Political Watch

• Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) presented a $750,000 check for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department to purchase a marine rescue boat, according to a Nov. 28 statement from Hart’s office. “The Conception dive boat disaster and numerous environmental emergencies have underscored the importance of enhancing emergency […]

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers urged NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to reverse unilateral funding cuts to the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which would result in the loss of hundreds of California jobs, prevent the Jet Propulsion Laboratory from making its 2030 launch window, and lead to […]

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and 75 other members of the New Democrat Coalition urged congressional leaders to schedule a vote on President Joe Biden’s supplemental request for security and humanitarian aid in support of Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and funding to help […]

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently reacted to news that the United States successfully brokered a deal with Israel to approve daily pauses in military action in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in need and facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians from areas where Israel may be conducting operations, according […]

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Mike Braun (R-Indiana) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to streamline veterans’ access to their benefit claim files, according to a Nov. 2 statement from Padilla’s office. The Wounded Warrior Access Act will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a […]

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called on the Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan government agency, to complete an independent assessment of the successes and potential improvements available for the nation’s 211 public information system and the services it provides to families across the U.S., according to an Oct. 26 statement from the congressman’s […]

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) expressed concerns directly to the head of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) about the closure this week of a veterans substance abuse treatment facility in San Luis Obispo and its potential impact on Central Coast veterans, according to an Oct. 19 statement from Carbajal’s office. In two […]

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) announced that he helped secure up to $1.2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub to produce and use renewable, clean hydrogen across California, according to an Oct. 13 statement from Padilla’s office. This investment is […]

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) introduced a bicameral bill that would increase access to internet and telephone services for low-income urban and rural Americans, according to an Oct. 6 statement from Padilla’s office. The Promoting Access to Broadband Act would help states increase awareness and enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program […]

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring the life and legacy of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, according to a Sept. 29 statement from Padilla’s office. In his remarks, Padilla paid tribute to “her leadership, her grace, and her unparalleled dedication and contributions” to California and the United States. Feinstein […]

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) announced the Health Equity and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community Inclusion act, legislation that would help make sure the federal government accurately recognizes the experiences and needs of members of MENA communities, according to a Sept. 22 statement from the senator’s office. This bill would help make […]

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Mike Braun (R-Indiana) introduced bipartisan legislation to streamline veterans’ access to their benefit claim files, according to a Sept. 14 statement from Padilla’s office. The Wounded Warrior Access Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a secure online tool or website to […]