An Interview with California’s 50th Senate President Pro Tempore, Monique Limón

SBWPC Legislative and Advocacy Committee members Emily Zacarias and Amrita Salm met with CA Senate President Pro Tempore (Pro Tem), Monique Limón on 12/3 for a brief interview to discuss the year in review, and a look ahead at what 2026 may bring. Given the fact that she was just sworn in as California’s 50th Senate President Pro Tempore on 11/17/25, we were grateful for the time she took from her growing schedule and demands to have an informative conversation. She will officially take the helm when the Senate continues its current 2025-2026 Legislative session in January.

On Mentoring Women

We began by asking Pro Tem Limón about her role in mentoring and getting younger generations of women to participate more in civic engagement. She explained that she always mentors and helps those she works with, and that it happens organically. She currently has about 15 staff (and will be increasing with her new role) and she is proud to have representation from a diverse group of talented people, in terms of age and ethnicity. She has had several staff go through the Leading from Within Program and her former staff member, Vianey Lopez, is now on the Board of Supervisors in Ventura County.

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Limon’s History of Supporting Women and Advocating for Diverse Appointments to Boards and Commissions

She has held leadership positions as Vice Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and sponsored a recent forum called From Capitol to the County: Women Leading Santa Barbara on how to serve on Boards and Commissions, where she personally invited the Governor Newsom’s Appointment Secretary (Morgan Carvajal) to speak to the audience. In fact, the Pro Tem authored a bill (SB702) that was finally signed into law by the Governor this year, which requires demographic data be reported for Boards and Commissions appointments, which allows for more transparency and accountability, ensuring diverse representation in these influential positions.

When asked about her priorities for the upcoming year, she will be focused on 3 things:

1) Changes in federal policy that will directly affect our State

2) The state budget and how federal changes will impact our funding and resources.

3) Social safety net programs and keeping them accessible.

Leading Through Crisis

The Pro Tem went on to describe the ways she will do that is to work collectively with all 40 members of the Senate, being consistent with policy decisions, and making sure everyone has the same info/facts. She mentioned the recent ICE raids in our communities, and emphasized that immigration, making sure kids are fed (due to recent SNAP), affordable healthcare and finding solutions for the homelessness crisis are on top of her list. This is our 3rd year in deficit mode, and so the decisions she must make with her fellow legislators will be extremely difficult.

California’s Leadership in Protecting Civil Liberties and Rights

We also talked about some of the ways that CA is fighting back against these federal policies, and she was proud to say that CA is fighting back via judicial, electoral and legislative means. Pro Tem Limón cited the recent lawsuits filed by Attorney General Rob Bonta: suits to defend challenges against the unmasking of federal agents and requiring them to carry ID, cuts to federal social programs like Medicaid, the deployment of troops to CA cities, and many more.

"Thank you to everyone who is peacefully speaking out today. As your state representatives we have elevated your voices to action. Learn more about the policies the State Senate has passed to protect your rights, hold ICE accountable, and safeguard our communities."—Senator Leader Monique Limón

On Diplomacy

In addition, our states’ electorate passed Prop 50 in November, which challenged the gerrymandering issue that would have unlawfully stripped away democratic representation in Congress. Our conversation led to the example of San Francisco Mayor, Daniel Lurie, and how he was able to successfully negotiate with Trump to prevent the deployment of National Guard troops in his city. This was an example of the fact that officials have to work with Trump sometimes, in order to achieve their goals and protect their constituents.

Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee’s Role in Educating Electorate

We wrapped up our conversation with ways that SBWPC, and the public can help shift the narrative and move the needle a bit more to the left. While writing letters of support for bills, policies, action, and endorsements of progressive candidates are good, they are not as evident or direct to the people, and they are not necessarily known to the public. She said that writing more Op/Ed pieces would be better. This type of advocacy is more direct, and has more influence on public opinion. Writing opinions and editorials that could be published in the SB Independent, Santa Maria Times, Noozhawk, SY Valley News, and other publications around our county would greatly influence public discourse. She urged our members to consider this option as we enter into the 2026 Midterms, where we will need all hands-on deck!

SBWPC would like to thank Pro Tem Limon and her staff for taking the time to answer our questions and to discuss current issues. We are very proud to have her representing the 21st District and looking forward to observing the Pro Tem in her new leadership role in 2026.

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TODAY: The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara — the case that will decide the future of birthright citizenship. 7AM PST

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Defend Birthright Citizenship

A fundamental right grounded in the Constitution and protected for over 150 years.

Constitutional Foundation

Birthright citizenship is rooted in the 14th Amendment.

Longstanding Precedent

The Supreme Court has upheld it for more than 150 years.

Protect Equal Rights

Defending it means defending fairness and equal protection.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

Automatic

Citizenship begins at birth.

Universal

Applies to children born on U.S. soil.

Constitutional

Protected by the 14th Amendment.

Historical Foundation

1868

The 14th Amendment establishes birthright citizenship.

1898

United States v. Wong Kim Ark affirms citizenship for children born in the U.S.

150+ Years

This principle has remained a fundamental legal tradition.

The Threat: Attacks on a Fundamental Right

Reinterpretation Attempts

Trump is attempting to narrow the scope of individuals who qualify under the 14th Amendment.

Executive Overreach

Trump is bypassing Congress to unilaterally change the citizenship policy.

Statelessness Risk

U.S.-born children could be left without citizenship in any country.

Why Defend Birthright Citizenship?

Constitutional Integrity

The 14th Amendment serves as a safeguard, ensuring that the Constitution protects individual rights. Prevents Statelessness

Citizenship prevents children from being stuck in legal limbo.

Promotes Inclusion

Every child born on U.S. soil has the right to belong, contribute, and thrive.

The Devastating Impact of Restriction

Harm to Children

Children lose access to healthcare, education, and basic support.

Social Instability

It creates legal uncertainty, exclusion, and increased vulnerability for communities.

Economic Harm

Limits innovation, tax revenue, and workforce participation.

Undermines American Values

It conflicts with fairness, equality, and opportunity.

Recent Legal Battles: The Fight Continues

Executive Orders Challenged

Trump’s executive order (EO 14,160) issued on January 20, 2025, has been blocked by every lower court that has reviewed it.

Nationwide Injunctions

Federal judges have maintained the protections in place, and the order has never taken effect.

Trump v. Barbara — Today

Oral arguments are being heard April 1, 2026. A ruling is expected by summer 2026.

Download Audio | Cecillia Wang

Key Takeaways: Birthright Citizenship is Law

The 14th Amendment Guarantees It

The Constitution protects birthright citizenship.

Supreme Court Has Backed It

More than 125 years of precedent affirm the rule.

Overturning It Is Unconstitutional

It would take a constitutional amendment, not an executive order.

The Case Is Before SCOTUS Today

Oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara are being heard today, April 1, 2026 — a decision is expected in months.

Source: American Immigration Council — Birthright Citizenship in the United States; SCOTUSblog — Trump v. Barbara (Docket No. 25-365, argued April 1, 2026)

Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard Today!

Educate

Share the facts about birthright citizenship with people you trust.

Contact

Call or write your representatives and urge them to defend birthright citizenship.

Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. State the name of your representative.

For California Central Coast:

• US Senator | Adam Schiff

• US Senator | Alex Padilla

• US Representative, 24th Congressional District | Salud Carbajal

Support

Back organizations that provide legal defense and advocacy.

Birthright Citizenship: A Foundation for a Stronger America

Fairness for Every Child

Every child born in the U.S. deserves equal rights and protections.

Inclusion Strengthens America

When more people can participate fully, communities and the country grow stronger.

Share

Birthright Citizenship Action Plan

Federal

HR 7661 (Miller) Stop the Sexualization of Children Act

Hr 7661 (miller) Stop The Sexualization Of Children Act Oppose

385KB ∙ PDF file

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Thank you letter for Congressman Carbajal’s opposition to HR 7661 (Miller) Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,

Thank You Letter Rep

381KB ∙ PDF file

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H.R.7296 (Roy) SAVE America Act - OPPOSE

Hr 7296 (roy) Save America Act

395KB ∙ PDF file

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HR 7300 (Steil) Make Elections Great Again Act- OPPOSE

Hr 7300 (steil) Make Elections Great Again Act Oppose

377KB ∙ PDF file

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California

SB 1105 – Law Enforcement-Protect CA Rights Act - SUPPORT

Sb 1105 (perez) Law Enforcement

372KB ∙ PDF file

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Community protection and NEPA requirements for any super-heavy launch proposal at Vandenberg

Vandenberg Sfb Launches

459KB ∙ PDF file

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City | Local

Response to ICE and SBPD’s role during ICE Raids

Ice Letter City Counc,sbpd

292KB ∙ PDF file

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Background

Representing the 37th Assembly District

Assemblymember Hart was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022. He has served the Santa Barbara community for more than 30 years – as a Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor.

Policy Alignment & Shared Priorities

Gender Equity

Strong commitment to advancing equal rights and opportunities across all genders, ensuring fair treatment in employment, education, and public policy.

Reproductive Rights

Dedicated protection of reproductive healthcare access and bodily autonomy for all Californians, particularly in response to federal restrictions.

LGBTQ+ Equality

Comprehensive support for LGBTQ+rights, including anti-discrimination protections and inclusive healthcare access across California.

Economic & Social Justice

Focus on addressing income inequality, affordable housing, and creating pathways to economic opportunity for underserved communities.

Racial Justice

Active work to dismantle systemic racism and promote equity in criminal justice, education, housing, and economic systems.

Political Representation

Commitment to increasing women’s participation and leadership in elected office and civic engagement at all levels of government.

Assemblymember Hart emphasized complete alignment with SBWPC policy priorities and regularly seeks the organization’s support letters when evaluating legislative votes. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to progressive values and community advocacy.

Legislative Process Challenges

Initial Bill Filing

Legislation begins with clear intent and specific language addressing identified policy needs.

Committee Review

Bills undergo scrutiny and amendments as they move through policy and fiscal committees.

Stakeholder Negotiations

Compromises and revisions occur as diverse interests engage with the legislative process.

Rapid Changes

Amendments can alter bills substantially and sometimes very quickly, creating communication challenges.

Constituent Communication

Explaining bill evolution to constituents requires clear, timely updates from legislative offices.

California’s Response to Federal Policies

Assemblymember Hart identified the dramatic evolution of legislation during the committee process as one of his most challenging responsibilities. Bills can change substantially through amendments and negotiations, sometimes very rapidly, making it difficult to explain these transformations to constituents who may have supported or opposed the original version. Hart acknowledged the critical importance of clear, proactive communication from his office about how and why legislation evolves, and welcomed partnership from SBWPC to strengthen understanding and collaboration beyond election endorsements.

Proposition 50

Major legislative achievement coauthored by Hart, sending a strong message from California to the nation on key policy issues.

$83 Billion Contribution

California’s substantial financial contribution to the national treasury demonstrates the state’s economic significance and fiscal responsibility.

Legal Challenges

Numerous successful lawsuits filed by the California Attorney General protecting state interests and constitutional rights.

Community Protection

Targeted state efforts and funding to protect vulnerable communities from harmful federal policies and funding cuts.

When asked about mitigating the impact of current federal policies on California and the Central Coast, Hart outlined a multi-pronged state response. While he emphasized California’s proactive measures—including passage of Proposition 50, substantial financial contributions to federal coffers, successful legal challenges against federal overreach, and targeted support for vulnerable populations—he was frank about limitations.

California cannot fully compensate for large federal funding cuts. The state has invested in supporting the Attorney General’s legal efforts, provided funding for immigrant-support organizations, and directed additional resources toPlanned Parenthood, but these actions cannot completely bridge the gap between need and available resources. This honest assessment reflects the challenging reality facing state legislators working to protect constituents from federal policy impacts.

Budget Leadership & Constraints

Current Revenue Status

State revenues are currently running slightly ahead of projections, providing some breathing room for budgetary planning. However, Assemblymember Hart’s entire tenure has coincided with lean financial years, limiting the state’s ability to make ambitious new investments or expand programs. He expressed concern that these fiscal constraints may continue for the foreseeable future.

Budget Committee Role

Hart chairs a budget subcommittee and takes this responsibility seriously, collaborating closely with colleagues to address statewide needs within available resources. This role requires careful prioritization and difficult choices about funding allocation across competing priorities.

Executive Power

The Governor does not seek legislative input when preparing the January budget proposal.

Policy in Budget

Major policy decisions are increasingly embedded within the budget process.

Limited Oversight

This approach restricts legislative oversight and consolidates executive branch influence.

Hart expressed frustration with the Governor’s approach to budget development, noting that major policy decisions are increasingly embedded within the budget process without adequate legislative input. This consolidation of power in the executive branch limits the legislature’s oversight role and ability to shape policy direction.

The practice of excluding legislative voices from the initial January budget preparation further constrains the collaborative governance that Hart believes produces better outcomes for Californians.

Environmental Progress: Sable Oil Operations

Coordinated Advocacy

State and local agencies worked together on environmental review requirements and permitting oversight.

Legislation Passed

Hart successfully passed legislation codifying the California Coastal Commission’s critical role in the review process.

Compliance Required

Sable must now comply with strong permitting requirements and comprehensive environmental review procedures.

Governor Support

The Governor now fully supports the strong permitting requirements and process for Sable operations.

Assemblymember Hart expressed satisfaction with the progress made regarding Sable Oil operations, crediting coordinated work among state and local agencies for achieving meaningful environmental protections. His successful legislation codified the critical role of the California Coastal Commission in the environmental review process, ensuring that Sable must comply with rigorous permitting requirements. This represents a significant victory for environmental advocates and coastal communities concerned about oil operations’ impacts.

The Governor’s current full support for these strong permitting requirements marks an important shift in executive branch positioning on this issue, demonstrating how persistent legislative advocacy can influence broader state policy and secure lasting environmental safeguards for California’s treasured coastline.

Public Information & Media Gaps

Insufficient Media Coverage

Sacramento policy work receives inadequate media attention, leaving constituents uninformed about legislative activities and impacts.

Misinformation Spreads

Without accurate information, misinformation and misconceptions about state government flourish in the public sphere.

Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee Opportunity

SBWPC can fill information gaps, helping constituents understand state policy through reports, media letters, forums, and newsletters.

Assemblymember Hart noted inadequate media coverage of Sacramento policy work creates an information vacuum, fostering misinformation and preventing constituents from understanding key legislative efforts.

He emphasized that organizations like SBWPC can bridge this gap by sharing resources, engaging with local media, hosting educational forums, and providing legislative updates. Hart stressed the importance of highlighting both successes, such as climate policy leadership, and ongoing challenges.

Staff Diversity & Representation

Chief of Staff

Woman in top leadership position overseeing all office operations and strategic direction.

Legislative Director

Woman leading policy development and legislative strategy across issue areas.

District Office Leadership

Women hold key leadership roles in district offices, including directing the Santa Maria office.

Inclusive Team Composition

Beyond gender diversity in leadership, Hart’s team includes members representing California’s rich racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ diversity. This intentional commitment to building a diverse staff reflects his belief that effective public service requires perspectives and lived experiences that mirror the communities being served.

Hart views staff diversity as central to his office’s ability to understand constituent needs, develop responsive policy solutions, and maintain trusted relationships with diverse communities across the 37th District. This approach ensures that traditionally underrepresented voices are present not just in constituent services, but in the policy development and strategic decision-making processes that shape legislative priorities.

Representation in government extends beyond elected officials to include the staff who shape policy, interact with constituents, and implement legislative priorities. Hart’s commitment to diversity in hiring demonstrates an understanding that diverse teams produce better outcomes and more equitable governance.

Reflections on Public Service

“Very challenging, but deeply honored”

Assemblymember Hart’s characterization of serving in public office during these complex times reflects both the weight of responsibility and the privilege of representation.

Navigating Complexity

Serving during lean budget years, federal policy conflicts, and rapid legislative changes requires resilience and adaptability.

Constituent Connection

Maintaining clear communication and trust with diverse constituents while explaining complex policy evolution.

Commitment to Service

Despite challenges, Hart expresses deep honor and unwavering commitment to serving his constituents with integrity.

Hart reflected on the demanding nature of public service in turbulent times, candidly describing it as “very challenging” due to issues like budgetary constraints and complex policy communication. However, he balanced this with a profound sense of honor and unwavering commitment to his constituents, demonstrating leadership that embraces difficulties while staying true to purpose and values.

Our Takeaways

Strengthening Partnership & Engagement

Regular Communication

Establish consistent updates from Hart’s office about legislative priorities, bill progress, and policy developments affecting the Central Coast.

Collaborative Strategy

SBWPC partnership extending beyond election endorsements to ongoing policy advocacy and constituent education throughout legislative sessions.

Public Information

Joint efforts to combat misinformation through educational forums, media engagement, newsletter content, and sharing credible policy analysis.

Sustained Engagement

Continued dialogue and mutual support strengthening the relationship between elected leadership and civic organizations advancing shared priorities.

The interview demonstrated the value of direct dialogue between elected officials and civic organizations like the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee. Both parties agreed that regular communication from Hart and his staff about legislative priorities and updates would strengthen collaboration and understanding, benefiting constituents through more effective advocacy and better-informed civic participation. This ongoing partnership, extending well beyond election cycles, represents the kind of sustained engagement that produces meaningful policy outcomes and strengthens democratic governance.

Our conversation with Assemblymember Hart was a genuine pleasure, highlighting his legislative work and the significant value he places on his relationship with the SBWPC. His accessible, candid, and collaborative approach fosters trust and reinforces the importance of strong connections between civic organizations and legislative leadership to achieve shared goals for Californians.

Contact Assemblymember Hart

Winter 2025-2026

Present: Representative Carbajal, Diana Villanueva, Lynn Carter and Jeannie Low. Lynn and Jeannie thanked the Congressman for the coffee hour he cohosted with SBPWC in September and for meeting with us.1

TOPIC 1

Congress reclaiming its Article 1 powers and trying to rein in the White House

Epstein Files

The Congressman thinks cracks are emerging in Congressional Republican subservience to the White House (WH) starting with but going beyond the subject of the Epstein files. With respect to Epstein, there were a few more Republicans who showed a willingness to demand the release of the Epstein files than the now famous four so it became clear that the Democrats and those Republicans would have voted for the release of the files over Trump’s objections. Trump then changed his public position. Due to legitimate concerns about intimidation and exposure (most notably with Marjorie Taylor Green), the Republicans in the House decided to vote en masse for the release of the files to avoid singling out any additional Republicans.

Bipartisan Opportunities

With some emerging Republican dissatisfaction with WH policies and the growing willingness of some centrist Republicans to bring forward legislation of mutual interest to Democrats and Independents, the Democrats may find it more possible to pursue bipartisan legislation in the coming period, given the tiny Republican majority in the House and the filibuster in the Senate.

Republicans and Congress and seemingly the WH, do recognize that they need to do something to address the ACA subsidies. This is the result of the government shutdown accompanied by his party’s broad communication effort. A vote has been promised in the Senate as part of extending the Continuing Resolution. He can’t tell if the Republican idea of a replacement will alleviate costs for lower income Americans or simply present a propaganda façade of having done so. Congressman Carbajal declined to speculate on what his party might do relative to another extension of the CR if it arrives by January 31 with no bipartisan compromise on the ACA subsidies and one or more of the pending appropriations bills yet to be approved.

On ICE and immigration

Carbajal has sent letters and taken action to protest ICE assaults, agent masking, and the lack of judicial warrants, IDs and uniforms. He noted that the Administration has created the largest ever domestic police force in the country, allocating $170 billion in Trump’s budget bill and hiring thousands. The President is inconsistent. After an ICE raid on an open farm field in Ventura, the Ventura Farm Bureau wrote a note of protest to the Secretary of Agriculture. A few days later Trump said ICE would not raid farms and damage food production. But then he changed his mind and farm raids are continuing. The environment right now is very hostile towards changing ICE behavior, perhaps especially given Stephen Miller’s outsized influence.

TOPIC 2

Vandenberg and Rocket Launches

Community Impact

Addressing the concerns voiced by SBWPC on the steep increase in the number of rocket launches from Vandenberg, with accompanying sonic booms, and unknown impacts on structures, human health, animal health, and the environment, the Congressman noted that while the California Coastal Commission’s objection to 90 launches this year was overruled by the federal government, the demands and conditions put forth by the CCC were adopted, such as acoustic monitoring.

Mitigating Impact

The Congressman described the 78 launches2 so far this year as a mix of commercial and national security rocket launches. He advocated for and obtained a promise of modified trajectories to mitigate noise and vibrations with respect to the commercial launches, restricting commercial launches at night, and further study of the launch impacts. He has proposed the design of a grants program to mitigate the effects of launches.

He has also obtained a commitment that companies will pay for the indirect costs of commercial launches, currently capped at $5 million per company annually, instead of the cost being borne by taxpayers. He hopes to increase this amount going forward.

TOPIC 3

Gaza

Addressing Member Concerns

We reiterated member dissatisfaction with the Congressman’s actions and position on Gaza including with respect to weapons supply, given grave concerns about Israel’s conduct of the war. April 2024, the Congressman voted yes on H.R.8034, the Israel Security Supplemental In Appropriations Act. This bill passed the House but was not signed into law and included humanitarian aid for Gaza. The following day, after a deal on H.R. 8034 fell through, the House voted on H.R. 815, an emergency supplemental appropriations bill, that included funding for Taiwan, Ukraine, Israel, and included humanitarian aid.

The Congressman voted yes on this bill as well. He wrote to Biden a couple of weeks later demanding that the Administration ensure that the Israeli government was facilitating US funded humanitarian aid within the bounds of US andinternational law. He opposed a Republican effort to override Biden’s pause on heavy weapons supply.

He did not cosponsor HR 3565 (“block the bombs”) in July of this year because it required every weapons sale to Israel to obtain congressional approval. He believes the bill overreaches and would be burdensome (for Congress, the Defense Dept., the Israeli Government) and could potentially affect Israel’s ability to defend itself.3He noted that Israel still faces threats from Iran and Iranian proxies even though its enemies have been weakened now. The bill also requires Israel to assure adherence to human rights and humanitarian law, which the Leahy Law already requires so the Congressman sees this provision as redundant4.

The bill hasn’t been taken up in committee and isn’t going to go anywhere in this congress, so to the Congressman the issue of weapons sales is moot. This is especially the case right now given changed conditions with the fragile ceasefire and the new peace plan. He noted that the plan not only has great uncertainty around funding and the provision of troops, but also has important gaps – the West Bank has not been addressed and the control of essential utilities (water, electricity and sewage –Israel has weaponized its control of these in the past).

The Congressman noted that he has consistently supported a two-state solution, has condemned settler and government violence in the West Bank, and has taken several actions including a recent letter demanding that medical services in Gaza be surged. He agrees that the Israeli withholding of humanitarian aid is a major issue. Other recent actions are listed in Annex A.

TOPIC 4

Utility of Letters of Support for or Opposition to Proposed Policies, bills and laws

He believes these are useful. They can make a difference, and they alert him to what constituents care about so they are useful in shaping his positions and actions. Please Continue!

TOPIC 5

Office/Staff

Composition

67% |Women

67% | People of Color

60% | Female Senior Staff

TOPIC 6

What else would he like to share? (almost no time remained so this was a very quick list)

Annex A

• He authored the bipartisan and bicameral Child Care Availability and Affordability Act (CCAAA) . This Act would modernize existing tax code provisions. It allows families with children in childcare to double their FSA. It also permits small businesses to pool their resources to offer childcare, allowing them to access the tax credit.

• A separate Act, the Child Care Workforce Act, that he also authored, would provide supplemental income for childcare providers. Trump included the CCAAA in the budget bill.

• With respect to housing affordability, he has supported the American Dream Act bill. This would provide first time home buyers a federal government loan worth 20% of the cost of the home (up to a certain limit). A buyer taking such a loan would then owe the federal government the loan amount plus 20% of the appreciation at the point that s/he sells the property. He has supported an extension of the deadline for the ERA (since the deadline has already passed, such a law could be subject to legal challenge).

• He has also supported the Reproductive Health Care Act and the

• John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

2024-2025 Letters Related to Gaza

May 7, 2025 — Letter to Israeli Ambassador and State Department urging resumption of aid to Gaza

• Carbajal led a group of 94 House Democrats calling on the Israeli government to “ immediately resume shipments to humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.”

• The letter condemns the blockade on humanitarian supplies, calls it “morally wrong,” and warns that continued denial of aid undermines both humanitarian and long-term strategic interests.

May 3, 2024 — Letter to President Joe Biden calling for enforcement of U.S. law on Gaza humanitarian aid

• Carbajal — along with 86 other Members of Congress — urged the White House to enforce legal requirements under Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (Section 620I) and National Security Memorandum 20. They argued that recent restrictions by Israel on humanitarian aid to Gaza may violate those laws and called for appropriate U.S. responses.

• The letter also reaffirmed support for humanitarian pauses and protection of civilian lives as part of U.S. policy.

March 2024 — Letter urging a temporary pause in fighting / hostage release to enable humanitarian relief

• Carbajal joined a group of lawmakers writing to President Biden in support of efforts to free hostages and pause fighting — arguing such a pause would allow humanitarian aid to reach.

January 2024 House Resolution

• On January 10, 2024, Carbajal co-sponsored a House resolution calling on the U.S. Administration to facilitate the safe, timely, and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip. That resolution explicitly calls for the flow of life saving aid, which includes medicine.

The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) endorses candidates who support its positions and promote a feminist agenda. SBWPC is committed to taking social action against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age or ability.

Operating through candidate endorsements, fundraising, and community outreach, the SBWPC actively recruits, trains, and supports feminists running for office. Beyond electoral politics, the committee focuses on educating the public and advocating for policy changes that address issues critical to women and families, such as reproductive rights, economic equity, healthcare, and education.