Dear Community Member,

The following is the latest update on my continued service for the people of California’s 19th Congressional District.

As we close the book on the 118th Congress, we can look back at the divisions that we faced as a Congress, and also as a country. Despite what appears to be a deep divide, we must have the humility and self-scrutiny to learn from our challenges so that we fulfill our responsibilities to govern together.

As I take my oath to serve in the 119th Congress, please know how honored I am to continue my service to the people and fight for the values of the place that I’ve always called home.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California

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Rep. Panetta’s Legislation to Honor a Local Hero Signed into Law
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I proudly join our community in California’s 19th Congressional District and our nation in celebrating President Joe Biden’s signing of the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act into law. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to American history and culture. Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., who grew up on the Central Coast of California, demonstrated immense courage and resilience as our nation’s second longest serving prisoner of war.

When our nation faces tough times and serious challenges for our future, we look to the service and sacrifice of those like Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. to remind and inspire us as to what it takes for our democracy to endure. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Biden for signing this important legislation, Senator Alex Padilla for championing the bill in the Senate, and the legislation’s co-leads Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representative Pat Fallon, as well as to my colleagues in Congress for their bipartisan support. I look forward to the medal’s commissioning and the upcoming ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, where we will collectively honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary hero for his uncommon courage, resilience, and bravery.

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Rep. Panetta’s Legislation to Reduce Unnecessary Paperwork
and Increase Access to the Affordable Care Act Signed into Law
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Rep. Panetta passed into law legislation to reduce burdensome, confusing, and outdated paperwork associated with the Affordable Care Act and health insurance. Click HERE to learn more about this law and its benefits

President Biden officially signed my bipartisan legislation, the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act, into law. The bill, co-authored by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, eliminates outdated paperwork requirements for employers and employees related to the Affordable Care Act, saving time and resources. By allowing employees to access health insurance tax forms online instead of receiving them by mail, we’re reducing confusion and helping small businesses and workers alike. This commonsense law is a win for taxpayers, and I’m excited to continue working on solutions that make life easier, expand access to affordable health care, and support our economy.

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Rep. Panetta Introduces Legislation to Create a
Monterey Bay National Heritage Area
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Rep. Panetta authored and introduced legislation to begin the process of designating Monterey Bay region as a National Heritage Area. Click HERE to read local coverage of this new legislative push.

I recently introduced the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act to begin the process of designating the Monterey Bay region as a National Heritage Area. This legislation would initiate a comprehensive study to assess the region’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance, and whether it qualifies for this important designation. The Monterey Bay is home to some of California’s most scenic and culturally-rich landscapes, and this designation will not only showcase our area's unique identity but will also help preserve these treasures for future generations. It will open up new opportunities for local economic growth, tourism, and community collaboration, while ensuring that local control over land use and development decisions is maintained.
National Heritage Area status is a way for the federal government to support conservation efforts and economic development without imposing restrictions on private property. The study will include consultation with local stakeholders across San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties to ensure a transparent and inclusive process. If the study confirms strong community support, further legislation would be needed to officially designate the region. I am committed to making sure our community’s voice is heard throughout this process and am excited about the potential this bill holds for enhancing and preserving the Monterey Bay region.

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Rep. Panetta Fights for Legislation to Improve our Local Military Installations
and Enhance Quality of Life for Servicemembers and Military Families
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Rep. Panetta worked on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to improve our numerous military installations and the quality of life of servicemembers. Click HERE to read Rep. Panetta’s statement.

California’s 19th Congressional District has over a dozen military installations that infuse over two billion dollars into our local economy and provides over 15,000 jobs for our family members, friends, and neighbors. As the U.S. Representative for our home, a veteran, and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take seriously my responsibility to pass meaningful legislation that benefits our servicemembers, military families, military installations, and our overall communities in California’s 19th Congressional District. That is why I worked on and helped pass the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The FY25 NDAA delivers a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members, expands the Basic Needs Allowance for military families to help lift more than 320,000 active-duty service members out of food insecurity, ensures housing allowances are adjusted for high-cost duty stations and account for location-specific items such as groceries and utilities, provides more than $1.5 billion to build and replace failing military housing and barracks, and expands servicemember health care, childcare, and spousal employment support for the 21% who currently face unemployment.

Speaker Mike Johnson, unfortunately and at the last minute of negotiations, added provisions into this year’s NDAA to which I strenuously objected and fought to keep out of the legislation. Nevertheless, the responsibilities of serving California’s 19th Congressional District and our many military installations led to my support for this year’s NDAA. The FY25 NDAA not only advances resources for our local military installations’ innovation, research, and education, it also benefits the servicemembers and their family members who live here and help protect our national defense and uphold our shared values.

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Rep. Panetta Helps Secure Protections 
for Threatened Monarch Butterflies
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Rep. Panetta fought for new federal protections for the western monarch butterfly. Click HERE to read coverage of the announcement from a local news outlet.

The western monarch butterfly is a keystone pollinator for our local agriculture and a symbol of resilience, renewal, and our communities in California’s 19th Congressional District. However, the monarch butterfly is at risk of extinction. That is why I previously wrote to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to have the monarch butterfly listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally responded and is now proposing to list the monarch as a threatened species to bolster its protection.

I am proud to have previously passed into law my bill creating the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program, which promotes habitat restoration along roadways. I also will continue to push for my MONARCH Act, which would provide critical funding to conserve western monarch populations and protect their habitats. Thanks to partnerships across federal, state, local, and private sectors, we’ve made some progress in restoring monarch populations. However, we must build on these efforts and I encourage you to join me in supporting these protections. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments on the proposal through March 12, 2025. Visit regulations.gov and search docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137 to make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure the monarch butterfly’s survival and safeguard its place in our ecosystem.

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Rep. Panetta Recently Introduced Additional Legislation

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Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act: I authored and reintroduced legislation that would remove barriers for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes, to protect them and encourage them to participate in our justice system.

Inspire to Serve Act: I authored and reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would implement key recommendations from the bipartisan National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service to foster civic engagement, expand public service opportunities, and strengthen national preparedness.

Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act: I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide more flexibility and clearer guidance for Americans navigating retirement savings decisions.

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Rep. Panetta Tours Damage from Recent Severe Weather
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Rep. Panetta Honors Our Nation’s Veterans
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Rep. Panetta spoke at an annual wreath laying ceremony for our veterans. Press play on the above photo or click HERE to watch video with his remarks.

It was an honor to be invited to address our community and lay wreaths at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery to recognize those who served and sacrificed for our democracy. The annual wreath-laying ceremonies held at cemeteries across our nation and the globe serve as poignant reminders of the valor and sacrifice of our service members. These hallowed grounds, whether here in the United States or abroad, symbolize the shared values of freedom and democracy that so many have fought to protect.

Prior to laying wreaths at the cemetery, I spoke about the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and my recent visit to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg. As I walked among the graves at that cemetery, many from the Battle of the Bulge, I was struck by the bravery of those who, against overwhelming odds, stood firm in the bitter cold to turn the tide of history. Their resilience reflects the spirit of our armed forces, something we all must remember, honor, and teach.

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Recent Community Engagements by Rep. Panetta
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Rep. Panetta celebrated the opening of a new local inclusive playground.

Rep. Panetta surveyed severe weather damage at Santa Cruz Harbor and discussed potential federal resources to help recovery efforts.

Rep. Panetta spoke to a constituent about her work supporting youth living through the war in Ukraine.

Rep. Panetta spoke with local officers from the California Highway Patrol about the federal government’s efforts to help fund law enforcement and reduce crime.

Rep. Panetta spoke at an event celebrating our local veterans and their incredible contributions to our community.

Rep. Panetta visited a local high school and discussed the importance of public service.

Rep. Panetta spoke at the opening of a new shipping facility.

Rep. Panetta held office hours to listen, learn, and talk to local constituents.

Rep. Panetta fought the federal government to ensure proper treatment for a local non-profit.

Recently, I assisted Rancho Cielo, a vital nonprofit in our community, in addressing a significant challenge involving the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the IRS. I stepped in and pushed back on the federal bureaucracy by presenting Rancho Cielo’s evidence, and ensured that their case received a proper review. Ultimately, the federal government agreed that Rancho Cielo had valid grounds for their appeal, and the debt was resolved. Rancho Cielo received two refund checks totaling over $246,000, and the Treasury closed the case.

This is just one example of how I can assist nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in the 19th Congressional District. Whether it’s resolving federal debt disputes, accessing grant funding, or cutting through red tape, I am here to help you succeed. If your organization is facing challenges with federal agencies or processes, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Examples of Services for Constituents by Rep. Panetta
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Fighting for Local Non-Profits: After a local non-profit in CA-19 promoting garden-based learning faced delays in receiving their earned tax credits, I fought to secure $281,000 from the federal government to help them continue their incredible work for our community.

Helping You Navigate the Federal Bureaucracy: After a member of our community faced delays in his SSA retirement application due to missing citizenship documentation, I worked to expedite his case with USCIS, securing a resolution in under two weeks.

Assisting New Parents: After a South San Jose mother faced challenges obtaining Social Security cards for her twin daughters, born the same day with similar names, I stepped in and was able to resolve the issue, ensuring the twins got the cards they needed.

Securing Your Tax Refund: After a local resident reached out about a nearly $600 tax payment with the IRS from 2019, I intervened, the duplicate tax was reversed, and her balance is now $0.

Supporting Public Service Loan Forgiveness: After a constituent, who dedicated their time to serving others, reached out to me for assistance in filing for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, I worked to ensure their application was reviewed in a timely manner and their forgiveness was granted.

Serving Our Veterans: After constituent’s family member, a homeless veteran, faced medical and mental health challenges, I stepped in with a letter to help expedite his placement in the treatment center he needed.

Cutting Through Red Tape: After a 94-year-old constituent struggled for months to change her direct deposit with the federal government, her family turned to me for help. In under 48 hours, I was able to resolve the issue. 

Rep. Panetta celebrated the holidays at a local Filipino American community event.

If you need help with the federal government or would like to meet with me or my staff to discuss any federal issues please call (831) 424-2229, stop by one of my four district offices located in South San Jose, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Paso Robles, or visit my website at panetta.house.gov.

If you would like to receive future updates, please sign up for my newsletters by clicking HERE.

Thank you for taking the time to read my update, and I look forward to continuing my fight for our values and service to the people of California’s 19th Congressional District.