Thank you to everyone who joined my telephone town hall on Wednesday! I was able to connect with thousands of people across the Central Valley to hear directly about the issues impacting our community. We spoke about a wide array of topics, ranging from Medicaid and Social Security to gas prices, infrastructure, and tariffs. If you didn't get a chance to join this time, I still want to hear from you! Take the survey below to let me know what you think.

This week, the House of Representatives passed a Congressional Review Act resolution I co-led to repeal the Biden Administration’s listing of the longfin smelt as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Their unnecessary decision to list the longfin smelt as an endangered species is yet another example of an environmental policy not grounded in science that puts fish over people. Our families and farmers are already struggling with burdensome regulations that restrict water deliveries and threaten the future of agriculture in the Central Valley, and this rule would have ensured even more of our water is sent out to sea. By passing this resolution, the House is taking an important step forward in rolling back water restrictions that directly affect our farmers, families, and rural communities, and I’m happy to see common sense won.

This week, I introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public (STOP) Health Threats Act alongside Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21). This bipartisan bill gives local law enforcement with the tools and training necessary to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations. In 2023, code enforcement officer Jessalyn Harper uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA storing hazardous biological materials in violation of a number of building and health codes. The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk to stop a public health threat. 

On Tuesday, I hosted the Central Valley Honor Flight and welcomed over 100 veterans and guardians to the U.S. Capitol. These Valley patriots fought to defend our nation and freedoms, and it was an honor to thank them for their service in person. I want to thank the veterans for their service to our nation, and all the volunteers who helped to make this incredible experience possible.

I voted yes on three resolutions this week to repeal California's unfair vehicle emission standards. All three resolutions walk back overreaching rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which would impose aggressive regulations on cars and trucks that drive up costs and restrict consumer choice in California and across the nation. While I support reductions in emissions, these rules would severely impact our state's economy and agricultural supply chains. I'm proud to stand up for hardworking Valley families and protect them from higher costs.

On Wednesday, I met with students from Bakersfield on their Close Up Foundation trip to Washington, D.C. The Close Up Foundation was founded in 1971 and is focused on providing students from across the country with civic education opportunities. They help participants understand our nation's history, work of government institutions, and their role as engaged citizens. The work they do is critical, and I was happy to join them on their visit to the Capitol.

As the former Regional Leadership Council Chairman for Land O'Lakes, Inc, it was great meeting with representatives from the Central Valley earlier this week. We spoke about cooperative tax issues, the importance of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill, and other agricultural priorities. I'm looking forward to our continued partnership on these important issues.

While I was in Washington this week, Team Valadao was out in the Valley connecting with the community. They joined the City of McFarland to celebrate the appointment of Councilmember Martin Gutierrez and later took part in the city’s National Day of Prayer event. The team also helped welcome a new local business at the ribbon cutting for Venus Beauty Bar, hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. At the Riverwalk Care Center ribbon cutting, they saw firsthand how the facility is expanding access to critical services like memory care, rehab, and nursing support. Then in Hanford, Team Valadao stood alongside veterans and community leaders for the Echoes of Courage parade and celebration—a moving tribute marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

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?

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!

If you want to share your opinion with me on issues of importance, you can always contact me on my website.

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