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Panetta Secures New Federal Funding for Monterey Regional Airport Modernization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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California Members of Congress Urge House Appropriators to Reject Funding Cuts for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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

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

WASHINGTON, DC – A dozen Members of the California Congressional Delegation, including United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee calling for the Committee to reject the Trump Administration’s drastic cuts to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) included only $1.56 billion for USACE construction – 53% below the fiscal year 2024 enacted funding level – and excluded vital flood prevention projects in California. This funding request is seriously insufficient to meet the flood risk management, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and other needs of communities across the country. 

Specifically excluded from the Budget request were four California projects which have previously received strong, unambiguous Congressional support. The four projects are: the American River Common Features, Natomas Basin, CA project; the Pajaro River at Watsonville, CA project; the San Joaquin River Basin project; and the West Sacramento, CA project. The FY25 President’s Budget and both the House and Senate draft FY25 appropriations bills all included a total of $126.4 million in construction funding for four projects before the Trump Administration prevented them from receiving any FY25 funding.

“Each of these projects has already received substantial federal funding to date. Leaving the projects half-finished would not be an efficient use of federal or non-federal resources…These projects are vital to the safety and prosperity of our constituents,” said the Congressmembers.

Full text of the letter can be found here. Joining Rep. Lofgren in sending the letter were Reps. Josh Harder (CA-09), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Ami Bera (CA-06), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Derek Tran (CA-45), Mike Levin (CA-49), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Jared Huffman (CA-02).

“The Administration’s decision to omit the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project from the Army Corps’ work plan not only ignores the bipartisan support behind this project, but also puts lives, homes, and livelihoods in the Pajaro Valley at continued risk,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why our delegation is urging Congressional appropriators to reject these devastating cuts and fund the critical, shovel-ready flood protection projects that have already been vetted, authorized, and previously funded. As we’ve done before, we will keep fighting to protect the people and produce of the Pajaro Valley and ensure the federal government lives up to its commitment to our community.”

“Californians are all too familiar with the devastating consequences of poor flood risk management. In California’s 18th District, the community of Pajaro has suffered significant damage and loss of life due to flooding for decades. The Pajaro River Project is vital for the area’s safety and livelihood, and I will continue to fight to ensure it receives funding until its completion,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation.

“Yanking flood protection funding at the last-minute makes no sense and puts our Valley communities at risk,” said Rep. Harder. “We face flood threats every year because of aging infrastructure and we worked across the aisle to finally get the flood protection we need. Now, Washington is trying to steal back funding for our levees, and I refuse to let them get away with it.” 

“It’s outrageous that the President is suggesting reducing Army Corps construction funding by 53 percent. The projects he proposes defunding include essential plans in California to repair and reconstruct levees and build and strengthen flood protection infrastructure. These projects have bipartisan support because our community knows too well the devastation from floods and other natural disasters. I urge our leaders on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that California’s Army Corps projects are fully funded in 2026,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. 

“Sacramento County is one of the most at-risk areas in the nation for catastrophic flooding. In recent decades, we’ve seen firsthand how high-water events threaten our neighborhoods, small businesses, and critical infrastructure. The American River Common Features project in the Natomas Basin plays a vital role in strengthening levees to modern standards and ensuring that our region is better prepared for the future. Leaving this project unfunded not only puts Sacramento families in harm’s way—it risks wasting the significant progress and investments already made. We must keep our commitment to public safety by continuing to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers and fully funding these vital projects,” said Congressman Ami Bera. 

“When it comes to the safety of our communities, politics needs to be put aside to build life-saving infrastructure improvements. That is how it has always been – and that is how it should stay,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “In Sacramento, we’ve long worked with the Army Corps—regardless of who is in the White House—to reduce flood risk and save lives. These partnerships have transformed our region’s outlook on disaster preparedness. That’s why I’ll keep fighting to restore funding for the Natomas Basin and West Sacramento projects that are critical to the future of the region.”  

“The Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to the USACE will devastate communities across Orange and LA Counties that are still recovering from disastrous fires,” said Representative Tran. “Infrastructure capable of withstanding increased rainfall and flooding throughout California is essential to keeping our communities safe. I urge my colleagues to reject these drastic cuts and protect our neighbors from the impacts of serious flooding.” 

“The President’s attempt to cut funding for critical infrastructure projects in California threatens our work to reduce flood risk, restore ecosystems, and support public safety on life support,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “Since entering Congress in 2019, I’ve fought to provide the Army Corps with the resources it needs to ensure our communities are safe and resilient, including funding to combat coastal erosion. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for necessary resources for California and push back against any attempts to play politics with vital infrastructure investments.” 

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Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on the Administration Ordering Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

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

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

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

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

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

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Panetta Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Critical Pollinators and the Western Monarch Butterfly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rep. Calvert Votes for Historic Tax Relief for Riverside County Families

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert voted with a majority (218 to 214) of the House of Representatives to pass historic reconciliation and tax legislation. The bill prevents the largest tax increase in history, as well as provides critical resources for our military and border security. 

“I voted for this bill to provide historic tax relief to Riverside County families and allow them to keep more of the money they earned,” said Rep. Calvert. “This bill protects the average taxpayer from a looming 22% tax increase. It also creates new tax benefits for American workers, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and an expanded child tax credit. To further help taxpayers, the bill includes a new tax deduction for seniors as well as an expanded state and local tax (SALT) deduction. At the end of the day, my vote for this bill fulfills my commitment to 41st District constituents to lower their taxes and help put more money in their pocket.”

The bill includes the following tax relief provisions to help American taxpayers:

  • Prevents a $4 trillion tax increase on Americans
  • No tax on tips
  • No tax on overtime
  • Expanded Child Tax Credit
  • New tax deduction for seniors
  • Expanded state and local tax (SALT) deduction

“The bill includes vital national security funding that will ensure America has the resources necessary to defend our shores and sky from adversaries. Combined with our regular defense appropriations, these funds will help modernize our military and leverage our country’s innovation edge. The bill also secures our border by completing the border wall and provides funding to stop the importation of deadly drugs into our country.”

The bill includes the following national security and border security provisions:

  • Funds the Golden Dome missile defense system to confront 2lst-century threats.
  • Delivers the largest Coast Guard upgrade since WWII – stopping fentanyl and criminal cartels by sea.
  • Finishes Phase Two of the border wall.

“I know how important healthcare is to American families. That’s why I have worked with my colleagues to protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. Let me be clear – the bill does NOT cut Medicare or Medicaid benefits for our seniors, the disabled, children or parents with dependents. Our bill does establish a new work requirement for able-bodied working-age adults without children. This work requirement applies to healthy working-age adults without children and conditions benefit eligibility to people who work, volunteer, or attend college/vocational training for at least 20 hours a week. I believe this is a reasonable reform to Medicaid because it strengthens the program for the disabled, children, parents, and seniors the program was designed to help. It also protects taxpayers. I don’t believe it’s fair to ask a taxpayer who works 40 hours a week to support their family to have their tax dollars go towards providing Medicaid benefits for healthy working-age adults without children who refuse to work.”

The bill protects and strengthens Medicaid for those who rely on it by:

  • Eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.
  • Blocking illegal immigrants from receiving benefits.
  • Enforcing work requirements.
  • Protecting Medicaid for the truly vulnerable.

 

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Rep. Calvert Votes to Uphold Commitments to Veterans and U.S. Troops

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (218 to 206) of the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

“It is fitting that the first appropriations bill to come to the House floor this year is one that fulfills one of our highest priorities – honoring our commitments to those who have served or are currently serving in our military,” said Rep. Calvert. “This bill delivers on our promises by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, and fully funding Veterans’ benefits and VA programs. The bill also addresses critical infrastructure needs for our men and women in uniform. We must continue to prioritize critical funding for our veterans and troops.”

Bill Highlights (Provided by the House Appropriations Committee)

Champions our veterans by:

  • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
  • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
  • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
  • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

Supports our troops and military families:

  • Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family
  • housing, which is $480 million above the FY25 enacted level.
  • $75 million above the enacted level for planning and design of future barracks to address
  • barrack deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office.
  • $2 billion for Military Family Housing.
  • $75 million above the enacted level for child development centers to improve the
  • quality of life of military families.

A summary of the bill is available here.

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Rep. Calvert Announces 2025 Military Academy Appointments

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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced and congratulated the 2025 Service Academy Appointments from the 41st Congressional District. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women for admission to the United States Service Academies – Army, Navy, and Air Force. These nominations are based on a rigorous selection process that considers academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

“I want to congratulate the outstanding students from the 41st Congressional District who have been appointed to attend our service academies,” said Rep. Calvert. “Nominating extraordinary students from our region to attend the academies is one of the highest honors I’m afforded as a U.S. Representative. In addition to the students, I want to thank their families, friends, teachers, and everyone who supported them. Our volunteer military is shaped by selfless citizens stepping forward to serve, and I’m humbled by the leadership demonstrated by these students at such a young age.”

The following is a list of the candidates nominated by Rep. Calvert who have also received and accepted an Offer of Appointment to our nation’s service academies, and will be part of the Class of 2029 entering in June 2025:

Air Force Academy:

  • Alexander Apotrosoaei – John F. Kennedy High School
  • Aidan Forehand – Xavier College Preparatory (Class of 2024), Air Force Preparatory School
  • Daniel Frumusanu – Norco High School
  • Cade Paterson – Centennial High School

United States Naval Academy: 

  • Carlos Barrientos – Santiago High School (Class of 2024), University of California San Diego
  • Nathanael Burns – Murrieta Mesa High School (Class of 2024), Northwestern Preparatory School
  • Soren Harris-Pham – John W. North High School
  • Makayla Hudson – Arlington High School (Class of 2024), Naval Academy Preparatory School 

Military Academy at West Point: 

  • Nathaniel De La Cruz  – Fountain Valley High School
  • Brooke Desteuben – Norco High School (Class of 2024), Military Preparatory School
  • David Madera – Norco High School 

Each appointee to the Armed Service Academies will receive an education valued in excess of $400,000. Rep. Calvert’s appointments to the Armed Service Academies are awarded on a strictly competitive basis through his Congressional Nominations Selection Committee.

 

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Celebrates Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s 30th Anniversary

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Los Angeles, CA – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, joined thousands of residents in Torrance to celebrate the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s 30th Anniversary. 

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) at the annual TOCApalooza. This family-friendly event was hosted at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center and featured live entertainment, art exhibitions, and art vendors reflecting the greater Torrance community. 

Since opening its doors, the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) has enriched the lives of those within the City of Torrance and surrounding communities by presenting relevant, accessible, and quality artistic events and performances of all genres. The foundation bridges cultural divides while inspiring young people and supporting economic development.

“I’m so proud to have the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) and the annual TOCApalooza festival here in my District”, said Congresswoman Waters. “For 30 years, the foundation has served Torrance and the South Bay with meaningful experiences and dedicated itself to advancing artistic expression in all forms. I wish TOCA continued success inspiring creativity, community, and artistic vision for future generations.” 

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Keynotes Consolidated Board of Realtists’ Annual H.O.M.E. Fair

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Los Angeles, CA – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the Consolidated Board of Realtists’ Annual Home Ownership Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Fair.

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters attended the Consolidated Board of Realtists’ Annual H.O.M.E. Fair, which was presented in collaboration with the West Angeles Community Development Corporation. Each year, this annual resource fair connects hundreds of people with home ownership resources. Congresswoman Waters works closely with the Consolidated Board of Realtists to seek their input and concerns on what’s happening in the real estate market and provides resources to assist Realtists’ ability to promote home ownership and related services. 

“I commend the Consolidated Board of Realtists’ continued leadership in championing the economic advancement of African Americans throughout Southern California through the promotion of homeownership as a pathway to build generational wealth,” said Congresswoman Waters. 

The Consolidated Board of Realtists formed its roots in 1949, when a group of young, dynamic African-American real estate brokers gathered to discuss the inequitable and prejudicial treatment of brokers in the Los Angeles area. As the membership of the board grew, its focus as a proponent of fair treatment of African-American brokers and agents in the real estate industry and equal housing opportunities for minorities expanded.  In the 1970s, the Consolidated Board of Realtists became a catalyst for legislative actions against the redlining practices of the lending and insurance industries.  As an affiliate of the California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB) and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the Consolidated Board of Realtists remains an advocate for social and economic parity for minority real estate industry professionals and community members.

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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Joins Watts Empowerment Center at Imperial Courts Groundbreaking

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

Los Angeles, CA – On January 21, 2025, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, joined the Watts Empowerment Center for the groundbreaking of the Watts Empowerment Film and Music Studio at Imperial Courts public housing development in Watts. 

The Watts Empowerment Center, located in the heart of Imperial Courts’ public housing site, is a 12,900 sq ft facility committed to the children, youth, and families in the community. The new Film and Music Studio will add 2,000 sq ft and provide the young people with an opportunity to extend their creativity, develop their talents, and realize success as artists, with the help of top industry and business professionals in the music and film industry.

“I deeply appreciate the transformative personal enrichment and job training opportunities this facility will provide for public housing residents,” said Congresswoman Waters. 

The new Film and Music Studio will feature a large production area with a green screen for filming and four separate sound booths for music production and recording. HACLA expects to initiate construction later this summer and open the studio to the community by the fall of 2026. 

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