Press Releases

Congressman Robert Garcia Announces Major Step Forward Towards Justice for Victims of Exide
May 3, 2024
Press Release
Long Beach, CA – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia announced an important milestone towards a Superfund Designation, which would fund lead contamination cleanup, for neighborhoods in Southeast Los Angeles County that were polluted by the former Exide Technologies Inc. facility. Following a preliminary assessment, and as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes its site investigation, Region 9 of the EPA has written to the State of California seeking the State’s agreement in designating the site as a Superfund site. This moves the community closer to its goal of major federal funding for the cleanup of toxic lead pollution. In February 2023, Congressman Garcia joined California’s Senators seeking a Superfund National Priorities List designation for Exide. 
Issues: Reducing Emissions Through Green Jobs and Technology Protecting Public Health
Congressman Robert Garcia Seeks Transparency from the Department of Defense on their Decision to Oppose Arizona Housing Bill
April 19, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Garcia wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, seeking information regarding the Department of Defense’s decision to oppose the bipartisan Arizona HB 2570, the Arizona Starter Homes Act. The letter can be found here. 
Issues: Providing Safe, Affordable Housing for Every American
Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces Resolution Recognizing Importance and Contributions of Neurodivergent People
April 2, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – On World Autism Awareness Day, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the importance and contributions of neurodivergent people to our country. The resolution acknowledges the diverse talents of neurodivergent individuals, estimated to make up 15 to 20 percent of the world's population.
Issues: Upholding Civil Rights
Congressman Robert Garcia Leads House Introduction Of The Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency And Accountability Act
April 1, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) introduced the Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation will strengthen the safeguards that are intended to ensure that federal government employees behave in a fair, competent, and nonpartisan manner by requiring that the executive branch report to Congress when it declines to investigate potential violations of the Hatch Act.

Issues: Defending Democracy Fighting to Get Big Money out of Politics
Congressman Robert Garcia Secures Long Beach City College Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funding to Train “Space Beach” Workforce and Bolster Aerospace Program
March 27, 2024
Press Release

Long Beach, CA. – Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia, Long Beach City College (LBCC) will receive $963,000 from the Community Project Funding to update the college's engineering and aerospace programs.

Issues: Eliminating Student Debt Raising Wages for Working Families Supporting Unions and Working People
Congressman Robert Garcia Demands Response From Luxury Retailer Loro Piana Regarding Reports of Inequity For Indigenous Workers
March 19, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) sent a letter to luxury retailer Loro Piana’s Chairman Antoine Arnault and CEO Damien Bertrand regarding recent reports about the sourcing of their vicuña wool. Loro Piana's prices have increased over time, with sweaters now retailing for $9,000.

Issues: Supporting Unions and Working People
Congressman Garcia Secures Over $15 Million For Local Projects In Government Funding Package
March 14, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) announced that $15,708,979 in new federal funding is headed to Long Beach and Southeast LA to support vital community projects. These investments will support cities, educational institutions, and neighborhood-serving organizations and were just signed into law by President Biden.

Issues: Providing Safe, Affordable Housing for Every American Reducing Emissions Through Green Jobs and Technology Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
Congressman Garcia Leads 36 California Colleagues In Calling On FEMA To Reimburse Local Governments For Funds Spent Supporting A COVID-19 Pandemic Homeless Program
March 12, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) led 36 members of the California delegation in calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully reimburse local governments across California for millions of dollars spent on shelter options for high-risk people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. 

Issues: Strengthening our Safety Net for Vulnerable Americans
ICYMI: Congressman Garcia Demands USCIS Re-Assess Policy Regarding Strict Translation Requirements for Immigrants
February 22, 2024
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, led a group of Latino Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to change an internal policy that requires congressional offices provide USCIS with certified translations of non-English documents they're filing on behalf of immigrant constituents.

Issues: Fighting for Immigrant Families
Congressman Garcia Leads Colleagues in Oversight of Pentagon’s Work to Upgrade Veterans Discharged Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
January 26, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42),a  Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, wrote an oversight letter to the Secretary of Defense urging the Department seeking information on their efforts to proactively review and upgrade cases LGBTQI+ veterans who were discharged under less than honorable conditions for their sexual orientation prior to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) 12 years ago. The Congressman was joined by Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). 
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community