At a time of growing threats around the world, it’s more important than ever that we provide our servicemembers with the resources they need to keep our country safe. This week, I was proud to support the bipartisan FY27 National Defense Authorization Act because it delivers on our commitment to our men and women in uniform and their families. This bill provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, improves military housing, expands access to education, childcare, and healthcare, and strengthens our military readiness by investing in advanced technologies and rebuilding our defense industrial base. Our servicemembers volunteer to defend our freedoms every day, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.

As co-chair of the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus, I was proud to host a bipartisan panel discussion this week on the global fight against human trafficking. We heard from survivor advocates, lived experience experts, and lawmakers who shared their perspectives and the urgent need for continued action.

Human trafficking is a horrific crime that demands a united response, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen efforts to prevent trafficking, support survivors, hold traffickers accountable, and build stronger partnerships with the organizations leading this critical work.

Earlier this week, I had a meeting with representatives from the UC System, where representatives presented me with the Science Coalition's Champion of Science Award. Federal investments in science make a real difference in the Central Valley, from helping our farmers stay competitive to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy. It's an honor to be recognized by the Science Coalition, and I thank the UC System for nominating me.

It was another busy week for Team Valadao across California's 22nd Congressional District! The week began with the ribbon cutting for the Salt + Light Neighborhood Village Library, where my staff presented a Certificate of Recognition. They also toured the Tulare County Sheriff's Office and met with Lieutenant England to discuss the work of the Public Relations and Youth Development departments. My team met with Tulare County Family Services to learn more about the organization’s shelter resources for survivors of abuse, assault, and homelessness, and with Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Council Director Beth Wilshire to discuss ongoing efforts to prevent child abuse. They also had the opportunity to join the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit for an aerial tour of the county before attending the ribbon cutting for Tacos Mi Pa!

In Kern County, my staff attended the Wounded Heroes Fund Coffee & Donuts event to speak with veterans about VA assistance and available resources. They met with Fire Chief Aaron Duncan to receive updates on this year’s fire season and ongoing county projects, and with Delano Parks and Recreation Director Sumeet Batth to discuss upcoming sports leagues and community engagement opportunities. The team also met with Wasco Police Chief Alexio Mora, City Manager Scott Hurlbert, and Council Member Gilberto Reyna to provide an update on their request for federal funding for the city’s Emergency Operations Center. They attended City Serve Education Collaborative’s 18th Cohort Graduation Ceremony, met with Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh to discuss local priorities, and presented a Congressional Record Statement to Mercy House Brundage Lane Navigation Center Executive Director Theo Dues in recognition of the center’s fifth anniversary.

Later in the week, Team Valadao joined the Water Association of Kern County for a district-wide tour and met with JJ’s Legacy President and Founder Lori Malkin to learn more about the organization’s work promoting organ donation. My staff visited Kid’s First Dentistry to present Congressional Certificates of Recognition, toured the Tulare County Animal Shelter and the College of the Sequoias Tulare Campus, and met with Tulare Police Chief Fred Ynclan for a public safety update. They also attended the ribbon cutting for Kaweah Health Therapy Specialists to present a Certificate of Recognition, met with Youth 2 Leader Foundation CEO Gabriel Adame to discuss the organization’s work helping students pursue higher education, and met with Kern Bridges Youth Homes CEO Jim VanderZwan to learn more about the organization’s services for vulnerable youth. They finished the week with a tour of Beale Memorial Library alongside Kern County Director of Libraries Andie Sullivan.

Trying to get an answer from a federal agency can often be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you ever need help navigating a federal agency, you can visit my website or call my Hanford office at (559) 460-6070. My team is ready to assist you!

Tratar de obtener una respuesta de una agencia federal a menudo puede ser un proceso frustrante y que requiere mucho tiempo. Si alguna vez necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, puede visitar mi sitio de web aquí o llamar a mi oficina de Hanford al (559) 460-6070. ¡Mi equipo está listo para ayudarte!

Did you know you can now sign up for texts from my office to stay up to date on my work in Washington D.C.? To sign up to receive updates from me directly to your phone, just text VALADAO to (559) 387-4346 and you will be automatically subscribed. You can also sign up for text alerts using this form here.  

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