Monterey Times

Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a U.S. Congressman representing California’s 19th district since 2017, has been active on social media discussing significant issues ranging from trade policies to local constituent support and national drug crises. On February 18, 2025, Panetta addressed concerns regarding economic impacts and legislative power in trade matters.

In a tweet dated February 18, 2025, Rep. Panetta criticized tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canada and Mexico. He stated that these tariffs "will drive up costs for American families & hurt our economy," emphasizing his leadership in the Ways and Means Committee to call for their repeal and for Congress to reclaim its authority over trade "President Trump’s tariffs on Canada & Mexico will drive up costs for American families & hurt our economy."

Later that day, he shared a personal success story of assisting a constituent with a delayed tax refund. Highlighting his commitment to constituent services, Panetta noted his efforts in overcoming bureaucratic obstacles to secure an $880 tax refund for a resident "I was honored to help a constituent secure their $880 tax refund."

On February 19, 2025, Rep. Panetta turned his attention to the ongoing fentanyl crisis exacerbated by illicit xylazine use. He announced the reintroduction of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act aimed at targeting traffickers while ensuring veterinarians can continue legitimate practices "Illicit xylazine is worsening the fentanyl crisis and devastating our communities."