Specialty crop producers in California have faced enormous challenges over the past few years – from supply chain backlogs at our ports, to rising input costs, to labor shortages. This week, I introduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to help support our specialty crop producers through the unique challenges they face. 

The Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion Program Act and the Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act will make technology and resources available to our specialty crop producers so they can access new markets and remain competitive. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this legislation through the House.

You can read more about both bills here. 

Last year, I was proud to support the PACT Act – the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in decades – which significantly increased VA healthcare services for those exposed to toxic burn pits and chemicals during their military service. If you’re a Central Valley veteran who thinks they may qualify for these expanded benefits, I encourage you to file a claim with the Veterans Administration soon. There’s no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits, but if you submit your claim or intent to file before the 9th, you may receive benefits from the last year.

Veterans and survivors must file their claim before August 9, 2023, to be eligible for retroactive compensation backdating to August 10, 2022, the date the bill was signed into law.

Veterans who previously had a toxic exposure claim denied are encouraged to apply again, as the VA is now evaluating these claims under the new law.

To learn more about how to apply under the PACT Act:

• Visit  VA.gov/PACT or call the PACT Act hotline at 800-698-2411
• Contact your local VA Regional Office
• Contact your county Veterans Service Office

You can also contact my Office at (559) 460-6070 if you need assistance.

FEMA has announced they are extending the deadline to apply for federal disaster relief. If you were impacted by the storms and flooding in the Valley earlier this year, you are still eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is now SEPTEMBER 1, 2023.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply or call 800-621-3362

This week, I joined my colleagues Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) to introduce the Converting Our Water Sustainably (COWS) Act. This bipartisan and bicameral bill would create a new manure management conservation program to improve air quality and implement sustainable farming practices.

As a dairy farmer, I understand firsthand the needs and challenges of Central Valley dairy producers. We have a methane digester on our dairy, and it helps to produce energy while also reducing emissions. I’m proud to support this legislation that would make this same kind of manure management technology more accessible to the livestock industry.

Read more about the COWS Act here.

Housing affordability continues to be a major issue for California residents. That’s why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H.R. 3940, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. This bipartisan legislation will encourage investments into new and rehabilitated housing throughout the country, lowering costs and making homeownership more feasible. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this critical issue. 

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