Josh Harder

GAS PRICES: On Day 60 of Iran War, Harder Announces Gas Tax Suspension Bill to Lower Prices through End of Year

Position: Rep. Harder proposes suspending the federal gas tax through the end of 2026 to provide immediate relief from elevated gas prices caused by the Iran War, and is introducing separate legislation to address corporate price-gouging and accelerate energy infrastructure projects.

Average gas prices have risen more than $1 per gallon since Iran War began, California prices nearly $6 per gallon Valley supercommuters who spend 4+ hours on the road every day being hit the hardest WASHINGTON – Today, on Day 60 of the war in Iran, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to immediately lower gas prices through the end of the year by suspending the federal gas tax. Harder’s Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 would cut nearly 20 cents per gallon until January 1, 2027, ensuring temporary relief lasts long enough for gas prices to come back down permanently. Two months after the start of the war, gas prices continue to rise: Nationwide, gas prices have risen more than a dollar per gallon since the war began. Prices in California are the highest in the nation and approaching $6 per gallon in San Joaquin County. More than 100,000 supercommuters live in the Valley and spend 4+ hours on the road daily, costing them hundreds every week to refill their tanks - these households are being squeezed the hardest by skyrocketing gas prices. “Valley commuters are facing a runaway rollercoaster of prices at the pump that have been out of control for months, and our families need some immediate relief,” said Rep. Harder. “$100 just to fill up your tank is unacceptable - we need the war in Iran to end, but we can’t wait months for prices to come down. That’s why I’m pushing to suspend the federal gas tax and lower gas prices right now.” Harder is also introducing legislation to crack down on corporations that are taking advantage of working families and charging artificially high prices at the pump, and he is leading a landmark package of energy infrastructure reforms to make it easier to finish new projects faster and drive prices down for the long term. ###

SCHOOL SAVED: Harder’s Demands Lead to Immediate Reversal of Pentagon Plans to Close Local School

Position: Rep. Harder successfully advocated for the Pentagon to reverse its decision to close Discovery ChalleNGe Academy, a residential educational program serving at-risk youth in San Joaquin County.

Discovery ChalleNGe Academy serves 200 students annually with high graduation and future employment rates Harder sent letter to the Pentagon demanding reversal of plans to close program, kill jobs, and strangle millions in economic activity SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that following his demands for an immediate reversal, the Pentagon has backed off of plans to close Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA), a local school that has helped over 1,200 students graduate and start successful careers. Harder stepped in on plans to terminate the school in a letter to the U.S. Department of War, which funds the program, and successfully secured a commitment to reverse the termination ahead of the upcoming school year. “This program means better grades, diplomas, and lifelong career success for the kids in our community who are struggling the most, and it’s insane that Washington bureaucrats thought they could get away with messing with our kids’ futures,” said Rep. Harder. “Every student in our community deserves access to the resources and support that they need to thrive. That’s why I immediately called out attempts to permanently close Discovery ChalleNGe Academy, and I’m relieved to see quick results that will save the school from closure.” DCA is a lifeline for struggling students in the Valley: High-Impact Intervention – Through a partnership with the California National Guard and the San Joaquin County Office of Education, DCA provides a structured, 22-week residential program for local at-risk youth aged 16-18. Educational Excellence – Students in the program see their GPAs double on average, can earn high school diplomas, develop a wide range of technical skills, and go on to lead successful careers in and outside of the military. Community Force Multiplier – DCA contributes over 27,000 hours of local community service, supports dozens of jobs, and doubles the economic impact of every dollar invested in the program. “We’re grateful for Congressman Josh Harder’s swift and decisive action to secure this outcome, along with Governor Gavin Newsom’s support and the coordinated efforts of our congressional delegation, whose work ensures this program can continue delivering for California’s youth,” said General Matthew Beevers, Adjutant General of the California National Guard. “We are extremely pleased with the news that students across Northern California will continue to have access to the transformative program that is the Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA). This program’s impact extends beyond achievement in the classroom. It builds dependable, responsible high school graduates and citizens who strengthen their communities,” said Dr. Troy A. Brown, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. “We are thankful for all the supporters who spoke in support of DCA, especially Rep. Harder and his team for their advocacy and sense of urgency in preserving this life-changing program.” Read the full letter here. ###

HEALTH CARE: Harder Leads Landmark Legislation to Reverse Maternal Mortality Crisis

Position: Rep. Harder supports comprehensive federal legislation to address the maternal mortality crisis through investments in perinatal care, mental health support, housing, food assistance, and community-based services, particularly in underserved areas.

San Joaquin County has highest pregnancy-related mortality rate in California, 2x higher than national rate Four out of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced landmark legislation to end the growing maternal mortality crisis nationwide and reverse severe mortality rates in the Valley. The historic Momnibus Act, made up of 14 different bills to prevent deaths and improve maternal health outcomes, is the most comprehensive initiative for moms and especially women of color ever introduced in Washington. Having a child has become a potentially fatal gamble for far too many families: Pregnancy-related deaths, which can be caused by or made worse by the pregnancy or its management, happened more often in San Joaquin County in recent years than anywhere else in California, and twice as often as the national rate. These deaths are so tragic because 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, meaning we have the science to save more lives but the current health care system isn’t keeping up. Devastating cuts to Medi-Cal and health care tax credits are threatening to make this crisis so much worse with increased costs and stress for pregnancy care and potential cuts to service in already-underserved areas. “Our maternal health system is a safety net full of holes and as a parent the idea of one of the most exciting moments for a new family turning into a tragedy is terrifying,” said Rep. Harder. “Moms deserve better, and this package delivers by closing gaps and improving care before, during, and after pregnancy while better supporting our amazing local providers. We need these common sense solutions signed into law ASAP to ensure our communities have the resources and care they deserve when starting their families.” How Harder’s bill closes gaps and improves health care outcomes for families: More Support Right Now for Future Moms – Historic investments in factors affecting health (housing, transportation, and food assistance) to put future moms on the best footing possible before entering pregnancy. Better Health Care During Pregnancy – Expanded perinatal workforce, investments in mental health support, and new programs to prioritize moms during public health emergencies. Long Term Support After Childbirth – New research, digital tools, data collection, and community-based organizations to improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. “Health Plan of San Joaquin is committed to ensuring that every mother and baby in our community has the support they need for a healthy beginning,” said Lizeth Granados, CEO of the Health Plan of San Joaquin. “As a community‑based health plan, we are deeply invested in removing barriers, strengthening community‑based services, and improving maternal and infant well‑being so that all families in our region can thrive.” ###

WORLD CUP: Harder Calls Out Price Gouging in Upcoming Local Games, Demands Return to Affordable Ticket Model

Bay Area will hold six matches of largest sporting event in the world, starting this June Price gouging has slashed $21 tickets, driven prices as high as $4,000 across the World Cup tournament WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the FIFA World Cup games taking place in the Bay Area this summer, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) sounded the alarm on unacceptable ticket price gouging that is pricing local families out of the most-watched sporting event in the world. Harder is also demanding a return to the affordable pricing model originally promised in 2018. For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. will host the FIFA World Cup, which will bring international attention and business to the region. The Bay Area will host six matches starting in June, including a knockout match. But ticket prices have skyrocketed because FIFA has abruptly switched to a “dynamic” pricing model, slashing $21 tickets and driving prices as high as $4,000 across the tournament. “It’s outrageous that tens of thousands of fans in our community are being priced out of a once-in-a-lifetime event that our tax dollars are paying for,” said Rep. Harder. “If we’re going to be footing the bill, our families deserve prices they can afford. I’m calling for full transparency in the FIFA ticketing process and a return to the affordable pricing model originally promised during the bid selection process.” In his letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Harder demanded answers on: Plans to unlock unallocated tickets for local fans. Measures to stop prices from increasing as the tournament progresses. Timelines for returning to an affordable, static pricing model. Reforms to support fan festivals, a key alternative allowing local fans to enjoy the World Cup experience. On top of paying millions to finance renovations for the games, local governments are required to provide free transportation, police escorts for dignitaries, and no-cost emergency services. Despite this, FIFA controls the tournament's most lucrative revenue streams, which are projected to be nearly $11 billion this year. Read the full letter here. ###

DHS HEARING: Harder Calls on Senate to Reject Any DHS Nominee that Ignores Accountability Reforms

Position: Rep. Harder calls on the Senate to reject any DHS nominee who does not commit to specific accountability reforms at ICE, including clear enforcement standards, identification requirements, use-of-force policies, and bans on racial profiling.

Harder forced the Stockton ICE facility to open its doors to the public for the first time Following Kristi Noem’s firing, Harder sending key demands to Senate leaders ahead of replacement vote WASHINGTON – Ahead of an upcoming vote to confirm a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders demanding clear reforms at DHS or stiff consequences, including rejecting nominees. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the current nominee, is appearing before the Senate Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee today for a confirmation hearing. Weeks ago, Harder forced the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Stockton to open its doors for the first time since recent escalating attacks began. During the oversight investigation, Harder called for former Secretary Kristi Noem’s removal and made several demands for reforms at ICE - Harder is now urging the Senate to condition approval of Sen. Mullin and any replacement for Noem on commitments to clear reforms. “We’re demanding that ICE adhere to the same rules as any other law enforcement agency - any nominee who can’t commit to that should be rejected,” said Rep. Harder. “Under Kristi Noem, our neighbors were unlawfully detained, demonstrators were brutally attacked, and families were torn apart. This can’t be a reshuffling of the deck chairs on the Titanic - we need real accountability from top to bottom.” Harder’s demands for a replacement DHS Secretary include: Clear standards governing ICE enforcement operations. Bans on face coverings used by federal immigration agents. Visible identification requirements for officers conducting immigration enforcement. Reasonable use-of-force policies for federal immigration agents. Bans on racial profiling including stops, questioning, and searches based on an individual’s race and ethnicity. Following today’s hearing, the U.S. Senate will vote on Sen. Mullin’s nomination in the coming days. Read the full letter here. ###

HOUSING: Harder’s Bills to Build More Homes in Stockton Included in Senate Housing Package

Position: Rep. Harder supports federal legislation to increase housing supply and affordability through expanded HUD grants in Opportunity Zones and modernized federal financing for manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units.

More housing grants, expanded loan financing for affordable housing Included in historic housing package advancing in the U.S. Senate WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that two of his bills to build more homes in Stockton were included in a historic housing reform package that is advancing in the U.S. Senate. The Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones Act, led with Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), requires more federal housing grants to be awarded in low-income communities, and the Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act, led with Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04), expands federal financing for affordable housing like manufactured homes and smaller housing units. “Valley communities are in a housing crisis - families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads while the next generation can’t even afford to leave home and move into a place of their own,” said Rep. Harder. “We need more new homes, lower housing costs, and projects finished faster - that’s exactly what these bills deliver, which is why I made sure they were included in the first real housing package in Congress in half a century. I’m going to continue pushing to make life in the Valley affordable again and restore our families’ dream of being able to buy a home.” Unlocking more federal housing grants: Much of Stockton is in a federal Opportunity Zone, which was created to incentivize investment in low-income communities. Despite this, Stockton doesn’t have enough targeted, long-term housing investment from the federal government. Harder’s Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to give priority to Opportunity Zone communities when awarding competitive housing grants. “Opportunity Zones have breathed new life into neighborhoods and Main Street businesses that have not seen private investment in years, all without spending a single taxpayer dollar,” said Rep. Kelly. “Housing costs continue to be a pressing issue for so many Americans. This new legislation builds upon the successes of Opportunity Zones and leverages the tax code to both expand the housing supply and lower costs.” Expanded loan financing for affordable housing options: Housing options like manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer families an early path to homeownership, but outdated financing rules are limiting these options. Harder’s Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act increases limits on loans for manufactured homes and opens up new financing for ADUs. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the broader housing package, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, next week. ###