Following Senate passage of S. 744; the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) released the following statement: “Today is a monumental day for our country. Immigration reform continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing our country, today is an important step towards finding a solution. I applaud the Senators, from both sides of the isle, for taking on the difficult task of addressing immigration reform head on. Th...
On Thursday, the House Committee on Appropriations dealt a blow to California High Speed Rail with the passage of legislative proposals authored by U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) within the FY2014 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill. Base bill language proposed by Congressman Valadao, was previously adopted by the Subcommittee and today by the Full Committee. This language prevents additional federal funds from being spent on construction of propo...
Today, in its first official action since being formed by Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) last month, the American Sikh Congressional Caucus sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice calling for the inclusion of an anti-Sikh hate crime category on the Hate Crime Incident Report (Form I-699). The letter, which was signed by 23 Members of Congress, follows a prolonged string of attacks against the Sikh community, including the shooting at a Gurdwara la...
The American identity is made up of the diversity of our people. We are a nation of immigrants, united by our commitment to freedom, tolerance, and opportunity. We respect our neighbors and our differences. It is those differences in culture, religion, and ethnicity that contribute to the national identity we share. Despite our best intentions, instances of discrimination still arise. American Sikhs are often singled out because of their religion. American Sikhs have served in our armed forces w...
The Central Valley has been home to agriculture and energy development for generations. This way of life is less about what we do, and more about who we are. Over time the state and federal governments have imposed policies and regulations that discourage growth in the very industries we rely on. This has led to high unemployment and an unhealthy dependence on public assistance. On May 4th, the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) indefinitely cancelled all oil and natural gas lease sal...
Mr. Speaker, This month, the United States Bureau of Land Management indefinitely cancelled all oil and natural gas lease sales in California. This includes 1,278 acres of prime oil and natural gas land in Kern and Fresno counties located in my District - California 21. This land is part of the Monterey Shale Formation located in the Central Valley. The Monterey Shale contains 2/3 of our country’s shale oil reserves - the equivalent of 15.4 billion barrels. If tapped, it could generate half a mi...
Last week, Members of the Senate and House began drafting the 2013 Farm Bill legislation. Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) announced that the House Committee on Agriculture has agreed to include an authorization for a California Federal Milk Marketing Order that has been requested by Congressman Valadao. In March, Congressman Valadao, along with California Congressmen Jim Costa (CA-16), Devin Nunes (CA-22), Jeff Denham (CA-10), Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), and Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), introduc...
Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) today joined other House Republicans in announcing the creation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Working Group. The goal of the Working Group is to examine the ESA from all angles. Throughout this year, the Working Group will hold a series of events, forums, and hearings that will invite open discussion and input on ways in which the ESA (last reauthorized in 1988) is working well, how it could be updated, and how to boost its effectiveness for both people...
Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) delivered this statement following a recent attack on an elderly man outside a Sikh Gurdwara on Sunday: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the recent attack on Piara Singh outside the Southwest Fresno temple, Gurdwara Nanaksar on Sunday morning. “According to his family and officials, Mr. Singh was attacked as he left the temple where he volunteers on a daily basis. Local investigators have a suspect in custody and continue to investigate this attack. At this ...
Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) has again voiced his concerns regarding the proposed California High Speed Rail project. “Over the last several years, estimates of cost and completion time have substantially increased from the original projections which California voters originally approved. I have serious concerns that this project is far from viable, facing unrealistic goals and a lack of public demand,” Congressman Valadao stated. In a recent strategic move, the California High Speed Rai...
