Dear Community Member,

After a marathon session in Washington, D.C., where I fought the partisan reconciliation tax bill, I spent the week at home in California’s 19th Congressional District. I continued to do my job to inform you about this new law and how it threatens access to health care and critical services for working families. I’ve been on the ground highlighting the harms, talking directly with the community, and continuing to work toward a better path forward. From press conferences and town halls to regional coordination meetings, one-on-one constituent advocacy and more, this newsletter outlines where I’ve been, what I’ve heard, and how I’m staying focused on the people I serve.

Press Conference on Reconciliation Law

Rep. Panetta brought together local health care providers  to discuss the impact of the partisan tax law. Press play or click HERE to watch a story on the event.

I brought together local healthcare providers in California’s 19th Congressional District to speak out against the new partisan tax law and its impact on the health of our community. Potential Medicaid cuts, reduced ACA subsidies, and new red tape will make it harder for working families to stay enrolled in healthcare. This law could lead to higher insurance premiums, more uncompensated care at local hospitals, longer wait times, and the closure of rural hospitals.

This law will make permanent $4 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthiest families, that will be paid for with severe cuts in benefits for working families including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, nutrition programs, and more. The law will roll back clean energy tax incentives, add $150 billion to bolster President Donald Trump’s deportation policies, increase the debt limit by $5 trillion, and add $4 trillion to the national debt. I fought against the bill and last week explained what comes next, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

More Town Halls

Rep. Panetta hosts his 19th town hall in California’s 19th Congressional District.

I held three town halls last week to talk directly with constituents about the consequences of the new tax law and how we move forward together. During my district-wide telephone town hall, I was joined by policy experts from the California Medical Association and the California Hospital Association to help break down how the bill will affect patients and providers in our region.

I also held two in-person town halls to have a direct conversation with members of our community about the bill’s cuts to Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and clean energy incentives as well as its long-term fiscal impact. Thank you to those who attended with civil, thoughtful questions and ideas. I’ll keep showing up, listening up, and working with you as we go forward.

Rep. Panetta hosts his 20th town hall in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Major Forums

Rep. Panetta co-chairs the Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council.

I was proud to co-chair the Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council (BSMAAC) three-hour meeting to bring together regional partners to discuss issues in one of the most remote sections of California’s 19th Congressional District.

I spoke about the potential impacts of the reconciliation tax bill on rural communities like Big Sur and provided updates on my work to restore U.S. Forest Service funding, defend federal jobs from mass layoffs, and block efforts to roll back environmental protections like the Roadless Rule. We also discussed ongoing efforts to close a dangerous weather alert gap along the coast. Together we’ll keep fighting to secure resources for our community.

Rep. Panetta convenes local defense installation leaders  at the annual gathering of Team Monterey.

I convened local defense installation leaders for our three-hour Team Monterey meeting. California’s 19th Congressional District is home to fifteen military installations and more than 15,000 military and defense personnel committed to keeping our country safe.

I highlighted the progress we made in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act on behalf of servicemembers and military families, including a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, full funding for Basic Allowance for Housing, expanded spouse career support, and new investments in education, climate resilience, and infrastructure at Naval Post-Graduate School (NPS), Defense Language Institute (DLI), and Camp Roberts.

Looking ahead to this next cycle, I’ve submitted funding requests to stabilize operations at NPS and DLI, support local defense research, reevaluate the cost-of-living provided to military families in the 19th Congressional District, and continue development of the Naval Innovation Center. These accomplishments and priorities are made possible by the coordination and dedication of Team Monterey.

Numerous Visits and Meetings

I’m committed to meeting my constituents where they are all across our dynamic and diverse congressional district. Here is a brief roundup of some of my recent visits and meetings across California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta surveys the damage following the fire at Templeton Feed and Grain.

While in the district, I visited the site of the devastating Fourth of July fire that destroyed the iconic grain elevator and silos at Templeton Feed and Grain.  For generations, this structure stood not just as a part of the skyline, but as a cornerstone of the Templeton community.  Like many in the area, I was deeply saddened to see the loss of such a recognizable landmark.

I want to thank the local fire departments for their quick and courageous response, which helped to save some structures, including the original concrete building, and prevent even greater damage to local businesses. Still, the loss of the elevator and silos marks a visible and emotional change along Main Street.

As Templeton’s United States Representative, I felt it was important to visit the site in person to see firsthand the damage, pay my respects, and determine if the federal government can play its part to assist where needed in the ongoing investigation and rebuilding process.

Templeton Feed and Grain is more than a physical structure, it’s a family-run business and supported by the strength and resilience of loyal friends, neighbors, and customers. As that community spirit endures, I’ll continue doing what I can to support it moving forward.

Rep. Panetta tours a local nature preserve with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency. Press play or click HERE to watch Rep. Panetta and local conservationists discuss the importance of open space in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta meets with student leaders from UC Santa Cruz.

Rep. Panetta visits a local business in South San Jose.

Rep. Panetta visits the site of the soon-to-be-completed Holocaust memorial  at Home of Peace Cemetery in Santa Cruz.

Rep. Panetta visits Paso Robles Fire Station 3 to thank first responders for their service.

Rep. Panetta meets with local advocates to discuss pathways to peace in the Middle East.

Rep. Panetta meets with a constituent at a local center in South San Jose dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Office Hours

Rep. Panetta speaks with a constituent at recent office hours.

Last week, I also held office hours to listen directly to residents and work together on the challenges they’re facing. I’m proud to regularly offer these opportunities to sit down one-on-one with my constituents to provide hands-on help navigating the federal government. These meetings remind me why showing up and staying accessible are so important.  I’m grateful to everyone who came out, and I look forward to holding more office hours across California’s 19th Congressional District.

Immigration Issues
and Fighting Trump's Deportation Policies

As your United States Representative, I’ve worked hard to fix our broken immigration system. However, with this Administration we have to be steadfast in standing up to the Administration’s unjust and inhumane deportation policies that too often target law abiding immigrants who contribute so much to both our economy and the very character of our community. From farmworkers to caregivers to small business owners, immigrants are contributing California’s 19th Congressional District. When enforcement actions have impacted families in our community, my office has stepped in to ensure due process and proper representation. If you or someone you know is facing an immigration-related issue or needs help navigating the federal bureaucracy, please reach out to my office. 

Rep. Panetta meets with Cliona Ward after her release from ICE custody. Press play or click HERE to learn more about her story.

Cliona Ward is a longtime legal permanent resident of Santa Cruz County who lived in the United States for over 30 years. Despite building a life in our community and contributing to it for decades, Cliona was suddenly detained and threatened with deportation by this Administration. She played by the rules, turned her life around, and remained committed to our community.  When my office learned of Cliona’s situation, we pressured officials from the White House to the Irish government, collaborated with her dedicated legal team, and supported her family and local advocates to ensure she received due process.

Through our partnership and work, Cliona was released and there was a just outcome in her case. But her experience highlights the Administration's indiscriminate deportation policy that is sweeping up hardworking, longtime residents without regard for context or their contributions. Cliona's case is a reminder of why we must keep working to fix our broken immigration system. In the meantime, I’ll continue to fight for those like Cliona who contribute to our communities.

Rep. Panetta meets with a local Afghan family facing uncertainty due to the Administration’s deportation policies. Press play or click HERE to learn more about their story.

I recently met with the Fayez family, who came to the United States legally under Temporary Protected Status after bravely supporting U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. Mr. Najeebullah Fayez served alongside our troops, putting his life on the line to help American operations. After fleeing the Taliban, he sought safety in the United States for himself and his children. But now, under this Administration’s cruel immigration policies, the Fayez family faces deportation as their protections are being revoked. That’s a betrayal of our values and our promises. I’m proud to support the Fayez family’s asylum case and will continue fighting for an immigration system that stands by those who stood by us.

Constituent Service Success Stories

Despite the craziness in Washington, D.C., I remain focused on the needs of the people in California’s 19th Congressional District. When constituents run into problems with federal agencies, I step in to help find solutions and deliver results.

If you are experiencing issues with the federal government, whether its issues with Social Security, passports, the IRS, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, disaster assistance, grant applications, or our immigration system please reach out to my offices HERE.

Below is just a snapshot of recent success stories from across our congressional district.

Rep. Panetta meets with a constituent from California’s 19th Congressional District.

IRS & Taxpayer Relief

• A constituent waited months for their 2024 tax refund. After contacting my office, I worked with the IRS and secured their $8,900 refund within three weeks.
  
  
• A constituent lost retirement savings in a scam and was facing an increased tax bill. I helped revise their IRS paperwork and successfully reduced their tax burden.
  
  
• A constituent faced unexplained delays on a nearly $19,000 refund. I verified their wages and withholdings, and the IRS released the refund.
  
  
• A small business had not received their final Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund. I pushed for expedited processing, and the $17,500 payment was issued.
  
  
• A small business received a shorted ERC refund. I identified the discrepancy and secured the full amount, more than $154,000.

Rep. Panetta meets with veterans from California’s 19th Congressional District.

Veterans & Military Families

• A veteran needed a witness statement added to his VA disability claim. I worked with the VA to ensure it was included in the official record.
  
  
• A veteran had trouble accessing his fiduciary account and monitoring his retirement portfolio. I contacted the VA’s fiduciary hub and resolved the issue.
  
  
• A veteran was unable to get the podiatry care he needed. I escalated the issue and ensured the proper referral was made through the VA.
  
  
• A veteran needed a motor-assist trike approved by the VA. I helped navigate the process and ensured the equipment was delivered.
  
  
• A constituent helping a veteran apply for Aid & Attendance was stuck in the VA fiduciary system. I intervened and got the application back on track.
  
  
• A veteran's Community Care referrals weren’t submitted correctly. I worked with the VA to correct the error and secure the specialist care he needed.
  
  
• A military family needed their TriCare referral transferred to a more accessible provider. I coordinated with the necessary agencies to make it happen.
  
  
• A veteran needed his retirement status verified to access housing support. I secured the documentation he needed.
  
  
• A veteran needed his DD-214 to apply for benefits. I tracked down the record and provided it to him.

Rep. Panetta greets a constituent from California’s 19th Congressional District.

Social Security

• A constituent reached out to my office because they were owed a considerable amount by the Social Security Administration. I was able to close out their case with a $70,000 retroactive payment from the federal government.
  
  
• A constituent was facing delays in receiving Social Security benefits. I contacted the Social Security Administration, and the benefits were approved within six days.
  
  
• A constituent faced months of frustration trying to navigate a Social Security overpayment. They reached out to me and I got it reduced by more than $9,000.

Rep. Panetta meets with a senior from California’s 19th Congressional District.

Medicare

• A constituent called my office after struggling all day with Medicare, just to get a replacement card. I was able to connect her to a live person and resolved the issue.
  
  
• A constituent came into my office worried about his Medicare enrollment. I was able to give him information about his coverage and peace of mind that he will always have an advocate in their corner.
  
  
• A constituent faced delays in reinstating her Medicare Part B coverage. I stepped in to help and after months of uncertainty, her paperwork was processed, and her benefits were restored.

Rep. Panetta speaks constituents from California’s 19th Congressional District.

Fraud, Identity & Records

• A resident discovered a fraudulent loan taken out in her name. I helped her submit the correct paperwork to the Small Business Association and confirmed the loan was discharged.
  
  
• A constituent needed a Consular Report of Birth Abroad to update their citizenship records and apply for a passport and Real ID. I connected them to the right people at the State Department and got it done.
  
  
• A constituent couldn’t obtain an FBI report required for employment. I stepped in and ensured the report was issued within two weeks.
  
  
• A constituent was facing a confusing and erroneous wage garnishment. I filed an appeal and got the overpayment canceled.
  
  
• A constituent working through the Department of Labor couldn’t get paid for services already provided. I cleared up the paperwork and ensured payment was made.

Rep. Panetta meets with a family who attended local office hours.

As always, it’s an honor to represent you in the United States Congress. My focus will always be to serve the constituents and fight for the values of California’s 19th Congressional District.

Despite the dysfunction and division in Washington D.C., I will continue to work hard so that the federal government delivers for you. I look forward to seeing you in our community and working together for this place that we call home.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California