Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/5555
Last Updated: April 6, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

ID: P000613

Follow the money

The bill

Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act

HR. 5555, 119th Congress β€” read as touching Real Estate.

The sponsor

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$89,200 raised

28 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Subcommittee Hearings Held

March 17, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

πŸ“ Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

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Floor Action

βœ…

Passed House

πŸ›οΈ

Senate Review

πŸŽ‰

Passed Congress

πŸ–ŠοΈ

Presidential Action

βš–οΈ

Became Law

πŸ“š How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another bill, another exercise in futility. Let's dissect this mess.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act (HR 5555) is a masterclass in bureaucratic doublespeak. The main purpose? To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study. Wow, what a bold move. The objective? To assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land in California as a National Heritage Area. Because, you know, we don't have enough national parks or protected areas already.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study (yawn) in consultation with various stakeholders, including local organizations, Tribal Governments, and nonprofit organizations. The study area includes four counties in California, plus any adjacent areas that might be deemed worthy. Oh, and it's all done in accordance with section 120103(a) of title 54, United States Code, because who doesn't love a good dose of legalese?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: local governments, Tribal Governments, nonprofit organizations, and the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. You know, the same folks who'll be lining up for federal funding and grants once this "study" is completed.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Let's get real here. This bill is a Trojan horse for more government spending, bureaucratic red tape, and environmental regulations that will strangle local businesses. The "study" will likely conclude that the area is worthy of designation as a National Heritage Area, which will lead to increased federal control over private land, restricted development, and a surge in tourism (because who doesn't love a good national park?). The real winners? Environmental groups, government agencies, and politicians looking for a photo op.

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a bad case of "Bureaucratic-itis," characterized by an excessive use of buzzwords, vague objectives, and a complete lack of transparency. Symptoms include unnecessary studies, redundant regulations, and a healthy dose of pork-barrel politics. Treatment? A strong dose of skepticism, a healthy serving of ridicule, and a swift kick in the pants for our esteemed lawmakers.

In short, HR 5555 is a classic example of government waste, disguised as environmental protection. It's a bill that will accomplish nothing but to further enrich special interest groups and line the pockets of politicians. Bravo, Congress. You've done it again.

Related Topics

Public Lands & Natural ResourcesState & Local Government AffairsWildlife & Endangered Species
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

πŸ’° Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Congress 119 β€’ 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$89,200
25 donors
PACs
$1,500
Organizations
$17,400
Committees
$0
Individuals
$70,300
1
ACROSS THE AISLE PAC
2 transactions
$1,500
1
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
2 transactions
$6,600
2
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
2 transactions
$5,000
3
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
4
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
1 transaction
$2,500

No committee contributions found

1
CROWN, LESTER
1 transaction
$6,600
2
KIM, SOON
1 transaction
$4,300
3
BASH, JEREMY
1 transaction
$3,300
4
BRANDENBURG, DIANE
1 transaction
$3,300
5
CHEW, CRAIG K
1 transaction
$3,300
6
DIXON, PETER
1 transaction
$3,300
7
HUGGINS, WILLIAM B.
1 transaction
$3,300
8
HUNTER, KENNETH
1 transaction
$3,300
9
LOCKHEIMER, ERICA
1 transaction
$3,300
10
MUSCARELLA, STEVE F
1 transaction
$3,300
11
NIELSEN, PETER W
1 transaction
$3,300
12
PACKARD, JULIE
1 transaction
$3,300
13
RAVA, JERRY J II
1 transaction
$3,300
14
SIEGEL, DAVID
1 transaction
$3,300
15
VECCHIARELLI, DANIEL
1 transaction
$3,300
16
SHAH, JAN
1 transaction
$3,300
17
RIVAS, RICK
1 transaction
$3,300
18
STORKAN, JOANNE M.
1 transaction
$3,300
19
WALTERS, ROBERT
1 transaction
$3,300
20
FISHER, ROBERT J
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 5 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]

ID: M001225

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA
OrganizationLEMOORE, CA
$6,600
May 20, 2024
2
SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA
OrganizationLEMOORE, CA
$3,300
Jun 14, 2024
3
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIWOK INDIANS
OrganizationSHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
4
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
5
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA
$2,300
Jun 22, 2023
6
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$2,000
Jun 28, 2024
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
May 3, 2024
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Oct 28, 2023
9
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIWOK INDIANS
OrganizationSHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$1,300
Oct 4, 2024
10
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$1,000
Oct 15, 2024

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

ID: C001112

Top Contributors

10

1
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Oct 18, 2023
2
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationHIGHLAND, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
3
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Jan 11, 2024
4
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Feb 24, 2023
5
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Feb 24, 2023
6
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
7
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
OrganizationROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
8
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$2,000
Jun 26, 2024
9
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$2,000
Sep 21, 2023
10
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$1,500
Dec 19, 2023

Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

ID: L000397

Top Contributors

10

1
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
2
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 24, 2023
3
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
4
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
5
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Aug 27, 2023
6
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Aug 27, 2023
7
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
8
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 28, 2023
9
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,300
Sep 24, 2023
10
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PACCAMBRIDGE, MA
$3,000
Jul 16, 2023

Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16]

ID: L000607

Top Contributors

10

1
KENNETH RODRIGUES & PARTNERS, INC.
OrganizationMOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
$2,000
Jun 24, 2024
2
USAMPAC CORPORATION
OrganizationFREMONT, CA
$2,000
May 13, 2024
3
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
OrganizationEL CAJON, CA
$1,000
Oct 15, 2024
4
POSITION2, INC.
OrganizationSANTA CLARA, CA
$1,000
Jul 29, 2024
5
CORDANO, MIKE
PRIME IMPACT CAPITAL β€’ INVESTOR
IndividualPLEASANTON, CA
$6,600
Oct 14, 2024
6
LIU, GERRY
WNC β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualSARATOGA, CA
$6,600
Sep 30, 2024
7
SHROFF, MOHAK
LINKEDIN β€’ EXECUTIVE
IndividualATHERTON, CA
$6,600
Oct 22, 2024
8
HYNES, MARY
STANFORD UNIVERSITY β€’ PROFESSOR
IndividualATHERTON, CA
$6,600
Sep 29, 2024
9
GLANVILLE, JACOB
CENTIVAX β€’ CEO
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Oct 31, 2024
10
CORDANO, MIKE
PRIME IMPACT CAPITAL β€’ INVESTOR
IndividualPLEASANTON, CA
$6,600
Oct 14, 2024

Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]

ID: G000559

Top Contributors

10

1
SAN PABLO LYTTON
OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA
$5,000
Aug 28, 2024
2
YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION
OrganizationBROOKS, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
3
YOCHA DEHE WINTUN NATION
OrganizationBROOKS, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
4
ONE LAKE HOLDING,LLC
OrganizationWALNUT CREEK, CA
$2,500
Nov 6, 2023
5
UNITED AUBURN INDIAN COMMUNITY OF AUBURN RANCHERIA
OrganizationSACRAMENTO, CA
$2,500
Oct 22, 2024
6
SAN PABLO LYTTON
OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA
$1,700
Aug 28, 2024
7
NAPA SOLANO BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL
OrganizationFAIRFIELD, CA
$1,500
May 13, 2024
8
BAINS FARMING LP
OrganizationYUBA CITY, CA
$1,000
May 15, 2024
9
GRUPE, GREENLAW JR.
THE GRUPE CO. β€’ REAL ESTATE
IndividualLODI, CA
$5,800
Nov 7, 2023
10
HALL, CRAIG
HALL FINANCIAL GROUP β€’ INVESTOR
IndividualFRISCO, TX
$3,683
Dec 5, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 75 nodes and 43 connections (62 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $138,800

Top Donors - Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount

1 PAC4 Orgs20 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.

  • +Real Estateconfidence 0.80

    Section 2(b) describes areas to be studied for potential designation as a National Heritage Area, which could increase property values and attract tourism, benefiting the real estate industry.

  • Potential infrastructure development and preservation efforts resulting from the study in Section 2(a) could benefit the construction and engineering industry.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β€” they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

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