Dear Community Member,

This Administration’s deportation policy has begun to target hardworking immigrants who contribute so much to our economy and communities. By targeting individuals who work in our agriculture fields, construction sites, nursing homes, and more, the Administration has decided to go after immigrants that help our economy by doing the jobs that few Americans will do. Moreover, the Administration is going well beyond targeting violent criminals, as it tries to fulfill its expanding deportation goals.

Rep. Panetta spoke at a Congressional press conference about the deployment of the military to peaceful protests. Press play or click HERE to watch remarks by Rep. Panetta.

Late last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted immigration raids in several locations in the Los Angeles area, ranging from a Home Depot to the city’s garment district.  In response to the Administration’s expanded deportation policy, a handful of largely peaceful protests occurred in parts of Southern California.  

The President then issued a memorandum to mobilize nearly 3,500 California National Guard men and women over several days to the area.  The mobilization was done without the consent of our state’s governor, which was the first time a president has done so since 1965.  The Administration then ordered 700 U.S. Marines to the area to protect government property. 

Normally, each state’s National Guard answers to its Governor.  Under Title 10 Section 12406 of the U.S. Code, a president only can call into federal service members and units of the National Guard of a state only when there is an invasion of the United States, a rebellion against the federal government, or when a president is unable to execute the laws of our nation.  However, the law clearly states that orders for those reasons shall be issued through the governor of the state where the National Guard is mobilized.

In mobilizing the National Guard of California, the President’s Memorandum relied on Section 12406 to bypass any order by California Governor Gavin Newsom.  The Administration stated that the protests in California were a rebellion that was preventing it from carrying out its immigration enforcement.  Thus, the Administration claims that it was justified to go around our Governor and order the mobilization of the California National Guard.  

The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.  While Section 12406 does not override that prohibition, it allows National Guard units to protect federal agents who are carrying out law enforcement activity and to protect federal property.  That remains the mission of these military personnel as President Trump has yet to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would authorize deployment of the armed forces in a law enforcement capacity.

This week, California state leaders filed a lawsuit against the Administration to stop the mobilization of the California National Guard.  Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Newsom understandably claim that the Administration unlawfully mobilized the National Guard under Section 12406.  A federal district court then ruled that the Administration return control of the National Guard to the California Governor.  Subsequently, the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals granted the Administration’s request for a stay of execution of that ruling by the lower district court as the case works its way through the appellate courts. 

Rep. Panetta spoke on MSNBC about the Administration’s deployment of the National Guard.  Press play or click HERE to watch Rep. Panetta’s interview

As our judicial system continues to act as the bulwark against this Administration in this case of executive overreach, and many other cases as well, Americans rightfully will continue to protest this Administration and its policies that hurt working families, our economy, our communities, and the values of our country. However, any and all protests must be done peacefully and never resort to violence. Those who choose violence or destruction of property must be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable under the law. Moreover, I believe that the Administration would use images of that type of violence to not only justify its escalation of the situation in Los Angeles with the mobilization of the National Guard, but also as a political tool to distract from its other policy failures.

Rep. Panetta questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the potential debt-driven fiscal crisis due to the reconciliation tax bill  at a Ways and Means Committee Hearing.  Press play or click HERE to watch Rep. Panetta’s remarks.

As I wrote to you in my most recent newsletter, Speaker Mike Johnson and the Majority in the House of Representatives passed a purely partisan reconciliation tax bill that would provide tax cuts for billionaires paid for with cuts in benefits for working families and by adding trillions of dollars to our national debt.  The Senate is now working to pass this reconciliation tax legislation.

I opposed that bill mainly because Republicans would not negotiate with Democrats on the legislation.  Moreover, the bill betrays working families with significant changes to Medicaid, nutrition programs, and the Affordable Care Act that could lead to cuts in essential services for millions of Americans.  Additionally, the legislation would significantly increase our debt and deficit over the next 10 years. 

During a hearing on the Ways and Means Committee this week, I questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the long-term risks of the Administration’s fiscal irresponsibility.  The national debt now stands at $36 trillion, with $29 trillion of that debt held by the public.  Our debt-to-GDP ratio is nearing historic highs, rivaling levels we saw after World War II.  But unlike that era, our debt is now on an upward trajectory, not a downward one.  Left unchecked, this bill could drive our debt to 250–300% of GDP within 30 years, a level that could cause severe economic harm.  Estimates show the Republican partisan reconciliation bill could increase the deficit by $3 to $5.8 trillion, pushing interest payments alone to consume nearly one-third of all federal revenue by 2034.

The warning signs are already being felt in our economy.   Moody's downgraded the US credit score citing the large annual fiscal deficits and growing interest costs.  The ultimate result of greater debt and deficits are higher interest rates, higher mortgage rates, elevated inflation, diminished income growth, and a drag on economic growth.

While discussions of debt, economic projections, budgets, and the legislative procedures do not grab the headlines, they have a massive impact on the lives of working families.  Like the Administration’s inconsistent and erratic immigration policies, Speaker Johnson’s massive tax bill is a threat to working families and the financial wellbeing of our country.  

In the face of these challenges, we must be strategic.  We can continue to peacefully mobilize in support of immigrants and our economy, defend due process, and protect our Constitution.  We can continue to speak out and educate others about the harm the Majority’s reconciliation tax bill would do to working families and our economy, as I have done with my numerous in-person and telephone town halls.  Over the next few months and years, we can continue to build a strong coalition to hold accountable those who support this Administration’s policies and Speaker Johnson’s reconciliation bill. 

The Administration creates and uses chaos in order to distract us from our work.  But, I won’t get distracted from serving you and fighting for the values of the 19th Congressional District.  In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  But, our democracy is resilient because of the people who stay informed, stay engaged, and stay focused on the future of America.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California