Do you have a question about my work in Congress? Are you concerned about an issue affecting the Central Valley? Join me next Tuesday, September 16 at 6:00 pm PT for my telephone town hall! Your input helps me better represent you, and I hope you'll be able to join!

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out a disaster recovery assistance for livestock producers. The flooding of Tulare Lake in 2023 was devastating for the Central Valley, and I've worked for years to make sure our producers have the tools needed to recover. Dairy farmers faced heavy property damage, feed losses, and transportation costs from moving livestock, and today's USDA announcement is a major step forward. Expanding the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) will help address these losses and move us closer to making our farmers and dairymen whole. I'm grateful to USDA for their partnership throughout this process and look forward to working directly with the administration to make sure we get relief into the hands of CA-22 producers as soon as possible.

Public schools in the Central Valley and across the nation depend on local tax revenue, but districts with federal land face unique budget challenges. Federally-owned land like military bases, tribal lands, or other government facilities are tax exempt, so it can be difficult for public schools to make up for the loss in revenue. The Impact Aid Program helps fill that gap so students in these districts can receive the same quality education as their peers.

To strengthen this program, I joined Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) in introducing the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act. This bipartisan bill would help provide stable, reliable funding for schools in federally impacted districts, including Central Union School District and Lemoore Unified High School—ensuring that every student in CA-22 has the resources they deserve.

On Tuesday, I hosted the Central Valley Honor Flight and welcomed hundreds of veterans to our nation’s capital. It was a privilege to speak to these Valley patriots who have fought to defend our nation and thank them for their service directly. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants who helped to make this incredible experience possible.

On Wednesday evening, Team Valadao hosted a Service Academy Information Night at Porterville Military Academy. This event was a great opportunity for students to ask questions about attending a military service academy and learn about the application process. We had a fantastic turnout, and I want to thank my team for working so hard to make it happen. If you or someone you know was unable to attend but have questions about the nomination process, please visit my website.

On Wednesday, I was proud to help pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 in the House. This bill authorizes all non-mandatory funding for our nation’s military programs and lays out important policies for the Department of Defense. The FY26 NDAA also supports our troops by incorporating a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers, expands eligibility for housing allowances, and authorizes funding for the construction of new schools and childcare centers. It also prioritizes military readiness by making sure our troops have the equipment and training necessary to counter any threat. The passage of the House version of this bill marks an important step in this process, and I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the Department of Defense and our servicemembers are ready to counter any threat to our nation.

On Wednesday, I met with the San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council to discuss priorities for the Central Valley. Our conversation focused on transportation and infrastructure project improvements and ways to streamline the approval process for future environmental projects so communities are not stuck waiting years before breaking ground. As your representative, I'm committed to continuing my work to help support the council as they work to improve the roads and infrastructure in our region.

On Tuesday I met with Eric, a constituent from Bakersfield who is living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD). AATD is a rare genetic lung disorder that can severely impact quality of life and in serious cases, can require a costly lung transplant. We spoke about the John Walsh Alpha-1 Infusion Act, which would expand access to critical treatments for those living with this condition. This was a great opportunity to hear directly from someone affected by this difficult disorder, and I remain committed to supporting legislation that strengthens research, treatment, and care for patients in the Central Valley affected by rare diseases.

This week, Team Valadao met with representatives from Tunnels to Towers, an organization that helps first responders and veterans injured in the line of duty by providing them with mortgage free homes. My team also sat down with the new Kings County Library Director, Tanya Russel, to discuss the important role the library plays for families and students across the Valley. Later, my staff welcomed I Love Shop Boutique and Jewelry Bar to the Bakersfield area and presented them with a certificate celebrating their arrival. They also joined the Native Daughters Golden West to celebrate California's 175th Birthday at their Admissions Day event, commemorating our state's entry into the Union. In recognition of Suicide Awareness Month, my team also met with the Tulare County Office of Education to learn more about the mental health and educational services they provide to our community. 

Later in the week, Team Valadao celebrated the groundbreaking of the Kern County Vocational Center and Transitional Housing—a project that will provide both job training and housing stability. They also attended the opening of the Tulare County Fair, an exciting and family-friendly tradition that brings the community together. After, at the Tulare County Quilts for Patriots Ceremony, my staff joined volunteers in honoring veterans and first responders with handmade quilts that recognize their service and sacrifice. 

Team Valadao closed out the week by attending the reopening of the Carnegie Museum of Kings County and celebrating their new exhibit, "A History of Kings County Agriculture Part II." Finally, my team attended the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the new Kern Medical Mobile Unit.

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!

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

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