Equality & Civil Rights
I believe that our federal government must work to provide and protect basic civil liberties to all Americans. As a member of Congress, I will keep fighting every day to make sure that people of color and LGBT+ people are ensured equal protection under the law.
Commission to Study Reparations
I am a cosponsor of the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act, H.R. 40 to study the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African Americans resulting directly and indirectly from slavery to segregation to the desegregation process and the present day.
I am a cosponsor of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act, H.R. 1636, to establish a bipartisan commission that will be housed within the United States Commission on Civil Rights’ office tasked with examining the social disparities that disproportionately affect black men and boys in America.
Efforts for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Act
I am a cosponsor of the United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Act, H.Res. 100, to examine the effects of slavery, institutional racism, and discrimination against people of color, and how our history impacts laws and policies today.
LGBT Caucus
As a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I work with my colleagues in the House to address some of our country’s most pressing equality issues, including fighting anti-LGBT+ appropriations amendments, and advocating for education and aging protections.
Equality Act
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, a bipartisan, comprehensive nondiscrimination bill to extend civil rights protections to LGBT+ Americans.
Equal Rights Amendment
I am a proud cosponsor of H.J.Res.79 to remove the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). A vote for the ERA is a vote for equality. We must ratify this crucial amendment to enshrine women’s equality in our Constitution and under the law.
Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019
I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, to restore the Voting Rights Act’s power to combat the resurgence of partisan voter suppression across the nation.
More on Equality & Civil Rights
Congressman Panetta Supports Legislation Condemning Unnecessary Medical Procedures on Asylum Seekers
Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) supported passage of House Resolution 1153, condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. The measure is in response to a whistleblower complaint alleging female detainees in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody underwent hysterectomies without consent.
SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman John Lewis (GA-05).
SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that he is an original cosponsor of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. The bicameral legislation was introduced today in the House by Congressional Black Caucus Chair Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), and in the Senate by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA).
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that he will participate in this year’s Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee on Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the series of marches that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The bipartisan congressional pilgrimage will be led by Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted for H.J.Res.79, to facilitate timely ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 232 to 183. Congressman Panetta is a cosponsor of the bill.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address:
Congressman Panetta Sends Letter to USDA on Rescission of 4-H LGBTQ Guidance
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to pause the Trump Administration’s plan to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.
"I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the inclusion of an unnecessary citizenship question in the 2020 Census. The Administration’s rationale for adding the question is inadequate and based on politics over sound policy.
WASHINGTON—Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (FL-27) and members of the LGBT Equality Caucus on Wednesday introduced the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act. This bill prevents the maltreatment of LGBTQ youth and improves outcomes for those who enter the child welfare system.