John In The News
The Ryan Republican Budget: Medicare's Death by a Thousand Coupons
Sacramento Bee | Congressman John Garamendi | March 29, 2012Make no mistake, if this plan ever becomes law, it will mark Medicare's death by a thousand coupons. Seniors remaining with traditional Medicare will pay more as private insurers siphon off the healthiest and youngest among them. Seniors purchasing private insurance will also shoulder more of the cost of medical care as the value of their insurance coupon declines over time.
Garamendi Calls For End to Afghan War
Daily Democrat | | February 9, 2012Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, called for an end to the war in Afghanistan on the House of Representatives floor Wednesday.Garamendi is running for election in the new 3rd District, which includes most of Yolo County.Garamendi is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Garamendi, along with a Republican congressman and a fellow Democratic representative, met with Lt. Col. Danny Davis who has questioned the direction of the Afghanistan war."Col. Davis' candid testimony reinforced my own conviction that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, only the prospect of continued shedding of American blood in a war that is not ours to fight," Garamendi said in a news release. "Only through a negotiated political settlement amongst the Afghan factions, not through an open-ended U.S. military presence, could Afghanistan become a stable, developing country."He commended the Obama administration for its leadership in ending the Iraq war and ensuring the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan is not open-ended.Garamendi supports troops coming home from Afghanistan by mid-2013 if not sooner. He told Congress it has the ability to decide when the war ends.
Marysville forum: Jobs outlook bleak in Yuba-Sutter
Appeal Democrat | | February 6, 2012It is no secret the Yuba-Sutter job market is — at best — sluggish.Just ask Marysville's Dave Fleming."I haven't been working since I was laid off six months ago," Fleming said. "It is what it is in this economy — it's really tough times."Fleming, 39, was one of more than 50 people looking for answers and maybe some hope at a community meeting on Saturday in Marysville addressing jobs and economic growth in Yuba-Sutter.The event was hosted at the Arts Council Auditorium on E Street and was sponsored by the Yuba-Sutter Democratic Club, Rebuild the Dream Yuba-Sutter and Crossing Borders, Building Bridges.Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, was the event's keynote speaker."All the elements are here (in Yuba-Sutter) for good economic growth," Garamendi said. "We need to support our small businesses and career and job training centers to help build a solid middle class and reignite the American Dream."Other economic issues were addressed during a brief six-person panel discussion moderated by Marysville Vice Mayor Christina Billeci.Billeci was credited with organizing Saturday's forum and panel discussion."You hear a lot about the national and state economies, and we thought it would be good to compare our economy with those, but also to address bringing jobs her to expand the economy," she said.Long-term strategies were briefly discussed. Many speakers expressed optimism about the future of the local financial picture.
Bill Would Force Rehiring of More Reservists
Army Times | | February 3, 2012A California lawmaker wants to block most U.S. companies from using the excuse of poor economic times for not rehiring National Guard and reserve members who try to return to work following a mobilization.The Veterans Reemployment Act of 2012, introduced Wednesday by Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., would allow only small businesses to use a loophole in law that permits a company to not rehire a veteran because of economic hardship.Garamendi said current law is failing service members.Endorsed by the American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans’ organization, the bill “rights a terrible wrong,” said Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Because of a loophole in existing law, when National Guard and reserve members return from the front lines, too often they come home to see their job taken away from them.”The bill, HR 3860, was referred for consideration to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the panel responsible for the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act that includes the rehiring rules. That committee also is taking a close look at the high unemployment rate facing returning National Guard and reserve members.Under Garamendi’s bill, large and medium-sized businesses would be unable to refuse to rehire a veteran employee because of “undue hardship,” the loophole in current law. As long as they are still in business, they would have to reinstate a returning veteran in the same position that he or she left or one equivalent to it, accommodate returning workers with service-connected disabilities, and find new jobs for those who no longer qualify for their previous positions.
Oil Drilling Off California Coast Approved By House Panel
SCPR | | February 2, 2012A GOP-led House committee has approved bills that open the Arctic National Wildlife Preserve to oil drilling, encourage oil shale development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming and push new oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast.Republicans say the measures provide energy security and a source of revenue to help pay for roads and bridges, but it was the offshore oil lease sales that sparked the most spirited debate. Any discussion of offshore oil drilling among Californians revolves around the 1969 spill off the Santa Barbara coast that dumped 200,000 gallons of crude across 35 miles of coastline.Democratic Congressman John Garamendi of Walnut Creek referred to it as he offered objection after objection and amendment after amendment to stall the offshore drilling bill. "There is the probability of oil spills, small and on occasion large, when you drill from the ocean," he said.Garamendi suggested a compromise: a process known as horizontal drilling. He says nearly all the oil off the California coast can be reached from the shore. But that suggestion, like every other Democratic amendment, was turned down.Grace Napolitano of Norwalk and John Garamendi of Walnut Creek raised objections at today’s Natural Resources Committee hearing. Congressman Garamendi said GOP amendments in the bills turn back the clock on federal regulations."You’re pushing aside the Federal Land Policy Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Energy Policy Act, and saying they’re not to be considered," Garamendi said, "and that what was done in 2008 by the Bush administration is quite satisfactory. Get out of the way and go forward."Garamendi and Napolitano raised concerns about water pollution during discussion of the bill promoting oil shale development.
Solano County's congressmen pleased with Obama's speech
Vacaville Reporter | | January 25, 2012In an attempt to meet a fractured economy head-on and make the needed adjustments to get it back on track, President Barack Obama on Tuesday emphasized in his State of the Union address the importance seeing beyond political differences and challenged Congress to take the steps necessary to bridge the gap.Area representatives are taking a stance firmly behind him."President Obama gave a very strong and optimistic speech about our country, but made equally strong challenge to Congress to stop blocking efforts to rebuild the middle class and move America forward," said U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Solano, regarding the president's third address on the country's state of affairs since being elected in 2008. "I give this speech and its message to all Americans very high marks."Fellow Congressman John Garamendi, D-Solano, was in agreement when reached by phone following the address, calling it "excellent."He credited Obama's emphasis on job creation and rebuilding the middle class through maintaining and strengthening infrastructure, renewable energy, pushing for fairness in tax policy and maintaining the country's military strength.Garamendi said he was "pleasantly surprised" with the way Obama ended his address, reminding his audience of the country's greatness as a nation."The destiny of America is ahead of us if we can work together," he said.Garamendi added that the changes Obama called for are within our reach as a country if partisanism can be put aside and "If Republicans can work with Democrats and vice versa."
Area politicians weigh in on Obama's address
Stockton Record | | January 25, 2012Shortly after President Barack Obama finished his third State of the Union address Tuesday evening, lawmakers with ties to the area offered their perspectives on the talk.Democrats agree Obama was dynamic, inspirational and scored points on addressing the need to grow the nation's middle class. One area Republican agreed with the president's rhetoric but believes his policies and actions don't reflect his words. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the overall reactions to the address were largely consistent with party lines.However, Obama did receive respect from one Democratic lawmaker who at times has been vocal in his criticism of the nation's leader."(Obama) showed he is aware of the everyday struggles of real people and that he is committed to building the middle class and preserving the American dream for all people," McNerney said in a news release.Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said the president's discussion on national defense could be a boon for Northern California."He stressed the need for an agile defense network," Garamendi said. "Travis Air Force Base can provide mobility, and Beale Air Force Base is reconnaissance," he said.Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, is home to unmanned drone aircraft and the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, and Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield hosts the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wing.
Yuba-Sutter Republican rebuttal to Obama: ‘Not much has improved'
Appeal Democrat | | January 25, 2012The president called for raising taxes on the rich, luring high-tech manufacturers to America and setting up training programs to prepare workers to succeed in those high-tech manufacturing jobs. After he finished, local Democrats hailed the speech a success; local Republicans criticized him."He failed to really touch on the major issues and crises that are touching the country today," said Rick Reiss, member of the Yuba County Republican Central Committee.The United States needs to bolster its economy, cut government spending, pay down the national debt and drill for its own oil, Reiss said, and Obama's not doing those fast enough.Rep. Wally Herger, R-Chico, attended the speech in Washington and wasn't impressed either."It seemed like a lot of old ideas we've heard before from the president," Herger said. Those ideas haven't turned the nation's economy around, he added. The United States still has high unemployment while the federal government continues to spend more money than it takes in."We've had three years of the president's policies and we haven't seen the economy improve."Not according to Obama. Businesses created more than 3 million jobs in the last 22 months, he said and last year they created the most jobs since 2005."The state of our union is getting stronger," Obama told Congress.On the other side of the aisle, there were starkly different opinions of the address."The president hit the issues squarely and very, very strongly," said Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who is running in a newly remade district this year that will include the Yuba-Sutter area.Obama's priorities are particularly relevant for the Yuba-Sutter area, Garamendi said. The president wants to continue investing in the military, beef up infrastructure like flood protection and increase funding for taking care of veterans once they return from war."The president laid out solutions today that I think are very achievable if we work together," Garamendi said.Paine agreed, saying the Yuba-Sutter needs better roads and bridges, although he doesn't think Congress working together is a big if during an election year."The Republicans don't want to have anything done that might reflect in a positive way on Obama," Paine said. "I don't think Congress will do much in this year."
Senior Resources Fair offers services, information to locals
Daily Republic | | January 20, 2012About 100 senior citizens and 20 agencies participated in Rep. John Garamendi’s Senior Resources Fair Thursday at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.The three-hour event included workshops on insurance, as well as scams and frauds that target seniors.Peggy Pellon represented the local Area Agency on Aging. The agency strives to make it to all events such as the resource fair, she said.“It’s an opportunity to do outreach to seniors and diverse cultures,” she said.Some seniors aren’t aware of the services the Area Agency on Aging offers, including depression screening.As one ages, there are a lot of losses to cope with, Pellon said. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, health or even financial means, that can cause isolation and depression, she said.Garamendi thanked the participating agencies, noting that the fair was just a continuation of the work they do on a daily basis. He spoke about becoming the state’s insurance commissioner in 1991 and noted since that time, there has been progress made on senior insurance issues but there is still work to be done.It was the workshop by Garamendi staffer Karen Tedford that got Vacaville resident Rose Castles, 79, to the event.“I am so worried about it,” she said about fraud. “It’s everywhere.”Tedford shared stories of seniors who were fraud and/or scam victims. She cautioned them to never pay for anything they didn’t order, not to carry their Social Security card in their wallet and to check their credit reports.Census statistics show that Solano County is home to nearly 40,000 people who are 65 and older.Last year, Garamendi held a Senior Resources Fair in Antioch.
Defense Act Is Unconstitutional
Berthoud Recorder | | January 18, 2012Each year, Congress authorizes the budget of the Department of Defense through a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA of 2012, however, is unlike any previous ones. This year’s legislation contains highly controversial provisions that empower the Armed Forces to engage in civilian law enforcement and to selectively suspend due process and habeas corpus, as well as other rights guaranteed by the 5th and 6th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, for terror suspects apprehended on U.S. soil. The final version of the bill passed the House on December 14, the Senate the following day.This pernicious law poses one of the greatest threats to civil liberties in our nation’s history. Under Section 1021 of the NDAA, foreign nationals who are alleged to have committed or merely “suspected” of sympathizing with or providing any level of support to groups the U.S. designates as terrorist organization or an affiliate or associated force may be imprisoned without charge or trial “until the end of hostilities.” The law affirms the executive branch’s authority granted under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and broadens the definition and scope of “covered persons.” But because the “war on terror” is a war on a tactic, not on a state, it has no parameters or timetable. Consequently, this law can be used by authorities to detain (forever) anyone the government considers a threat to national security and stability – potentially even demonstrators and protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.Regardless of whether or not this law is interpreted as applying to U.S. persons, by specifically targeting foreign nationals, the NDAA violates the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that all people be treated the same under the law. Therefore, any way you slice it, this law is unconstitutional.As difficult as it might be to have any faith left in the Congress, there is hope on the horizon for overturning at least the portion of the law that threatens U.S. persons. The Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, H.R. 3702, authored by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Martin Heinrich (D- NM) and currently co-sponsored by 32 House members, including the ranking members of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary committees, clarifies existing U.S. law and states unequivocally that the government cannot indefinitely detain American citizens or lawful U.S. residents. It ensures that U.S. citizens and permanent residents on American soil are protected. The bill amends the Non-Detention Act of 1971, clarifying that a congressional authorization for the use of military force – such as that in the NDAA which included the detainee provisions – does not authorize the indefinite detention without charge or trial of U.S. citizens apprehended on U.S. soil. H.R. 3702 is companion legislation to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, S. 2003.Since 2001, the Patriot Act, the AUMF, and now the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 have eroded of many of our most valued constitutional rights. Our nation is moving away from government “of the people, by the people, for the people” and toward a totalitarian state. The late historian, Howard Zinn observed, “Terrorism has replaced Communism as the rationale for the militarization of the country [America], for military adventures abroad, and for the suppression of civil liberties at home. It serves the same purpose, serving to create hysteria.”It is up to the American people to stop this fear-mongering and this unfettered growth of the military industrial complex. How? Americans can begin by actively dissenting against laws that violate their Constitution and their conscience. Dr. Zinn believed very strongly that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
Poor Richardson’s Almanac: In Today’s Entry, Garamendi Endorses Janice Hahn
Greater Long Beach | | January 11, 2012Congressman John Garamendi, a Democrat from a Northern California district, has announced his support for Janice Hahn in her attempt to win the congressional seat that Richardson currently occupies.Garamendi’s endorsement comes with the observation that Hahn ’s campaign “hit the ground running” last July—and was politic enough not to mention how such energy compares with the negative vibes that swirl around Richardson like shrieking demons.“Already in her few months since being sworn in to the House, she’s been a leader and has stood up to protect the rights of working people and women’s rights,” Garamendi said in a statement. “At the same time, she’s been able to further the work that she did while on the L.A. City Council surrounding issues that involve the Port of Los Angeles.”
CAIR Seeks Support for Bill Barring Military Detentions
Sacramento Bee | | January 9, 2012The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Muslims and other people of conscience to ask their elected representatives to support the Due Process Guarantee Act, which would bar the military from detaining U.S. citizens without charge or trial.The act reaffirms that American citizens suspected of terrorism and arrested inside the United States cannot be indefinitely detained by the U.S. military as is authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that President Obama recently signed into law. When signing the legislation at the end of December, the president said: "I want to clarify that my administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a nation." However, legal experts say the president's signing statement has no legal standing and does not provide any assurance that future administrations will act in a similar manner.CAIR believes that the Due Process Guarantee Act -- sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) -- represents a first step in repairing the damage done to the U.S. Constitution by stating explicitly that the government cannot indefinitely detain American citizens or lawful residents inside the United States without charge or trial. "We must clarify U.S. law to state unequivocally that the government cannot indefinitely detain American citizens inside this country without trial or charge. I strongly believe that Constitutional due process requires U.S. citizens apprehended in the U.S. should never be held in indefinite detention. And that is what this new legislation would accomplish," said Sen. Feinstein."We need to act now and demonstrate to Congress and the president that the American people reject any form of indefinite detention and demand the return of their Fifth Amendment right to due process," said CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Robert McCaw. "While this legislation does not extend to protecting the rights of American citizens detained overseas or prevent the military from performing domestic law enforcement functions, we remain optimistic that it can be amended in the coming months to address these deeply-troubling and unconstitutional realities."CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Daily Democrat | | December 23, 2011A new statewide flood-control plan calls for $14 billion to $17 billion in repairs and other investments. Welcome to another big project for 2012 and beyond.All of these projects are important, but Woodland and Yolo County residents are perhaps affected the most by levees, and state officials are saying that more than half of the state's 1,500 miles of levees don't meet standards.Adding to the problem is a requirement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' that mandates the removal of trees and shrubs from federally designed and built levees.The regulation makes no sense and in fact would weaken the hundreds of miles of levees in and around the Delta. The trees and bushes, which lessen erosion, hold the earthen levees together and provide habitat for birds. Yet unless they are removed, there will be no federal funding for levee repairs after a flood.State and local levee management agencies say compliance would cost at least $7.5 billion to remove the vegetation from about 2,100 miles or 15 percent of the levees in California.The tree removal would not offer any more flood protection and actually contradicts Corps engineering studies that show vegetation protects levees by slowing flows and strengthening levees. The rule also violates federal environmental protections.Rep. John Garamendi, who lives on a levee in Walnut Grove, says local flood control district managers -- not Washington bureaucrats -- know what is necessary to protect their levees: "The Corps has set a one-size-fits all-policy. But would the Army buy the same size boot for every soldier?"Despite the obvious inanity of the tree-removal rule, the Corps remains opposed to changing it. We like to think that those suing the Corps will prevail, but there is no guarantee.
House Bills Introduced to overturn Obama’s Hitler Law
Larouche PAC | | December 21, 2011Two bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives to strike President Obama's Hitler Enabling Law provisions embedded in the National Defense Authorization Act passed last week on President Obama's insistence, as shock spreads within the House over the implications of what they, themselves, have done. The first, H.R. 3676, was introduced while debate was still ongoing on the NDAA on Dec. 15, by Rep. Jeff Landry, a freshman Republican from Louisiana; the second, H.R. 3702, was introduced the next day by Democrats Rep. Garamendi of California and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. The text of both bills, like Sen. Feinstein's similar bill in the Senate, is short and direct.H.R. 3676's two operant paragraphs are summarized in its title: "To amend the detainee provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to specifically state that United States citizens may not be detained against their will without all the rights of due process afforded to citizens in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution of the United States." H.R. 3702, the Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, seeks "to clarify that an authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority shall not authorize the detention without charge or trial of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and for other purposes." It was presented by sponsors Garamendi and Heinrich (both members of the House Armed Services Committee) as a companion bill to Senator Feinstein's Senate bill of the same name. It’s twelve other co-sponsors, all joining on the day it was introduced, are all Democrats, and include Rep. John Conyers, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, to which this bill was referred. In announcing their bill, Rep. Garamendi stated that "we cannot allow our basic rights to be lost, and there is no legitimate national security reason to deny any citizen in America a trial. We can both keep America safe and maintain our liberties." For his part, Rep. Heinrich emphasized that the detainee provisions "are at complete odds with the United States Constitution. It is time we restore the proper balance between individual liberties and national security."
DiFi floats bill to bar citizens’ indefinite detention
Inside Bay Area / Contra Costa Times | Josh Richman | December 15, 2011Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, and Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., today introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 3702. “Every American deserves their day in court, and this legislation changes existing law to protect our due process rights,” Garamendi said in his news release. “We cannot allow our basic rights to be lost, and there is no legitimate national security reason to deny any citizen in America a trial. We can both keep America safe and maintain our liberties.”
California Democrats urge mortgage investigation
Contra Costa Times | Lisa Vorderbrueggen | December 12, 2011Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, joined fellow California Democrats today and sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging federal support for an investigation into mortgage fraud.California and Nevada attorney generals have teamed up to crack down on mortgage fraud.
USDA declares Solano a natural disaster area
The Vacaville Reporter | Melissa Murphy | December 2, 2011"We worked pretty hard to get this," Allan said of the designation and collecting the necessary data. He added that Solano County received support from Congressmen John Garamendi and George Miller, both D-Solano. Farmers and ranchers in counties contiguous to Solano County also can benefit from the designation. Those counties include Contra Costa, Napa, Sacramento, Sonoma and Yolo.
Bipartisan members of Congress champion geothermal energy with letter to 'super committee'
Lake County News | | November 18, 2011“Geothermal energy is a crucial clean resource for creating jobs and securing our energy independence,” said Garamendi. “It is in our economic and national security interests to make our energy in America, which is why it’s critical for the federal government to continue cultivating an environment for geothermal development.”Garamendi continued, “Communities that bear the burden of geothermal development deserve a fair share of its revenue. I strongly oppose any attempt to deprive these counties of funds for essential local services, including education and public safety.”
Democrats: Plug budget deficit with money from oil subsidies
KPCC | Kitty Felde | November 2, 2011Democrats say $2 billion a year can be saved by cancelling subsidies to oil companies. At a press conference outside the capitol, Congressman John Garamendi of Walnut Creek described those subsidies as a longstandingAmerican economic tradition intended to spur new industries. "95 years ago," he says, "we began to subsidize the oil industry to encourage it. It’s perfectly clear from all you’ve heard today, and from the trillion dollars in profits that the oil industry has made in the last ten years, that this industry no longer needs taxpayer encouragement to succeed. It is the most successful industry ever."
Representatives question short comment period for Delta plan
San Francisco Bay Area Indymedia | Dan Bacher | October 29, 2011“The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is critical to sustaining the life of communities across California and is an ecosystem of national significance,” said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-10). “I have worked for decades to protect this vital resource by building consensus and including all stakeholders. By contrast, the Bay Delta Conservation Plan has been an exclusionary closed-door operation on a recklessly short time table. The current Memorandum of Agreement must be rescinded and a new agreement forged, so that all interested parties have equal standing in the Bay Delta Conservation Plan process. I join my colleagues in calling for an open, inclusive and deliberative process that protects the ecology of the Delta for all Californians.”
Garamendi promotes clean energy legislation during Solano visit
Fairfield Daily Republic | Ian Thompson | October 20, 2011“I like this,” said Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, as he lauded the facility and noted that increasing the use of clean energy such as solar power can help secure national security so America doesn’t have to depend on oil from dangerous parts of the world. “This is what we have to do.”
House members call for end to wars on eve of 10th anniversary of Afghanistan operations
The Hill | Pete Kasperowicz | October 5, 2011Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) argued that U.S. funding is being wasted in a corrupt country. “Afghanistan is widely considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world, behind only Somalia,” he said.
Rep. John Garamendi, other Dems, join Obama campaign to sell jobs plan
San Francisco Chronicle | Carolyn Lochhead | September 13, 2011Garamendi used the state-by-state numbers put out by White House that say 710,000 small businesses in California would benefit from the payroll tax cut, which also would give an a family earning $50,000 a $1,500 tax cut. It also would provide nearly $4 billion to California for surface transportation, $2.8 billion to upgrade schools in poor neighborhoods and hire 37,300 teachers in the state.
Demonstrators Call For End to Oil Subsidies
Walnut Creek Patch | Lance Howland | September 13, 2011The event was held across the street from the Walnut Creek office of Rep. John Garamendi, a Democrat, whom Carroll called a "champion" for his advocacy against oil subsidies. Garamendi aide Brian Hooker read a note from the congressman, who is in Washington monitoring the jobs bill debate, he said.
Solano congressman makes rounds in Fairfield
Fairfield Daily Republic | David DeBolt | August 30, 2011Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, praised The Leaven for raising student achievement and “reducing trouble” at its sites. “The evidence is there from the other three centers,” Garamendi said. “They ought to be everywhere.”
House members sound off on Obama’s nominee
Inside Bay Area / Contra Costa Times | Josh Richman | July 18, 2011“This is an extremely important agency, necessary for the protection of all Americans, whether they have a home mortgage or a credit card,” Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said in response to my query. “The President appointed a person who will aggressively protect consumers. I look forward to his work. I also want to thank Elizabeth Warren for her hard work in establishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. With proper resources, this institution will strengthen our economic security for years to come.”
Contra Costa County awarded $499K for school-based health clinics
In Contra Costa Blog | claycord.com | July 14, 2011“Education and health together constitute two essential building blocks for happy, fulfilling lives and they help our children compete in the global market for jobs- to Make It In America,” Garamendi said. “I applaud the Contra Costa County Health Services Department for securing the money for this valuable investment.”
Celebrations Mark Early Achievements Toward New Tri-Valley Jobs and Green Businesses
Livermore Patch | James Brice | July 5, 2011“From the sorts of things that are going on here, we are going to re-establish the American manufacturing sector,” Garamendi predicted. Four collaborations with emerging companies have already been established, noted i-GATE president Bruce Balfour. All could potentially establish manufacturing and administrative facilities in Livermore and other Tri-Valley communities.
ANALYSIS: Insurers's bait and switch
iWatch News | Wendell Potter | June 30, 2011Former California Insurance Commissioner and now Congressman John Garamendi saw this coming several years ago and did his best to halt the growth of high-deductible plans, but he had no real power to do so. He told reporters in 2005, while still serving as insurance commissioner, that high-deductible plans would eventually result in a “death spiral” for HMOs and PPOs. This would happen, he predicted, as insurers and employers initially cherry-picked the youngest, healthiest and richest customers while forcing managed care plans to charge more to cover the sickest patients.
Congressman John Garamendi Hits Tough Issues at Q&A Session
Walnut Creek Patch | Linda Park | June 29, 2011Sandy Person, one of people at the Q&A, said she thought Garamendi did a great job discussing what she felt were complex problems. “I thought he demonstrated a considerable knowledge of a lot of the problems we face,” Person said. “His comprehensive depth of understanding is insightful.”
Study to Look at BART Initiative Impacts
The Livermore Indepenent | | June 18, 2011A letter from Congressman John Garamendi was read into the record. It confirmed his support for the downtown-Vasco route. He stated that it would provide the most long term value for Livermore. Garamendi has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Meeting.
Garamendi touts the tenth on 'Colbert Report'
Danville Express News | Jessica Lipsky | June 13, 2011In the segment "Better Know a District," Garamendi answers questions about the 10th district, which runs from Dixon to Livermore, and simultaneously denies requests to see pictures of Osama Bin Laden's corpse while being called Gary.
California House Democrats oppose water bill that favors Central Valley farmers
KPCC | Kitty Felde | June 13, 2011Congressman John Garamendi says the measure kicks off a water war. "California has a long history of powerful organizations and people stealing water," he says, "and here we go one more time, this time with the Westlands Water District stealing from the existing water rights holders."
Sponsor Special: Rep. John Garamendi
Main Street Insider | | June 6, 2011Mr. Garamendi offers an impassioned defense of his legislation, highlights the need for government action to create jobs, and scathingly critiques both the wisdom and motives of those who oppose Buy American requirements.
Homeland Security Grant Helps Contra Costa Fire Maintain Its Stations
Concord Patch | | May 19, 2011“Even in financially challenging times, it is essential that these men and women continue to protect the health and well-being of our community. Simply put, this grant helps our firefighters keep us safe," Garamendi said.
Calif. Lawmaker Casts Sole Dissenting Vote Against War Expansion
CBS Los Angeles | | May 17, 2011Garamendi’s opposition to the bill was not only toward the continuation of the war in Afghanistan, but also focused specifically on Section 1034, which would authorize an expansion of worldwide war authority for U.S. counter-terrorism efforts
Garamendi in bipartisan push vs. Afghanistan war
Inside Bay Area / Contra Costa Times | Josh Richman | May 9, 2011Last week it was the progressives urging President Barack Obama to speed up withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in the wake of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden’s death. Today it’s a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove.
Farmers and fishermen unite to restore Delta, stop peripheral canal
AlterNet | Dan Bacher | May 6, 2011“I have lived in the Delta since 1977 and this is one of the first times that we have pulled together the farming community and fishing interests,” said Representative John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove). “There is a symbiotic relationship between the agricultural community and aquatic interests. We have to work together to protect the Delta – the solution is not to export more water out of the Delta.”
Future funding for special operations forces looks bright, analysts say
CNN Radio Report | | May 5, 2011The drawn-out deployment in Afghanistan proves terrorism isn't fought with 100,000 boots on the ground, said Democratic Congressman John Garamendi, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. It's deep intelligence gathering coupled with smaller special ops forces, whose skill set proves invaluable in sensitive missions targeting terrorists.
As Exxon Pays Zero Taxes, Fox Host Defends Big Oil Subsidies By Claiming It Pays The Most Taxes
Think Progress | Zaid Jilani | April 7, 2011Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) appeared on Fox Business Network yesterday and criticized the industry’s subsidies, asking why we they need billions of dollars a year from taxpayers.
California Congressman Returns to Ethiopian Roots
Voices of America | Peter Heinlein | March 24, 2011The California congressman recalls another visit to the Horn of Africa in the late 1990s as part of a peacekeeping mission when the region was engulfed in war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Garamendi says the mission succeeded largely because both Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki trusted the Peace Corps.
Daily Democrat | | January 3, 2011A new statewide flood-control plan calls for $14 billion to $17 billion in repairs and other investments. Welcome to another big project for 2012 and beyond.All of these projects are important, but Woodland and Yolo County residents are perhaps affected the most by levees, and state officials are saying that more than half of the state's 1,500 miles of levees don't meet standards.Adding to the problem is a requirement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' that mandates the removal of trees and shrubs from federally designed and built levees.The regulation makes no sense and in fact would weaken the hundreds of miles of levees in and around the Delta. The trees and bushes, which lessen erosion, hold the earthen levees together and provide habitat for birds. Yet unless they are removed, there will be no federal funding for levee repairs after a flood.State and local levee management agencies say compliance would cost at least $7.5 billion to remove the vegetation from about 2,100 miles or 15 percent of the levees in California.The tree removal would not offer any more flood protection and actually contradicts Corps engineering studies that show vegetation protects levees by slowing flows and strengthening levees. The rule also violates federal environmental protections.Rep. John Garamendi, who lives on a levee in Walnut Grove, says local flood control district managers -- not Washington bureaucrats -- know what is necessary to protect their levees: "The Corps has set a one-size-fits all-policy. But would the Army buy the same size boot for every soldier?"Despite the obvious inanity of the tree-removal rule, the Corps remains opposed to changing it. We like to think that those suing the Corps will prevail, but there is no guarantee.
Garamendi urges Senate to pass home lending reform
KGO ABC 7 | Ken Miguel | July 6, 2010Few places in the country have been harder hit by the housing crisis than western Contra Costa County. That is where Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, was Tuesday, urging the Senate to pass comprehensive home lending reform.
Elected officials and advocates in Antioch to tout bill meant to aid homeowners
Contra Costa Times | Paul Burgarino | July 6, 2010Hess and his wife, Carmela, spoke at a news conference Tuesday held by Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, Antioch leaders and local housing advocates to tout a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives aimed in part at helping struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.
162 House Votes for an Exit Strategy From Afghanistan
The Nation | John Nichols | July 2, 2010"We’ve been in Afghanistan for nine years, making it the longest war in our nation’s history, and it’s come at a tremendous cost. We’ve tragically lost more than 1,100 American lives and spent close to $300 billion. We’ve also been in Iraq for seven years, where we’ve lost more than 4,400 American lives and spent more than $700 billion," explained Congressman John Garamendi.
Labor Secretary: $19 million for NUMMI workers
San Jose Mercury News | George Avalos | June 7, 2010A congressman from the East Bay, Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said it's possible the NUMMI factory could be used for more than electric vehicles. After all, the auto factory measures about 5.4 million square feet.
Lawmakers eager to raise limit on spill damage
San Francisco Chronicle | Jennifer A. Dlouhy | May 6, 2010Garamendi said the Deepwater Horizon disaster should mark "a turning point in our national discussion on new offshore drilling."
Gulf oil spill: More calls for moratorium on offshore drilling
Los Angeles Times | http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/05/gulf-oil-spill-more-calls-for-moratorium-on-offshore-drilling.html | May 5, 2010"Enough is enough," Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek) declared in a letter to House colleagues seeking support for a bill introduced Wednesday to permanently ban new energy exploration off California, Oregon and Washington state.
Pleasant Hill Job Fair Sponsored By Rep. Garamendi
Bay City News | | April 10, 2010More than 40 employers and organizations will be participating in a free job resource fair Saturday at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, according to U.S. Rep. John Garamendi.
Bay Area Legislators Celebrate Health Care Vote
CBS 5 | | March 22, 2010A bill reforming America's health care system, what one Bay Area congressman said was "one of the most important bills in the past 40 years," was approved tonight by the U.S. House of Representatives.
As Anthem Blue Cross sends profits to WellPoint, it plans hefty rate hikes for Californians
Los Angeles Times | Lisa Girion | February 22, 2010"The extraordinary greed of Anthem/WellPoint Blue Cross is a clear indication that this company has put profit before people," said Garamendi, who as California insurance commissioner presided over the merger. "People need to be able to get out of the shark pool with a public-option lifeboat."
Garamendi tours Solano County clean energy plant
Vacaville Reporter | Kimberly Fu | February 21, 2010A blue sky late last week perfectly backlit a series of monolithic wind turbines in the Montezuma Hills, their unmoving blades casting long shadows that shaded slumbering cattle. The 26-story turbines, part of Solano's Shiloh II Wind Project, and the clean energy they produce, were the impetus for an hours-long visit Thursday by Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who serves on the House Science and Technology Committee.
Get to know Rep. John Garamendi
Politico | Anne Schroeder Mullins | February 16, 2010We have seen the defunding of schools, transportation infrastructure, research capabilities, and everything else that helps grow an economy. California's constitution should be re-examined. I believe that California will reach its full potential when majority rule is restored.
Blue Cross Backs Off, But Only A Bit
California Progress Report | Anthony Wright | February 14, 2010As pointed out in Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times, the only real authority the Commissioner has is on an related issue, which is whether Anthem Blue Cross was abiding by a 70% "medical loss ratio" requirement--whether 70% of premium dollars were going to patient care, rather than administration and profit. (That requirement was increased from 50% to 70% by former Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi in his last year before becoming Lt. Governor. Federal health reform would increase that requirement to around 85%.)
Trust helping to preserve ranchlands -- and wildlife
| Dennis Cuff | February 13, 2010Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, a rancher and former California lieutenant governor, donated a conservation easement on his Calaveras County land to the rangeland trust. ... "What do you do?" he said. "The land will be worth a lot of money, but do you keep it in ranching? ... Money isn't everything."
Schwarzenegger's Jobs Record 'As Bad as His B Movies'
AFL-CIO Now Blog | Tula Connell | February 12, 2010Rep. John Garamendi told the crowd of more than 700 that representatives in Congress are committed to delivering on jobs right away, providing relief to the millions in California and around the country who are without work during the Great Recession of the past two years. Garamendi said Congress is working hard to jump-start ready-to-go infrastructure projects that will put people to work while repairing our crumbling roads, bridges and schools.
States race to pre-empt health reform
Politico | Patrick O'Connor | February 9, 2010The state’s former lieutenant governor, Democratic Rep. John Garamendi, said the state Senate vote "keeps the issue moving and the debate alive" by motivating the base to confront the issue of the uninsured.
Insurer may have violated law, report reveals
San Francisco Chronicle | Carla Marinucci | February 8, 2010Former state insurance commissioner John Garamendi, now a congressman, said that starting in 2002 his office "received complaints about Mercury's practices - and those complaints rose to the level where we felt it was necessary to investigate."
Garamendi vows to play D.C. money game for his California district
| | February 7, 2010"No one will outfight John Garamendi in advocating for the needs and interests of the people he represents," said Andy Stone, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Gates looks to ease DADT discharges while repeal is studied
Bay Area Reporter | Chuck Colbert | February 4, 2010"'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has robbed our national defense of over 13,000 vital troops and armed service personnel, including scores of Arabic translators," Garamendi said in a statement. "At a time when America is fighting wars on two fronts and facing financial uncertainty, it is painfully clear that we must work swiftly to end DADT. All Americans, gay or straight, should be able to proudly serve our country."
Garamendi to hold telephone town hall meeting
Bay City News | | February 3, 2010Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Creek, is inviting 30,000 of his constituents to take part in his first telephone town hall meeting tonight. ... [He] is holding the telephone town hall tonight to reach out to his district's less densely populated areas.
Rep. Garamendi: ‘Unending negotiations’ damaged health care bill
Raw Story | Sahil Kapur | February 3, 2010A champion of the public option, Garamendi alleged that the provision was ultimately removed to placate opponents of reform, leaving us with a compromised piece of legislation. He also said delays have hurt its very chances for survival.
Pols, Media, Celebrate High Speed Rail Grant for California
Streetsblog | Elana Schor | January 29, 2010Meanwhile, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) -- who joined Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) to craft California's first high-speed rail legislation 20 years ago -- called the funding announcement "a great first step for a program that I will continue to fight hard for in Congress in the months and years ahead."
FTC Study Bill Heads Toward Showdown
National Underwriter | Arthur Postal | January 28, 2010The bill also would keep the McCarran-Ferguson Act antitrust exemption from applying to health insurers and medical malpractice insurers. ... The chief supporters of the latest bill are Rep. Pete DeFazio, Ore.., and Rep. Louise Slaughter, N.Y. Another supporter is Rep. John Garamendi, Calif., a new member of Congress and former state insurance commissioner.
Proposals Clash on States’ Role in Health Plans
Lakeland Ledger | Reed Abelson | January 14, 2010"The role of the federal government is to put in place a national marketplace," said one of the speakers, Representative John Garamendi of California and a former state insurance commissioner. He says that some states simply do not have the money or inclination to enforce the new laws.
San Luis Obispo New Times | Colin Rigley | January 14, 2010Former Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, who held one of three seats on the Lands Commission and opposed the PXP project, has since moved on to a congressional seat. "My position on the PXP deal remains unchanged," Garamendi said in a statement. "Any decision on offshore oil drilling belongs at the California State Lands Commission. ... If Gov. Schwarzenegger insists that the fate of our state parks is derived from a single oil lease off the coast of Santa Barbara, he is presenting yet another false choice."
Bay Area's Haitians worry, wait for news of loved ones
| | January 13, 2010Also Wednesday, a C-17 shipped out of Travis Air Force Base en route to Haiti. The plan, from the 21st Airlift Squadron of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, stopped first in Riverside to pick up supplies and personnel, according to information from the office of Rep. John Garamendi.
Travis Air Force Base Assisting with Federal
KCRA | | January 13, 2010"Travis Air Force Base, located in California's 10th Congressional District, is playing its part in this response as well," Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek), said in a statement. "This is the first plane sent out from the entire Air Mobility Command of the USA, and a vital step in the much broader relief effort."
Health Policy Experts Push For House Language In Final Version Of Health Care Bill
Huffington Post | Jeff Muskus | January 12, 2010But if the final reform bill winds up looking more like the Senate bill than the House bill, those protections will be easy for insurers to work around in the new insurance exchanges, Rep. John Garamendi, health policy experts and former industry insiders told reporters on a conference call Tuesday.
Members Meet to Talk Health Care
89.3 KPCC | Kitty Felde | January 12, 2010One wag noted that if Nancy Pelosi could get enough Democrats to find the hidden room, maybe Congress could actually pass health care legislation. Oh, and which member had Pelosi's ear as she descended the grand staircase? California's newest member, John Garamendi.
FireDogLake | Jason Rosenbaum | January 12, 2010As California Congressional Representative John Garamendi told reporters today, "Under health reform, 30 million people will buy their insurance through the Exchanges. I spent years as insurance commissioner in California, chasing after the insurance company scoundrels. You’re going to toss 30 million Americans to these sharks unless there is a real strong regulatory environment [like the House's Exchanges] and public option."
Progressives Push Lawmakers To Close The Loopholes In Health Care Reform
Think Progress' Wonk Room | Igor Volsky | January 12, 2010This afternoon, Health Care for America Now (HCAN) hosted a press call outlining some of the remaining loopholes in federal health care reform legislation. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), health expert Karen Pollitz, former Blue Cross chief medical officer and former state regulator Michael McGarvey, and Wendell Potter urged lawmakers to include a national health care exchange in the final health care reform bill.
Stimulus Money Put To Work on BART Project
KCBS | Margie Shafer | January 8, 2010Millions of dollars in stimulus funds are being spent on an East Bay BART project. The project is designed to put more seats on trains. "This is one example right here of where the Recovery Act money is being put to good use, people are working, people are able to pay taxes, take care of their families, have the pride of work," declared Congressman John Garamendi. "And, leave behind something that will be used for the next hundred years."
eBART Extension Nears Bid, Rep Garamendi Tours Station Sites
Streetsblog | Matthew Roth | January 8, 2010Representative Garamendi spent most of his day traveling to meetings on transportation policy and in the afternoon visited the Central Contra Costa Crossover project, which began construction in October 2009. The project, funded in part with $13 million in federal stimulus funds, will add two sections of crossover tracks between the Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill stations. When completed in December 2010, the Crossover project will mean riders on the Pittsburg/Bay Point line will have more seating, more frequent trains and better on-time performance during commute hours.
New congressman takes bus tour of East Contra Costa
Contra Costa Times | Paul Burgarino | January 7, 2010Rep. John Garamendi recently took the wheel of the 10th Congressional District. But Thursday he took a back seat when hearing about transportation needs in East Contra Costa County.During a bus tour along Highway 4, Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, heard from local elected leaders and officials from Contra Costa Transportation Authority, BART and Tri Delta Transit about the transportation issues facing the area.
Freshman California Congressman Garamendi talks about life in Washington
89.3 KPCC | Kitty Felde | December 3, 2009California’s newest member of Congress may be a freshman on Capitol Hill, but he’s a veteran with more years of public service than most of his colleagues.
Bay Area Representatives not persuaded
Contra Costa Times | Lisa Vorderbrueggen | December 2, 2009"(Obama) faces a difficult decision on a war he inherited, and I know his heart is in the right place," said Rep. John Garamendi. "But my first priority has to be here at home and creating jobs. Our national security depends upon the strength of our economy and we have spent $1 trillion on both of these wars (Iraq and Afghanistan). I remain unconvinced that more troops will solve the problem."
Jobs, LLNL Retiree Health Benefits Among Topics At Garamendi Meeting
Livermore Independent | Ron McNicoll | November 19, 2009Rep. John Garamendi sounded the theme of interlinking research and development with job creation in a town hall meeting in Livermore.
Garamendi wins transportation assignment
Contra Costa Times | Lisa Vorderbrueggen | November 19, 2009Congress is scheduled to reauthorize its national transportation spending blueprint in the next year. The legislation typically contains formulas that spell out the return of gas tax dollars to states. Committee members have considerable influence over its contents as well as earmarks for specific projects.
Drew Joseph: Garamendi's committee assignments
San Francisco Chronicle | Drew Joseph | November 19, 2009It looks like Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, will be joining the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.
How would healthcare bill affect California?
San Jose Mercury News | Mike Zapler | November 15, 2009"A public option would provide an automatic alternative to that kind of despicable behavior," Garamendi said. "People could walk."
Garamendi's town a step back in time
Contra Costa Times | Matt O'Brien | November 15, 2009There is the waitress at Alma's Cafe who saw it from a house boat and had to stay; the former police officer who patrolled the town and now oversees the 82-year-old Walnut Grove Buddhist Church; the parents who overcame language barriers to rescue the elementary school from threats of closure; the San Francisco transplants restoring the traditional Japanese baths; and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, who moved here while serving as an assemblyman in 1977.
Garamendi Takes Heat in First Town Hall
CBS 5 | Hank Plante | November 12, 2009It was a smooth beginning for Garamendi, who clearly may have found his political niche after three decades in other offices.
Rep. Garamendi holds debut town hall
Contra Costa Times | Lisa Vorderbrueggen | November 12, 2009He may be a new congressman but the former lieutenant governor of California and 35-year veteran of public office easily handled his outspoken critics.
Rep. Garamendi Gets Earful From His New Constituents
KTVU | Randy Shandobil | November 12, 2009America's newest Congressman John Garamendi has been living life at warp speed. In Livermore today for his first Congressional town hall. But let's rewind the clock. Special election, voted into office just nine days ago. Cross country flight. Sworn into office a week ago. Just two days later, the historic vote in the House on health care reform. Garamendi voted yes. Found an apartment in Washington, flew back home.
Local congressmen tout health bill vote
Vacaville Reporter | | November 10, 2009Congressman John Garamendi, D-Solano, was sworn in as 10th District Representative (which includes Fairfield) on Thursday, just in time to participate in Saturday's vote. In comments on the House floor, he told the story of a friend whose son had kidney failure and was told his insurance didn't cover transplants. "They had to choose between debt or life. They chose life," he said, noting that when the boy turns 23, he'll be uninsurable "because he has a prior existing condition." The House bill, he concluded, would "end this despicable situation."
UC Regent Garamendi Wins Seat in Congress
The Daily Cal | Chris Carrassi | November 5, 2009Garamendi, 64, graduated from UC Berkeley in 1966 with a degree in business and was a second team all-American football player as an offensive guard. As lieutenant governor, Garamendi serves as an ex-officio member of the UC Board of Regents where he has opposed student fee increases and pushed for the implementation of a state oil-extraction tax as a means to fund higher education.
John Garamendi sworn in as congressman
KPCC Radio | Kitty Felde | November 5, 2009Garamendi easily won Tuesday’s special election to replace Ellen Tauscher. She left Congress to work in the State Department. Garamendi thanked Walnut Creek voters for their support. ... Capitol insiders expect Garamendi to join the House Transportation Committee. It’s gearing up to debate a major funding bill for roads and transit.
Garamendi Gets Right To Work in New Digs
NBC Bay Area | Lori Preuitt | November 5, 2009His arrival is very welcome timing for the Democrats. Pelosi needs his vote on her health care reform bill. That bill will mostly likely be Garamendi's first act as a member of congress and is expected to come this weekend.
Congressman Garamendi Sworn In
KCBS Radio | Holly Quan | November 5, 2009"Madame speaker is it is a great privilege, indeed I suspect, the greatest privilege a person could have - to stand in the well of the House of Representatives of the United States of America and address this august body," said Garamendi. "It's a privilege that I shall always remember, as I'll always remember this particular moment."
Garamendi on his way to Washington
San Francisco Chronicle Editorial | | November 5, 2009The freshman's first major vote could come Saturday, when the House is expected to vote on a health care plan. The good news is that health care is one of many issues on which Garamendi - a former state legislator, insurance commissioner and deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior - is very well versed. We have no doubt about his ability to hit the ground running.
Pelosi: Health care has two more votes
Chicago Tribune's The Swamp | Mark Silva | November 5, 2009For House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who plans to take a health-care overhaul to the floor of the House on Saturday, this week's elections meant one thing: Two more votes.
Congress gets another voice on health-care reform
The Washington Post | Ezra Klein | November 4, 2009In other words, Pelosi got more than another health-care vote out of Tuesday's election. She got another health-care wonk. It's probably a bit late for Garamendi to establish himself as a player in this reform fight, but the proposal is going to need guidance and modification after it's passed into law, and it'll be interesting to watch whether he proves a player in that phase.
Get This Guy a Committee Assignment
The New Republic | Jonathan Cohn | November 4, 2009Most of you know John Garamendi (if you know him at all) as the former California state official who won a special election for Ellen Tauscher's old seat in Congress. But those of us in the business of health wonkery know him as one of our own.
Garamendi sworn in as California's newest congressman
Contra Costa Times | Lisa Vorderbrueggen | November 4, 2009"This is the perfect job for John," said Barbara O'Connor, director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media at California State University in Sacramento. "He has been aspiring to this job for years and just didn't know it. He is the best equipped freshman congressman we have ever sent to Washington."
Garamendi takes the oath and gets to work
McClatchy Newspapers | Rob Hotakainen | November 4, 2009At her weekly news conference, Pelosi hailed Garamendi's arrival as "a great victory for our agenda." She said the biggest issue in the race was the Democratic health care plan, which was under attack, but that Garamendi still won big.
Talking Points Memo | Brian Beutler | November 4, 2009That creates some simple arithmetic. Yesterday, Democrats had 256 voting members in the House. By week's end, they'll have 258. Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could afford to lose no more than 38 Democratic votes on a landmark health care reform bill. Next week, after Owens and Garamendi are sworn in, she can lose up to 40. For legislation this historic and far-reaching, she'll need every vote she can get--and both seem likely to support reform.