Monterey Times

Jimmy Panetta, a U.S. Congressman representing California's 19th district since 2017, has voiced concerns about the current administration's handling of Social Security and law enforcement funding through a series of tweets. Born in Washington, D.C., Panetta currently resides in Carmel Valley and holds degrees from the University of California, Davis, and Santa Clara University.

On March 18, 2025, Panetta expressed his disapproval regarding the administration's approach to Social Security Administration (SSA). He stated that "This administration is putting SSA in the wood chipper, and if we let them do it, we will be held accountable." He emphasized the need for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty by conducting oversight to protect Social Security.

In another tweet on the same day, Panetta criticized the Trump Administration for lacking transparency concerning cuts at SSA. He mentioned standing with colleagues to demand answers from the administration about decisions involving Elon Musk and DOGE at SSA. He wrote: "I stood with my colleagues demanding transparency from the Trump Admin and forcing a vote in committee for answers."

Later that day, Panetta highlighted issues related to law enforcement funding. He argued that cutting such resources does not save money but instead costs taxpayers while allowing billionaires and fraudsters to evade accountability. His tweet read: "Cutting law enforcement doesn’t save money; it costs taxpayers revenue while letting billionaires and fraudsters get off scot-free."