"California's seniors, and every Californian who will become a senior, have good reason to be concerned about the changes to Medicare that almost every Republican in Congress voted to implement," said Congressman Garamendi, who has made protecting the Medicare guarantee a top priority. "The Ryan-Republican plan to end the Medicare guarantee would raise premiums paid by California seniors in the traditional Medicare program, on average, by at least $1,200 a year. This is effectively a regressive tax increase targeting middle class and lower income seniors, and so long as I'm in Congress, I'll do all I can stop their plan from becoming law."

"The Delta is an economic engine for the Sacramento-San Joaquin region, and all of California; the SAFE Levee Act would help it stay that way," said Congressman Garamendi (D-Fairfield). "For decades I have fought to protect Northern California from short-sighted water grabs and advocated for a comprehensive plan to meet the water needs of all Californians. Such a plan must include robust flood protection."

“By assembling regional leaders interested in growing our manufacturing sector, we've assembled a brain trust ready to Make It In America and create good jobs,” Congressman Garamendi said. “This is patriotic capitalism at work: building the middle class, growing our economy, and keeping America competitive as a global leader.”

"These businesses display the best of American businesses, a risk taking entrepreneurial spirit, skilled workmanship, and a strong work ethic," said Congressman Garamendi. "Both fulfill important societal needs. Endives provide nutrition and variety to America's diet, and Northern California's commuters understand that road safety products prevent one mishap from becoming a tragedy."

"The KC-10 CNS/ATM program is of particular interest to our communities given the presence of 27 KC-10 aircraft at Travis Air Force Base," the Members of Congress wrote. "We would ask that you consider performing the modifications and upgrades at Travis AFB, rather than sending the aircraft to a depot."

“The choice has never been so clear,” said Congressman John Garamendi. “The Romney/Ryan Republican budget which my opponent supports is a budget that would terminate Medicare in the next 20 years, instate a 30 to 40 percent reduction in MediCal – 60 to 70 percent of which goes to nursing homes and the rest goes to young children, and explodes the deficit by giving extraordinary tax cuts to the extraordinarily wealthy. This is the most heartless proposal I’ve seen since I’ve been involved in governing.”

"Millions of Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. As our brave servicemembers return home to civilian life, too many are discovering that the good jobs they left behind are gone, their homes are being foreclosed on, or they're facing mounting debt from unscrupulous creditors," said Congressman Garamendi, who represents more than 50,000 veterans and 10,000 servicemembers at Travis Air Force Base. "This has got to end. My legislation creates stiffer penalties and greater enforcement in response to companies engaging in predatory behavior against American heroes."

"As a father to five daughters, I want every woman in America to have access to the best, most affordable health coverage possible. For too long, women have borne the brunt of health care costs in America," Congressman Garamendi said. "The Affordable Care Act is putting women and their doctors back in charge of their healthcare and reducing the ways insurance companies can gouge their customers."

"I can say with confidence that my new Make It In America bills are practical and reasonable, because an 85 percent Made In America requirement is in line with price-competitive feasible bids for new cars at BART and LAMTA," Congressman Garamendi said. "It's time for Congress to end the excuses and to give these jobs bills the up-or-down vote on the House floor that they deserve. We're not just debating a piece of legislation; we're debating whether to create millions of jobs with a painless change in policy."

"America can no longer afford to do nothing, and every American senior, child, and working family deserves the peace of mind that comes with good, affordable coverage."

"The BDCP process is heading toward the creation of a massive water diversion facility that could destroy the entire Delta," said Congressman John Garamendi. "The only protection against this catastrophe is existing water rights and environmental laws at the federal and state levels, which the House of Representatives has already voted to completely overturn with the disastrous HR 1837. Instead of moving headlong on this dangerous course, we must develop an overarching water vision for California that includes critical improvements for the Delta's levee infrastructure, coupled with increased water recycling, conservation, and storage."

"This compromise was essential. If we didn’t act, 7.4 million students would have effectively seen a $1,000 tax increase every year they took out Stafford Loans," said Congressman Garamendi. "As someone who voted against every tuition increase as a UC Regent and CSU Trustee, college affordability has always been a top priority for me. I’m glad this time Congress was able to put partisanship aside to help our students."

"Farmers in California, and soon across the country, are facing a real roadblock to the continued success of their businesses," said Congressman Garamendi. "The incorporation of agricultural areas into FEMA's new floodplain maps will make it too expensive for many farmers to build structures needed for agricultural production. The Advancing Agricultural Floodplain Management Act would help remove this roadblock by getting everyone to the table, so we can work out a solution."

“Our veterans deserve better than a pink slip as a welcome home note,” said Congressman Garamendi. “Far too many of our brave men and women have served our country admirably only to return home and find the job they once had has been eliminated. My bill would help right this injustice.”

"Anyone can be falsely accused of a crime. Everyone accused of a crime deserves a fair trial," Congressman Garamendi said. "The Civil Liberties Act of 2012 makes sure that participating in a protest, googling 'Al-Qaeda', or attending a worship service will never lead to a tragic miscarriage of justice."

“Today our campaign finished a strong first in the primary, but our work is not done. Our grassroots campaign needs to continue through November to make sure that I can continue to represent the 3rd Congressional District. The people in the new 3rd Congressional District can be assured that my voice and vote will be that of an independent fighter for the many challenges they face.”

"National service is a critical and cost effective approach to solving problems," Garamendi added. "In these tough economic times, Americans are committed to serving their communities more than ever. I want to thank all those who have served in AmeriCorps and the organizations that have made their service possible."

Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a Member of House Armed Services Committee, voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would expand U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan, permit indefinite detention on American soil, and commit to building a multi-billion dollar missile program on the East Coast that the Pentagon says is unneeded and many experts say would not work. Throughout the NDAA process, Congressman Garamendi advocated for vital institutions in Northern California, including Travis and Beale Air Force Bases, the national labs in Livermore, research universities, and high-tech businesses.

"Air Mobility Command remains one of the Air Force's most vital missions, and it's an honor to help shepherd its continued vitality in Congress," said Garamendi, who represents Travis Air Force Base, home to the 60th and 349th Air Mobility wings. "When national disasters strike, when quick entry into hostile territory is necessary, when life and death moments are measured by the minute, Air Mobility Command is our military's lifeline."

California's specialty crop industry accounts for about half of all domestic farmgate crop value but has received relatively little funding in Farm Bill programs. The 2008 Farm Bill included new funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, assistance for organic production, local food marketing and promotion, beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and other key programs that help to strengthen this sector.  We request that support for these programs be maintained, and that funding be increased to reflect their effectiveness in creating new jobs, stimulating local economies, improving public health, and increasing access to healthy foods for children, seniors, and low-income citizens.

“Designating the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area allows for the coordination of federal land management for the benefit of the public,” said Garamendi, a Member of the Natural Resources Committee and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department. “This legislation will help preserve the region’s natural beauty, increase tourism and outdoor recreation, spur business growth, and create jobs in Northern California. By protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, this commonsense bill gives visitors the ability to appreciate its splendor while providing economic opportunity for local communities.”

"California simply does not presently have enough available water to meet the needs of everyone in the state. We must invest in American-made water recycling – along with conservation and additional storage – and that's why I’m excited by these projects," Congressman Garamendi said. "These projects bring us one step closer to saving the Delta while meeting the needs of all California cities, farmers, and fishermen."

"My Republican colleagues often talk about what the founding fathers wanted. I’m right there with them. When George Washington was inaugurated as our nation’s first president, he refused to wear a suit made in England and sought an American clothier," said Congressman Garamendi. "We could Make It In America then. We can Make it In America now."

Garamendi said, "There is a significant American made content difference in their bids and approximately a 5% price difference. At stake is a $3 billion investment in American jobs and manufacturing capacity. You have an opportunity to instruct them to resubmit their final bids to achieve maximum domestic content and the best price. Tell them to get a sharp pencil and come back in 90 days with their last and best final offer."

"This project is a win-win-win for Solano County and Northern California," said Congressman John Garamendi. "Drivers will experience reduced traffic congestion and commute times, helping them get to their work and homes faster and safer. The I-80 Cordelia Truck Scales Relocation Project will also help expedite goods movement for Northern California, by enabling commodities and goods to move with more efficiency from the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada's to the Bay Area and beyond.  All the while, strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses and most importantly, creating badly needed construction jobs for the region."

"BART has a simple choice in the weeks ahead: it can support our foreign competitors, or it can help create thousands of jobs for American workers and signal to the world that American manufacturing is back in business. We’re here today to urge BART to do the right thing and Make It In America."

"Congress must speak in a clear unwavering voice when the liberty of individuals is at stake. As we know from the dark moments in our past, where there is ambiguity in the law, abuses at the highest levels of the government can occur."

"BART is the largest public rail system on the West Coast. When it has billions of dollars to invest in new rail cars, manufacturers take notice," said Congressman Garamendi, a former Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "BART has a simple choice in the weeks ahead: it can support our foreign competitors, or it can help create thousands of jobs for American workers and signal to the world that American manufacturing is back in business. We’re here today to urge BART to do the right thing and Make It In America."

"As we consider new transportation projects moving forward, I will continue to advocate for stronger Make It In America policies that make sure these investments create as many good American jobs as possible," added Garamendi. "We cannot abandon manufacturing – the backbone of America’s middle class – and transportation provides an opportune chance to use the power of the federal government to help American workers."

"America deserves a budget that creates jobs, invests in vital national priorities, strengthens small businesses, preserves retirement security, improves education access and affordability, and responsibly reduces the deficit. The Republican budget does the opposite," said Congressman Garamendi.

"This is about setting smart policy, so that this great nation can once again become the great manufacturing center of the world," said Congressman Garamendi. "Since the days when President George Washington asked Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton to develop an industrial policy, we have known that a robust manufacturing sector is essential to our economic vitality. This holds true today. We need to Make It In America again, so that struggling middle class and lower income families can make it – so we all have a fair shot at the American Dream."

Chairman Feinstein, thank you for your leadership on this issue. The Due Process Guarantee Act provides clarity in an area where Congress and the American people cannot afford to have ambiguity. Congress, as the maker of this nation's laws, must always tread carefully when the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution are at issue. We must leave no uncertainty when it comes to the rights of the American people.

"In addition to a blatant water grab, HR 1837 also creates sweeping exemptions from federal laws protecting our water and pre-emptively prohibits state lawmakers from striking a consensus-driven compromise. It would be more accurate to call HR 1837 the State Water Rights Repeal Act," Garamendi wrote in the op-ed. "Now is not the time to reignite the California water wars of the past. Now is not the time to pit Californians against each other for short-term gain. There is a more constructive way forward for California. We must focus on responsible, science-based water management, with conservation, storage and recycling playing a prominent role – balancing our water needs and creating jobs across the Golden State."

"In my view, there is a readily available solution to afford ongoing clean energy tax credits. We can generate $5 billion a year by ending our wasteful subsidies of the oil industry. That subsidy should be moved to renewable energy," said Congressman Garamendi.

In this spot, Congressman Garamendi reminds 3rd District voters of his legacy of proven leadership. From stopping the peripheral canal and Southern California water grab to lowering insurance premiums to fighting for education and seniors, Garamendi has been there for Northern California. This is no time for rookies.

"America faces new threats now. The more than a trillion dollars spent on two wars over the course of a decade undermines our financial stability and takes away from much needed funds for American jobs and investments at home. The Obama administration has shown courageous leadership in eliminating Osama Bin Laden and other top Al Qaeda leaders. They have also shown leadership in bringing the war in Iraq to an end and in planning to ensure that the US military commitment in Afghanistan is not an open-ended one. As President Obama clearly stated in his speech on the drawdown plan last year, we need to focus on nation-building at home. I agree, and I strongly support ending US combat operations in Afghanistan and bringing our troops home by mid-2013, if not sooner. It's us, the 435 Members of this body, the United States Congress, that can choose when this war ends."

"Our task is to reignite the American dream. The first and most important thing we need to do is make sure we have the best education system in the world," Garamendi continued. "It is a terrible mistake to reduce education funding. I'm doing all I can to make sure that students receive every penny possible to fulfill their American dream."

"The Due Process Guarantee Act is picking up momentum because this isn't about Democrats or Republicans; it's about what makes us Americans," Garamendi added. "We have the privilege of living in a free society. Let's keep it that way. I implore my Republican colleagues to let this important legislation come up for a vote."

California homeowners, and those throughout the country, continue to suffer as a result of the irresponsible and fraudulent actions of the mortgage industry.  We write in support of California Attorney General Kamala Harris' continued investigation into the potential misconduct and fraud by the mortgage industry. ... We believe that any meaningful settlement must provide assistance for struggling homeowners—particularly those underwater—and should not grant banks a broad release from liability for abuses that have not been investigated and are not remedied by the settlement.

On January 14, Congressman John Garamendi, a candidate for California’s new third Congressional District, joined local duck hunters, city residents, firefighters and business owners on a walkthrough of the city of Colusa. Following meet and greets with local businesses, Congressman Garamendi went door-to-door to introduce himself to new constituents.

"Earlier this year, my Republican colleagues voted to repeal the Patient's Bill of Rights," added Garamendi. "Just so we're clear, if the Tea Party has their way, these 2.5 million young adults would lose their health care coverage. 2.5 million sons and daughters, possibly your own, would once again be one broken arm, one infection away from bankruptcy, delayed treatment, or worse. So long as I'm in Congress, I will fight to prevent that injustice from happening."

"The Patient’s Bill of Rights is making quality health coverage more affordable for millions of seniors, with significant prescription drug savings and free preventative health screenings,"Congressman Garamendi said. "This is good new for every American who hopes to retire with dignity, and it’s only possible because President Obama and Democrats in Congress were willing to take the tough votes necessary to improve our health care system."

Urge Committee to Maintain Revenue Sharing to Further Energy Independence

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, six Members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter authored by Congressmen John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena, CA) to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, commonly referred to as the "Super Committee," urging them to "maintain the current revenue sharing for counties as it pertains to geothermal receipts."

"Our veterans have served valiantly and sacrificed greatly on behalf of all Americans," said Congressman John Garamendi. "As hundreds of thousands of service members return from Iraq and Afghanistan, they face the toughest job market in decades, and many have even faced morally repugnant job discrimination. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act provides veterans with the job opportunities that they have earned."

"I’ve spoken to dozens of recent graduates in my district, and they all say the same thing: there are very few jobs available for them, and the ones that exist aren’t paying well," Congressman Garamendi said. "Our country is weakened when we have an entire generation of graduates saddled with debts they can’t afford to pay back. President Obama is wise to offer relief to Americans with excessive student loan debt."

"Competition for solar energy jobs is heating up, and the winners and losers of the 21st Century Global Clean Energy Race are being determined in the here and now," Congressman Garamendi said. "We can either wave the white flag of surrender – which seems to be the Congressional Republican energy plan – or we can sustain and create good American jobs in the $5 trillion global energy industry."

"Washington should fight for American jobs – not give them away with unfair trade deals,"Congressman Garamendi said. "This week, a majority in the Senate voted to create millions of American jobs with the American Jobs Act and with a bill to level the playing field with countries that manipulate their currency. Unfortunately, Republican House leaders continue to bring legislation to the floor that would increase the emission of toxic air pollutants, including mercury, and now, a bill that will cost thousands of American jobs."

"Every great jobs-creating technological advancement in American history – cars, space travel, and the Internet included – were rebuffed by naysayers that preferred to raise the white flag of surrender before even trying," Congressman Garamendi said. "The solar industry was born in America and is responsible for 100,000 American jobs. With commonsense policies like Make It In America buying preferences, we can do much to once again become the world’s leader in solar production."

"Americans need jobs. This is my first priority in Congress, and I was encouraged by President Obama's speech in which he laid out a robust plan to put Americans back to work. This clearly has not been a priority of the Republicans who would rather play games with the economy," Congressman Garamendi said.

WALNUT GROVE, CA -- Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield) today announced that in 2012, he expects to run for Congress in the proposed 3rd Congressional District, which presently includes all or portions of Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Lake, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter and Yuba counties.

“I am excited about the opportunity to represent the people of the proposed 3rd Congressional District, which now includes my home in Walnut Grove and many of the people that I currently represent in Solano and Sacramento counties. I also served Yolo County for eight years in the State Senate and have great familiarity with the entire district from my decade-long service statewide.”

“This is a district composed of industrious farmers, entrepreneurs, businesses, two of the finest Air Force bases in America, one of the greatest universities in the world at UC Davis and three outstanding community colleges,” Garamendi added. ”I look forward to taking all the needs and opportunities of this region to the halls of Congress to do what I can to help this community thrive and prosper.”

Washington, DC - Late Sunday, Representative John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) casted his vote in support of health insurance reform. The bill will cover 32 million Americans who do not have access to quality and affordable health insurance. Congressman Garamendi released the following statement:

ORINDA, CA - Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek) joined local leaders and transportation officials in the ground breaking ceremony for the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel.

Set to cost around 420 million dollars, it is the single largest project that has received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"The Recovery Act and other recent measures to improve our economy have done much to turn around the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression," states Rep. John Garamendi.

WALNUT CREEK – The John Garamendi for Congress campaign today released its latest podcast entitled “Education is Opportunity.” The podcast highlights how President Barack Obama’s federal stimulus package brings improvements to 10th Congressional District schools and keeps tens-of-thousands of teachers in the classroom statewide.

A link to the podcast is available here: http://www.garamendi.org/sites/default/files/Education-Podcast%20MP3.mp3.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi today received the endorsement of the Contra Costa Times the largest circulation newspaper within the 10th Congressional District.

WALNUT CREEK – The Garamendi for Congress campaign began airing its second television advertisement of the special General Election, entitled “Two Cents.” The new ad features two copper pennies, one representing Lieutenant Governor Garamendi and one representing his conservative Republican opponent David Harmer. The contrast between Garamendi’s long record of support for public schools and for protecting Social Security and Medicare and Harmer's stated desire to eliminate public schools, privatize Social Security and cut Medicare is the focus of the advertisement.

WALNUT CREEK – The Garamendi for Congress campaign today announced that it has raised $1,055,183.83 for its campaign in California’s 10th Congressional District special election.

Since August 13, the Garamendi for Congress campaign has raised $537,814.86, including $115,944.52 since October 14. The campaign has $133,288.89 Cash on Hand and $34,400.76 in outstanding bills.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, the only candidate for Congress who has ever represented the people of the 10th Congressional District, today is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of the Vacaville Reporter.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, the Democratic nominee for California’s 10th Congressional District, today urged members of Congress to support the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi tonight won the special primary election, becoming the Democratic nominee for the November 3rd runoff election.
 
Garamendi held nearly a nine point lead with almost all precincts reporting late Tuesday night.
 

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a candidate for the 10th Congressional District, today announces that he has been endorsed by the Livermore Independent.

Wrote the Livermore Independent (page 4):

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a candidate in the 10th Congressional District, is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of Tiffany Attwood, a former candidate who has suspended her campaign for Congress to endorse Garamendi.

On August 15, Garamendi hosted an Asia-Pacific Town Hall in Fairfield, where he invited Attwood, a Filipino American, to participate.

WALNUT CREEK – East Bay and Solano County teachers and school employees today gave Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a candidate for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, an A+ for his commitment to education at an endorsement rally in Walnut Creek.

WALNUT CREEK – Today, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi received the endorsement of the Contra Costa Times, the most circulated paper in the 10th Congressional District with over 165,000 newspapers in circulation daily, and its sister papers of the Bay Area News Group.

This follows the endorsements from the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Area’s largest newspaper, and the San Francisco Bay Guardian, the Bay Area’s largest progressive weekly.

In their editorial endorsement, the Contra Costa Times (online edition not yet available) said:

WALNUT CREEK – Following critical endorsements from the Bay Area’s largest newspaper and largest progressive weekly, the San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Bay Guardian, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a Democratic candidate in the 10th Congressional District, continued his momentum today by announcing strong campaign finance numbers.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a twice elected California State Insurance Commissioner, today unveiled his latest ad in the race for the 10th Congressional District.

The ad, titled “On Health Care”, is here: http://www.garamendi.org/campaignvideo/onhealthcare.

It will run on cable television throughout the 10th Congressional District through September 1st. A transcript is below.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, chair of the California State Lands Commission and founder of the Clean Seas Coalition, today is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of the Sierra Club in the 10th Congressional District special primary election.

FAIRFIELD – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, California’s first elected State Insurance Commissioner, will receive the endorsement today of the ‘Solano Stands with John Garamendi’ coalition at the Solano County headquarters grand opening of his campaign for Congress in Fairfield. 

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, chair of the California Commission for Economic Development, today is proud to announce that he has received the sole endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245.

“As the men and women on the front lines of our green industrial revolution, IBEW Local 1245’s endorsement means a lot to me,” said Garamendi, a Deputy Interior Secretary under President Bill Clinton. “I have the right experience – right when we need it most.”

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, California’s first elected State Insurance Commissioner and chair of the California Commission for Economic Development, today announced that he received the endorsement of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 29.

John Garamendi will Show Impressive Fundraising Numbers
in 10th Congressional District Special Primary Election

More than $300,000 Raised from More than 350 Donors in FEC Filing Released Tomorrow

SACRAMENTO - Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a 32-year Delta resident and former Deputy Interior Secretary in the Clinton Administration, gave the following statement at today’s Delta Water Policy press conference and rally at the Capitol:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2009

Contact: Josh Franco, 916-863-6881

Goal Achieved! John Garamendi Raises more than $300,000 in a month and a half for Congressional Bid '

Proven Democrat has Solid Fundraising Showing, Diverse Coalitions of Supporters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2009

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi Holds Commanding Favorability and Likely Vote Advantage In Hypothetical 10th Congressional District Matchup Garamendi Holds 11 Point Lead Over Nearest Democratic Competitor