This week, the House passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. We have a humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border, with over 1.3 million known evaded apprehensions in the last two years alone and record amounts of fentanyl pouring into our communities. The Biden Administration has failed to secure the border, and with Title 42 now expired, the situation will only become more dire.

This week I introduced bipartisan legislation that gives the Biden Administration temporary expulsion authority resembling Title 42 operations. I will continue to work with both Republicans and Democrats to secure commonsense immigration reforms, secure our borders, and protect the lives of migrants and border patrol agents.

Read more.

Over $18 billion taxpayer dollars were fraudulently paid out through California’s pandemic unemployment assistance program. This week, I was proud to vote for H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act. This legislation will help to recover the billions of tax dollars stolen during the pandemic, encourage states to increase the number of unemployment fraud investigations, and extend the statute of limitations for unemployment fraud so those who committed these crimes can be held accountable.

As we continue to recover and rebuild from the damage brought by the storms earlier this year, it is important that we stay prepared, as more flooding in the Central Valley is likely due to the record amount of snowpack this year. According to a survey conducted by the California Department of Water Resources, the statewide snowpack this year is 254% higher than normal – equating to roughly 50 inches of excess water once it melts. As we get closer to the summer and temperatures begin to rise, the snow melt could pose a serious risk to the Valley. Last week, I sent a newsletter with some resources available to families, farmers, and small business owners to help prepare for the upcoming flooding that we’re likely to see across the Central Valley.

To read last week’s newsletter and to see the full list of resources, you can click the link here or visit my website's flood resources page. 

Ensuring the safety of our community and preparing for future flood mitigation is my top priority. I’ll be hosting a tele-town hall with flooding resources in the coming weeks – sign up here to join the call.

Today, I joined my colleagues at a press conference announcing that the House Western Caucus is now 100 members strong. The Western Caucus is the second-largest caucus in the House of Representatives and advocates for rural communities throughout the country. The caucus has also been a leading advocate on issues that are critical to the Valley like water infrastructure and energy production. 

I'm thankful to Chairman Newhouse for his leadership of the caucus and look forward to continuing our work to advance our rural communities here in the Central Valley and across the nation. 

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced additional funding to help with flood response and projects to prevent future flooding in the Central Valley in his revised budget. The Governor's budget would include nearly $500 million in additional resources to help those most impacted by the storms and flooding earlier this year and allow our communities to better withstand future floods. 

This additional investment in flood response is great news for the Central Valley. Ensuring our community is able to recover from recent flooding and prepared for the spring and summer months is my top priority. I will continue to work with the Governor’s office and other state and local officials to provide additional federal support as needed.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Hanford, CA, and I am currently stationed at NAS Lemoore.

How long have you served in the U.S. Military?

I have been serving in the United States Navy for 5 years now.

What is your current rank?

AT2 – Aviation Electronics Technician

Where have you been deployed? What was the longest deployment?

 I was deployed on the USS Nimitz from April 2020 to March 2021 during Operation Inherent Resolve and Octave Quartz. We visited Guam, Oman, and Bahrain, but unfortunately, we were only allowed pier Liberty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We were awarded a Battle E and a Navy Unit Commendation award. 

What does serving in the U.S. military mean to you?:

To me being in the Navy means being a part of something much bigger than yourself, and even your command. We all put on the same uniform every day, regardless of rank, and we go out and work toward the same mission. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I’m contributing to freedom of trade, national defense, and the projection of power globally right here from home. 

Lauren plans to continue serving her country after she leaves the Navy and will be attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy starting this summer. Thank you for your service to our nation Lauren, you have made the entire Valley proud!

Do you have a question about my position on an issue? How the Congress operates? My thoughts on the news of the day?

Send your first name, town, and question to AskDavid@mail.house.gov and I might answer yours right here in one of my weekly newsletters. Make sure to subscribe to my weekly email updates to see if your question was answered!

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