Carbajal, Salud RSS Articles

Carbajal Speaks Out Against Sable Offshore Provision in Defense Budget Bill

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During last night’s House of Representatives debate on the annual national defense policy bill, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) spoke out against the Hunt amendment, which would grant the federal government unprecedented access to California-owned public lands associated with the Santa Ynez Unit and Las Flores Pipeline System.

Download a video clip of Carbajal’s full debate here.

Background on the Hunt amendment

Specifically, the Hunt amendment would authorize the Secretary of Defense to use federal eminent domain to acquire permanent easements across California-owned lands and submerged lands under the Santa Ynez Pipeline system, the pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill off the coast of California.

This amendment broadly preempts California law by eliminating state permitting requirements and blocking state injunctions. It also requires the Secretary to grant the operator an irrevocable license that cannot be revoked by California courts, state agencies, or future administrations, except under extremely limited circumstances

A rough transcript of Carbajal’ opening remarks is available below:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Garamendi.

I oppose this amendment.

We know that the military does not need this provision to ensure a stable supply.

We already are the largest oil producer in the world, producing nearly 14 million barrels of oil a day.

So let’s be clear: this is not about energy independence or national security.

It is about giving Big Oil special treatment at the expense of California.

Under this amendment, a single certification from the Secretary of Defense unlocks sweeping legal protections for fossil fuel projects.

States and local governments cannot interfere.

Courts are told to presume that delaying this project harms national security on the Secretary's word alone. And we know what that means.

Challengers cannot dispute the Secretary's determination.

And developers receive procedural advantages that no other litigant enjoys – including the ability to essentially choose which federal court will hear a challenge.

It is interesting to me that this amendment is sponsored by Congressman Hunt, from Houston, where Sable Offshore Oil’s headquarters is located.

Sable Offshore, of course, is the operator of the Santa Ynez Pipeline System, which the Trump administration forced back online over the objections of California.

This is the pipeline that caused the devastating Refugio oil spill in 2015 in my district.

My constituents, who must live with the risk this operation poses, are overwhelmingly opposed.

But the Trump administration used the Defense Production Act to preempt state law.

The state of California is challenging that authority in court.

I guess Sable is worried about losing in court—as they should be—because this amendment would allow the company to avoid accountability by moving to a more favorable court, blocking the California lawsuit, and preventing any court from issuing an injunction against this project.

So let me be clear again: this isn’t about national security.

It is a bailout for polluters.

I oppose this amendment and I urge my colleagues to also vote no.

Carbajal Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following his “yes” vote on the Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595.

“Today, I voted yes on Representative Massie’s amendment to not give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration funding for more offensive weapons. While I do not agree with the entirety of the amendment, including its potential impacts to humanitarian funding, I cast a yes vote in recognition that we cannot continue to provide Netanyahu a blank check. I remain deeply opposed to how Netanyahu has conducted this war. His administration's strategy has fueled a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and resulted in the tragic loss of an inordinate number of civilian lives.

“While I have always been and will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Israel, I cannot support Netanyahu's extremism, including his push for illegal settlements and condoning settler violence in the West Bank. These actions are untenable and harm the future security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

“For many across the Central Coast, this issue is deeply personal. I have read your letters and listened to your calls urging our country to take stronger action and hold Netanyahu’s extremist government accountable. While today’s vote was blocked by the House Republican majority, I will continue to fight for more rigorous oversight of our military assistance programs and push for more humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. I stand firmly behind a two-state solution that secures the security, rights, and prosperity of both Palestinians and Israelis, for I believe that to be a sustainable path for durable peace in the region.”

Carbajal Announces Funding for Central Coast Water Projects Passed House Committee

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced a bipartisan bill containing more than $66 million for Central Coast water projects. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 will now need to be considered by the full House and Senate for final passage.

“Like many communities across the nation, the Central Coast has some water systems that are aging beyond their intended service life or must be upgraded to accommodate our region’s growth. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to have secured federal funding in this committee-passed bill to strengthen water infrastructure throughout the Central Coast. As the bill moves toward final consideration, I will continue working to ensure this essential investment is delivered to our communities,” said Rep. Carbajal, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The following projects and authorizations have been included in the committee-passed bill.

$30,000,000 for the Los Olivos Community Services District (LOCSD). The funding will be used for a new septic-to-sewer project. Once completed, the proposed project will collect wastewater from the LOCSD and send the waste approximately 3.5 miles to a connection point with the City of Solvang. The City of Solvang will then treat and dispose of the LOCSD’s wastewater at their regional facilities.
$25,000,000 for the City of Ojai. The project would replace the metal pipes that service the City’s storm water collection system. These pipes are at the end of their expected life, having been in place since the early 1960s.
$3,200,000 for Summerland Sanitary District to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure.
$6,300,000 for the City of Lompoc. The City’s projects include the modernization of the City’s water treatment plant and construction of a stormwater treatment and flood control system.
$2,000,000 for the City of Solvang to improve its water and water supply infrastructure, including the distribution systems.
Authorization of the City of Morro Bay’s seawall repair and harbor enhancements project.

“The City of Solvang is grateful for Congressman Carbajal’s leadership and continued advocacy for Solvang. His support helps advance important infrastructure priorities that are essential to the long-term health, reliability, and resilience of our community,” said Mayor David Brown.

“The legislative language advocated by Congressman Salud Carbajal will ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lives up to its responsibility to repair and maintain breakwater, revetment, and seawall infrastructure that is vital to ensuring safe navigation and operations in Morro Bay Harbor. We appreciate Rep. Carbajal’s leadership and his hard work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Morro Bay and California,” said Mayor Carla Wixom.

“The Summerland Sanitary District is incredibly grateful to Congressman Carbajal for his continued advocacy for our coastal infrastructure. Securing this $3.2 million authorization in the draft WRDA bill is a vital milestone in rehabilitating our ocean outfall. This federal partnership establishes the critical pathway we need to protect our local environment and ensure reliable wastewater services for our community,” said Diantha Glaser, General Manager of the Summerland Sanitary District.

“Building a sewer system to solve a problem that has persisted for more than 50 years isn't glamorous, and it certainly is not easy. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his leadership and support in helping secure funding for this critical community infrastructure. This investment gives Los Olivos a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the solution our community has long supported while ensuring that local decisions remain in local hands. It allows us to move forward with a project that reflects the needs and priorities of the people who live and work here,” said Los Olivos Community Services District President Julie Kennedy.

“Congressman Carbajal’s work to continue advancing the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project through WRDA 2026 is a very welcome shot in the arm. He has been an essential and long-time champion of the project. With construction now over 50% complete, renewed Federal investment is critical to finishing this complex and urgently needed project to protect our densely developed urban core from recurring flooding,” said Santa Barbara County Public Works Director Chris Sneddon.

“Safety and infrastructure have been central priorities for this Council and City staff, with enhanced public participation, deferred maintenance budgeting, and focused timelines as key progress indicators. We are extremely grateful for our Federal agencies in partnering with the City of Ojai to bring our storm systems to proper order, helping to sustain a community that can remain resilient, safe, and efficient now and for decades to come,” said Ojai’s Mayor Andy Gilman.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out critical water infrastructure projects nationwide, including flood risk reduction, ecosystem restoration and navigation improvement. WRDA is biennial legislation crafted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. By authorizing these projects through WRDA, Congress helps unlock future federal funding.

The bill supports locally-driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and supply chain, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country, protect communities from flooding, and more. In addition, investments in water infrastructure help lower everyday costs for Americans. Modernizing aging infrastructure reduces water loss and lowers maintenance expenses, helping keep water rates more affordable for households and businesses.

Click here for legislative text and here for a summary of WRDA 2026.

Carbajal Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and Coalition of 40+ Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Scrap Politicized Scientific Grant Rule

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), and 41 members of the California congressional delegation in demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding.

“The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote.

The California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research.

“The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued.

Specifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule:

National Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration’s unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEM talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries.

Biomedical and Scientific Research and Development: The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs.

Higher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions.

State and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations.

“The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded.

In addition to Carbajal, Schiff, and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. House Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Josh Harder (D-CA-09), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Director Vought:

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. Our state leads the country in scientific advancements across sectors – from biomedical engineering and quantum computing, to fusion energy and more – because of robust federal funding. This investment is critical to early-stage scientific discovery across fields that the commercial marketplace cannot yet support due to the long timelines and inherent uncertainties of basic research. Nevertheless, these foundational research activities ultimately serve as the essential pipeline for future commercial innovation, spinning off into market-ready technologies and new domestic industries that drive economic growth and directly improve the lives of all Californians, and by proxy all Americans.

OMB’s federal grantmaking procedures were established to provide agencies with guidance on grant management and as such, this guidance has historically emphasized the importance of performance metrics, transparency, and unbiased review. We are gravely concerned by the extent to which OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would drastically alter federal grantmaking procedures and undermine the transparency and unbiased review which is central to the success of the federal grant process. The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people.

Merit-based, independent scientific review is the foundation of the United States’ and California’s leadership in science. For over 75 years, federal agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Energy have used merit-based review as a competitive process to award grants to California’s leading institutions in scientific, engineering, and medical research based on quality and impact. This review process has driven discoveries and critical progress in medicine, national security, technology, and economic competitiveness. At a time when U.S. companies are already publicly expressing uncertainty about accepting federal funding from this administration, citing fears of “conditions” the administration may place on their research, it is critical that federal funding of scientific research remain independent.

Therefore, we strongly urge OMB to rescind its proposed regulation and preserve the rigor and objectivity of its grantmaking processes so that federal grantmaking can remain free of partisanship and political agendas. This should include an emphasis on peer review of grants over the political and partisan bias of any administration, the establishment of transparent evaluation criteria, and other robust safeguards to protect the independent judgment of career civil servants. OMB’s proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance undercut each of these critical guardrails necessary to protect the advancement of U.S. scientific research across all fields.

The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions. The following implications for several areas of scientific research are particularly significant:

National Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline

Viability of Research

This proposed rule adds to the ever-growing uncertainty that scientists and researchers in California broadly face over federal funding. This administration has already unlawfully frozen millions of dollars in NSF funding, impounded NASA resources, and slashed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean energy grants. These investments are critical to finding the next cures, protecting our access to clean air, and furthering our understanding of the universe. And yet, the administration’s actions will hinder our state’s best and brightest minds while denying funding to entire scientific fields the administration does not believe to be in service of their ideological and political priorities.

Harms to the STEM Talent Pipeline

These barriers, coupled with growing financial uncertainty, have forced American researchers, including those in California, to reevaluate the viability of continuing their studies in the United States. Countries like China are offering millions of dollars in research funding to our nation’s leading planetary scientists, engineers, and PhD candidates, hoping to capitalize on our nation’s unparalleled STEM talent pool. The continued slashing of NSF, NASA, and EPA funding will further damage our pipeline of future researchers and scientists, threatening our status as a world leader in STEM, and ultimately the nation’s ability to develop and innovate in the United States.

Additional Barriers on International Students and Domestic Businesses

The proposed regulation outlines new requirements for award eligibility, including mandatory participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program, which would create significant administrative barriers, not just for higher education institutions, but for farmers, small businesses, and construction industries. For higher education institutions, this would hinder progress for international students and researchers providing critical contributions to American and California-led scientific progress. For farmers and small businesses, mandating E-Verify would significantly harm their ability to fill roles and conduct their day-to-day work. Furthermore, E-Verify comes with extensive administrative burdens and inaccurate information about employees. Punishing farmers, small businesses, and construction companies for a system known to be flawed in its accuracy will negatively impact these institutions’ and companies’ economic viability and their contributions to the American economy.

Competition from China

The proposed rule is a form of national self-destruction. Funding reductions will seriously weaken the United States’ ability to compete with other countries, especially as China is already laying out ambitious plans to become a leader in science – particularly in space science - by 2050. China has already invested in missions to explore Neptune and return samples from Mars, and yet OMB’s proposed rule gives non-experts the power to direct NASA’s future. We cannot compete with China on the world stage if we do not channel our resources into credible and technically sound scientific endeavors. Further, we cannot grant such a significant responsibility as grantmaking authority to political appointees with no technical expertise. Doing so would erode the efficacy, integrity, and respect of these programs and cede power and influence to our competitors abroad.

2. Biomedical and Scientific Research and Development

Politicization of Scientific Peer Review

OMB’s proposed rule would upend U.S. biomedical and scientific research agencies’ long-standing, apolitical, and science-based review process. Peer-review systems employed by NIH, NSF, and other research agencies have long been the top benchmark for identifying the most promising scientific opportunities. Replacing scientific judgment with political review risks directing resources away from the most meritorious research. California’s universities and medical centers conduct research that benefits patients nationwide, and any reduction in merit-based funding decisions could delay the development of life-saving therapies, diagnostics, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans.

OMB should carefully consider whether codifying these restrictions serves the long-term public interest. The result would not simply be administrative inefficiency; it would mean slower progress against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, infectious diseases, and other conditions affecting millions of Americans. Federal research policy should be guided by scientific evidence, scientific experts, and public health needs, not structured in a manner that unnecessarily limits future administrations' ability to support scientific innovation and respond to emerging health, public safety, and other challenges.

Erosion of Research Infrastructure and Scientific Collaboration

Provisions favoring institutions with lower indirect cost rates, combined with restrictions on publication and conference costs under the proposed rule, threaten the infrastructure that makes scientific research possible and arbitrarily penalizes research that requires higher overhead costs. For example, research universities and academic medical centers maintain laboratories, clinical trial networks, biosafety systems, data security protections, and patient oversight programs that are essential to safe and effective research.

This research ecosystem serves as a national resource, attracting talent and fostering collaboration across states. Limiting the ability of researchers to share findings and collaborate would slow the translation of discoveries into treatments that improve public health nationwide. NIH-supported research has made America the global leader in biomedical innovation. Weakening the stability, predictability, and scientific integrity of federal research funding across U.S. research agencies threatens that leadership and risks slowing the pace of discoveries that improve and save lives.

Threats to Future Medical Breakthroughs

The proposed rule would permit scientific agencies to terminate research grants based on expansive ‘national interest’ determinations. Biomedical research often requires years of continuous support to recruit patients, conduct clinical trials, collect data, and validate results. California’s institutions lead large clinical research efforts, including studies involving cancer immunotherapies, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious threats. If compliant grants can be terminated unexpectedly, patients may lose access to promising therapies, research findings may be delayed, and taxpayers may lose the value of prior federal investments.

Ultimately, the greatest impact of this rule would be borne by patients. Every delay in biomedical research means longer waits for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies, preventive interventions, potential cures, and avoidable deaths. Americans confronting cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, mental illness, rare disorders, and other serious conditions depend on continued scientific progress.

3. Higher Education

Limitations on Resources

Universities and institutions across California rely on grant-funded indirect cost recoveries to share their discoveries and advance the leading edge of science. OMB’s proposal would render publication costs, including open access fees for journal and periodical access, unallowable “unless such costs are expressly required by statute or approved in advance by the Federal agency on a case-by-case basis.” This change would be uniquely harmful to California-led innovation, as University of California (UC) researchers conduct 8.3 percent of all U.S. academic research. The dissemination of knowledge and academic collaboration is the foundation of these breakthroughs across critical sectors, including biotechnology, computing, semiconductors, telecommunications, and agriculture.

Politically Motivated Restrictions on Research Topics

OMB’s proposed regulations would prohibit the use of federal awards to support or promote theories of disparate-impact liability based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or age. These rules unnecessarily weaponize reasonable diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and undermine the free speech rights of federal grantees. They allow political appointees to dictate the topics researchers are permitted to investigate, hampering intellectual freedom and vastly narrowing the scope of higher education research. Instead of supporting research that amplifies underrepresented voices, the administration is empowering political appointees to cancel grants with any mention of race or gender. Outside of the higher education system, these dangerous provisions would also restrict federal funding to crucial environmental justice work to address pollution and toxic chemical impacts on disadvantaged communities, fenceline communities adjacent to industrial facilities, and communities of color.

The destructive and chaotic consequences of this approach have already been made clear under this administration, as seen by actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to abruptly terminate hundreds of millions of dollars in active research funding using overbroad, automated keyword searches for subjective terms. A federal judge recently ruled that cuts carried out by DOGE violated the Constitution and created a broad “chilling effect” on research. Codifying these harmful practices into government-wide OMB regulations would do a disservice to diverse communities as well as to our institutions of higher learning.

Long-Term Uncertainty

Federal funding is the largest and most important source of support for UC research, and the UC system is awarded more NIH and NSF funding than any other institution in the country. In FY 2024, UCs received $7.719 billion in total research awards, $5 billion of which were federal awards. The proposed restructuring of federal grant administration will undoubtedly threaten ongoing, cutting-edge research and successful grant programs across the state and the country. OMB’s proposed rule widens the administration’s ability to terminate grants that have already been obligated and are in progress. If enacted, these proposed changes would allow political appointees to interrupt, suspend, or permanently terminate active research projects on the cusp of major discoveries if they determine the award is “no longer in the Federal interest.” Under these proposed changes, an already-approved grantee could see an agency terminate the grant months later, leaving multi-stage projects unfinished with little or no explanation and jeopardizing their scientific research. Already this is impacting the future of American science.

4. State and Local Governments

Disruption of Public Services

OMB’s proposed rule poses a severe threat to the fiscal stability of counties and local governments across California and the country, which budget carefully and deliberately for year-long programs that rely on federal awards to deliver critical social services. Expanding the discretionary authority of political appointees to suspend or terminate active grants mid-cycle based on shifting administrative priorities introduces unprecedented unpredictability into local governance who have varied and limited capacity to shoulder new costs. Under this proposal, local communities may experience abruptly halted federal funding, leaving vital local infrastructure projects unfinished and abandoning vulnerable populations who rely on these services.

New Compliance Burdens

Local governments frequently operate as pass-through entities responsible for administering and distributing federal funds to community subrecipients. This vital role would become significantly more punitive under this regulation, as OMB’s proposal introduces sweeping oversight, monitoring, and documentation requirements that would severely strain thin local administrative resources. Most troubling, the proposed rule stretches compliance risks to unprecedented levels by tying overall grant eligibility to local enforcement of federal executive orders, potentially endangering funding over events held on county property. Forcing resource-constrained local authorities to act as federal compliance monitors for the administration or face catastrophic funding terminations creates an unworkable landscape that will ultimately reduce the reach of federal assistance.

The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule.

Carbajal Statement on Latest Federal Actions to Advance Oil and Gas Leases in California

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opening a 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on potential oil and gas lease sales across California, including in San Luis Obispo County.

“The Trump administration continues to favor Big Oil at the expense of our environment and public health. While this 30-day public scoping period does not mean new oil wells will spring up tomorrow, it represents yet another reckless step toward handing public lands over to the oil industry. Californians have been clear from the start: we do not want any more oil drilling on public lands – especially areas close to our state’s natural treasures such as the Carrizo Plain National Monument.

“The administration claims expanding oil drilling is necessary for California's energy security, yet just last month it blocked a wind energy project in Morro Bay that would have provided the state with a new source of clean power. These actions reveal a pattern of favoritism toward Big Oil rather than any genuine commitment to California’s long‑term energy needs.

“I remain strongly opposed to the Bureau of Land Management’s actions and will continue working with state and local partners to stop any attempt to build new oil wells on our public lands.”

Carbajal has long opposed the expansion of oil and gas drilling in California.

In August 2025, Carbajal reintroduced his Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which would designate approximately 250,000 acres of public land in the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument as wilderness, the highest form of federal protection available. A wilderness designation would protect the land from future oil or gas drilling.

In April 2026, Carbajal asked the BLM to continue the pre-existing moratorium on new oil and gas leases, citing the environmental, economic, and public health risks that new drilling could pose to California communities in response to BLM’s Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), released on January 12, 2026.

Last year, Carbajal announced the reintroduction of the California Clean Coast Act. The California Clean Coast Act was the first bill Congressman Carbajal introduced as a Member of Congress, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to protecting California’s coast from offshore drilling and the devastating impact of oil spills.

Carbajal Statement Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below ahead of the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

“This Fourth of July marks our nation’s 250th birthday. It is a milestone worthy of celebration and a moment that calls for reflection.

“For over two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to build the more perfect Union envisioned by our Founders. That work has never been simple or straightforward, but the American people have always persisted.

“Today, some of us might feel like our country is sliding backwards, and I believe it is important to acknowledge the seriousness of the challenges in front of us. Yet our history reminds us of something important: America has faced difficult periods before. We have endured civil war, economic crises, terror attacks, natural disasters, and other defining struggles. Each time, we have met the moment and emerged stronger — together.

“We do so because in difficult times the American people have always united to defend our core values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. As we gather with friends and loved ones this week, let’s celebrate the Fourth of July by recommitting ourselves to the values that have guided our nation toward a more perfect Union for 250 years.”

Carbajal-Backed Policies to Reduce Housing Costs Passes Congress

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed Congress on June 23rd, includes language from the Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All (DASH) Act. U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) co-led the introduction of the DASH Act with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) to make housing more affordable for working families and combat the rise of children and families experiencing homelessness.

The DASH Act, which is led by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate, addresses the lack of affordable quality housing through policies like creating a new down payment tax credit for first-time homebuyers, expanding and improving housing tax credits, incentivizing the construction of more affordable housing, and supporting families with children who are at risk of becoming homeless by improving services and access to housing vouchers.

“For many Central Coast families, housing is their biggest monthly expense. Whether they’re renting or buying, housing costs have gotten out-of-control,” said Rep. Carbajal. "I co-led the introduction of the DASH Act with Congresswoman Hoyle to lower costs for renters and first-time homebuyers, help those experiencing homelessness, and incentivize the construction of more housing units. I’m proud that language from the DASH Act passed Congress, and I'll keep working to get the rest of the legislation across the finish line.”

Detailed provisions from the DASH Act included in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act are below:

Makes the Multi-Family Housing Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program permanent, helping preserve and improve existing rural rental housing while keeping rents affordable for tenants.
Expands access to rural housing vouchers so more low-income households can qualify when certain federally financed rural housing properties leave the program.
Clarifies how rural housing voucher amounts are calculated to prevent ambiguity about what assistance people will receive.
Allows property owners six months to reassign unused rental assistance to another eligible tenant. If it is not used during that time, the assistance is transferred to eligible families in other rural housing properties. This prevents assistance from disappearing and ensures it keeps serving rural low-income families somewhere else in the program.

Carbajal has long been a leader to bring down housing costs and address homelessness. Since 2021, Carbajal has worked with federal housing agencies to bring back more than half a billion in federal dollars to the Central Coast to lower housing costs.

In 2024, the Biden administration adopted Carbajal’s Home for the Brave Act to improve veterans’ access to housing assistance programs.

In April 2025, Carbajal co-introduced the Housing for All Act, a landmark bill that would provide ten years of new and increased funding for construction of new housing units, rental assistance, hotel and motel conversions, and more.

In June 2025, Carbajal introduced the American Dream for All Act to help first-time homebuyers purchase homes. The legislation would create a federal pilot program that provides down payment assistance loans to first-time homebuyers.

In August 2025, Carbajal introduced bipartisan legislation to unlock federal dollars for safe parking programs. Safe parking programs provide safe overnight parking locations for people experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles as well as supportive services, like rapid rehousing services and facilities like restrooms and showers.

Carbajal, Huffman Reintroduce Bill to Protect Blue Whales & Cut Coastal Air Pollution

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) reintroduced the Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act, a bill to create a new federal program encouraging commercial shipping companies operating off the Pacific coast to reduce the speeds of their vessels in order to protect marine life and cut air pollution.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

The bill models the new federal program off the regional Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies vessel speed reduction (VSR) program, which recognizes shipping companies that reduce speeds off California’s coast – including shipping lanes within the Greater Santa Barbara Channel Region off Rep. Carbajal’s Central Coast district.

“Since 2014, the Protecting Blue Whales Blue Skies program has made California’s coastline cleaner and safer for both marine life and local communities. It’s a commonsense solution that has delivered a win-win for both the environment and public health. The program’s successful regional impact supports a case for scaling it to the federal level,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My legislation will do just that by expanding the program’s scope to include the entire Western coast of our country. I thank Congressman Huffman for partnering with me on this important bill, which honors my former colleague Alan Lowenthal’s advocacy and strengthens federal protections for our whales and our air quality.”

“When ships are barreling through the ocean, not only does it guzzle up fuel and throw out more emissions, it makes it hard for them to avoid collisions with whales – leading to the death of these iconic and endangered species on top of impacts to our climate and communities,” said Rep. Huffman. “California came up with a solution to tackle both of these problems that my friend and former colleague Alan Lowenthal championed locally as well as here in Congress. I’m glad to join Rep. Carbajal in this renewed and expanded legislation that would incentivize shipping companies to reduce their speeds along the entire West Coast, protecting marine mammals and our planet.”

“The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) and our partners have been working to reduce the impacts of shipping in the Santa Barbara Channel since 2007, when five endangered blue whales were killed by ship strikes,” said EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop. “The vessel speed reduction program has provided significant benefits to whales and air quality, and this legislation builds on its success by recognizing shipping companies for doing the right thing. This unique partnership between agencies, non-profits, foundations, and the shipping industry should be celebrated, and we commend Representatives Carbajal and Huffman for proposing this legislation.”

Since 2018, 76 shipping companies have participated in the regional Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies VSR program. Over the past decade, the program has cut air pollution at a scale equivalent to taking nearly 6 million cars off the road for an entire year.

The Alan S. Lowenthal Blue Whales, Blue Skies Act honors the retired California Congressman who had previously championed legislation to create federal recognition for speed reduction off California’s coastline. The legislation reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week expands on Lowenthal’s advocacy by mandating the creation of a federal program that would cover the eligible recognition area to the entire Western coast of the lower 48 U.S. states.

The bill would create the federal recognition program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with the California program serving as the model for the qualifications and the recognition to be provided by NOAA to participating shipping companies.

The regional program is run by a partnership of public and nonprofit entities including the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and others.

Carbajal Condemns Republican Push to Boost ICE Funding

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) voted against the Republican-led reconciliation bill to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with an extra $70 billion in funding. Carbajal issued the statement below following the vote.

“At a time when families on the Central Coast and across the country are struggling to afford groceries, housing, gas, and even basic medical care, Republicans have chosen to hand ICE yet another $70 billion blank check. ICE has become an out‑of‑control agency using extreme tactics that terrorize our communities — including right here on the Central Coast. They should not receive a single additional dollar until they undergo commonsense reforms and are held accountable for the violence they’ve instigated nationwide, from Carpinteria to Newark.

“This package also fails to block Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund designed to reward the criminals who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Once again, Trump and his enablers in Congress are funneling money to their political allies and cronies while working families are left without support. Let’s call it what it is: extreme corruption. While Republicans bury their heads in the sand, my Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting for working people and pushing to hold Trump accountable for his many abuses of power,” said Rep. Carbajal.

Carbajal is a leader in Congress in pushing for commonsense immigration reform and holding federal immigration enforcement officers accountable.

Last month, Carbajal conducted an oversight visit to the Adelanto ICE processing facility to meet with detainees, three of which are Central Coast constituents. The detained constituents are from Goleta, Santa Maria, and Ojai. The Congressman also assessed conditions in the facility and inquired about the reported deaths of detainees.

The May 14th Adelanto visit marks Carbajal’s third oversight visit to an ICE facility since the current Trump administration began. He previously visited the Santa Maria ICE processing facility twice in 2025.

In February 2026, Carbajal joined over 50 Members of Congress outside of ICE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call for the firing of former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

In June 2025, Carbajal co-sponsored the No Secret Police Act, which would require law enforcement officers and agents of DHS engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals and to ban them from using home-made, non-tactical masks.

In July 2025, Carbajal co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill that would introduce reforms into our country’s immigration system. The bill includes commonsense reforms to legal status and protections for undocumented immigrants, border security investments, and improved asylum and visa processes.

In the same month, Carbajal introduced the Fight for the American Dream Act, legislation that allows participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to serve in the United States military and provides them a pathway toward U.S. citizenship after their service.

In June 2025, Carbajal introduced the Protect Patriot Parents Act, which would make parents of U.S. military servicemembers eligible for Lawful Permanent Resident status, preventing potential deportations or separations of military families.

Carbajal is also a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which establishes a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contributions to the U.S. agricultural economy.

Carbajal Launches Oversight into Foreign Vessel Operators that Benefited from Jones Act Waiver

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

As we observe the Jones Act’s 106th anniversary, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Top Democrat on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, sent letters to vessel owners and operators that benefited from the Trump administration’s Jones Act waiver, seeking information about their use of the waiver, compliance with U.S. law, and the impacts on American maritime jobs and domestic shipping capacity. The letters are part of Carbajal’s ongoing oversight of the Administration’s April 23 extension of the waiver.

Since the waiver was issued, Maritime Administration (MARAD) records show that several foreign operators provided either vague justifications for the waiver or, in some cases, identified the national security rationale as 'not applicable.' In his letters, Carbajal outlines how this is not how Congress intended the waiver to be used.

“While this Administration may play fast and loose with the law, your requirements under the law are clear. Even when operating under a Jones Act waiver, every vessel that operates in the domestic trades must comply with all other federal and state statutes,” wrote Rep. Carbajal. “As Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee, I have always been an outspoken supporter of the Jones Act, and this waiver has shown that now is the time to engage in rigorous oversight to protect the American maritime industry.”

In addition, Carbajal requests detailed information from each company to ensure the organizations are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

“I intend to work with relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that all operators utilizing the waiver have complied with applicable U.S. laws and regulations,” concluded Rep. Carbajal. “Accordingly, I request that you provide detailed information regarding your compliance with all applicable federal and state laws for any vessel that has operated, is operating, or intends to operate in domestic commerce pursuant to the current Jones Act waiver. This information will assist Congress in evaluating both compliance with existing law and the broader impacts of the waiver on U.S. maritime interests.”

For illustrative purposes, a sample letter is provided here.

Carbajal serves as Ranking Member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

Last month, Carbajal was recognized by the International Propeller Club and received the Frank Courtenay “Salute to Congress” Award for championing legislation to support the American maritime industry.

In addition, as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Carbajal helped lead congressional efforts to address supply chain disruptions and strengthen oversight of the shipping industry to reduce everyday costs for all Americans. In 2022, Carbajal joined President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law.

Since FY22, Carbajal has led the bipartisan appropriations letter requesting robust funding for the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The program is designed to support small shipyard projects that make capital and related improvements; or provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries.

Small shipyards are a critical component of U.S. maritime operations and economic security, employing more than 100,000 Americans and contributing tens of billions in gross domestic product.

Ventura/Santa Barbara County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Residents of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties! – Join me on Wednesday, July 27th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of San Luis Obispo County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 20th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.

San Luis Obispo County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

San Luis Obispo County residents! – Join me on Wednesday, July 20th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of Santa Barbara or Ventura County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 27th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.