Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans

The role of government it to help those who are most in need. American social safety net programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security have been incredibly successful in lifting people out of poverty and helping to preserve economic freedom and independence. Congressman Garcia believes we must continue to fulfill our obligations to the millions of people that rely on these services and expand efforts to further assist families. Congress should also continue to invest in the American people by exploring options to create a universal basic income, free childcare, and universal pre-k. 

More on Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans

Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Disaster Survivors from Unnecessary Federal Assistance Denials
February 10, 2025
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) announced the introduction of the Fair Disaster Assistance Act to protect applicants for federal disaster assistance by ensuring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not issue premature denial notices before a final decision has been made regarding their insurance claim for disaster-related losses.

Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Congressman Robert Garcia and Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert Announce Federal Grant to Improve Law Enforcement Communication Systems to Better Support Homeless Community
November 1, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert announced that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $350,000 grant to the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office (LBCPO) to improve communication and information sharing between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to better support people expe

Issues: Providing Safe, Affordable Housing for Every American Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Congressman Robert Garcia Urges Social Security Administration to Protect Beneficiaries in Guaranteed Income Initiatives
October 29, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) sent a letter to the head of the Social Security Administration (SSA) urging a rule change to ensure that individuals who benefit from guaranteed income programs can still access full Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits.

Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans Supporting Unions and Working People
Congressman Robert Garcia Fights to Expand Access to Preventative Care for STIs
August 8, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Robert Garcia and Barbara Lee led sixteen colleagues in calling on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to require insurers to cover doxy PEP for free for patients. Use of the common antibiotic doxycycline (doxy PEP) within three days of having sex can vastly reduce likelihood of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea infections.

Issues: Ensuring Healthcare for All Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community Protecting Public Health
Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve TSA Screening Experience for Travelers
June 5, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), joined by co-leads Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) and Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), introduced the Supporting Passengers with Efficient and Effective Detention (SPEED) through Screening Act, which will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop strategies to reduce intrusive pat-downs without reducing transportation security, with particular consideration of passenger populations who receive pat-downs at disproportionately high rates. Security pat-downs during travel can be inconvenient, humiliating, and uncomfortable for travelers, and this legislation aims to make the travel process more respectful while maintaining the highest standards of security. To read the full bill text, click here.
Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Jon Ossoff’s Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape & Save Taxpayer Dollars Passes U.S. House
May 6, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Senator Jon Ossoff’s (D-GA) bipartisan bill to cut waste and improve government service has passed the U.S. House. The Eliminate Useless Reports Act is co-led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in the Senate and Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06) in the House. The legislation will increase government efficiency by eliminating unnecessary federal agency reports to Congress, saving taxpayer dollars and allowing agencies to focus on their core missions.
Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Long Beach Post - Child care center at CSULB gets $3.5M for critical repairs
April 5, 2024
In The News
The $3.5 million in funding was part of Rep. Robert Garcia’s recent Community P…
A critical child care facility at Cal State Long Beach that serves over 200 children is getting an infusion of $3.5 million in federal funds for critical plumbing, electrical and irrigation repair work, officials announced. The money will also be used to replace all of the flooring, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units across the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center, which provides child care and early education for children ages 6 months to second grade.
Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Press Telegram - Garcia presents $3.4 million in federal funds to upgrade child development center at CSU Long Beach
April 5, 2024
In The News
The upgraded facility aims to provide child care to additional students who are…
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, presented Cal State Long Beach with nearly $3.5 million in federal funds, which will pay for renovations at the university’s Isabel Patterson Child Development Center, on Friday, April 5.
Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Signal Tribune - What did Long Beach’s state and federal representatives do in March?
April 1, 2024
In The News
What did Long Beach’s state and federal representatives do in March?
FEMA Reimbursements – Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) spearheaded a coalition of 36 other California delegates urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully reimburse local governments for the costs of providing shelter to people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. This request comes in response to FEMA’s Oct. 16 announcement to the California Office of Emergency Services, which retroactively limited the amount of reimbursement local governments will receive for providing emergency non-congregant sheltering. The letter, addressed to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, said there was a critical need for FEMA to reimburse local governments, or else they would experience financial strain. The lawmakers who signed the letter argued that withholding reimbursements under California’s COVID-19 Major Disaster Declaration could collectively cost cities and counties over $300 million. 
Issues: Providing Safe, Affordable Housing for Every American Reducing Emissions Through Green Jobs and Technology Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
KCAL-LA - Congressman Garcia presents Long Beach City College with funding for their Space Beach Pathway
March 27, 2024
In The News
Congressman Garcia presents Long Beach City College with funding for their Spac…
Congressman Robert Garcia presents Long Beach City College with $963,000 funding for investments in their Space Beach Pathway. 
Issues: Eliminating Student Debt Raising Wages for Working Families Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans