Representative Waxman’s Ride In Palisades Parade Is a First

Rep. Henry Waxman, whose 33rd Congressional district includes Pacific Palisades, was cheered and applauded last week as he rode in the Town’s Fourth of July parade for the first in his more than 35-year career in the House of Representatives.
“I’m excited to be here to celebrate July Fourth,” Waxman told the Palisadian-Post.  “I’ve been in different parts of the congressional district and visited many different cities, but the Palisades has one of the best parades. I’m delighted to join everybody in celebrating a beautiful day and a great occasion.”
Waxman waged one of the hardest campaigns in his political career against challenger Bill Bloomfield (I) last November, defeating the former Republican by a margin of 53.72 percent to 46.28 percent. Bloomfield’s campaign, which came in fifth nationally in terms of the “most money raised” and “most money spent” category, attempted to label Waxman as a hyper-partisan who was “out of touch” with his constituents.
Since his victory, Waxman, who is considered one of the most influential liberals in Washington, has not only continued to champion for causes ranging from immigration reform to climate change, but has been making more personal appearances in his district.
“I hope and pray that we get immigration reform done—it’s long overdue,” Waxman told the Post.  “The Senate passed a bipartisan bill, and we are going to need a bipartisan bill in the House, but we will also need the leadership of the house to make sure we can vote on it.”
Although several influential conservatives have supported the Senate bill, including President George W. Bush, reaching a consensus for the bill in the Republican-controlled House will not be an easy task. If passed, the bill would create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and greatly increase security along the U.S. southern border.
As for climate change, Waxman said he was “very pleased with President Obama’s speech, initiating a lot of things to lower the pollution levels that cause climate change.”
He said that while the President “can’t look to congress [on this issue], he has a lot of power and he is using it.”
Waxman will be visiting the Palisades this fall as a featured speaker at a Community Council meeting.