Dear Community Members,

As we enter into the holiday season, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the constituents of California’s 19th Congressional District. Your sense of community inspires me to continue my fight in Congress for the people and our values of one of the most beautiful and bountiful parts of the world. With that blessing, however, comes a lot of responsibility in protecting our beauty, promoting our bounty, and fighting for this place we call home.

Despite the many challenges that we face as a nation, I continue to do my job to ensure that I am providing federal legislation, federal funding, and personal services so that the federal government works for you. Moreover, we continue to come together in our fight against the destructive policies from this Administration as we step up, speak up, and step forward. As we’ve seen throughout the history of our nation, the more we engage, the more we endure as a community, country, and especially as a democracy. As we head into the holidays, let us be thankful for our home, but always be mindful of our responsibilities of living in America.

Rep. Panetta visited a local food bank as more people are experiencing  increased costs of food, fuel, healthcare, and housing

Fighting To Lower Costs

One of the biggest concerns that many of you have told me about is the issue of affordability. For most of us in California’s 19th Congressional District, housing is our largest expense. That is why my priority in Congress is to help make housing more affordable. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I authored numerous bills that will help increase the supply of affordable housing for working families, allow people to protect their nest eggs by increasing the capital gains tax exemption on home sales, and bring back the first-time home buyers tax credit so that more people can have a cornerstone upon which to fulfill their American Dream.  

My flagship bill, the bipartisan More Homes on the Market Act, is based on the people and properties in our 19th Congressional District. Many homeowners, especially seniors, want to sell their homes to downsize, move closer to family, or for many other reasons. At the same time, they want to protect their nest egg and the investment in their house, and, for some, use that investment in their golden years. However, with prices at all-time highs, the tax burden on any home sale would be significant. The existing tax thresholds on capital gains for home sales, originally set in 1997, have never been adjusted for inflation, and make it nearly impossible for homeowners to sell without facing significant tax penalties. My bill would amend the out-of-date provision of the tax code to increase the exemption amounts for those looking to sell or downsize their home without paying a large tax penalty. The bill would raise the exclusion from capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1 million for joint filers. My legislation would increase the supply of available homes by removing barriers that discourage homeowners from trying to sell their properties.

I also am focused on making housing more affordable for working families and the middle class through my Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act. This bill would increase the supply of affordable housing for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing, but not enough to afford housing near where they work. By incentivizing investment in the development of middle-income housing for middle income families, the legislation would help ensure working families can spend more time in their communities rather than in their commute. People who work in California’s 19th Congressional District should be able to live here and call this place home.

My First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Act would create a tax benefit for those buying their first house. The cost of home ownership has reached an all-time high in the United States, and this bill helps restore access to the American Dream by establishing a refundable tax credit of up to $15,000 to support qualifying first-time buyers.

Additionally, I continue to secure federal investment in affordable local housing projects and programs to assist the homeless.  Last month, I attended the groundbreaking for Rue Ferrari’s South San Jose Interim Housing Expansion Project, which doubles the site’s capacity to house residents experiencing homelessness. I’m proud to have secured $1 million in federal funding for the expansion, and for its impact on helping the most vulnerable of our community to secure housing.

Rep. Panetta spoke at the opening for an expansion of a  local interim housing project for which he secured federal funding.  Press the picture or HERE to watch video of remarks by Rep. Panetta.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

In addition to ensuring that the federal government is working for people of California’s 19th Congressional District, one of my duties is holding the Administration accountable. Recently, I joined an overwhelming majority in Congress in voting to release the Epstein files. The American public deserves transparency, and the victims of Epstein’s abuse deserve justice. As a former prosecutor, I believe we must hold perpetrators of child abuse accountable and protect victims of sexual abuse.

The bill to release the Epstein files passed the House with nearly every member, except one, voting for it. Republicans and Democrats together felt that this isn’t about politics, it’s about accountability for the perpetrators, justice for the victims, and transparency and truth for the people.

Rep. Panetta released the above statement immediately following his vote to release the Epstein files.

I also joined several of my colleagues in introducing the No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act to make sure the Administration is being transparent with the American people about its actions and use of military force in the Caribbean. Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority over the use of military force and ensure accountability. To use military force, the Administration must present the evidence, use the law, and always abide by our democratic values.

Rep. Panetta spoke at a press conference about his support for the  No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act.  Press the picture or HERE to watch his remarks.

Protecting Our Coastlines

One of the most iconic aspects of our 19th Congressional District is the coastline. We live in the most beautiful and biodiverse places on earth, and I am proud to represent our coastal communities. However, with that beauty and bounty comes great responsibility to protect and promote this place that we call home.

Rep. Panetta stood with local leaders and spoke against  the Trump Administration proposal for offshore drilling.

This Administration recently released a Draft Proposed Program (DPP) for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program proposal. The Administration’s proposal includes mandating six lease sales off California, including two off of its central coast. This is the first step in the process for opening up our coastline to offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling.

The Administration's proposed map of potential areas to lease for offshore oil drilling.  Press on the photo or HERE to enlarge the map.

During the first Trump Administration, the President also proposed leasing areas for potential offshore oil drilling off our coast. But we, as a community and our local leaders, came together, put up legal, political, and logistical barriers that stalled out that proposal. The current Trump Administration is making another blatant attempt to erase our local, state, and federal protections for the beauty and bounty that we hold dear in our 19th Congressional District.

Rep. Panetta joined local leaders to speak out against Trump’s proposal  to open up California’s coastline to offshore oil drilling.  Press HERE to read an article from a local news outlet on their efforts.

Fortunately, I have been working to prepare to push back on this Administration as they try to infringe upon our local and state protections. On Earth Day, I was proud to author and introduce the Central Coast of California Conservation Act. This is legislation that would enhance coastal protections in the 19th Congressional District by prohibiting any new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas from the northern border of San Luis Obispo County up to Mendocino County.

Rep. Panetta convened a roundtable of local experts  to strategize against the Administration’s proposal for offshore oil drilling.

Last month, I convened a roundtable of local leaders and coastal experts in our 19th Congressional District.  Together we talked about ways in which we can continue to stand in opposition to any proposal for offshore oil drilling. We then held a press conference and warned the Administration that any attempt to drill off our coast would be met with fierce opposition. We must continue to vigilantly monitor this Administration’s attempts to drill for oil off of the California coast. Additionally, just a couple hours after the Administration formally released their proposal to drill for oil off of our coast, I joined my California Senate and House colleagues to commit to fighting back against the proposal, and we made it clear that the California coast was not for sale.

Rep. Panetta joined his California Senate and House colleagues on a  Zoom press conference following the release of the Administration’s proposal.  To watch the zoom press conference, press the above photo or HERE.

While I am working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as with community leaders at all levels, we must come together in this fight. The public comment period to submit your thoughts and concerns directly to the Administration is now open until January 23, 2026. Public input can influence what happens next, and agencies are required to read and respond to comments. 

To learn how to submit an effective comment, click here.

I encourage all of you to join me in letting the Administration know that the California coastline is not the East Wing of the White House.

Rep. Panetta stood with local leaders and community members  to fight back against the Administration’s plan for offshore oil drilling.

Securing Federal Investments

As a member of Congress, my job is to make sure the federal government works for you. One of the ways I do that is by making sure the 19th Congressional District is receiving our fair share of government grants.

Rep. Panetta spoke with a local news station about the federal funding he secured for the Cambria Fire Department for a new fire engine. Press the picture or HERE to watch a clip.

This month, I was proud to secure $935,000 in federal funding for the Cambria Community Services District Fire Department to purchase a new Type 1 fire engine. This significant investment in a state-of-the-art fire truck provides not just the Cambria District Fire Department, but also our community with the best equipment to help keep our homes and region safe. The constant threat of wildfire that we face in California and across the 19th Congressional District mandates that communities always be prepared and our first responders have the support they need to continue to effectively respond to emergencies, stay ahead of danger, and protect lives.

Rep. Panetta announced significant federal funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County. Press HERE to read an article from a local news outlet.

I also announced $1 million in federal funding this month for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County for the construction of a new 7,500 square foot clubhouse in the City of Scotts Valley. The clubhouse will serve the children of Scotts Valley and surrounding San Lorenzo Valley communities. The finished project will serve an estimated 400 youth per year, with an average daily attendance of 150 kids and teens, via after school and out-of-school time programs that offer academic support, art, fun physical activities, music, cooking classes, and more. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County do excellent work to enable young people to excel, and this new clubhouse will be a hub for children and families in the entire San Lorenzo Valley. I’m proud to ensure that the federal government continues to play its part to invest in our children, families, and communities.

Fighting For You

In addition to federal legislation and funding, I continue to assist constituents by fighting the bureaucracy of our federal government. Constituents contact me every day for help to obtain their tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), passports or visas from the State Department, healthcare coverage from Medicare, payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA), benefits from the Veterans Affairs Department (VA), and so much more. Below are just a few examples of my casework for constituents.

Rep. Panetta met with a constituent in California’s 19th Congressional District.

Securing Tax Refunds: Dealing with the IRS can be a miserable experience with long wait times on the phone and nonresponsive interactions. However, when constituents contact me on these types of issues, I get to work. Just this year, I resolved nearly 100 cases for individuals and secured the return of over $10 Million to constituents from the IRS. An example of my work was when a constituent contacted me due to delays in receiving his 2024 tax return. I fought the IRS and within one month of contacting me, the IRS provided his tax refund for over $8,000. This is money that people earned and deserve.

Fixing Social Security Benefits: When a constituent contacted me because their parent’s Social Security benefits stopped, I got to work. In just a few months, the SSA payments restarted and were in her bank account.

Working with the VA: When a veteran constituent contacted me because he couldn’t schedule needed surgery through the VA, I got involved. After my inquiry, the VA moved forward, and his procedure was scheduled. He’s now getting the care that veterans deserve.

Expediting Visa requests: When a constituent asked for help expediting her mother’s visa application so they could be together during her medical treatment, I got to work. I dealt with the U.S. Department of State to review the case, and the Department quickly accelerated the visa process. I’m proud to have helped reunite this family.

Getting Passports: When a constituent asked me for help to expedite a passport for her son so that he could join his father on his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., I got to work.  I was able to fulfill her request for assistance, and her son was able to join his father as he was honored and celebrated for his service to our country

Working with the Department of Agriculture: When a small business owner contacted me due to a slow SNAP/EBT approval from the US Department of Agriculture, I got to work. Within 24 hours of the constituent contacting me, I was able to get the application reviewed and accepted, and the constituent was able to obtain SNAP benefits. 

Helping Local Nonprofits: When a Santa Cruz organization reached out for assistance in dealing with the IRS to expedite their 501(c)(3) application, I got to work.  Although the constituent had been waiting for 10 months for the agency to make a determination, I got to work. I requested an expedited determination and within weeks, the constituent got a letter from the IRS saying the status was approved.

Delivering overdue honors: When a Korean War veteran contacted me for help to correct a clerical error in his discharge certificate, I got to work. In dealing with the U.S. Navy, we realized that he never received three service medals. I fixed the original clerical error and was able to present him with the medals to recognize his service to our nation.

Rep. Panetta proudly presented a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War with several service medals that he never received.

If ever you have a problem with the federal government and with one of its many bureaucracies, please contact me. It gives me great pride to fight for my constituents and ensure that the federal government works for them. Please contact me for help by calling my office or pressing HERE.

Honoring Those Who Fought For Us

I spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Helen Rucker. Helen faced racial discrimination throughout her formative years, but rather than being despondent, she was driven to make a difference with education, working for decades as a teacher and librarian. During her life, she served as a Seaside City Councilmember, a school board member, and a trustee of a local school district. She also volunteered in the community for important issues like civil rights, prison education, HIV prevention, police reform, affordable housing, and so much more.

Rep. Panetta spoke on the House floor to honor the life and legacy of Helen Rucker. To view his full speech, press the picture or HERE.

Helen Rucker’s life was all about bridging divides. Rather than agonize, she organized, founding Seaside’s Voter Education Center to encourage people to take part in their community by voting. She understood that voting is how we make change, how we protect our community, and move our country forward. She believed that all individuals deserved a role in the democratic process.

Helen Rucker embodied the values of our democracy and our community. She was the beating heart of Seaside and a truly inspirational leader. I’m proud to have served alongside her, and I look forward to continuing her legacy through my work in Congress.

The Work Ahead

As we head into the holiday season, we must also look ahead to the work that needs to be done in the second and final year of the 119th Congress.  Reflecting on the strength of our community, as we resisted and persisted in 2025, we realize that there will be many more challenges to overcome in 2026. However, as we have experienced not just this year, but throughout the history of our nation, the more we stand together, speak up, and step up, the more we can move forward as a community and country. 

I anticipate continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the constituents of California’s 19th Congressional District so that we can go toe-to-toe with anybody or any Administration that threatens our beauty and bounty. Moreover, I look forward to working together to serve the people and values of this place that we proudly call home

Sincerely,

Jimmy Panetta
United States Representative
19th Congressional District, California