protest and condemns President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines on American soil. The President’s unprovoked and politically-motivated escalation of our military sowed more chaos and harm across our communities. My California House Democratic Caucus colleagues will continue to support the Constitutional right to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s heartless immigration agenda while also swiftly condemning any acts of violence. Our Republican colleagues – especially our California Republican colleagues – need to do the same.”

“Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a dangerous overreach that bypassed both state and local authority. We all condemn violence. Californians have a right to protest peacefully — and the Governor’s office assured me that local law enforcement had the capacity to get the situation under control,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The Republican resolution isn’t about safety — it’s political theater aimed at stripping Americans of their rights. Instead of targeting violent criminals, Trump is going after hardworking community members and using military force to intimidate dissent. Our resolution makes clear: we won’t let fear or federal overreach silence Californians exercising their constitutional rights.”

“This week, Republicans are forcing a vote on a partisan resolution to legitimize Trump’s unacceptable attacks on our community in Los Angeles and to excuse his warrantless mass ICE raids, his takeover of our National Guard, and his deployment of U.S. Marines on the streets of Southern California. This is just wrong. I’m proud to instead join my California Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand up to Trump’s attacks on California, defend our constitutional rights to due process and free expression, and thank the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and prosecute those committing acts of violence and vandalism,” said Rep. Chu.

The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Aguilar, Bera, Brownley, Bynum, Carbajal, T. Carter, Chu, Cisneros, Correa, Costa, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Espaillat, Friedman, Garamendi, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, J. Gomez, Gray, J. Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, T. Kennedy, Khanna, Landsman, Larsen, Latimer, Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Matsui, McCollum, Min, Morelle, Mullin, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Rivas, Ross, Ruiz, Salinas, L. Sanchez, Sherman, Simon, Swalwell, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, N. Torres, Tran, Vargas, Waters, Whitesides. 

The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement on the House of Representatives vote advancing the Majority’s partisan tax and spending legislation:

“Despite my continued calls for a bipartisan commonsense fix to our tax code, Speaker Mike Johnson forced through the President’s purely partisan reconciliation tax bill that provides tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of working families by cutting their benefits and our children by adding trillions to our nation’s debt.  That is why this partisan bill will be one of the largest self-inflicted wounds to working families and to our economy in our nation’s history. It is projected that this partisan bill will force over 15 million working families to lose their healthcare and nutrition assistance and set back our progress to protect our environment. Additionally and disturbingly, it is widely reported that this partisan bill will add nearly $4 trillion to our national debt and lead to a major drag on our economy. 

“Instead of focusing on economic security and fiscal responsibility, the President pursued a divisive and short-sighted agenda that hurts working families and jeopardizes our ability to maintain our national debt.  Rather than negotiating with Democrats to deliver meaningful, bipartisan solutions, the majority chose to placate the President and push through a bill that prioritizes politics over people.  I voted against the bill.  However, I will not be deterred from continuing my work to fight for working families and affordability in California’s 19^th Congressional District and the future financial stability of our country.” 

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced a new $5,353,204 federal grant for the Monterey Regional Airport to continue construction on its new state-of-the-art terminal.  The funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will support Phase 5 of the terminal replacement project, including the relocation of utilities and the construction of a new public parking lot.

This latest federal investment builds on Rep. Panetta’s long-term commitment to delivering modern, safe, and sustainable infrastructure to California’s 19^th Congressional District, even as federal programs come under increasing threat of cuts or elimination from the Trump Administration.

“Despite this Administration slashing federal funding for local infrastructure programs, I was able to work and obtain this federal investment for our community,” said Rep. Panetta.  “This new federal funding for Monterey Regional Airport will help it modernize with safer, more efficient, and more sustainable facilities.  I’ll continue my fight to deliver results that improve our economy and enhance the daily lives of those who call California’s 19^th Congressional District home.”

“This funding is a critical component for the circulation in and out of the replacement terminal to ensure the passenger journey remains easy and convenient for both residents and visitors,” said Monterey Regional Airport Interim Executive Director Chris Morello.  “We’d like to thank Representative Panetta for his assistance, means a great deal to the airport to have such strong support in the District and in Washington.”

This announcement follows Rep. Panetta’s previous efforts to secure over $64 million in federal funding for the Monterey Regional Airport’s modernization, supporting terminal design, tarmac improvements, and other safety upgrades.  Earlier this month, the airport broke ground on the new 62,754 square-foot terminal, set to open in 2027, marking a major milestone in the project’s progression.

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

“We urge you to return to topline and project-specific funding levels that can achieve the strong, bipartisan support that USACE funding has historically had.”

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) released the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump ordering the U.S. military to conduct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan:

“The President’s use of the U.S. military to strike Iran’s nuclear sites was without authorization by the U.S. Congress under Article One, Section Eight, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution and without a demonstration of an immediate threat to the security of the United States to deploy forces as Commander in Chief under Article Two, Section Two, Clause One. 

“Furthermore, the President failed to provide a clear objective for these actions or a way to determine the success of the missions.  This type of unauthorized military action could easily lead to an escalation of the conflict and put many of the 40,000 U.S. service members in the Middle East at risk from retaliation by Iran and its proxies. 

“The President promised to end forever wars, but tonight’s actions could escalate tensions, destabilize the region, and drag the United States into an avoidable conflict.  Although Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities may now be degraded, its knowledge, geology, and desire to obtain nuclear weapons remain.  That is why the best way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, protect America and Israel, and provide stability and peace to the region is not through direct conflict, but through leadership, negotiation, and diplomacy.”

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and reintroduced two major initiatives to safeguard pollinator populations and promote ecosystem health: the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act of 2025 and a bipartisan resolution recognizing June 16–22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week.

Since the 1980s, the population of the western monarch has plummeted by over 99%, with only 9,119 butterflies recorded across 256 sites during the 2024 overwintering season.  Despite community efforts, threats from climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss continue to push this iconic species toward extinction.

“Recently, the populations of our pollinators, including our western monarch butterfly, are decreasing dramatically, which could threaten our environment and agriculture,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the MONARCH Act and our Pollinator Week Resolution which would restore critical habitat, invest in science-based conservation, and raise awareness of the importance of these essential species.  Protecting pollinators is a matter of environmental responsibility and agricultural resilience, and I’m committed to ensuring we do our part to save these species so central to the history and character of our home.”

The MONARCH Act, co-led by Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would provide $125 million over five years to support the restoration and protection of western monarch butterfly habitat and to implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan. The Pollinator Week Resolution, introduced with Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Senator Merkley, reaffirms the importance of pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, and bats to American agriculture, biodiversity, and food security.

“Our monarchs are in grave danger. We’ve all experienced the moment of childhood joy and excitement when we spot a butterfly dancing in the air, and their beauty contributes to the health of our planet and the crops we rely on for sustenance, too,” said Sen. Merkley. “The monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction if we fail to take bold action to protect them, and we must all work together to advance sustainable solutions—like our MONARCH Act—to protect this iconic species and other pollinators.”

“The monarch butterfly is a vital part of our ecosystem and a symbol of the Central Coast, with groves in places like Pismo Beach and Goleta,” said Rep. Carbajal.  “I’m proud to join Representative Panetta and Senator Merkley in reintroducing the MONARCH Act to restore critical habitats and ensure the survival of this iconic species for generations to come.”

“During National Pollinator Week, I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in highlighting the vital role these small but powerful creatures play in sustaining our ecosystem and economy, and in encouraging everyone to take part in efforts to protect them,” said Rep. Yakym.

The MONARCH Act is endorsed by leading environmental and conservation organizations including the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, and the Center for Biological Diversity.

“Western monarch butterflies are in trouble as populations have declined from as many as ten million in the 1980s to less than 10,000 in 2024 – a loss of 99%,” said Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.  “The MONARCH Act will help provide the resources needed to recover western monarch populations so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy and delight in this migration for generations to come.”

“The MONARCH Act recognizes that we must act quickly if we want to save America’s most iconic butterfly from collapse,” said Stephanie Kurose, Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Western monarchs need all the help they can get. This bill gives them a glimmer of hope of surviving the extinction crisis.”

“Monarch butterflies and their epic migratory journey are a miracle of nature, spreading joy across America each year – but they could go extinct on our watch,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director of Environment America. “Environment America is proud to support the MONARCH Act, which will protect these butterflies and the habitat they need so they can continue to fill our skies and our hearts.”

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