11/23/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO PROTECT SENIORS' ACCESS TO DOCTORS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act to put in place a permanent solution to Medicare’s reimbursement rates and protect seniors’ access to their doctors. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the...

11/18/2009 RECOVERY ACT BRINGS GREEN JOBS TRAINING TO LOS ANGELES & CA-31 WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Labor Secretary Hilda Solis issued hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of grants to California-based organizations to fund “green job training” programs with funds authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). Two of those programs...

11/7/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today House Democrats passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, a historic bill to reform our nation’s health insurance system that offers security and stability to all Americans. Following the vote, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of...

11/4/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO ACCELERATE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSUMER CREDIT CARD PROTECTIONS WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill to accelerate the implementation of much of the Credit CARD Act, signed into law in May, to shield consumers from the unfair interest rate hikes and fees. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic...

10/29/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON UNIFIED HOUSE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Speaker Pelosi and Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives introduced a unified bill to reform our nation’s health insurance system that offers affordable coverage to all Americans. Following the announcement, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair...

10/28/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT BEING SIGNED INTO LAW WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the President signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law as part of the conference report on Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2010. The legislation closes gaps in federal law to help combat hate crimes committed because of a person’s...

10/21/2009 BECERRA’S JAPANESE LATIN AMERICAN COMMISSION BILL VOTED FAVORABLY OUT OF COMMITTEE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today a bipartisan majority of members of the House Judiciary Committee voted to favorably report H.R. 42, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act, during the committee’s markup. The bill was authored by Representative...

9/23/2009 COMMISSION BEGINS WORK TO STUDY THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino, created by legislation authored by Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) and championed by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) held its first meetings last...

9/21/2009 BECERRA, NUNES INTRODUCE TRIBAL HEALTH BENEFITS CLARIFICATION ACT WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the “Tribal Health Benefits Clarification Act of...

9/16/2009 REP. BECERRA CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: “During Hispanic Heritage Month, let us reflect on the long and proud...

9/9/2009 STATEMENT FROM REP. BECERRA ON PRESIDENT’S SPEECH TO CONGRESS ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement responding to President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress tonight: “The President...

8/26/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee issued the following statement today on the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy: “Last night, the Kennedys lost a beloved...

8/6/2009 BECERRA PRAISES BIPARTISAN SENATE APPROVAL OF SONIA SOTOMAYOR TO BE THE NEXT SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the United States Senate approved the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court by a vote of 68 to 31. After learning of the Senate’s vote, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic...

7/30/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY AND PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act to provide the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority, resources and tools it needs to prevent food-borne illnesses and respond forcefully to any future contamination crisis....

7/24/2009 REP. BECERRA’S JAPANESE LATIN AMERICAN COMMISSION BILL RECEIVES BIPARTISAN, FAVORABLE VOTE IN SUBCOMMITTEE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today a bipartisan majority of members of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law voted seven to two to favorably report H.R. 42, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent...

7/20/2009 REPS. BECERRA, RYAN INTRODUCE BROWNFIELDS BILL TO BOOST URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-1) introduced the Brownfields Remediation Permanent Tax Incentive Act in the House of Representatives. “At...

7/14/2009 BECERRA PRAISES HEALTH REFORM BILL ANNOUNCED BY HOUSE COMMITTEES WASHINGTON, DC—Today, House committees jointly announced the American Affordable Health Choices Act to reform our health...

7/2/2009 BECERRA, ROYBAL-ALLARD, NAPOLITANO, LINDA SANCHEZ RESPOND TO BOYCOTT TO CENSUS IN CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-38) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-39) issued the following statement in response to calls...

6/29/2009 BECERRA INTRODUCES TAX BILL TO PROVIDE EQUAL TREATMENT OF TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS AND CHARITIES WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last Friday, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Devin Nunes (CA-21) introduced H.R. 3085, the Tribal Charities Fairness Act in the House of Representatives. “Native...

6/26/2009 BECERRA VOTES FOR HISTORIC ENERGY BILL TO CREATE JOBS, CURB GLOBAL WARMING, AND REDUCE FOREIGN OIL DEPENDENCE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, historic legislation designed to create jobs, reduce dependence on foreign oil and curb global warming. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior...

6/25/2009 BECERRA MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA, PRAISES IMMIGRATION REFORM EFFORTS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, met with President Barack Obama and fellow leaders in Congress to discuss comprehensive immigration reform. After the meeting, Rep. Becerra...

6/19/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON DRAFT HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL ANNOUNCED TODAY WASHINGTON, DC – Today, three House committees announced their draft proposal to reform our health care system and ensure affordable, quality health care. The committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means have worked together to present a uniquely American plan that...

6/10/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO BOOST INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House passed H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which boosts funding for critical diplomacy, defense and international development programs. Representative Xavier Becerra, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means...

6/4/2009 BECERRA, LAWMAKERS UNVEIL PLAN TO EXTEND HEALTH CARE COVERAGE TO MILLIONS OF LOW-INCOME AMERICANS WASHINGTON, D.C.--As the conversation about health care reform continues, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (NM) and Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX-25) introduced legislation...

5/26/2009 BECERRA HAILS NOMINATION OF SONIA SOTOMAYOR TO THE SUPREME COURT LOS ANGELES—Upon learning of President Barack Obama’s nomination of Federal Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement: “The...

5/20/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO SEND CREDIT CARDHOLDERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed by a strong bipartisan vote the final version of the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights, a bill that will bring common sense reform and consumer protections to our financial system. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair...

5/19/2009 BECERRA VOTES FOR FINAL VERSION OF BILL TO HELP FAMILIES SAVE THEIR HOMES WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass an amended version of S.896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, part of a joint effort by Congress and President Obama to stabilize the housing market and keep families in their homes. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31),...

5/18/2009 'WE THE PEOPLE' TAKES TOP PRIZE AT REP. BECERRA’S ANNUAL STUDENT ART COMPETITION Rep. Becerra with first place winner Joshua Frausto. LOS ANGELES — Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, joined parents and teachers in celebrating local student artists at the 31st Congressional District’s 2009 Art Competition Awards Ceremony...

5/15/2009 BECERRA, VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN HIGHLIGHT IMPACT OF RECOVERY ACT FOR RESIDENTS OF SOUTH LOS ANGELES Rep. Becerra speaks at an event at Esperanza Community Housing Corporation with Vice President Biden, May 15, 2009. LOS ANGELES—Today Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, welcomed the Vice President...

5/14/2009 REP. BECERRA VOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TO END IRAQ WAR OPERATIONS, CLOSE GUANTANAMO WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed a final supplemental appropriations bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that provides for President Obama’s plan to end combat operations in Iraq, refocusing the fight against terrorism, and better preparing the nation for pandemic...

5/14/2009 BECERRA VOTES FOR GREEN SCHOOL RENOVATIONS TO IMPROVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT & CREATE JOBS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, legislation that will improve public schools, create jobs, and lower energy costs for taxpayers. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House...

5/7/2009 BECERRA’S STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET PROPOSAL WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today Representative Xavier Becerra, (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Budget and Ways and Means Committees, issued the following statement regarding the details of President Obama’s budget plan:

4/30/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO PASS CREDIT CARDHOLDERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights,...

4/29/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO PASS BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra, (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Budget and Ways and Means Committees, voted to give final approval to a budget conference agreement for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President’s...

4/9/2009 BECERRA: WITH THE PRESIDENTS LEADERSHIP WE WILL FINALLY MAKE PROGRESS ON IMMIGRATION REFORM WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s commitment to push for immigration reform this year: “Today’s...

4/2/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO PASS LONG TERM ECONOMIC PLAN FOR GROWTH WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra, (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, and the Budget Committee voted in favor of passing H. Con. Res 85, the Concurrent Resolution Budget for Fiscal Year 2010.

3/26/2009 REP. BECERRA VOTES FOR BUDGET THAT MAKES STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, the House Budget Committee debated and voted to favorably report a responsible 2010 budget resolution that embraces President Obama’s vision and key priorities. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a member of the...

3/19/2009 REP. BECERRA VOTES TO RECOUP TAXPAYER DOLLARS MISSPENT BY AIG & OTHERS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1586, a bill to recoup taxpayer dollars used to pay bonuses for employees of TARP recipients—including AIG, by a vote of 328 to 93. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member...

3/19/2009 CRITICAL HEARING HELD ON SEEKING JUSTICE FOR JAPANESE LATIN AMERICANS INTERNED DURING WORLD WAR II WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the treatment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent, European Americans, and Jewish Refugees During World War II. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice...

3/18/2009 BECERRA PRAISES PRESIDENT’S COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRATION REFORM FOLLOWING MEETING WITH CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with President Barack Obama to discuss comprehensive immigration reform. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, issued the following...

3/17/2009 BECERRA SPEAKS OUT ON NEED TO RECOUP TAXPAYER DOLLARS FROM AIG & OTHERS WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today following a meeting of the House Democratic Leadership, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement in support for congressional action to recoup taxpayer...

3/5/2009 REP. BECERRA VOTES FOR LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS HOUSING & FORECLOSURE CRISES WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, a major component of President Obama’s comprehensive housing plan, by a vote of 234 to 191. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member...

3/5/2009 REP. BECERRA PARTICIPATES IN PRESIDENT’S FORUM ON HEALTH CARE REFORM WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, participated in President Barack Obama’s “White House Forum on Health Reform.” A full spectrum of stakeholders from providers,...

2/24/2009 REP. BECERRA REACTS TO PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON, D.C.— Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement responding to President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress tonight: “Tonight President...

2/13/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO SEND ECONOMIC RECOVERY & JOB CREATION PACKAGE TO PRESIDENT’S DESK WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed the final conference version of H.R. 1, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to jumpstart the economy and create millions of jobs, by a vote of 246 to 183. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic...

2/4/2009 CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE EXPANSION SENT TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed the final version of H.R. 2, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act to extend coverage to 11 million children by a vote of 290 to 135. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House...

1/28/2009 AMERICAN REINVESTMENT & RECOVERY PLAN PASSES HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Plan to jumpstart the economy, by a vote of 244 to 188. Representative Xavier Becerra, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, voted for...

1/22/2009 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN MARKED UP IN WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House Ways and Means Committee voted to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act (H.R. 598). The legislation will now be combined with other elements of the recovery package passed by other House Committees, into H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment...

1/21/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVENESS, ACCOUNTABILITY OF TARP PROGRAM WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 384, the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) Reform and Accountability Act by a vote of 260 to 166. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of House Democratic Caucus, voted for the bill. “Last October I voted against...

1/14/2009 BECERRA VOTES TO EXTEND HEALTH COVERAGE TO MILLIONS OF CHILDREN, STIMULATE ECONOMY WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act to extend coverage to 11 million children by a vote of 289 to 139. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus,...

1/9/2009 BECERRA VOTES FOR PAYCHECK FAIRNESS AND GENDER EQUITY WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness and Lilly Ledbetter Acts, the first major pieces of legislation passed by the House in the 111th Congress. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, voted for [delete- the] both...

1/9/2009 BECERRA STATEMENT ON DEVASTATING JOBS REPORT WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement in response to the Department of Labor’s report that the economy lost 524,000 jobs in December, capping a year that saw 2.6 million jobs disappear from...

1/6/2009 BECERRA, BLUNT, ROSS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN MEDICARE ACCESS TO REHABILITATION ACT WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and Representatives Roy Blunt (MO-7) and Mike Ross (AR-4) introduced the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Act of 2009. The bill permanently repeals monetary caps that limit Medicare beneficiaries’...

1/6/2009 REP. BECERRA INTRODUCES BILL TO INVESTIGATE JAPANESE LATIN AMERICAN INTERNMENT DURING WWII WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced the “Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act”. If signed into law, the legislation would create a commission to investigate...