This week I joined my colleague Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45) in a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging them to delay their planned vote in November on amending the Lower Carbon Fuel Standard. Last year, CARB acknowledged that these changes could increase gas prices by as much as 47 cents per gallon by 2025. Since this report, they’ve walked that estimate back and have refused to provide transparency in how these changes will impact gas prices for consumers. Central Valley families are already struggling with the highest gas prices in the nation. We can’t allow unelected bureaucrats to pass new rules without full transparency. You can read the full letter here.

This week I toured two rural schools in the Central Valley. I first stopped by the Di Giorgio School District in Arvin to meet with Superintendent Jennifer Allen and tour their school. I enjoyed learning about the programs offered and their efforts to ensure students in rural communities have the resources they need to thrive.

Next I visited the Vineland School District in Weedpatch which primarily serves children of local farmworkers. I had the pleasure of visiting their new Family Resource Center which opened last month. This facility will provide essential support to families in the area. It was great to see the fantastic work being done for their community.

During both visits we discussed how I can assist them to ensure students and families in rural communities have access to the resources they need.

On Monday I visited Kern Energy to meet with CEO Jennifer Haley and the executive team. As an independent, family-owned and operated fuel producer for the Central Valley, Kern Energy plays an important role in our local economy and fueling our agricultural industry. We discussed how the recent energy regulations implemented by Governor Newsom will negatively impact jobs and gas prices in Kern County.

I recently sent a letter to Governor Newsom, expressing my concerns about his mandate to force refineries to withhold supply from the market. You can read the full letter here.

One of my highest privileges as a member of Congress is nominating students from the Central Valley to attend a United States Service Academy. Serving in our nation’s military is among the highest callings there is. Students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy must earn a nomination from a Member of Congress or other official nominating source. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.

The deadline for submitting a nomination application to my office is November 1, 2024. You can download the application on my website here. For questions about nominations, please call my Hanford office at 559-460-6070.

Attention Social Security beneficiaries: The Social Security Administration has recently announced their annual cost-of-living increase to benefits. Beginning in 2025 beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% increase in your Social Security benefits. This adjustment will take place automatically, with no action required by beneficiaries. If you are contacted to take steps to receive your increased benefits, this is a scam! You can report fraud to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General here.

Atención beneficiarios de la Seguridad Social: La Administración de la Seguridad Social ha anunciado el aumento anual de los beneficios por el costo de la vida. A partir de 2025, los beneficiarios pueden esperar un aumento del 2,5 % en sus beneficios de la Seguridad Social. Este ajuste tendrá lugar de forma automática, sin necesidad de realizar ninguna acción. Si se ponen en contacto con usted para que tome medidas para recibir el aumento de sus beneficios- es una estafa! Puede denunciar el fraude a la Oficina del Inspector General de la Administración de la Seguridad Social aquí.

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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