Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos asking for answers and quick remediation for the five million student loan borrowers who have had their credit scores tanked during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act automatically suspended payments on most federal student loans through September and required that those suspended payments not count against borrowers' credit.

Modesto, CA – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today is calling on the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to provide a clear timeline for the distribution of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Even though the CARES Act included provisions to move swiftly and extend unemployment distribution, the EDD announced that payments will not be fulfilled until at least July 2020 for those whose unemployment ran out before the pandemic began but are now eligible for the extension.

WASHINGTON – Today Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced he will introduce the Coronavirus Service Corps Act, which would create a program modeled after the New Deal-Era Citizen Conservation Corps. The program would employ young people for up to a year in jobs related to safely reopening the country, including contact tracers, phlebotomists, and peer counselors. Unemployment is approaching record levels, and studies show that young people are often the hardest hit during economic crises. Rep.

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced that this week he will introduce the Nursing Home Pandemic Safety Act of 2020, legislation which will require nursing homes to test residents and employees with the help of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill would require HHS to enter into contracts with test producers to procure tests specifically designated for nursing homes and skilled nursing homes. It would also explicitly require facilities to make tests available to residents and staff.

Modesto, CA – Tomorrow, May 21, 2020 from 6 PM – 7 PM Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) will hold a telephone town hall with Stanislaus County Public Health Officer Julie Vaishampayan to help constituents understand changing social distancing regulations and recommendations as the state begins to reopen. Rep. Harder will also be taking questions on the recent Heroes Act, stimulus payments, and other concerns from Valley residents.

Modesto, CA – On Friday, the White House announced it would add an agriculture representative to the White House Coronavirus Task Force after Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) sent a letter asking for the appointment.

WASHINGTON – Four bills introduced by Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) were included in the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act and passed the House today. The bills will increase the number of doctors in California, ensure greater transparency in health insurance for unemployed people, provide more fresh fruit and vegetables for low-income kids, and protect the families of fallen servicemembers.

Modesto, CA – Today, Representative Josh Harder announced that seven students he nominated to attend our nation's military academies have received appointments. Local students from Modesto, Tracy, and Turlock received appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Earning an appointment requires students to apply for a nomination from their representative in Congress and are contingent on final decisions from the various academies.