118th Congress

Congresswoman Julia Brownley joined Congressman Mike Ezell in introducing a resolution marking the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the United States Naval Construction Force, more commonly known as the “Seabees.” The resolution recognizes the tremendous sacrifices and contributions of the Seabees, who have fought and served on behalf of our country. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Roger Wicker introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate.  

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced Congressional action calling on the U.S. Office of Science, Technology, and Policy (OSTP) to issue strong guidance that mitigates risk and misuse of synthetic nucleic acids, a vital bio-material. Brownley’s effort was co-led by Representatives Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal P. Dunn, MD (R-FL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Andy Harris, MD (R-MD), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Rich McCormick, MD, MBA (R-GA), August Pfluger (R-TX), and Haley M. Stevens (D-MI), as well as Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), in a letter to OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar urging the agency to issue guidance to gene synthesis providers that will ensure safety, while promoting innovation. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced an award of $3,806,152 for the City of Oxnard to replace aging cast iron waterline pipes at risk of failure throughout the city. The 60-year-old pipes have reached the end of their useful life, and are constantly in need of repairs, which is disruptive and costly to the residents of the city. With this funding, the city will be able to deliver clean water to the residents of Oxnard while creating good-paying jobs in the region.

Recently, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented $963,000 to the County of Ventura to upgrade the region’s 15-year-old analog simulcast radio communications system. The funds will go toward establishing a state-of-the-art digital radio communication system which will utilize 700MHz frequencies. The upgraded radio system will be used by all public safety entities throughout the county to improve communications interoperability for public safety and first responder individuals as they respond to incidents and disasters.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the inclusion of two additional community projects totaling more than $2.7 million that she secured for California’s 26th Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bills. This funding, included in the most recent government funding package, responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley including investments in critical infrastructure and resilient energy sources. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement in response to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s State of the Union address.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced that health care clinician, Cara DelVecchio, will be her guest at this year’s State of the Union Address, which will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9:00 PM Eastern/6:00 PM Pacific. DelVeccio serves as the Lead Clinician for Planned Parenthood California Central Coast’s health center in Thousand Oaks, where she  provides direct patient care. 

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the inclusion of 13 community projects totaling more than $10.3 million that she secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bills for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. This legislation will ensure the federal government remains open, and it also includes targeted investments that address the climate crisis, strengthen critical infrastructure, provide essential resources to our local law enforcement agencies, and create good-paying jobs. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced Congressional action calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the ongoing and widespread outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the oversight of depopulation methods used to kill affected birds.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act, legislation that would better facilitate the coordination of agriculture climate research, data collection, and monitoring, as well as expand adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Salud Carbajal announced a grant award of $12 million for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Ventura County. With this funding, the County of Ventura will make critical investments to ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors to the region are able to take part in a cleaner, greener, and safer future, while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.  

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced Team Infect-ID, comprised of Jason Xie, David Wan, Vaibhav Sridhar, and George Wang of Oak Park High School, as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 26th Congressional District. The student group created Infect-ID, an interactive app that helps visualize the spread of diseases to keep communities informed and safe.  

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Fix FEDVIP Age Act, legislation which would allow children of federal workers and retirees to remain eligible for health care coverage under the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) until the age of 26, like the coverage benefit under the Affordable Care Act for private-sector insurance plans, as well as the military’s TRICARE program. 

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act, legislation that establishes a federal grant program to help states create, implement, and improve Seal of Biliteracy programs that encourage and recognize high school students who achieve proficiency in both English and at least one other language, which will better enable young people to compete in the global workforce. Senator Brian Schatz introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

Today, Representative Julia Brownley announced Congressional action to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen the New Source Performance Standards and Emissions Guidelines for municipal solid waste landfills under Section 111 of the Clear Air Act. Brownley was joined by Representatives Kathy Castor, Gerald Connolly, and Paul Tonko in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan to request EPA strengthen landfill regulations.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2670, the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes several key legislative priorities she authored that support Naval Base Ventura County, ensure continued funding for critical firefighting response aircraft, and support our service members, while also investing in future capabilities that make the United States safer and stronger.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement following House passage of the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act (H.R. 542), a comprehensive bill authored by Brownley that will be the single largest expansion of long-term care services at VA in decades. This legislation would significantly improve and expand home- and community-based services for disabled or aging veterans.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley was proud to join the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District in honoring America’s veterans. Below are Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks at the Veterans Day Observance Ceremony in Simi Valley.