Press

It appears April Fools came early this year --

Contrary to this morning's Monterey County Herald headline—I have not retired or resigned and have no plan to do so. California’s 20th (formerly 17th) Congressional seat is not vacant.

I continue hard at work in our nation’s capitol and on the CentralCoast, to serve my constituents and address the dire issues facing our communities.

STATEMENT: House Rejection of Senate Payroll Tax Holiday

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today released the following statement after the House Republican Majority refused to allow a vote on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, and instead voted to conference the bipartisan Senate bill:

“I am beyond disappointed that once again Congress has been derailed by extreme Tea Party politics at the expense of middles class families. The stakes for our nation are too high to get drawn into these games of political brinksmanship.

Rep. Farr Hails Milestone Progress on Sanctuary Trail

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today hailed the decision by the Surface Transportation Board to allow the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) to purchase the Union Pacific rail line along the proposed route of the Santa Cruz portion of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Trail. The decision paves the way for the RTC to purchase the rail line for the trail and to increase transpiration alternatives for the region.

Rep. Farr Bill to Upgrade Pinnacles to Park Status

The Pinnacles National Park Act would upgrade the area to recognize its diverse ecosystems, geology and cultural history

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today introduced H.R.3641, the Pinnacles National Park Act—legislation to upgrade the Pinnacles National Monument in San Benito County to ‘National Park’ status. The status upgrade of the area would recognize and preserve its diverse ecosystems, geology, and cultural history, and would place it under the National Park System. The bill was previously introduced in the 111th Congress as H.R.3444.

UCSC Grad and Shooting Victim Honored

Gabriel Zimmerman is the first staffer to be murdered while in the line of duty; the legislation passed the House with a unanimous vote

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today voted in support H.Res. 364, legislation that will name a meeting room in the U.S. Capitol in honor of Gabriel Zimmerman, a UC Santa Cruz graduate and staff member of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was killed in the January 8th shooting in Tucson, Arizona. H.Res. 364 designates room HVC 215 of the Capitol Visitor Center as the “Gabriel Zimmerman Meeting Room”.

Statement: President's Joint Session Address

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today released the following statement after President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress regarding job creation:

“Jobs, jobs, jobs. That is the only thing on our nation’s mind, and tonight President Obama presented clear ideas to get our economy moving and creating those much needed jobs. While these ideas of investing in our infrastructure, communities and people might not seem revolutionary, they are the most basic and surest way to get people working today and well into the future.

Rep. Farr Announces Open Period for Academy Nominations

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today announced that his office is now accepting applications for nomination to our nation's service academies. Operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Navy, these academies provide a college education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer.

For all service academies (except the Coast Guard), applicants must be nominated by one of several federal officials including the U.S. representatives, U.S. senators and the vice president.

Rep. Farr Announces Grant to Help Veterans

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today announced that Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Inc. (VRSI) received a grant of $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide homeless veterans with job training aimed at helping them succeed in civilian careers. During the application process Congressman Farr submitted a letter of support, recognizing the important work of Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in assisting local Central Coast veterans. (Official letter attached)

Statement: House Passage of Debt Ceiling Deal

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the debt ceiling package:

“While voting to increase the debt ceiling is a necessary step, the deficit reduction measures included in this deal unfairly place the burden on seniors and the middle class families. This is the wrong approach at a time that our economy is struggling to recover and families across our country continue to suffer from the lingering effects of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Statement: Passage of Republican Default Act

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today released the following statement after House Republicans passed Speaker Boehner plan to raise the debt ceiling.

“I am disappointed that Republicans have chosen partisan politics over protecting our nation from default, possible credit downgrade, and jeopardizing our economic recovery.