2018 Year in Review
Friend,
This past year we worked together to fight for California and the future of our democracy. There is no doubt that our country is at an inflection point in our history, one where we are challenged to stand together for the ideals of our nation. California continues to lead the way, thanks to your incredible leadership. While the partial government shutdown has created a lot of uncertainty for our federal employees, be certain about this, I intend to fight for our state and all our families and I’ve got your back. So as we ring in 2019 let us remain hopeful and continue America’s march toward progress.
Here’s to an impactful 2019!
Sincerely,
Kamala
Kamala D. Harris
United States Senator
California Highlights:
Senator Harris has traveled up and down California throughout 2018. Over the past year, the Senator held four town halls, toured fire affected areas, visited an immigrant detention center along the US/Mexico border, toured Marine and Naval assets serving vital military interests, and met with key leaders to raise awareness for critical issues, including workforce development, gun safety, climate change, supporting our military, and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Check out a snapshot of the Senator’s work in California in 2018.
Senate Committee Work:
Senator Harris proudly serves, on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on the Budget. Given these critical committee assignments Senator Harris focused on getting to the truth by creating more transparency, oversight, and accountability of the Trump Administration.
Watch Senator Harris speak out on the floor of the United States Senate against the nomination of Thomas Farr to be District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
 If it’s something worth fighting for,
it’s a fight worth having.
-Senator Kamala D. Harris
Taking her role on the Judiciary Committee seriously, Senator Harris has worked diligently to prevent nominations of individuals who represent direct and fundamental threats to equal justice under the law and to the ideals Californians strive towards, candidates such as, Thomas Farr and Brett Kavanaugh. Additionally, the Senator has been active in hearings to prevent senseless acts of gun violence in the future. As part of the Intelligence Committee, she pressed nominee Gina Haspel to ensure the leader of the CIA possessed a standard of morality worthy of her position.
Watch Senator Harris Question Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Rent Relief:
In 2018, the Senator set her sights on some of the main issues affecting Americans today. With the cost of living continuing to rise in California and across the country, Senator Harris introduced two pieces of legislation to provide support to middle and working class families, ensuring that they don’t go unseen by the current administration. For those struggling to pay their bills, The Rent Relief Act and The LIFT the Middle Class Act would provide a tax credit to put more money in the pockets of families who need it.
Watch Senator Harris explain America's rent crisis.
Every family deserves to be able to keep a roof
over their head.
-Senator Kamala D. Harris
Immigration:
Senator Harris is closing the year the same way she started it, by fighting for humane immigration policies. As a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senator Harris joined her colleagues in ensuring an oversight hearing on the U.S. Census Bureau’s management of the 2020 Census and the decision to add a citizenship question to the survey. Additionally, she pressed the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ronald Vitiello, on the policies surrounding detained pregnant women at the border and allegations of abusive and threatening behavior filed against ICE agents. Lastly, the Senator also introduced the Families Not Facilities Act, the Reunite Every Unaccompanied Newborn Infant, Toddler and Other Children Expeditiously (REUNITE) Act, and the Detention Oversight Not Expansion (DONE) Act to improve the resettlement process for unaccompanied children, protect prospective sponsors, reunify all families, and increase oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers.
Government should be in the business of keeping families together, not tearing them apart.
-Senator Kamala D. Harris
Environmental Protection:
Watch Senator Harris discuss the importance of her public lands bills.
In the midst of everything happening this year, Senator Harris has not overlooked the important work to protect our environment. Over the course of the year, the Senator has introduced a bill to strengthen California's wilderness and signed into law a bill to expand John Muir National Historic Site in order to restore, enhance, and preserve California’s public lands. Additionally, the Senator led various resolutions to protect greenhouse gas emissions standards. As this Administration retreats, she will continue to work to support California’s efforts to lead the fight against global climate change.
It is the right of all people to be able to breathe clean air and live in a safe and healthy environment.
-Senator Kamala D. Harris
Voting Record:
To keep up with everything the Senator is voting on, you can check out her voting record here. Below are a few spotlight bills Senator Harris introduced in 2018. You can also view the full list of sponsored or cosponsored legislation by clicking here.
Bills
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