Dear [firstname],
Read below for an update on my work in Washington on behalf of CA-22. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive regular updates on what's happening in D.C. and the Central Valley. Know someone who would want to read this newsletter? Make sure to forward it to a friend! |
Tomorrow, we celebrate 250 years of American independence and the freedoms that make our country so special. As the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to the United States looking for a better life, I know firsthand the opportunities this country provides to those willing to work hard and make sacrifices for their families.
This Independence Day is a chance to reflect on the values our nation was founded on and to remember the generations of Americans who have fought to protect our freedoms and preserve the American Dream.
As you celebrate with family and friends, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate all we’re fortunate to have and the values that bring us together as Americans. From my family to yours, have a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July.
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One of the biggest concerns I hear from producers across the Central Valley is the ongoing agricultural labor shortage. While the H-2A program works well for many seasonal operations, it hasn’t kept pace with the needs of year-round industries like dairy. That's why I was proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which modernizes the program by clarifying that "temporary labor" refers to the length of a farmworker’s contract—not whether the job itself is seasonal. It also creates a pathway for eligible undocumented agricultural workers to earn H-2A status and provide for their families. This bill is a commonsense step that gives producers greater certainty to plan for their workforce, provides long-overdue stability for agricultural workers, and helps strengthen the Central Valley’s food supply for the future.
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California drivers pay almost $2 more per gallon than the national average, yet Governor Newsom continues to advance policies that will drive prices even higher. Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and they can’t afford to pay an extra 71 cents per gallon every time they fill up their tanks. That's why I led the entire California Republican delegation in sending a letter to Governor Newsom, urging him to suspend the 2026 gas tax increase.
Earlier this week, California's gas tax increased to 63.4 cents per gallon—directly hitting your wallet at the pump. Our state already has the highest gas prices in the nation—almost $2 more than the national average—and instead of providing some relief, Governor Newsom continues to make things worse. It’s past time for Sacramento to stop these harmful price hikes, prioritize domestic energy production, and ease the burden on hardworking Californians instead of adding to it.
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On Thursday, I joined the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands to speak about my bill, the Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act. In 1866, Union Pacific Railroad bought two parcels of land in Tulare County for railroad construction. While the railroad no longer needs the property for that purpose, the land has remained subject to federal interest, preventing the City of Tulare from making much-needed improvements. Over the years, Union Pacific has graciously allowed the City to use these parcels to build the historic Tulare Women’s Club and the City Skate Park. These spaces have served local families for decades, but both facilities are now in need of significant upgrades. My legislation would finally authorize the sale of this land so the City can finally move forward with critical improvements.
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This week, I was proud to join the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health to discuss my bill, the Trauma Outreach, Understanding, and Resiliency through Spirituality (TOURS) Act. Since 2001, more than 6,000 veterans have died by suicide each year. VA’s National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report provides critical insight into the veteran suicide crisis, but we need more data on how VA Chaplaincy Service and other faith-based programs may help reduce suicide risk. My bill directs VA to conduct a 2-year study on the relationship between participation in the Chaplaincy and other faith-based services on the risk of suicide among veterans. Chaplains provide spiritual care, emotional support, and a trusted presence for veterans of every faith, often reaching those who may not be ready to seek help elsewhere. We believe these services make a difference, and this study will help us better understand their impact so we can make informed decisions about future investments.
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As the sole dairyman in Congress, I was proud to join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Dairy Caucus this week. Dairy is the cornerstone of the Central Valley’s economy, and I know firsthand the challenges our producers face—from rising input costs and labor shortages to changing consumer demands and an increasingly unpredictable marketplace. Our dairy producers deserve strong advocates in Washington who understand what’s at stake, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry, promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products, and ensure the hardworking men and women who feed our nation have the support they need to succeed.
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This National Dairy Month, I was excited to bring Central Valley milk across the country to Washington. Dairy producers in California work tirelessly to provide the nation with nutritious dairy products, and this month we honor their dedication. Whether it's a glass of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or banana milk, celebrating our dairy producers is always bipartisan!
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This week, Team Valadao attended the grand re-opening of Kings County Fire Station 5, the American Kids Sports Center ribbon cutting, and the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting. They also presented a Congressional Record to Lawrence Family Farms in recognition of being named Dairy Family of the Year. My staff also met with the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, the City of Bakersfield Public Works Director, and the City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Director. They later welcomed Wonderful Company interns to our Bakersfield district office, joined the California Highway Patrol in Visalia for a ride-along, and attended the Mainstreet Hanford Open House and Mixer.
Later in the week, Team Valadao met with the Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance, the Kern Council of Governments Executive Director, and Around the Clock’s Director of Community Education and Business Development. They also met with the Director of Program Development for the Independence Through GRACE Foundation to learn more about the organization’s work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My staff met with The Boys Initiative to discuss its efforts to support young men in the community and attended the Kern County Honor Flight monthly breakfast to connect with local veterans. To wrap up the week, the team toured the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, met with the Executive Director of the Independence Living Center of Kern County, and attended the Fresno VA Hospital’s Freedom 250 and CMS 5-Star Hospital Celebration.
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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!
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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. |
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. |
Bipartisan Congressional Dairy Caucus Relaunched to Support U.S. Farmers
Congressman David Valadao and colleagues have relaunched the Congressional Dairy Caucus to address challenges faced by dairy producers. The caucus aims to elevate industry concerns and advocate for dairy farmers at the federal level.
Read more |
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Newsom under fire as California gas tax hike sends pump prices even higher
California’s GOP congressional delegation, led by Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., to suspend the planned 2.2-cent-per-gallon hike, which would raise the state's excise gas tax to 63.4 cents per gallon.
Read more |
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I'll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you updated on my work in Congress. Make sure to sign up for regular updates and follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with my work. |
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David G.Valadao Member of Congress |
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