This installment of the Signal Tribune’s monthly series covers actions taken and statements made by Long Beach’s federal and state representatives throughout April.
Elected officials were involved in debate and legislation surrounding public health, government transparency, the widening conflict surrounding the Israel-Palestine War and more. The purpose of this ongoing series is to help the public stay abreast of their elected officials and hold them accountable beyond election day.
Robert Garcia – U.S. Representative for California’s 42nd Congressional District
- The Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act:
Garcia unveiled this proposed legislation aimed at bolstering a 1939 law that restricts the political activities of federal civilian employees working in the executive branch. The Hatch Act of 1939 prohibits federal employees from engaging in specific political activities to preserve nonpartisanship within the government, insulate employees from political pressure and prioritize merit-based promotions.
Forbidden activities include: displaying campaign materials, hosting a political fundraiser, making contributions to a political party, posting online comments in favor of or against a political party, wearing or displaying political apparel or signs.
Enforcement of the Hatch Act has been called into question, and a public statement from Garcia’s office said that the U.S Office of Special Counsel sometimes falls short in upholding this law.
Garcia’s bill would require the executive branch to report to Congress whenever it opts not to investigate potential Hatch Act violations.
“Political influence in our official government operations can lead to a real threat to our democracy. As civil servants, we are bound to the needs of our constituents, not political interests,” Garcia said in a public statement. “We must make sure that the rules we have in place are followed and that oversight is carried out efficiently and effectively. That is why I am proud to lead this bill in the House, it will empower Congress to strengthen enforcement of the Hatch Act to prevent political influence on our federal government operations.”
- Resolution Recognizing Neurodivergent People:
Congressman Robert Garcia introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the contributions neurodivergent people have made to society.
“Neurodivergent people have made incredible contributions to our country, utilizing their unique perspectives and strengths to advance so much of our society,” Garcia said in a public statement. “We must make sure the United States supports and uplifts all people, regardless of identity, disability, or neurological difference. I hope this resolution will contribute to the work of advocates and organizations who raise awareness and fight to eliminate stigma for neurodivergent individuals.”
- Transparency from Department of Defense:
Garcia wrote to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin questioning the Department of Defense’s opposition to Arizona’s HB 2570, the Arizona Starter Homes Act, which aimed to help alleviate the affordable housing crisis.
The Department of Defense opposes the bill, stating concerns about potential accidents and residential construction around military bases. The act was vetoed by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who referenced the Department of Defense’s concerns in her reasoning for vetoing it.
“As we strive to tackle our nation’s affordable housing crisis, it’s crucial that we don’t allow special interests to kill new housing and greater density. My request for information from the Department of Defense seeks to understand how the Department balances its need to safeguard the interests of our military installations and the communities that surround them, while complying with the Biden’s Administration goal for increasing affordable housing and eliminating barriers to housing construction. We need to ensure such decisions are informed, equitable, and above all, conducive to the well-being of both our servicemembers and the American families in need of affordable homes.” Garcia said in a public statement.
Nanette Díaz Barragán – U.S. representative for California’s 44th Congressional District
- Outdoors for All Act:
Barragán’s Outdoors for All Act, part of the bipartisan EXPLORE Act, passed in the House of Representatives on April 9. This legislation directs the Department of the Interior to establish a grant program supporting outdoor recreation projects in underserved areas, including smaller cities and tribes, by opening up more public lands and waters for the public to use for recreation.
The bill modernizes the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program in order to expand its reach. The EXPLORE Act will now advance to the Senate alongside a related bipartisan outdoor recreation bill.
- WomenShelter Funding:
On April 22, Barragan presented $850,000 in federal funding her office helped secure for the WomenShelter of Long Beach, a local nonprofit that assists victims of domestic violence. The money will be used for therapy, case management and transitional housing for victims.
- Israel vs. Iran:
On April 1, Israel launched an airstrike against the Iranian consulate in Syria, which killed two generals and five officers. Iran responded later in the month by launching over 300 drones and missiles into Israel, which injured a young child and caused minor damage to a military base.
Barragán posted the following statement about the conflict on the social media platform X on April 13:
“As President Biden said, we stand with our ally Israel against these Iranian attacks and support Israel in their defense. Thoughts are with the people of Israel.”
- Foreign Aid Funding Bills:
Following months of stalling and dissent from Republicans on the far-right who were against sending additional military aid to Ukraine, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson allowed the House of Representatives to vote on a package of four bills that would provide military aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
A fraction of the funding in this package will go towards humanitarian aid around the world, with some of that aiding civilians in Gaza. Barragán voted in support of this package of bills. It was passed into law by the senate days later.
In a public statement, Barragán said the following:
“This should not have taken this long. Extreme Republicans for months have compromised our national security and weakened America’s standing around the world. It is past time that we support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and provide critical humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Once again, House Democrats provided the majority of votes for common sense legislation, this time to deliver critical aid to our allies. I continue to have concerns with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s lack of strategy to protect innocent civilians and bring this war to a swift end. I will continue to press for increased accountability and call for the immediate return of all hostages. Today, it was necessary to prioritize our national security, deliver critical humanitarian aid to where it is needed most, and ensure America continues to stand with our democratic allies around the world.”
The online reaction to Barragán’s statement was resoundingly negative, with netizens criticizing her support of additional military funding for Israel.
The website Track AIPAC, which gathers information from the Federal Election Committee and the nonprofit organization OpenSecrets, states that pro-Israel groups have spent a total of $103,210 on lobbying Barragán throughout her career.
Lena Gonzalez – California State Senator for the 33rd District
- SB 1337:
On April 16, Senate Bill 1337, which was authored by Gonzalez, was passed by the Elections & Constitutional Amendments Committee. The bill would require that the top contributors to any campaign attempting to overturn existing law be listed online for the public to view. The bill is now being discussed by the Committee on Appropriations.
- Resolution on Recoginizing Cambodian Genocide:
Gonzalez presented a senate resolution recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week from April 17 to April 23. Gonzalez said she was “very proud” to represent Long Beach, which has the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia.
- Latino Caucus:
On April 23, Gonzalez, a member of the Latino Caucus, spoke in support of the caucus’ legislative priorities for 2024, including her bill SB 1016, The Latino and Indigenous Health Disparities Reduction Act. This bill would require the State’s public health department to begin gathering health data specifically on Latino and Indigenous communities.
Josh Lowenthal – U.S. Representative for California’s 69th Assembly District
- PANS/PANDAS:
On April 16, Lownethal spoke in support of Assembly Bill 2105, which he introduced earlier this year, during a hearing held by the Committee on Health. This bill aims to secure insurance coverage and expedite care for those suffering from Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
There is still much to be learned about this medical condition, but it is believed to be triggered by infections such as strep throat and leads to tics and obsessive compulsive disorder. AB 2105 was passed by the Committee on Health and has been sent to the Committee on Appropriations.
Later in the month, Lowenthal received the Healthcare Leadership Award from Memorial-Care because of his work with AB 2105 and PANS/PANDAS.
- Hotel Maya:
After UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing striking hotel workers, reached a contract with Hotel Maya on April 23, Lowenthal posted the following statement on the social media platform X: “When we fight, we win! 💪🏼 Congrats to the hotel workers and Unite Here 11 members at Hotel Maya who fought long and hard for a fair contract [sic]! I’m glad everyone was able to come to the table to get this deal done.”
- AB 2351:
On April 3, Lowenthal testified during a hearing by the Assembly Standing Committee on Education about his bill, AB 2351. The bill would allow students to be suspended or expelled for actions they commit outside of school hours and online.
Lowenthal authored the bill after a schoolmate of his daughter sent her an image of a swastika through social media. The ACLU has come out against the proposed legislation, saying that it may lead to disparate punishments for children of color, and that it could contribute to the “school-to-prison pipeline.”
The bill passed with five members of the Committee on Education voting in favor of it. The bill was then sent to the Committee on Judiciary, where it unanimously passed on April 30.
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