Legislation
Throughout my life, I’ve been committed to public service. It is a privilege to now have the opportunity to serve as the Congressman for California’s 19th Congressional District. As your representative, I will always strive to best serve you and will always be open and transparent.
As the United States Representative for California’s 19th Congressional District, it is my responsibility to advance legislation that reflects our values and addresses the issues facing our home. Despite the dysfunction that you see on the news in the 118th Congress, my focus remains on delivering for the 19th Congressional District. I serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, Budget Committee, and Armed Services Committee.
In 2023, I was proud to have introduced commonsense, bipartisan solutions to incentivize the construction of affordable housing, give law enforcement the tools they need to stop the flow of xylazine-adulterated fentanyl, extend incentives for clean energy production and microgrids, expand agricultural research and innovation, address hunger in our community and within the ranks of our military, strengthen language education, better support teachers, and much more.
Below, you will find a list of my legislative priorities in Congress. I look forward to updating you on our progress to move our home forward.
Confronting the Challenge of Affordable Housing and Homelessness
More Homes on the Market Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation because I’ve come across far too many people in the 19th Congressional District who want to sell their homes but can’t afford to due to the financial hits they will incur. That leads to fewer homes on the real estate market, housing shortages, and housing affordability issues throughout our community and country. This legislation would help remedy that problem by increasing the sales gain exclusion. Such a simple fix would allow homeowners to downsize, sell their homes, and keep their nest eggs intact. It’s also a commonsense way to help expand the housing market, tackle housing affordability issues in our communities, and better ensure that more families have access to owning a home.
Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) Act – I authored and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would increase the supply of affordable housing for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify for low-income affordable housing and not enough to afford housing near where they work by establishing the first-ever middle-income housing tax credit.
Rent Relief Act – I co-authored and introduced bicameral legislation that would provide a new federal tax credit for cost-burdened renters in high cost-of-living areas.
Protecting the Beauty of California’s 19th Congressional District and Tackling Climate Change
Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act – I co-led and introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve recreation on federal waterways by investing in modern technology to provide anglers, hunters, boaters, and other water users the information they need to safely and legally access and utilize public waters administered by federal agencies.
Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act – I co-authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would help streamline the implementation of major clean energy projects by mandating a report detailing the delays caused by the current federal permitting process.
MICROGRID Extension Act – I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would extend the investment tax credit I passed into law for qualifying clean energy, independent microgrids through 2033. This legislation would promote the use of clean energy by extending the period for people to use the 30% tax credit for the implementation and expansion of microgrids.
Technologies for Energy Security Act – I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would extend the investment tax credit I passed into law for qualifying fuel cells and linear generators through 2033. This legislation would promote the use of clean energy by extending the period for people to use the 30% tax credit for the implementation and expansion of fuel cells and linear generators.
Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act – Authored and reintroduced legislation to provide federal funding for more habitats for Western Monarch butterflies.
California Central Coast Conservation Act – I authored and introduced this legislation to establish a moratorium on all new oil and gas leasing on federal public land on the central coast of California in order to protect the environment, economy, and way of life of the Central Coast.
Amendment to the Strategic Production Response Act – I offered an amendment to prevent oil and gas drilling off the coast of Central California during debate of the Strategic Production Response Act. Every chance I get, I will fight to protect our coastline economy and the character of our communities.
Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation because our firefighters need to be properly equipped to fight wildfires and protect our communities in California. This bill will ensure fire retardant remains a critical tool in our firefighting arsenal for the 2023 fire season.
Lodging Options Developed for Government Employees (LODGE) Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation because too many of our national parks and their surrounding areas lack affordable housing for park service employees. This bill would allow for public-private partnerships to create a much-needed supply of housing in those high-demand regions. This is a bipartisan and innovative solution for affordable housing that would help the Park Service better hire and retain staff and ensure consistent access for our visitors to our national treasures.
Supporting the Bounty of California’s 19th Congressional District
Farmers Feeding America Act – I co-authored and introduced legislation that would help food banks meet demand and ensure families stay fed and healthy. My legislation would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ability to purchase food directly from local farmers and ranchers.
Global Trade Specialist Act – I co-authored and introduced and advanced bipartisan legislation that would strengthen U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) ability to enforce U.S. trade policy.
Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act – I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would empower organic farmers with clear standards and a predictable process for stakeholder input.
Equitable Aquaculture Food Act (SEAfood Act) – I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase research and expand programs necessary for establishing more offshore aquaculture ventures in the US. Such efforts have the potential to increase American-produced aquaculture products, enrich local communities, and expand job markets.
Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability (GATES) Act – Authored and led a bipartisan bill to change limitations on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and give agricultural producers access to federal conservation programs.
Preserving Family Farms Act – Authored and reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ease the burden of the estate tax to help family-owned farms continue operations after a family member has passed.
Agriculture Export Promotion Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation because farmers, producers, and ranchers around our country depend on the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program to reach markets abroad and grow their businesses at home. The bill would make significant investments in those programs to ensure that our nation’s farmers and ranchers have access to the tools and resources that they need to compete in the global marketplace. Federal support to secure appropriate market access abroad creates good-paying jobs in the U.S., supports our local economies, and fortifies the future of American agriculture.
Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation to remove unnecessary barriers that are hurting producers' ability to compete in a global marketplace. This bill removes outdated regulations from the early 1900s to better reflect the needs and realities of our livestock producers today. Allowing livestock auction market investments in regional packing facilities supports small businesses and rural communities, increases competition, and drives down costs for consumers and families.
Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation because students coming from family farms and small family businesses are currently unfairly penalized when it comes to applying for federal student aid, ultimately limiting their academic opportunities. We need to recognize the reality of so many family farmers and small business owners who’ve poured their livelihoods into building up their businesses but live with limited financial resources. Restoring this 30-year-old standard is about fairness and supporting families who continue the entrepreneurial spirit of our country.
Plant Biostimulant Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation because the lack of a standard regulatory definition or pathway to market for plant biostimulants makes accessing this innovative technology difficult for the sustainable agriculture industry. This bill would remedy these barriers and encourage the adoption of these new products which can help improve global food security and our environment.
Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Ashley Hinson to help our farmers access precision agriculture tools needed to improve the sustainability of agriculture and ensure that America’s farms continue to lead in productivity as well as the protection of our planet.
Precision Agriculture Loan Program (PAL) Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation because although precision agriculture equipment is becoming essential to the future of our agriculture, it is evolving and can still be expensive for many of our farmers. This bill would provide dedicated financing so that more producers in agriculture can purchase and adopt precision agriculture technology.
Investing in Modern Infrastructure for California’s 19th Congressional District
Responsive Employees Support Productive Educated Congressional Talk (RESPECT) Act – I authored and introduced legislation that would require the FAA to respond in writing within 90 days to requests for data and information from Congress.
Serious Noise Reduction Efforts Act (SNORE) Act – I co-authored and introduced legislation that would address noise mitigation through soundproofing and other strategies in the communities surrounding San Francisco International Airport.
All Participating in Process Reaching Informed Solutions for Everyone (APPRISE) Act – I authored and introduced legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that an aviation roundtable technical representative or consultant is allowed to participate in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) performance-based navigation implementation process for new or modified flight procedures affecting their communities.
Fairness in Airspace Includes Residents Act (F-AIR) Act – I co-authored and introduced legislation that would revise the priorities of FAA in developing plans and policies for the use of navigable airspace to ensure safety, noise, health impacts, and environmental concerns are properly addressed.
Restore Everyone’s Sleep Tonight (REST) Act – I authored and introduced legislation that would authorize an airport to impose an access restriction between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. for aircraft.
Notify Officials To Inform Fully and Impel Educated Decisis (NOTIFIED) Act – I authored and introduced legislation that would require the FAA to notify the public of any proposed new Performance Based Navigation flight procedure or flight procedure change affecting airspace at altitudes below 18,000 feet.
AAM Tax Exemption Parity Act – Authored and led bipartisan legislation to adjust current U.S. tax codes for innovations and new technology surrounding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
Broadband Grant Tax Treatment (BGTTA) Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside Rep. Mike Kelly and Senators Mark Warner and Jerry Moran. Although we were able to pass legislation last Congress providing major investments in our nation’s broadband, many small businesses receiving that federal funding to construct networks and connect our homes may face steep taxes. This legislation would exempt those grants from federal taxation and ensure that the funding is allocated for universal broadband.
Expanding Quality, Affordable Health Care in California’s 19th Congressional District
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act – I reintroduced my bicameral legislation that would ensure that people with disabilities and seniors who rely on Medicaid waivers do not lose that life-sustaining support if they relocate to another state following a federally declared disaster or emergency.
Health CARE Training Act – Authored and reintroduced legislation to improve the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program by setting training requirements and excluding educational assistance from federal income taxes.
Access to Future Cures Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Jodey Arrington because we’ve made incredible breakthroughs in cell and gene-based therapies, which have the potential to treat long-term illnesses as varied as COVID-19, bloodborne cancers, Alzheimer’s, type 1 diabetes, and more. The cost of extracting and storing healthy blood cells should not be a barrier to this groundbreaking care. This bipartisan solution would allow Americans with health savings accounts to better access these therapies in the future.
Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan legislation to encourage physical activity and incentivize healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees.
Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act – I co-authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would offset any reductions in payments to Medicare providers. It is legislation that would help keep providers operating in our community so that our seniors have access to health care. Please click here to listen to a story by a regional radio station about Rep. Panetta’s legislation.
Providing Every Student a Quality Education No Matter Their Background or Zip Code
Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act – I reintroduced my bipartisan legislation that would permit early childhood educators to cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials by allowing them to claim the above-the-line $300 tax deduction currently only available to K-12 teachers.
Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act – Reintroduced bipartisan legislation to educate children on the dangers of fentanyl and equip schools with the proper resources to prevent and protect against overdoses incidents.
World Language Education Assistance Program (World LEAP) Act – Authored and introduced legislation to establish a first-of-its-kind world language and dual language education grants program for K-12 schools.
Reforming our Immigration System and Securing Our Border
Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act – Reintroduced legislation to ensure that immigrants have access to protections intended by the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA), and other federal and state laws and protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.
Fighting for Equality
Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act – Authored and reintroduced legislation so that disabled adult children (DAC) can receive federal health care benefits if they get married.
Serving Those Who Served Our Nation
Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act – I authored and introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., the second-longest held Prisoner of War (POW) in U.S. history. In the face of severe mistreatment during his captivity in the Vietnam War, including torture and starvation, Commander Alvarez served, sacrificed, and set an example for fellow POWs, inspiring them to return home with honor. He has demonstrated what it means to be a patriot, and it is only fitting that Congress acknowledge his exemplary life with our highest honor.
Military Spouse Hiring Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation because many military spouses have to give up stable careers and experience high unemployment rates as they move around the world and meet the demands of military assignments. The Military Spouse Hiring Act would allow those spouses to be treated as a target group to qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Employers could then use that tax credit to hire more people and military spouses would have more opportunities to find meaningful employment wherever they go.
VSO Equal Tax Treatment (VETT) Act – I introduced this bipartisan legislation because veteran service organizations are integral to supporting those in our communities who served our country in uniform, but that mission is being held back by outdated classifications in our tax code. This bill would ensure that charitable contributions to these organizations are tax deductible. This way our federal tax code could incentivize and encourage Americans to continue supporting organizations that serve those who served America.
Amendment to FY24 National Defense Authorization Act – Authored and introduced bipartisan legislation to provide U.S. service members specialized assistance filing their federal taxes.
Strengthening our National Security and Supporting Democracy
Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act – Introduced bipartisan legislation to provide the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) new jurisdiction over land purchases by foreign adversaries to protect American agricultural lands and businesses.
Resolution Recognizing Earthquake Victims and Honoring Responders in Türkiye and Syria – I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers leading a resolution that both recognizes the thousands of victims and honors the responders of the devastating earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks that took place in Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. And I will continue to push for immediate assistance to those affected in Türkiye and Syria.
Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act – I co-authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would create a new avenue to cut off Iran’s funding for its terrorist proxies by equipping Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to enforce oil sanctions.
Ensuring the Federal Government is Working for Families of California’s 19th Congressional District
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act – I authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that would prevent government-wide shutdowns, protect people’s paychecks, and force Congress to stay in Washington, D.C. to work together to pass a budget.
Tackling the Issue of Gun Violence
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act – Reintroduced legislation alongside Senator Dianne Feinstein to ensure proper investigations, strengthen background checks, and assist overburdened background check systems.
Federal Firearm Licensee Act – I introduced this legislation alongside Rep. Robin Kelly because our outdated federal firearm licensing laws aren’t keeping pace with the proliferation of rogue firearms dealers or advancements in new technology. This bill will improve our system of background checks and ensure proper dealer licensing for firearm purchases. It’s a comprehensive, commonsense way to prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands and keep Americans safe.