Garamendi Holds Meetings with Contra Costa, Solano Leaders About Fighting Trump’s Agenda

WASHINGTON, DC- Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's singing Executive Order dismantling the Department of Education:

"Donald Trump has officially declared war on America's students. His illegal order to eliminate the Department of Education will devastate children and families nationwide, from preschool through college. Trump does not have the authority to dismantle a federal agency by executive order-this is yet another unconstitutional overreach by his administration and Congressional Republicans.

If allowed to stand, this reckless action will lead to skyrocketing class sizes, the mass firing of teachers, deep cuts to special education programs, higher college costs, and widespread harm to millions of students. It will also eliminate the enforcement of key civil rights protections, endangering nearly half of all students in the United States. As the father of public-school teachers and grandfather of 14 school-aged children, this order is not only illogical but also personal.

I will work alongside House Democrats to challenge this unlawful order in court and push for legislation that strengthens-not destroys-America's education system. Our children's future depends on it," said Rep. John Garamendi.

Among the officials Garamendi met with were Fairfield Mayor Cat Moy, Suisun City Vice Mayor Dawson, Benicia Vice Mayor Macenski, Vallejo Vice Mayor Peter Bregenzer, and Solano County Administrator Bill Emlen. Additionally, Garamendi also met Martinez Mayor Brianne Zorn, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, Pinole Cameron Sasai and with board members of the Green Empowerment Zone. Garamendi also met with Napa-Solano and Contra Costa Central Labor Councils.

The meetings with leaders followed Garamendi's two townhall meetings in a week attended by over 1,000 constituents. In those townhalls, he heard directly from constituents about their anger and fear about the actions of this administration. Garamendi also communicated how he and House Democrats are standing up to Trump and Elon Musk.

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