Representative David Valadao

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!

Fighting for Affordable Healthcare

Recently, the California State Legislature approved the state’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Unfortunately, buried in the budget is a provision that would significantly raise taxes on health plans serving working families, employees, and employers across California.

For years, the state has relied on Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax revenue to offset broader spending obligations instead of directing those resources toward strengthening Medi-Cal and improving access to care. Now, rather than pursuing a responsible budget solution that makes healthcare more affordable, Sacramento is shifting additional costs onto hardworking Californians to help balance the Newsom Administration’s reckless spending.

That’s why I was proud to join my California colleagues in sending a letter to Governor Newsom demanding answers and urging a path forward that lowers costs for families instead of making healthcare more expensive.

Closing the Gaps in Veteran Suicide Prevention

Our veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we owe them access to every resource that can help them navigate life’s toughest challenges. While the Veterans Health Administration provides critical mental health care, many veterans facing a mental health crisis also seek support through faith and spiritual guidance—resources that are not always available through a traditional clinical setting. That's why I was proud to introduce the Trauma Outreach, Understanding, and Resiliency through Spirituality (TOURS) Act, which would help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better understand the effectiveness of Chaplaincy and faith-based programs in preventing veteran suicide. By studying alternate forms of mental health treatment, we can help connect at-risk veterans with meaningful support and reduce veteran suicide.

Protecting Access to Healthcare Across the Central Valley

Today, I'm happy to see that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved California's Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program (HQAF) 9 proposal. Over the past year, I’ve worked directly with CMS to stress the importance of a timely approval because I know this funding is essential to protecting access to care across our region. This decision will help ensure hospitals—especially in our rural and underserved communities—have the resources they need to keep their doors open. I appreciate CMS for their partnership, and I’ll keep working to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure Central Valley families can access the care they need.

Recognizing the Contributions of Portuguese American Communities

This week, I was proud to join Congressman Jim Costa in reintroducing a resolution to formally recognize June as Portuguese National Heritage Month. Like many Portuguese Americans, my parents came to the United States from the Azores Islands of Portugal in pursuit of the American Dream and greater opportunities for their children. That same determination has inspired generations of Portuguese Americans to make lasting contributions to our communities here in the Central Valley and across the nation. As co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, I'm honored to recognize that impact this month and every month.

Combating Invasive Pests in the California Grape Industry

California is the nation's leading wine-producing state, but our grape industry faces a serious threat from the emerging spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. This invasive pest transmits a deadly bacterium that chokes and kills grapevines, and once a vine is infected, there's no cure. That's why I joined my California colleagues in sending a letter to USDA, urging their team to provide emergency funding to combat this growing threat and protect California's hardworking growers.

Team Valadao in the Valley

This week, Team Valadao met with the Kern County Veteran Service Officer to discuss the services available to help veterans access the benefits they have earned. They also met with First 5 Kern Director Kevin Bartl and Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire CEO Ron White to learn more about their efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in the community. My staff later attended the Kingdom Men of Action Kern Leaders Rising Cohort graduation ceremony, where they presented certificates to the graduates. The team met with Hanford CHP to discuss public safety priorities and with Kings Community Action Alliance to learn more about support services available to low-income families. They also met with Champions Recovery Inc. Director Frank Ruiz, who shared more about the organization’s substance abuse treatment programs serving youth and adults across Kings County.

Later in the week, staff attended the 60th Anniversary open house for Boys and Girls Clubs Kern County and presented a Congressional Record recognizing their decades of service. They also attended the McFarland Chamber of Commerce and City Council meeting, the Bakersfield Police Department promotional ceremony, and the Kings County Fair opening night Partner and Sponsor Social. The team toured Kern Medical with CEO Scott Thygerson to learn more about the facility’s work serving patients across the region. They also met with The Mission at Kern County to discuss efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness and with Catholic Charities Bakersfield to receive updates on efforts to combat food insecurity. Additionally, my staff attended the Studio Shine Pilates ribbon cutting and presented a Certificate of Recognition celebrating their grand opening.

On Thursday, the team toured dairy sites with Maas Energy Works to learn more about their innovative use of digesters. They also attended the B3K Advanced Energy Leadership Advisory Council meeting and presented a Certificate of Recognition at the MindDivers ribbon cutting in Bakersfield. Team Valadao also attended the Tulare Fire Department badge pinning ceremony, where they presented Certificates of Recognition, and joined the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Balea Avila Dental Hygiene Practice. To close out the week, my staff attended the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Prison Ministry of America and presented a Certificate of Recognition to Executive Director Mark Maciel in honor of his 50 years of service.

Casework Corner

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!

Ask David

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.

Stay Connected with Text Alerts!

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.

In the News

California Lawmakers Seek Emergency Funding to Fight Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter

Leading the request are Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Representatives Mike Thompson and David Valadao. The bipartisan group is asking Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release $32.2 million in emergency funding to strengthen detection, control and response efforts.