Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule and to the dangerous Republican reconciliation bill. One of my colleagues just talked about taking us back. One of the things that I think folks can agree with all over this country is that the Republican Party is, indeed, taking us back to a Jim Crow America and to a space where sworn officers are taking folks off the streets who are American citizens and detaining them without due process. The majority wants an egregious $40 billion more for the Trump immigration enforcement machine. Let's not forget how we got here.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+100$916K raised
Lateefah Simon
Representative · California · Democrat
Lateefah Simon
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act. Much has been said, but this bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the cybersecurity threats facing our small businesses. It would ensure that Congress has the best data available to protect our small businesses from cyberattacks. Now, we know that small businesses in this country drive innovation, create jobs, and support our communities in every single corner of all 50 States.
Biography
Lateefah Simon began her career as a civil rights advocate, leading initiatives to improve opportunities for young people and communities of color in California. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 12th district in 2024, she prioritizes transit equity, criminal justice reform, and affordable housing. Simon has served on regional transportation boards, shaping funding for Bay Area transit improvements, and has sponsored legislation aimed at reducing barriers to reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. She brings a collaborative and community-centered approach to representing her district, emphasizing practical solutions and accessibility in public service.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented California's 12th congressional district for 1 term.
Director, District 7, Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors
2016–2025Elected to represent BART's seventh district and later reinstated to the board after a brief residency-related dispute.
President, Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors
2020Chosen by fellow directors to serve as president of the BART board.
Trustee, California State University Board of Trustees
Served on the governing board overseeing the California State University system.
President, Akonadi Foundation
Led an Oakland-based foundation focused on racial justice initiatives.
Leader, Back on Track Program, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office
Led creation of the Back on Track diversion program for young adults charged with low-level felony drug sales during Kamala Harris’s tenure as San Francisco District Attorney.
Policy Focus
Law50%
Commerce50%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Lateefah Simon's record in Congress.
BART Board Leadership
Elected as the first Black woman to represent District 7 on the BART Board, advocating for equitable transit access.
Reentry Services Expansion
Led the creation of programs supporting formerly incarcerated individuals’ reentry through the Center for Young Women's Development.
MacArthur Fellowship
Awarded the MacArthur 'Genius' Grant in 2003 for her innovative work with young women affected by violence and incarceration.
Police-Free Transit Advocacy
Championed efforts to reform BART’s policing policies, including initiatives to reduce armed police presence on transit.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- House Committee on Small Business
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