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

Washington, DC – February 24, 2022 – In an effort to combat a sharp rise in oil prices amid Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) led a bicameral letter to President Biden urging the White House to stabilize gas prices and help working families by releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Drawing down oil from the federal government’s stockpile now and then replacing it later with less expensive crude could help temporarily keep gas prices down for Americans, strengthen U.S. national security, and be a good deal for taxpayers.

“As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to cause volatility in the global oil market, we are writing to urge you to consider using all of the tools at your disposal to insulate Americans from rising gasoline prices. This includes an additional release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the use of diplomatic pressure to encourage global oil producers to ramp up their output, and restrictions on petroleum exports unless they will advance our national security goals and lower prices for consumers,” the 10 members of Congress wrote.

In addition to Reed and Khanna, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an emergency stockpile of petroleum maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It is the largest known emergency supply of oil in the world, and its underground salt domes in Louisiana and Texas has an authorized capacity for approximately 714 million barrels.

According to DOE, the average price paid for oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – $29.70 per barrel. Today, gas prices surged to over $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.

In November, President Biden ordered the release of 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to deal with surging gasoline prices in the U.S. which appeared to put a temporary damper on them.

Crude oil prices represent the biggest factor in terms of the prices that consumers pay at the gas pump. But the cost of refining, distribution expenses, taxes, and rent for the gas station also influence the price at the pump.

Full text of the letter follows:

February 24, 2022

President Joseph R. Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden:

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to cause volatility in the global oil market, we are writing to urge you to consider using all of the tools at your disposal to insulate Americans from rising gasoline prices. This includes an additional release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the use of diplomatic pressure to encourage global oil producers to ramp up their output, and restrictions on petroleum exports unless they will advance our national security goals and lower prices for consumers.

We appreciate your decision last November to release 50 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to coordinate that effort with similar releases by our allies. We believe the current moment calls for another release to help lower gasoline costs for struggling American families and businesses.

Due to the pandemic, oil speculators, and worldwide energy price spikes, Americans consumers are paying $1 more at the pump than a year ago. Families are having to choose between filling up their cars and putting food on their kitchen tables. In our home states, high gasoline prices are hurting families and small businesses still trying to dig themselves out of the economic fallout of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the major oil companies are pocketing their highest profits in years, and they are using those profits to issue higher dividends and buy back stock. We support your pledge to “closely [monitor] energy supplies for any disruption” and echo your words of caution that “American oil and gas companies should not exploit this moment to hike their prices to raise profits.”

Similarly, international oil producers rely on the United States for their security, yet are lining up with Russia in setting production targets. At a time when American consumers are suffering because of Russia’s actions, we should insist that our international partners do more to increase production and stabilize prices.

Finally, at a time of significant unrest, we should be judicious in allowing the export of domestically produced petroleum. Today, total U.S. production of petroleum liquids roughly matches domestic consumption. Indeed, the Department of Energy projects that the U.S. will reach its highest level of crude oil production by next year and that net exports of petroleum product will reach new highs this year. We should leverage that capacity to ensure that consumers at home are protected and that our global partners have access to supply no matter what actions Russia takes.

We know that in the long-term, eliminating U.S. dependence on oil will provide the stability we need to keep energy costs low for American households. To that end, we were proud to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, championed by your administration, which will invest $7.5 billion to build out a national network of electric vehicle chargers and $90 billion to improve public transit systems, including funding for electric buses. We also believe now is the time to enact your clean energy plan to fight climate change and further insulate Americans from exogenous energy shocks.

Yet, as states work to implement transformative changes to our transportation system, Americans will feel increased pain at the pump in the short-term due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. We believe the current moment calls for the Administration to use all its options to help insulate American households from price spikes being exacerbated by events far from home.

Thank you for your continued leadership on this important issue.

Sincerely,

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

Washington, DC – Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) issued the following statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

“President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law. He is responsible for the death and destruction that will continue so long as he continues this assault on global peace and security. My heart is with the people of Ukraine who did not want this violence and have done nothing to deserve it. Many innocent civilians are suffering because of Putin’s illegal actions.

At the Munich Security Conference, the United States, Ukraine, and our allies reaffirmed our commitment to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty. We are united against Putin and his oligarchs and I support the severe and immediate sanctions President Biden announced today to isolate Russia from the global financial system.

We also must welcome Ukrainian asylum seekers into the US and help Ukrainian refugees around the world who are fleeing this war as Putin’s invasion unleashes mass suffering throughout the region. This is a dark moment in history, but the people of Ukraine are not alone.”

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.

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

Jerusalem – Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi today on a Congressional delegation to Israel, Germany and the United Kingdom to focus on security, economy and governance.

“As threats to democracy grow more alarming and urgent, American leadership remains committed to advancing security and stability, economic prosperity and democratic governance around the world,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “Our first stop will be in Israel, recognizing our shared democratic values and mutual security. We will meet with the leadership of Israel and leaders in the civic community to discuss the prospects for a two-state solution and regional security. At the Munich Security Conference, our delegation will reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the transatlantic partnership, especially in the face of worldwide challenges to democracy and the rise of autocratic threats. In London, our delegation will deepen our interparliamentary dialogue on how we can continue to work together to counter antidemocratic forces and advance our shared values and interests in the global arena.

“As Speaker, I am proud to lead a Congressional delegation with the Chairs of significant committees and subcommittees of jurisdiction and on the subjects that are the focus of our visit. We look forward to an informative and productive trip.”

The Members of the delegation are:

• Speaker Nancy Pelosi
• Congressman Ro Khanna, Chair of the Environmental Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform; House Armed Services Committee; House Agriculture Committee
• Chairman Adam Smith, House Armed Services Committee
  • Chairman Smith will travel to Germany and the United Kingdom
• Chairman Adam Schiff, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
• Chairman Ted Deutch, Chair of Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; House Judiciary Committee; House Ethics Committee
  • Chairman Deutch will travel to Israel and Germany
• Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee; House Budget Committee
• Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Chair of Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
  • Congresswoman McCollum will travel to Germany
• Congressman Jim Himes, Chair of the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth; Chair of the National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee; House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Congressman Himes will travel to Germany and the United Kingdom
• Congressman Bill Keating, Chair of the Europe, Eurasia, Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; House Armed Services Committee
• Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; House Agriculture Committee
  • Congressman Maloney will travel to Germany and the United Kingdom
• Congressman Eric Swalwell, Chair of the Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; House Homeland Security Committee; House Judiciary Committee
• Congressman Ruben Gallego, Chair of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee of House Armed Services Committee; House Veterans’ Affairs Committee; House Natural Resources Committee
  • Congressman Gallego will travel to Germany
• Congressman Seth Moulton, House Armed Services Committee; House Budget Committee; House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Congressman Moulton will travel to Germany
• Congressman Andy Kim, House Armed Services Committee; House Foreign Affairs Committee; House Small Business Committee

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.

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

Washington, DC— February 3, 2022 — Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Tom Reed (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Accelerating Charitable Efforts (ACE) Act with Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) to reform federal law to ensure funds donated to donor-advised funds (DAFs) are made available to working charities within a reasonable period of time and provide incentives to speed up donation timelines. The bicameral legislation, introduced in the Senate by Angus King (I-ME) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), would also update regulations for private foundations to fulfill their intended purpose of ensuring a regular flow of dollars to working charities.

“Charities play an essential role in society and have been a lifeline for many people struggling during the pandemic. However, loopholes in our current laws allow the ultra-wealthy to make contributions and receive immediate tax benefits without any distribution requirements. The result is that money promised to charity can sit unused for years,” said Rep. Khanna. “This bill would reform our tax laws to make sure donations are quickly given out to charities, so that more Americans receive the services and support they need.”

“The coronavirus pandemic highlighted just how important working charities are to our communities. For countless Mainers and people across the country, charitable organizations are life-changing and lifesaving. Yet, $1 out of every $8 donated to U.S. charities goes to donor-advised funds, giving the wealthy generous tax breaks for their charitable contributions but not ensuring those funds help anyone in need. Our half-century old philanthropy laws must be reformed to correct this fundamental flaw in our current system,” said Rep. Pingree. “I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation with Representative Reed as a companion to Senators King and Grassley’s bill to ensure charitable donations effectively and efficiently do what they are intended to: help those in our communities who need it most.”

“We will always stand with charitable organizations to make sure they have the resources that they need to better serve our communities. So many people depend on our charities and the help and care they provide that we want to make sure that they have the support that they need,” said Rep. Reed. “We were glad to join in this bipartisan effort to help charities receive the funds that they so rightfully deserve. The reforms from this bill will make sure that charities will quickly receive contributions that will go to better the organization and those in the community they are dedicated to serving.”

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) currently have more than $140 billion set aside for future charitable gifts – but under current tax laws, the funds have no requirement to ever distribute these resources to working charities. Accordingly, DAFs can accept and hold charitable donations that have generated a federal income tax deduction, but never devote the resources to charitable work. The ACE Act will address this problem and speed the provision of money to working charities by reforming existing DAF rules with two new types of DAFs:

• 15-year DAFs: The bill will create a new form of DAF under which a donor would get upfront tax benefits (as under current law), but only if DAF funds are distributed (or advisory privileges are released) within 15 years of the donation. To avoid overvaluations, the income tax deduction for complex assets – such as closely-held or restricted stock – would be the amount of cash made available in DAF accounts as a result of the sale of the asset (instead of the appraised value).
• 50-Year DAFs: As an alternative, donors who want more than 15 years to distribute their DAF funds will be allowed to elect an “aligned benefit rule.” Under this rule, a DAF donor would continue to receive capital gains and estate tax benefits upon donation, but would not receive the income tax deduction until the donated funds are distributed to the charitable recipient. All funds would be required to be distributed outright to charities no later than 50 years after their donation.

America’s community foundations will receive certain exemptions under this bill to support their place-based, mission-driven work; specifically, the ACE Act will allow any donor to hold up to $1 million in DAF funds at any community foundation without being subject to payout rules. For amounts over $1 million, a donor still can receive up-front tax benefits if the DAF requires a five percent annual payout or if donations must be distributed within 15 years of contribution. The legislation will also reform existing rules governing private foundations, ensuring that these entities cannot meet payout obligations through salaries or travel expenses to a donor’s family members, or through distributions to DAFs.

“The pandemic has been a powerful reminder of how important charities are to our communities,” said Congresswoman Porter. “The tax code incentivizes charitable giving, but a loophole allows donor-advised funds to hold onto donors’ dollars, granting donors a tax break without actually distributing funds to charities that do the work of helping families. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will increase accountability and help get charities the resources they need to serve our communities.”

“America’s philanthropic sector is an unquestioned force for good across the globe, investing critically-needed resources in charities working to improve life for those in need,” said Sen. King. “These benefits are why the federal government offers tax incentives to Americans who give back – but in order to ensure that these funds are doing the most possible good, we must reform the rules that govern some charitable donations. Under current rules, donor-advised funds and private foundations allow some to receive tax breaks for donations that never actually reach working charities. I’m grateful that Representatives Pingree and Reed are leading the bipartisan fight in the House to clear up those gray areas, and ensure that charitable contributions will swiftly reach the worthy organizations doing good in our communities.”

“Working charities do so much good in our country and abroad, and they operate on the good will and donations of those who can give. That’s why our tax code encourages giving to charity,” said Sen. Grassley. “But charitable dollars ought to be doing the good they were intended for, not sitting stagnant to provide tax advantages for some and management fees for others. The reform measures we are putting forward will ensure that the incentives for charitable giving actually result in money going to charities. I appreciate Rep. Pingree’s leadership on this effort in the House, and I hope more of our colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, will continue to join us.”

“Over the past two years of this pandemic, charities in Maine and across the country have stepped up in numerous ways to fill critical gaps in services and support their communities. And yet, while these organizations impact so many lives, thousands are at risk of closing. In the nearly 50 years since our opening, we’ve seen the impact that every donation can make on a person in need,” Mark Swann, Executive Director of Preble Street. “Establishing charitable giving laws that prioritize giving in a timely manner means more resources and help for Americans in need. We are grateful to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and her cosponsors for their leadership in introducing legislation that strengthens and invests in America’s charitable organizations. I urge Congress to swiftly pass the Accelerating Charitable Efforts (ACE) Act.”

“RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts. When released, less than 5% of RTA participants return to prison compared to the national recidivism rate of 60%. Having received the majority of its funding from private foundations and individuals, RTA supports the ACE Act that allows money to move out of the foundations and donor-advised funds faster. We thank Representatives Chellie Pingree and Tom Reed for their leadership, and hope these reforms will support RTA and non-profits like us to address the urgency of reducing mass incarceration and create lasting change within our communities,” said Katherine Vockins, Founder and Executive Director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts.

The full legislative text for the ACE Act can be read here.

Click here to watch a video explaining the benefits of the ACE Act.

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

SAN JOSE, CA – U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the below statement following the passing of her former colleague, Congresswoman Nita Lowey:

“Nita Lowey was a resolute leader and staunch public servant, and I am saddened at the news of her passing. Like many of my current and former colleagues, Nita broke glass ceilings – including as the first female Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee – paving the way for women to lead in Congress. This will help shape the future for the better for our daughters. 

“Congresswoman Lowey’s legacy will be felt for many years to come. I offer comfort and peace to her family at this difficult time.”

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

SAN JOSE, CA – U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) issued the below statement following the passing of her colleague, Congressman Raúl Grijalva:

“Our country has lost a tireless leader with the passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Those of us who had the honor of working alongside him have also lost a friend.

“Over the years, we specifically worked together to protect the rights of immigrants, and his advocacy will live on. I wish Congressman Grijalva’s family solace during this time of mourning.”

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

Members Urge UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal to Lift Secrecy Around Reported UK Government Order to Weaken Encryption and Threaten the Security and Privacy of Americans’ Information

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), today called for transparency from the U.K.’s top surveillance court about the UK government’s reported order to Apple to build a backdoor into encrypted iCloud backups to enable government surveillance of messages, photos and other files. Under U.K. law, Apple is barred from confirming the backdoor order to the public or even members of Congress.

According to reports, Apple is challenging the order at the U.K.’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal in a closed-door hearing on March 14. The bipartisan group of members urged the court to “remove the cloak of secrecy” surrounding the order, and to make this hearing and any further proceedings in the case public. They noted that secrecy in this case is pointless, given that the order has now been widely reported and commented on, and that Apple withdrew its encryption service for U.K. users last month. 

“Given the significant technical complexity of this issue, as well as the important national security harms that will result from weakening cybersecurity defenses, it is imperative that the U.K.’s technical demands of Apple— and of any other U.S. companies — be subjected to robust, public analysis and debate by cybersecurity experts,” the members wrote. “Secret court hearings featuring intelligence agencies and a handful of individuals approved by them do not enable robust challenges on highly technical matters.”

The U.S. government has recommended that officials only communicate using secure, encrypted services, following multiple damaging hacks of sensitive government data from insecure third-party systems in recent years. The Chinese government’s “Salt Typhoon” hack of American phone systems, the “Snowflake” data breach of “nearly all” AT&T customers’ data, including government officials, and the Chinese government’s hack of Microsoft-hosted U.S. government email accounts, all involved data held by third party companies on insecure systems that were subsequently accessed by hackers. 

The members wrote that secrecy required of backdoor orders impedes Congress’s power to conduct oversight, including by barring U.S. companies from disclosing foreign orders that threaten Americans’ privacy and cybersecurity.

“Apple has informed Congress that had it received a technical capabilities notice, it would be barred by U.K. law from telling Congress whether or not it received such a notice from the U.K., as the press has reported,” they wrote. “Google also recently told Senator Wyden’s office that, if it had received a technical capabilities notice, it would be prohibited from disclosing that fact.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and President Donald Trump raised concerns about the reported U.K. order following a letter from Wyden and Biggs last month. DNI Gabbard stated in her response that the U.K.’s reported demand would be “a clear and egregious violation of Americans’ privacy and civil liberties, and open up a serious vulnerability for cyber exploitation by adversarial actors.” President Trump also said that he raised the issue during Prime Minister Starmer’s recent visit to Washington, comparing the U.K.’s actions to the conduct of China.

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

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in reintroducing 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) and Austin Scott (GA-08) also 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.

“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.

“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.”

“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 – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

CA Delegation to Congressional Leadership: “We urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18) and Ken Calvert (R-CA-41), Chairs of the Democratic and Republican Congressional Delegations, respectively, along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-CA) led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild after the recent devastating fires.

At the urging of Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, Lofgren, and a bipartisan group of 45 other California Members of Congress, former President Biden issued a major disaster declaration in response to the fires on January 8, 2025. Although federal support so far has helped, the extensive damage caused by the Los Angeles fires will require additional federal assistance, coordination, and funding for short- and long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“The tremendous task of rebuilding is well underway with Phase 1 removal of household hazardous materials from properties destroyed or heavily damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” wrote the lawmakers. “However, the road to full recovery is long, and while the response from the federal government has been incredibly helpful to date, additional funding and resources will be needed.” 

“Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornados in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County,” continued the lawmakers. “Therefore, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.”

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County fires burned more than 40,000 acres — an area almost three times the size of Manhattan. The fires destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and took at least 29 lives. At one point, California mobilized more than 15,000 personnel including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams to support disaster response.

Yesterday, Padilla, Schiff, Calvert, and Lofgren pushed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend the application deadline for federal disaster assistance for victims of the Los Angeles fires.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries,

We write to highlight the ongoing response and recovery from the major disaster that was declared on Jan 8, 2025, in Los Angeles County. The tremendous task of rebuilding is well underway with Phase 1 removal of household hazardous materials from properties destroyed or heavily damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. However, the road to full recovery is long, and while the response from the federal government has been incredibly helpful to date, additional funding and resources will be needed.

Fueled by wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, the Los Angeles County wildfires burned over 40,000 acres, destroyed over 16,000 structures, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and killed more than two dozen people. At one point, California mobilized more than 15,000 personnel including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to aid in the response effort. For comparison, these wildfires burned an area almost three times the size of Manhattan, and the extensive damage caused by the wildfires requires additional federal assistance, coordination, and funding.

These wildfires have caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County, including to federal and state highways and roads, critical public infrastructure, homes, and buildings. The historic destruction caused by these wildfires requires additional federal funding and support. Just as the federal government has come to the aid of communities impacted by wildfires across the western United States, tornados in the Midwest, ice storms in Texas, or hurricanes in the Southeast, we should once again support the recovery of the impacted families, businesses, and communities in Los Angeles County. Therefore, we urge you to ensure Los Angeles County has the resources it needs to recover and rebuild in an upcoming disaster relief bill.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) along with Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced legislation, H.R. 2093, to reform federal permitting standards for local wastewater treatment and water recycling projects. The legislation would extend the maximum term for certain permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) is the Democratic co-lead of the bill, and Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) is an original cosponsor. 

“Water infrastructure investments across California and other states are critical to maintaining our access to clean and reliable water supplies,” said Rep. Calvert. “This legislation takes a common sense step of reforming our federal permitting requirements to correspond to the time it takes to build water infrastructure projects.”

“Every Californian and American deserves clean water and world-class infrastructure, but too often these projects are delayed,” said Rep. Garamendi. “There are water recycling projects in California in their third permit term that have never even broken ground. This is unacceptable. Our bill upholds Clean Water Act protections while ensuring federal permits accurately reflect the construction timeframe of water projects, cutting the permitting backlog in half. California needs upgrades to aging water treatment plants in the Bay Area and new water recycling facilities to meet our water supply needs.

“To extend permits for up to 10 years means we can help eliminate backlogs and delays, and better use taxpayer dollars on our priority infrastructure projects,” said American Public Works Association President Dominick A. Longobardi, the Deputy Town Comptroller/Director of Purchasing for the Town of Hempstead, New York.

“APWA thanks Representatives Garamendi and Calvert for reintroducing this legislation to extend permits for up to 10 years,” said American Public Works Association CEO Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “Permitting reform is important for our members; so important it’s a vital piece in our public policy priorities. The change would help public works professionals do their work in a more cost-effective way.”

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