Tuesday, April 25, 2006                                                                                Printable Version (PDF)

 

Washington, DC - As President Bush returned to Washington, D.C., members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation today called his trip unproductive on the issues that matter to Californians.  California Members specifically cited the President’s disappointing news for California in the areas he highlighted during his three day visit to the nation's largest state: economic competitiveness, levee funding, and immigration reform.    Representative Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) on the need for federal funding for levee repairs:“Sacramento and the Delta are protected by an intricate levee system, where if one piece fails, the entire system is at risk.  And Sacramento has some critical sites that we must urgently address, which could be strengthened this year.  However, the Army Corps of Engineers does not have the funds needed now to complete critical flood protection projects.  I would urge the President to seek additional funding this fiscal year and support Congressional efforts already underway to fund the federal portion of Sacramento’s flood protection needs in the Supplemental Appropriations bill.  What benefit is there in waiting?  Ours is the most at-risk river city in the nation, and Sacramento – facing one of its wettest winters on record – should not be unnecessarily at risk any longer than need be.” Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation:“The President continues to show the people of California that our priorities and concerns don't matter to him.  Even when he is advised that innovation matters to California, he comes with rhetoric that is not matched by his budget priorities.  And unfortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger appears to have no influence on the President in getting much needed funding for California’s levees and Medicare Part D emergency payments.  From innovation to immigration, the President offered nothing to our state but more talk and unfunded promises.” Representative Linda Sanchez (D-Lakewood) on the need for real immigration reform:“President Bush's visit to California illustrates the Republican Party’s inability to address our country’s need for comprehensive immigration reform.  The current immigration system is broken and Americans know it.  We need immigration reform that will keep our homeland and economy secure, strengthen our borders and help keep families together.  I had hoped that the President would finally exercise some leadership and demand action from the ‘do nothing’ Senate Republicans.” ### The California Democratic Congressional Delegation consists of 33 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.  This group outnumbers all other state House delegations - Republicans and Democrats combined.