Dear Community Members,

This past August, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson adjourned Congress early, cutting short our work in Washington, D.C.  Unfortunately, that decision left votes on accountability and transparency unfinished, including efforts to shed light on the Epstein files.  Fortunately, it allowed me to get home, get away from the divisiveness, and get in the district to continue my unified service to you during the district work period.

Below is a quick summary of a few things I did last month while home in California’s 19th Congressional District.  I met directly with constituents, heard your concerns, and provided hands-on help with federal agencies.  I held my 21st town hall, several office hours, a few press conferences to call out the Trump Administration, a couple regional coordination meetings, and many one-on-one casework sessions.  My engagement with you in the district allows me to bring your voices and our values to my continued fight in Washington, D.C. 

Standing Up for Immigrants

Rep. Panetta reintroduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act. Press play or click HERE to watch coverage of the press conference.

I stood with local leaders, law enforcement, and advocates to announce the reintroduction of my legislation, the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act.  As a former prosecutor, I know how essential it is for victims and witnesses to cooperate with law enforcement and come forward so we can bring criminals to justice.  Yet too often immigrant survivors are silenced by fear of deportation or retaliation.  This bill would ensure that no one is punished for doing the right thing.

Read local coverage of the how Rep. Panetta’s Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act will benefit communities in California’s 19th Congressional District HERE.

My legislation would lift the arbitrary caps on U and T visas, guarantee timely work permits, and prevent immigration enforcement from targeting applicants while their cases are pending.   These steps will help survivors find safety, build trust with law enforcement, and make our communities safer.  At a time when the Administration is undermining these programs, I will continue fighting for policies that protect the vulnerable, empower the brave, and uphold the values of justice and trust in our justice system.

Rep. Panetta discussed his visit to the Adelanto immigration facility. Press play or click HERE to watch.

During the August district work period, I continued my responsibility to provide oversight of this Administration’s immigration and deportation policies. I traveled to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, the largest immigration detention facility in California, to examine conditions and press officials for answers.  My visit focused on due process, access to legal representation, and whether taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.  As your U.S. Representative, I believe it is essential to see these operations firsthand in order to provide proper oversight.

Read local coverage about Rep. Panetta’s oversight: HERE.

This was my seventh oversight visit to an immigration or border facility since coming to Congress, and the need for this work is greater than ever.  The Trump Administration recently secured $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including $45 billion to expand detention operations, which will double capacity nationwide.  While serious criminals should face consequences, I remain deeply concerned that deportation policies now target people without criminal records, harming families, our economy, and communities across the country.  I will keep showing up, asking tough questions, and fighting for common sense immigration reform and an immigration system that secures our borders while ensuring due process.

Pressuring the Administration

Rep. Panetta convened local education leaders to discuss the harms of the Administrations funding freeze for schools. Press play or click HERE to watch coverage of the press conference.

I joined local education leaders to speak out against the Administration’s decision to freeze nearly $7 billion in federal education funds. That freeze pulled $25 million from Monterey County and more than $10 million from Santa Cruz County, hitting programs that support migrant students, English learners, teacher development, and afterschool care. Districts were left scrambling with layoffs and uncertainty, and families were left questioning whether essential programs would be there when school resumed. Through coordinated pressure, we forced the Administration to release the money, but this “cautious victory” is only a first step.

Read local coverage on the funding freeze and the fights ahead HERE.

The same programs that were threatened by the freeze are now targeted for permanent cuts in the Administration’s proposed budget.  Their plan would slash education funding by 15 percent, eliminate the Office of Migrant Education, and collapse 18 programs into a single underfunded block grant.  That kind of dismantling would be devastating for students, teachers, and families across our communities.  I will continue working in Congress to protect these funds, push back against these cuts, and make sure every child has access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Protecting Our Health Care

Rep. Panetta brought together local health care leaders and seniors to discuss threats to Medicare and solutions to strengthen the program.

My colleague, United States Representative Salud Carbajal, and I brought together local health care leaders for a forum on the future of Medicare. With nearly 72,000 Medicare beneficiaries in San Luis Obispo County, the stakes are high, but reimbursement rates have failed to keep pace with costs. Since 2001, medical practice expenses have risen almost 40 percent, while Medicare reimbursements have increased just 10 percent, effectively a 33 percent pay cut for providers. That shortfall makes it harder to recruit and retain doctors, leaving seniors waiting longer and traveling farther for care.

Read local coverage of the Medicare forum HERE.

At the forum, I highlighted my bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which would stop harmful cuts, tie reimbursements to inflation, and ensure seniors can continue seeing the doctors they know and trust. This legislation is about fairness for providers and keeping Medicare sustainable for patients. We must deliver stability to our health care system, and that requires real solutions, not budget cuts that put seniors and providers at risk. I will continue pushing for this bill and working with our community to make sure Medicare lives up to its promise.

Fighting for Federal Investment

Rep. Panetta celebrated federal investment in Scotts Valley’s future. Press play or click HERE to watch local coverage of the press conference.

I was proud to join city leaders and community members in Scotts Valley to celebrate $1 million in federal funding for the long-awaited Town Center project. This investment will allow the city to purchase the final parcels of land needed to move forward with plans for new housing, shops, dining, and public spaces. It’s a milestone that shows how persistence and partnership across all levels of government can deliver real results for our community.

Rep. Panetta celebrated the opening of a clean energy project at a local business made possible through federal investment. Read local coverage of the ribbon cutting HERE.

I was glad to join Annieglass to celebrate their new solar installation, made possible through federal investment and grants. With 249 panels powering their glassmaking ovens, this project lowers costs, cuts emissions, and strengthens local manufacturing. It’s a great example of how innovation, collaboration, and federal support can deliver lasting benefits for our community.

Rep. Panetta marked the grand opening of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. Read local coverage of the event HERE.

I was honored to celebrate the grand opening of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument alongside local leaders, advocates, and community members. This milestone reflects years of collaboration to balance conservation with public access, protect cultural and natural resources, and ensure future generations can enjoy this unique landscape. With new trails and facilities now open, we are strengthening the connection between our environment, our economy, and our shared quality of life.

Rep. Panetta highlighted the opening of a major infrastructure project made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Read local coverage of the project HERE.

I joined local leaders to mark major progress on Highway 1 with new auxiliary lanes, bus-on-shoulder access, and the Chanticleer bike and pedestrian overcrossing. These upgrades were made possible by a $30 million federal MEGA grant I helped secure, along with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This project will reduce congestion, improve safety, and expand clean, reliable transportation options for commuters and families across Santa Cruz County.

Rep. Panetta toured a new affordable housing community for veterans.

I was honored to help mark the completion of Lightfighter Village in Marina, a 71-unit affordable housing community for homeless veterans. As a Navy veteran and former board member of the Veterans Transition Center, I know how critical it is to pair permanent housing with wraparound services. This project shows what’s possible when federal, state, and local partners come together to honor our commitment to those who served.

Connecting with Constituents

Rep. Panetta hosted his 21st town hall of the 118th Congress.

I hosted my 21st town hall of the year to hear directly from constituents about the challenges and opportunities facing our community. These conversations guide my work in Congress and ensure I stay accountable and accessible to the people I represent.

Rep. Panetta held three more open-office hour sessions to assist constituents of California’s 19th Congressional District with casework and federal issues.

I hosted several open office hour sessions this month to meet one-on-one with constituents and provide hands-on help with federal issues. Whether it’s veterans’ benefits, Social Security, Medicare, or immigration, my team and I are here to cut through red tape and deliver results for our community.

Rep. Panetta volunteered at a local Meals on Wheels.

I visited our local Meals on Wheels to serve meals and hear directly from staff about their vital work supporting seniors. With federal funding under threat, I’ll keep fighting in Congress to protect these programs so no senior in our community goes hungry.

Rep. Panetta spoke with a group of local retirees.

I met with a community group in South San Jose to discuss what’s happening in Congress and how we can keep making progress despite the noise of partisan politics. I’m grateful for the thoughtful questions and the chance to share how I’m working every day to serve the people of California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta convened a group of concerned fishermen.

I met with the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust to discuss salmon and crab closures and the urgent need for stronger, faster disaster relief. Fisheries are central to our identity and economy, and I’ll keep fighting for the people who depend on our working waterfronts.

Rep. Panetta met with leaders of the Asian American community.

I was grateful to meet with leaders from the Asian Communities of Marina to hear about their advocacy, from cultural preservation and civic engagement to the creation of the Asian American Garden. Their work is a powerful reminder of the diversity and strength that defines our community.

Rep. Panetta spoke with a local Farm Bureau.

I had a good discussion with a local Farm Bureau about recent agriculture wins, Farm Bill priorities, and the challenges our producers face with markets, mandates, Mother Nature, and manpower. I’ll keep working alongside them to ensure our farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world.

Celebrating Our Community

Rep. Panetta marked 40 years of the Monterey County Pops!

I was honored to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Monterey County Pops!, a local orchestra that has brought free, professional-quality performances to our community since 1985. From patriotic concerts to youth outreach, the Pops has strengthened our shared sense of pride and connection, and I look forward to many more years of their music and service.

Rep. Panetta stopped by a local art and history museum.

I visited the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History to hear about its work supporting the arts, culture, and education in our community. Institutions like MAH strengthen our shared identity and ensure creativity continues to thrive in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta toured a local nursing and rehab facility. Press play of click HERE to watch his takeaways.

I visited a local nursing and rehab facility where dedicated professionals provide everything from physical therapy to dementia care to hospice services. These visits are a powerful reminder of how vital Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits are in ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors live with dignity and support.

Rep. Panetta threw out the first pitch a local baseball game.

It was a privilege to welcome players and families to Monterey for the 71st California All-State AA Japanese American Baseball Tournament. This long-standing tradition celebrates the power of baseball to bring people together across generations, honor community, and carry forward the values of perseverance, respect, and unity.

Rep. Panetta checked in at a local park and public lands. Press play or click HERE to hear his reactions.

I visited Calero Reservoir with local parks leadership to discuss stewardship, safety, and preserving public lands for future generations. From boating to hiking, this special place reflects the hard work of park rangers who keep it safe, clean, and accessible for our community.

Rep. Panetta visited a local nonprofit helping vulnerable families.

I stopped by Nueva Vista Community Resources in Santa Cruz to learn more about how they support families, children, and seniors with essential services. Thanks to Community Bridges and their partners for their commitment to building a healthier, stronger community, I’ll keep working in Congress to back those efforts.

Rep. Panetta spoke a special ceremony celebrating scholarships for local students.

I joined the Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County, New Horizons, and Cabrillo College to celebrate nearly $100,000 in scholarships awarded to 98 local students. This program shows how combining housing stability with educational opportunity can transform lives.

Rep. Panetta saw firsthand the operations at a local innovative tech manufacturer.

I toured Valley Services Electronics in San Jose to see the cutting-edge work behind their circuit boards and advanced assemblies. Their innovation and precision showcase the strength of local manufacturing and the skilled workforce we’re proud to have in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta visited a local business feeling the impact of policies in Washington.

I visited San Jose’s Golfland Emerald Hills, a family favorite since 1981, to talk about how federal support helped them weather the pandemic and keep staff employed. With new challenges like rising tariffs, I’m committed to ensuring small businesses like this can continue creating jobs and community fun in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta dropped by a local outdoor recreation store.

I toured a local Bass Pro Shop with Assemblymember Gail Pellerin to learn about their efforts supporting conservation, veterans, and outdoor recreation. It’s great to see a business investing in both our community and the outdoors that so many families enjoy.

Rep. Panetta spoke with a constituent about issues in Bangladesh.

I met with members of the Bangladesh community in California’s 19th Congressional District to discuss the importance of protecting and strengthening democracy with our partners. I’m grateful for their perspectives and their dedication to advancing democratic values both locally and globally.

Rep. Panetta connected with a local small business to discuss their community impact.

I visited Steel Bonnet Brewing Co. in Scotts Valley to meet the team behind this local favorite. Their craft brewing and community events show how small businesses strengthen connections and culture across California’s 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta walked through a local creamery and met with its owners.

I caught up with the owners of the Penny Ice Creamery to discuss how tariffs, credit card fees, and immigration policy impact small businesses. I’ll keep working in Congress to deliver solutions that help local businesses like theirs thrive here in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Looking Ahead in Service

It’s a privilege to represent you in the United States Congress, and my focus will always be to fight for the values and priorities of California’s 19th Congressional District. Despite the division in Washington, I’ll keep working to ensure the federal government delivers results that strengthen our community, support our families, and protect our future.

I also want to stay connected with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Washington, D.C., Monterey, Santa Cruz, South San Jose, or Paso Robles if you need assistance with a federal agency or want to share your views.  You can also visit my website at panetta.house.gov for updates, resources, and ways to stay connected to me.

I look forward to seeing you in our community and continuing our work together for this place we call home.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California