MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

In accordance with H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will deliver federal funds that U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) helped secure for Virginia’s Ninth District.

The following Ninth District project will receive funds from NIST: 

Project Name: Energy DELTA Lab – Utilization of Former Mine Lands for the Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Project

Recipient Name: Energy DELTA Lab, located in Wise, Virginia

Amount Received: $1,415,000

“Southwest Virginia is fertile ground for an energy renaissance. One project that will contribute to our region’s energy future is led by Energy DELTA Lab. That is why I am a proud advocate of this project, which I helped support by securing more than $1.4 million in federal funding.

“This NIST site assessment brings Energy DELTA Lab one step closer to carrying out its goals for an innovative and timely project.

“As someone who is a leading proponent of redeveloping former mine lands for new uses, I am excited to see Energy DELTA Lab advance nuclear energy solutions.”

BACKGROUND

The above community project funding request was submitted by Rep. Griffith for fiscal year 2026. 

Congressman Griffith’s statement on January approval of the above appropriations package can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Representative Sharice Davids recently helped lead 33 members of Congress in demanding that the Trump Administration immediately restore the National Weather Service’s (NWS) twice-a-day weather balloon launch schedule. The letter highlights how federal workforce cuts have created critical atmospheric data gaps, putting Kansas communities at risk during peak severe weather seasons.

“We are alarmed by the reduction in weather balloon launches and its impact on the accuracy of weather forecasting across the United States. Timely and accurate weather forecasts are critical to protecting the lives, livelihoods, and property of the American people,” wrote Davids and her colleagues. “This is a manufactured crisis… [workforce cuts] haphazardly slashed the NWS workforce by roughly 15 percent without considering the impact on public safety. Now, the American people are paying the price… NWS must immediately restore balloon launch capacity before an inaccurate or delayed forecast puts our constituents in harm’s way.”

 

The Members specifically call out the severe storm outbreak that struck the Kansas City metropolitan area in April, noting that no weather balloons were launched upstream of eastern Kansas that morning. Following the missing launch data, a tornado watch for impacted local communities was issued just 30 minutes before the first touchdown — far later than standard protocol.

This demand represents the latest escalation in Davids’ ongoing efforts to hold federal weather officials accountable and protect Kansans from severe weather warning gaps:

• June 2025: Davids raised concerns about staffing shortages and operational capacity at local NWS offices, some of which were forced to cut back operations just days before an EF-3 tornado touched down nearby. She still has not received a response from the administration.
• April 2026: Following severe EF-2 tornadoes in the region, Davids pressed NWS leadership after reports surfaced that routine 7 a.m. weather balloon launches were skipped ahead of the storm outbreak.
• May 2026: Public upper-air records revealed that 25 out of 30 standard morning weather balloon launches were missed at Kansas data collection sites during peak tornado season. Davids renewed her demands for answers, noting that “you don’t get to quietly scale back something this important without transparency, especially in a state where severe weather can turn deadly fast.”

 

“Kansans deserve confidence that the systems meant to keep them safe are fully operational during tornado season, and meteorologists deserve the reliable data they need to do their jobs. Instead, we’re seeing ongoing data collection failures and no transparency from the National Weather Service about why this keeps happening,” said Davids previously. “These are not abstract bureaucratic problems — they can directly impact how much time families have to get to shelter before dangerous storms hit. The administration owes the public answers and immediate action to address these reported failures before tragedy strikes.”

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced $2,368,257 in federal funding to support construction of the new replacement terminal at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). The federal grant, awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, will cover the design team’s inspection activities during construction of the new 62,754-square-foot public space terminal with five gates and passenger boarding bridges. The funding supports Phase 7 of the project.

“This federal investment will help Monterey Regional Airport move forward with a modern terminal that bolsters safety, efficiency, accessibility, and the passenger experience,” said Rep. Panetta. “This airport plays an important role in connecting our residents and visitors while supporting tourism, local businesses, and economic activity throughout California’s 19th Congressional District. I’m proud that the federal government continues to play its part by investing in the infrastructure and improvements needed to ensure that Monterey Regional Airport can safely and effectively serve our region well into the future.”

“The replacement terminal is more than an airport project. It is an investment in the future of our region. This additional funding will help us deliver critical infrastructure improvements while enhancing the travel experience for the millions of passengers who rely on Monterey Regional Airport. We thank Congressman Panetta for his leadership and commitment to securing resources that benefit our community and local economy,” said Chris Morello, MRY Executive Director.

The airport’s existing terminal opened in 1950. FAA is requiring that the passenger facilities be relocated to accommodate federally required operational safety enhancements to Taxiway A, which connects to the airport’s primary commercial runway. The replacement terminal is designed to be accessible, easier for passengers to navigate, and responsive to the airport’s growing demand. The design also calls for the terminal to be zero-net-energy ready and incorporate sustainable materials and features that are emblematic of the Monterey region.

This announcement follows Rep. Panetta’s previous efforts to secure over $69 million in federal funding for Monterey Regional Airport’s modernization, supporting terminal design, tarmac improvements, and other safety upgrades.

The Airport Improvement Program provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. These investments strengthen the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

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

Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act, bipartisan legislation to expand access to low-interest mortgages for first-time, low- to medium-income homebuyers.

 

“Too many working families and first-time homebuyers are locked out of homeownership by high mortgage rates and rising housing costs,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act would remove Mortgage Revenue Bonds from the Private Activity Bond cap, allowing California to offer qualified homebuyers lower-interest mortgages while preserving resources for affordable rental housing. Housing affordability is no longer just a coastal issue nor just a Democratic issue, but an issue that requires this type of bipartisan solution for working families all across our country.”

“Rising housing costs are being felt in rural, urban, and suburban communities across Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that will help more first-time homebuyers access affordable, low-interest mortgages without taking resources away from other critical housing programs. By expanding access to financing, we can help more hardworking families achieve homeownership, strengthen our communities, and build long-term financial security. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance practical policies that make the American Dream more attainable.”

“Homeownership is becoming increasingly out of reach for young families,” said Rep. Moore. “Removing Mortgage Revenue Bonds from the Private Activity Bond cap will make housing more accessible by allowing states to offer additional lower-interest mortgages to qualifying families, opening the door to homeownership for more Utahns and Americans across the nation. I’m proud to co-lead the First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act to lower the barrier to entry for homeownership.”

“Too many Americans are being priced out of homeownership,” said Rep. Suozzi. “The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act will make it easier for states and local governments to issue more mortgage revenue bonds, therefore lowering borrowing costs for more first-time and low- and middle-income homebuyers. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense bill to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for more families.”

 

Mortgage Revenue Bonds are a longstanding financing tool used by state and local housing agencies to support affordable homeownership opportunities, particularly for first-time, low- to moderate-income homebuyers. These bonds help reduce borrowing costs and expand access to below-market mortgage financing.

 

Under current law, mortgage bonds are subject to annual Private Activity Bond (PAB) volume caps, which limit the amount of financing states can provide each year. In many states, growing housing demand and rising home prices have strained these caps and reduced the availability of affordable mortgage assistance programs.

 

Specifically, the First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act would exempt qualified mortgage bonds from the PAB cap, expanding financing capacity and allowing housing agencies to better meet housing needs in their communities.

The legislation is supported by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and RBC Capital Markets.

“The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act is the most significant bipartisan federal legislation to lower the cost of homeownership for first-time home buyers in decades,” said NCSHA Executive Director Stockton Williams. “The bill would provide lower-interest home mortgage loans to hundreds of thousands of working households who are ready to become homeowners but for today’s relatively high-rate environment.” 

“This bill represents a transformational opportunity for homeownership in America at a time when the affordability crisis has never been greater,” said Cory Hoeppner, Head of National Housing Group at RBC Capital Markets. “The ability for State Housing Finance Agencies to offer significantly more lower rate mortgages to first time homebuyers will help boost the U.S. real estate market.”

“Increasing resources for programs that enable Americans to purchase their first home is critical. The First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act will ensure that state housing finance agencies can fully fund affordable homeownership programs.  We commend Reps. LaHood, Moore, Panetta, and Suozzi for working to make the American dream of homeownership more attainable,” said Bill Owens, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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

San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) brought together Santa Clara County officials and community partners to announce $250,000 in federal funding that he secured for the Martial Cottle Park Improvements Project. The community project funding, provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Economic Development Initiative, supports the implementation of Phase I of the park’s 31-acre Historic Ranch Site Plan.

“Here in the Silicon Valley, we’re very proud of our innovation and technology, but we’re also proud of our roots in agriculture and the hard work that has defined the Santa Clara Valley. There is no greater place to experience that heritage than Martial Cottle Park, which embodies both the beauty and the bounty that make the 19th Congressional District so special,” said Rep. Panetta. “The significant federal funding secured will carry forward the Cottle family’s legacy by helping repurpose historic buildings, expand opportunities for agricultural education and recreation, and strengthen the park as a gathering place for the entire South San Jose community.”

“With Congressman Panetta’s leadership in securing $250,000 in federal funding, we open a new chapter in honoring the agricultural legacy of the Martial Cottle Park Deed through the implementation of Phase I of the Martial Cottle Historic Ranch Site Plan,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors representing District 1. “This project is a testament to our efforts to preserve Santa Clara County’s agricultural roots and farms while expanding agricultural education and agritourism for future generations.”  

“The Santa Clara County Parks Department is looking forward to celebrating the completion of Phase I of the Cottle Lester Historic Ranch project and opening of the perimeter trail with the public in November,” said Julie Andersen, Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Land Stewardship. “This project is a significant milestone in preserving the agricultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley, and the Department thanks Congressman Panetta for the generous funding contribution that helped make this project possible.”

The funding is helping repurpose historic ranch buildings and create educational spaces, outdoor classrooms, community gathering areas, reservable picnic areas, accessible pathways, restrooms, and a large outdoor event space. The full Historic Ranch Site Plan will transform the 31-acre site while preserving its agricultural character and historic structures. The project carries forward the Cottle family’s decision to preserve the ranch for public use, education, and future generations, while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about the region’s agricultural heritage.

Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package. For FY 2026, he secured $3.75 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Clara County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19^th Congressional District.

Photos and b-roll from the press conference are available here.

Rep. Panetta’s remarks are available here.

A video of the press conference is available here.

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

Aptos, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) convened education, housing, health care, food assistance, and law enforcement professionals from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties for a roundtable discussion at Cabrillo College on the local impacts of the Administration’s mass deportation policies. Participants discussed how federal enforcement actions are affecting access to and use of essential services, trust in law enforcement, and the daily lives of families throughout the Monterey Bay region.

The discussion also focused on the more than $200 billion increase in federal funding for immigration enforcement, the need for commonsense guardrails and accountability, and the Administration’s continued attacks on constitutional rights and lawful immigration programs. Rep. Panetta addressed his opposition to unchecked funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and his support for demands to reform federal immigration enforcement and commonsensical immigration reform. He also highlighted his efforts to protect Dreamers, oppose the potential ICE facility near Gilroy, and safeguard birthright citizenship.

“Our discussion made clear that this Administration’s mass deportation policies are affecting our communities, from schools, health care, and housing to public safety and the rule of law,” said Rep. Panetta. “I support a strong and secure border, but that does not require mass deportations, unchecked funding for immigration enforcement, unaccountable federal agents, or unconstitutional attacks on Americans. Congress must impose guardrails, oversight, and accountability while pursuing commonsense reforms to improve our asylum system, protect Dreamers, and provide earned legalization for hardworking immigrants. I will continue working in Congress and with our local partners to protect those who contribute so much to our communities.”

“Cabrillo College stands firmly with all of our students and we will continue to prioritize safety, support and access to education. We want every family in Santa Cruz County to know that Cabrillo campuses in Aptos and Watsonville remain safe and welcoming where student privacy is protected,” said Jenn Capps, Ph.D., President/Superintendent, Cabrillo College.

“Every child, regardless of immigration status, has a fundamental right to a free public education in an environment where they feel safe, protected, and supported. Our schools are sanctuaries of learning and stability, and immigration enforcement concerns should never compromise a student’s ability to attend class, grow, and thrive. We are proud to stand with Representative Panetta to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to keeping our campuses safe, protecting our students, and ensuring our schools remain places of hope and opportunity for every family,” said Deneen Guss, Ed.D., Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Monterey County Office of Education.

“Every student deserves to come to school feeling safe, welcomed, and supported. Our schools remain committed to creating environments where every child can learn without fear or distraction. We will continue to provide our students, families, and staff with accurate information and timely resources regarding immigration enforcement activities in and around our school communities, while ensuring that our focus remains on the safety, well-being, and success of every student,” said Dr. Ernesto Vela, Assistant Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education.

“Public safety depends on trust. Whether someone is experiencing domestic violence, a child is missing, or a family is facing a crisis, no one should be afraid to call for help because of their immigration status. Our undocumented residents are part of our communities, and when they call for help, we are here to help them. Our public safety professionals are here to protect everyone we serve. I appreciate Congressman Panetta bringing us together to strengthen that trust,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto.

“HUD’s proposal to require every resident in federally assisted housing to establish citizenship or eligible immigration status would be devastating for families and could have profound consequences for housing stability in our communities. Mixed-status families are families, and when we put one member of a household at risk of losing access to housing assistance because of their immigration status, we put the stability of the entire family at risk, including U.S. citizen children. At a time when housing is already out of reach for far too many families, we should not be creating additional barriers that could push people into displacement and homelessness. Housing is the foundation of family and community stability, and our policies should reflect that,” said Elaine Johnson, Executive Director, Housing Santa Cruz County.

“At Santa Cruz Community Health, we care for everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of language spoken, personal identity, or ability to pay,” said Anita Aguirre, CEO, Santa Cruz Community Health.

Last year, Rep. Panetta opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided more than $75 billion to ICE and $65 billion to CBP. In June, the Secure America Act provided nearly $70 billion more for ICE, CBP, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration enforcement operations through Fiscal Year 2029. Rep. Panetta voted against the Secure America Act and has voted at least seven separate times this Congress against providing ICE and CBP with additional funding without meaningful guardrails, oversight, or accountability.

Rep. Panetta has supported Democratic demands to require federal immigration agents to wear body cameras and clearly display identification, prohibit non-tactical masks that conceal their identities, strengthen warrant requirements, establish enforceable standards for the use of force and de-escalation, and ensure independent investigations of serious incidents, among other reforms. He is supporting the No Secret Police Act and the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would restrict immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals, houses of worship, courthouses, and other sensitive locations.

In July, DHS briefly paused most vehicle stops by ICE deportation officers after agents fatally shot two men during separate operations in Houston, Texas, and Biddeford, Maine, while searching for other individuals. The White House overturned that pause the following day before the agency completed its review and additional training. Rep. Panetta joined nearly 200 House lawmakers in calling for independent investigations into both deaths, protection for witnesses, and the immediate deployment of body cameras to ICE and CBP agents. The three men traveling with Lorenzo Salgado Araujo when he was shot and killed in Houston each filed for U Visa protection. Rep. Panetta’s Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act would strengthen the U Visa program for immigrant survivors and witnesses of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. The legislation would lift the cap on U Visas, protect eligible applicants from detention and deportation while their cases are pending, and allow them to work during the application process.

Earlier this year, Rep. Panetta joined Bay Area lawmakers in a letter to DHS and ICE opposing the proposed immigration detention and processing facility near Gilroy and demanding information about the project. Following the lawmakers’ calls, construction at the site was temporarily paused while legal challenges proceed. Rep. Panetta also joined a letter to DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services demanding an explanation for the spike in delays affecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications and urging the agencies to accelerate processing. The delays have caused Dreamers to lose employment authorization, miss work, and face disruptions to their income and daily lives despite filing timely renewal requests.

In February, after the Department of Housing and Urban Development attempted to override the intent of Congress by taking federal housing benefits away from mixed-status homes, Rep. Panetta joined his colleagues from the Congressional Asian, Black, and Hispanic Caucuses to assert Congressional intent and oppose this misguided rule. Congress has made it clear that federal housing benefits should be prorated for any eligible residents in a unit, and forcing people to choose between their eligible benefits and their loved ones would only cause further turmoil in California’s 19th District.

Photos from the media availability are available here.

To watch Rep. Panetta’s full remarks, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – CongresswomenDoris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), along with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), announced the reintroduction of their Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act.

To tackle staffing-related challenges, nurses are often forced to work mandatory overtime beyond their scheduled shift, which can endanger the safety of both patients and nurses. To address these challenges, the bicameral, bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would provide nurses with stronger federal workplace safeguards.

“Nurses perform lifesaving work every day, providing patients with the care, comfort and support they need during their most vulnerable moments,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “But persistent staffing shortages have forced too many nurses to work excessive hours, contributing to exhaustion and burnout while putting patient safety at risk. California and 17 other states have already acted to limit mandatory overtime. The Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would establish commonsense protections nationwide so nurses can provide the highest quality care without being pushed beyond safe limits.”

“We can’t solve America’s nursing shortage until we address the workplace challenges driving talented nurses away from this important field. These workforce shortages have left many nurses working excessive overtime, leading to fatigue and less time with their families. As a nurse practitioner, I recognize the importance of fostering a work environment that is beneficial for both our caregivers and their patients. I’m proud to join Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Matsui to introduce the Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act to establish much-needed overtime regulations in place to limit burnout and improve access to quality healthcare,” said Congresswoman Kiggans.

“We know that when truck drivers or pilots are pushed past the point of exhaustion, lives are put at risk. The same is true for nurses, and they should not be forced to work to the point that patient safety is jeopardized,” said Senator Merkley. “As the husband of a nurse, I know these heroes take care of us when we are in need, and we need to take care of them. Our bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would protect lives by limiting mandatory overtime and ensuring nurses have the support, respect, and working conditions they need and deserve.”

To date, 18 states have passed legislation or issued regulations restricting mandatory overtime for nurses. The Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would provide strong protections at the federal level for the 5.2 million registered nurses in the United States—the single largest group of health care professionals in the nation, as well as nearly 1 million licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses. 

The bicameral, bipartisan Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act would:

• Limit mandatory overtime for nurses by prohibiting health care facilities from requiring nurses to work with certain exceptions;
• Adopt whistleblower and nondiscrimination protections to protect nurses against retaliation; and 
• Impose civil penalties for each known violation.

The bill is endorsed by over 50 organizations. A full list of supporting organizations can be found HERE.

Full text of the bill 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) convened local officials, environmental advocates, and business leaders at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to reaffirm their united opposition to the Administration’s proposal to expand offshore oil and gas leasing. Rep. Panetta and local leaders highlighted the potential threats that offshore drilling poses to the marine environment, coastal economy, and communities on California’s Central Coast.

The Administration’s current Draft Proposed Program includes 34 potential lease sales nationwide, including two in the Central California Planning Area in 2027 and 2029. Rep. Panetta encouraged Central Coast residents and stakeholders to remain engaged when the Administration releases the next version of the proposal, which will be subject to a required 90-day public comment period.

“When it comes to protecting our coastline from offshore oil and gas drilling, we must stand united in the face of the chaos or craziness coming out of this Administration,” said Rep. Panetta. “We stand here as stewards of our ocean as we stand for an economy and a community built on our beauty and our bounty. When the Administration releases its updated plan for public comment, we must make our voices heard, stay united, and stand ready to go toe-to-toe for our coastline and our way of life in California’s 19th Congressional District.”

The waters off the Central Coast support one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the world, as well as vibrant hospitality, tourism, recreation, fishing, and other coastal industries. Local officials, environmental advocates, and business leaders emphasized that the region’s economy and identity depend on a healthy coastline and that expanded offshore drilling would put both at risk.

“California is a leader in the protection of the ocean, this community has worked tirelessly to make sure we’re keeping the coastline safe so that kids growing up here know they can live in an environment with whales and dolphins and sea otters. That doesn’t happen by chance, now is an important time to come together for the health of the beautiful Monterey Bay, our ocean and its amazing marine life, and our thriving coastal communities,” said Dr. Jenny Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Monterey Bay Aquarium.

“Drilling for oil and gas off the Central Coast is reckless, unnecessary, and out of step with our community’s values. We should be investing in the future of our coastline—not putting the Monterey Bay, our economy, and our way of life at risk. From repairing Wharf 2 to preparing for sea level rise, we have real infrastructure challenges that demand our attention and investment. I’m proud that our community is standing together to protect the Monterey Bay for generations to come,” said Tyller Williamson, Mayor, City of Monterey.

“The Central Coast has a long history of standing up to offshore oil drilling, and that fight continues today. Community members, environmental organizations, businesses, and elected leaders are once again coming together to protect the coast from new drilling threats,” said Katie Thompson, Executive Director, Save Our Shores.

Rep. Panetta has worked throughout the federal planning process to organize and amplify the Central Coast’s opposition to offshore drilling. Following the leak of the Administration’s draft proposal in October 2025, he joined several of his colleagues in calling on the Administration to halt its plans to drill along the California coastline. In February 2026, he convened local community and environmental leaders to discuss ways to oppose the proposal and protect the Central Coast. Rep. Panetta also mobilized constituents throughout the 19th Congressional District and hosted a telephone town hall during the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) first public comment period to help residents submit comments opposing the Administration’s leasing plan.

Rep. Panetta also continues to carefully monitor the Administration’s involvement in oil drilling off California’s coast. In 2019, after the Trump Administration’s first attempt to open up oil drilling on the Central Coast, he introduced the Central Coast of California Conservation Act to prevent new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in the Central California Planning Area, spanning the entire coastline of California’s 19th Congressional District. He also led his colleagues in a multistate effort to ban offshore drilling along thousands of miles of U.S. coastline, citing the negative impacts of oil-related disasters and accidents on climate change and natural ecosystems.

For photos from today’s press conference, click here.

To watch Rep. Panetta’s remarks, click here.

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

Capitola, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined Capitola city officials for a tour of intersections along Bay Avenue where the city is planning improvements to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Rep. Panetta secured $250,000 in federal funding for the Capitola Traffic Safety Project through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.

During the tour, city officials highlighted long-standing congestion and collision concerns at several locations along Bay Avenue. The federal funding will support improvements at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Center Street, where the city is planning an enhanced pedestrian crossing with safety features that could include improved curb extensions and a pedestrian refuge median. In addition, plans include improved lighting at other intersections along Bay Avenue. The project is part of a broader effort to improve safety and traffic flow at three key intersections throughout Capitola.

“In Capitola, people love to walk, bike, and drive around town. However, there have been accidents along Bay Avenue which demonstrate that we can improve safety for pedestrians, riders, and drivers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to have secured a $250,000 federal investment to help Capitola with an enhanced pedestrian crossing and other critical upgrades that will put protections in place for people in and out of their cars. I’ll continue making sure that Congress’s power of the purse is felt right here in the 19th Congressional District to help make communities like Capitola safer.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Congressman Panetta for securing this funding to help improve pedestrian safety along the Bay Avenue corridor,” said Capitola Mayor Margaux Morgan. “This investment will help the City make it safer and easier for people of all ages to walk through one of our community’s most important transportation corridors.”

The Bay Avenue corridor has repeatedly experienced collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. A serious collision involving a pedestrian in summer 2025 marked at least the sixth incident in which a pedestrian had been injured or killed in the area since 2017. In 2023, Capitola resident Debra Towne was tragically killed in a hit-and-run while walking near the crosswalk at Crossroads Loop and Bay Avenue.

The funding announced today is what Rep. Panetta worked for to be included in the most recent appropriations package. Rep. Panetta secured over $5.9 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Cruz County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Additional photos of the tour are available here.

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

Rep. Panetta delivers remarks in front of the Cambria Fire Station.

To watch his full remarks, click HERE or on the above photo.

For additional photos and b-roll, click HERE.

Cambria, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced $935,000 in federal funding that he secured for the Cambria Fire Department. The funding will support the purchase of a new Type 1 fire engine and essential firefighting equipment, including extrication tools, self-contained breathing apparatus units, hoses, and radios. Rep. Panetta was joined at the announcement by Cambria firefighters, members of the Cambria Community Services District, and local public safety officials.

“As the threat of devastating wildfires grows throughout the region, communities like Cambria must be prepared at all times of the year,” said Rep. Panetta. “The least that the federal government can do is ensure that our dedicated and devoted firefighters have the dependable, state-of-the-art equipment to respond quickly, operate safely, and stay ahead of danger. Amid all the division and dysfunction in Congress, I’m proud to have worked in a bipartisan fashion to secure this $935,000 investment to help our firefighters prevent wildfires and protect our communities and homes.”

“Today’s event was a great reminder of what strong partnerships can accomplish. We are grateful to Congressman Jimmy Panetta for visiting Cambria and for his leadership in securing this critical Community Project Funding,” said Matthew McElhenie, General Manager of the Cambria Community Services District. “For a small, revenue-constrained district like ours, investments like this ensure we can continue providing the highest level of fire protection while remaining responsible stewards of our community’s resources. We appreciate everyone who joined us today in recognizing the importance of this investment in Cambria’s future.”

As the sole provider of emergency services within its district, the Cambria Fire Department serves a high fire hazard community with limited evacuation routes and responds to structural and wildland fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and natural disasters. The Department protects Cambria’s approximately 5,500 residents, the many visitors who travel to the community each year, and neighboring communities through automatic and mutual aid.

In 2024, both of Cambria’s Type 1 engines were taken out of service simultaneously because of mechanical failures. The district spent approximately $60,000 on repairs and borrowed an engine from the Paso Robles City Fire Department to maintain its emergency response capabilities. The new frontline engine will provide more dependable structural fire response, help the department meet current safety standards, and strengthen its ability to support San Simeon and other communities across northern San Luis Obispo County. 

Rep. Panetta meets regularly with first responders throughout the 19th Congressional District. After hearing about the threats faced by the Cambria community, he requested, advocated for, and was able to secure this significant federal grant for the Cambria Fire Department. This funding adds to the millions of dollars of funding Rep. Panetta has secured for emergency services across California’s 19th Congressional District, including $2.5 million for the design and construction of a fire and emergency services training facility in Paso Robles and $1.245 million for a new fire engine and equipment for the Templeton Fire Department.

The funding secured for the Cambria Community Services District is part of a grant that Rep. Panetta advocated for the inclusion of in a recent appropriations package. The funds come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program, which helps increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.

For FY 2026, Rep. Panetta secured $2.6 million in community project funding for local projects across northern San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19th Congressional District.

For additional photos and b-roll, click HERE.

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