Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on the Majority’s Partisan Continuing Resolution

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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Rep. Aguilar: Republican funding bill cuts investments in the Inland Empire

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.

Rep. Aguilar Announces Student Veteran Leader Ralph Figueroa as Guest for 2025 First Address to a Joint Session of Congress

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.

Rep. Aguilar Dedicates Post Office to Honor Dr. Margaret B. Hill

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.

Rep. Aguilar’s Bill to Expand EDA University Centers and Bolster Economic Growth Becomes Law

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.

Rep. Aguilar Announces $14,055,578 for San Bernardino Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

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.

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

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

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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RANDOM LENGTHS NEWS: Rep. Barragán to Host Healthcare Leader Tamra King at Trump’s Joint Address to Spotlight Medicaid Cuts

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

By: Reporters Desk – March 3, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) will attend President Trump’s first Joint Address to Congress, joined by Tamra King, CEO of Harbor Community Health Centers (HarborCHC), as her guest. Together, they are shining a light on the dangerous Medicaid cuts being pushed by Trump and House Republicans — cuts that would strip healthcare from working and middle-class families, seniors, and vulnerable communities.

Tamra King leads Harbor Community Health Centers, which provides life-saving care to thousands of families in Southern California. Without Medicaid, clinics like HarborCHC would struggle to keep their doors open, leaving countless patients without access to a doctor.

HarborCHC is a nationally recognized provider of high-quality healthcare, recently earning the 2024 Health Center Quality Leader (HCQL) Gold Badge—placing it in the top 10% of health centers nationwide for clinical quality measures. HarborCHC was one of only 15 clinics in California to receive this prestigious recognition.

“Make no mistake: Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress want to gut Medicaid so they can hand more tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Barragán. “Harbor Community Health Centers are a lifeline for our community. These cuts would devastate working and middle-class families who rely on them for care. I invited Tamra tonight because this fight is personal — and I will not stay silent while Trump and Republicans attack our healthcare.”

“I am honored to join Congresswoman Barragán at tonight’s Joint Address,” said Tamra King. “At HarborCHC, we see firsthand how essential Medicaid is for our patients. If these cuts go through, many of them will have nowhere to turn for care. Our communities deserve leaders who will protect healthcare, not take it away.”

For over 50 years, Harbor Community Health Centers has served as a trusted provider of primary care, mental health services, and chronic disease management—ensuring that families receive the medical attention they need, regardless of their ability to pay. But Trump’s budget would gut Medicaid, leaving clinics like HarborCHC unable to provide vital care.

Trump and House Republicans claim their extreme budget is about “fiscal responsibility,” but the truth is clear: they want to slash Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security while prioritizing giveaways to the ultra-rich. Rep. Barragán is standing firm against these attacks and fighting to protect healthcare and retirement security for all Americans.

Rep. Barragán to Host Healthcare Leader Tamra King at Trump’s Joint Address to Spotlight Medicaid Cuts

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 3, 2025

Contact: Liam.Forsythe@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) will attend President Trump’s first Joint Address to Congress, joined by Tamra King, CEO of Harbor Community Health Centers (HarborCHC), as her guest. Together, they are shining a light on the dangerous Medicaid cuts being pushed by Trump and House Republicans—cuts that would strip healthcare from working and middle-class families, seniors, and vulnerable communities.

Tamra King leads Harbor Community Health Centers, which provides life-saving care to thousands of families in Southern California. Without Medicaid, clinics like HarborCHC would struggle to keep their doors open, leaving countless patients without access to a doctor.

HarborCHC is a nationally recognized provider of high-quality healthcare, recently earning the 2024 Health Center Quality Leader (HCQL) Gold Badge—placing it in the top 10% of health centers nationwide for clinical quality measures. HarborCHC was one of only 15 clinics in California to receive this prestigious recognition.

“Make no mistake: Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress want to gut Medicaid so they can hand more tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Barragán. “Harbor Community Health Centers are a lifeline for our community. These cuts would devastate working and middle-class families who rely on them for care. I invited Tamra tonight because this fight is personal—and I will not stay silent while Trump and Republicans attack our healthcare.”

“I am honored to join Congresswoman Barragán at tonight’s Joint Address,” said Tamra King. “At HarborCHC, we see firsthand how essential Medicaid is for our patients. If these cuts go through, many of them will have nowhere to turn for care. Our communities deserve leaders who will protect healthcare, not take it away.”

For over 50 years, Harbor Community Health Centers has served as a trusted provider of primary care, mental health services, and chronic disease management—ensuring that families receive the medical attention they need, regardless of their ability to pay. But Trump’s budget would gut Medicaid, leaving clinics like HarborCHC unable to provide vital care.

Trump and House Republicans claim their extreme budget is about “fiscal responsibility,” but the truth is clear: they want to slash Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security while prioritizing giveaways to the ultra-rich. Rep. Barragán is standing firm against these attacks and fighting to protect healthcare and retirement security for all Americans.

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