Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement on Reported Traffic Plans Related to the Marine Corps 250th Birthday Celebration
Washington, D.C.—Tonight, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement on reported traffic plans related to the planned Marine Corps 250th birthday celebration:
“As the proud representative for Camp Pendleton, I have had the privilege of working closely with our Marines, Sailors, and their families. They are the best fighting force in the world — disciplined, courageous, and devoted to defending our nation. I have nothing but the highest respect for their service, sacrifice, and professionalism.
“The 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps is a moment to be proud — to honor two and a half centuries of valor and excellence. It deserves to be celebrated in a way worthy of their legacy and consistent with their values: honor, courage, and commitment.
“That’s why I am concerned by reports that portions of Interstate 5 could be closed for several hours in both directions on Friday and Saturday to accommodate events tied to anything partisan or political. Even on a normal weekend, traffic along the I-5 corridor is heavy. Long closures would cause significant congestion and real hardship for residents, businesses, and first responders. I hope any such closures can be minimized.
“I fully support recognizing the Marine Corps’ extraordinary contributions — but we should do so without disrupting the broader community or compromising public safety. Our Marines sign up to serve, to protect, and to be ready for the next mission. The greatest tribute we can offer them is responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, continued investment in base infrastructure and family support, and a focus on readiness.
“I’ve been proud to help deliver hundreds of millions of dollars for Camp Pendleton — modernizing facilities and enhancing training environments to keep our Marines mission-ready. That’s how we honor their service: by ensuring they have what they need to succeed, not hand-me-downs.”