Representative David Valadao

Dear [firstname],

Read below for an update on my work in Washington on behalf of CA-22.

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Answering Constituent Questions

Recently, I've received a lot of questions from constituents, so I wanted to take this opportunity to answer some of them.

Stephen from Shafter asked:

Are you worried that Americans will be at risk because of operations in the Middle East?

Recent military operations in Iran show why protecting U.S. personnel, allies, and interests throughout the Middle East remains critical. For years, the Iranian regime has ruled through fear at home and terror abroad. Not only for our protection here at home, but for stability in the region, it remains a top priority that we stop the regime’s ability to develop weaponry that threatens our national security. Any time tensions rise overseas, I’m concerned about the safety of Americans—both our troops abroad and families here at home. That’s exactly why we cannot allow the lapse in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to continue. A government shutdown is not a responsible negotiating tactic, and it creates avoidable security vulnerabilities. Now more than ever, it’s critical to ensure our nation’s largest law enforcement agency is fully operational and has the resources needed to neutralize any potential threats. We can’t afford any disruptions right now, and I'll continue to work with my colleagues to restore full DHS funding, so these essential missions remain fully operational.

Javier from Porterville asked:

I'm a veteran and I've been having trouble getting my benefits from the VA for years. What have you done to help our veterans?

Thank you for your service, Javier. I understand how difficult it can be to work with VA, and how important it is that our veterans who put their lives on the line to defend our nation can access the care they’ve earned. That’s why I’ve been working so hard this Congress to make it easier for veterans to receive their benefits. Last June, I reintroduced the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act, which has passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives. This bill would standardize software and streamline VA processing to make it easier for veterans or survivors left behind to access their benefits.

More recently, I introduced the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act, which would require VA homeless program staff to identify and support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to connect them with appropriate housing options and mental health care. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I also voted in favor of investing billions toward improving VA facilities and benefits access. I’ll continue to support our veterans and fight to remove the barriers that stand between them and the care they’ve earned.

Sheila from Bakersfield asked:

I'm a senior concerned about the cost of housing in Delano. What are you doing to support people looking to buy homes but can't afford it?

It’s no secret that housing affordability is a big issue, and I share your concerns about first-time buyers, seniors, and families being priced out of the housing market. Improving affordability is one of my top priorities, which is why I was proud to support bills like the Housing for the 21st Century Act, which would revise federal housing programs and expand financing opportunities for affordable housing. I was also proud to vote for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which provides $77.3 billion for rental assistance and support for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. For seniors specifically, I also secured $7.57 million for the Bakersfield Senior Center Housing Project to construct 36 units of affordable housing. It’s essential we ensure good, affordable housing options, and I’ll continue to work to make that goal a reality.

Bringing Federal Dollars Back to the Valley

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have secured more than $49 million this fiscal year for fifteen community projects across California’s 22nd Congressional District. In Kings County, that includes $9.3 million to improve road safety and build a new community service center that will provide food and emergency shelter to families in need. In Tulare County, I delivered $14 million for projects that will repair roads, expand water storage, and improve water quality. And in Kern County, I secured more than $22.7 million to drill new wells, renovate the Shafter Senior Center, and strengthen public safety. I’m proud to bring these investments home to the Central Valley and will keep fighting to deliver results for our communities!

Revitalizing Public Transportation in Rural Communities

On Thursday, I had a productive conversation with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), where I heard from representatives from the Kings County Area Public Transit Agency. We discussed improving public transportation, upgrading aging transit vehicles, and ways that Congress can support rural and small city transit operations. Public transportation connects our communities, creates jobs, and provides access for individuals without other means of transportation, and I’m proud to support their important work.

Recognizing the Contributions of our Public Service Workers

This week, Team Valadao had the honor of presenting Certificates of Recognition to two Public Works employees for the City of Arvin, Rigo Ramirez and Alex Ayala, for their years of service. Public services help our communities grow and thrive, and I’m thankful for their decades of hard work and dedication.

Team Valadao in the Valley

This week, Team Valadao attended the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building Open House, where they saw special historical exhibits and spoke with local veterans. Then, they presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Youth Athletic Complex of Hanford for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new concession stand and restroom building. Afterwards, my staff visited Change Community Church to present a Certificate of Recognition to the God’s Treasured Women group for their service to local families throughout Bakersfield. At the Delano City Council meeting, the team announced the $8.1 million I was able to secure for the City’s Water Plant No. 6 Blending Tank Project to increase potable water production—strengthening water reliability for Delano residents.

On Tuesday, Team Valadao took a tour of the Lindsay Public Safety Department, one of the few facilities in California that has fully integrated police and fire departments under the same roof. In honor of Read Across America Day, my staff visited the Harvey Hall Child Development Center and Vineland Elementary School to read to students. Then, they attended the Bakersfield Family Medical Group ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a Certificate of Recognition for their new Kern County location. At the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce meeting, the team also received updates about funding for the Manufacturing Investment Credit.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao received a guided tour of agricultural exhibits at Kern County Farm Bureau’s 42nd Annual Farm Day in the City. Later, my staff met with Giovanni Dubon, Manager of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Avantus, for an update on the Buttonbush Solar Project. Team Valadao also met with South High School Principal Brian Mendiburu to discuss community needs. At the South Valley Neighborhood Partnership meeting, my staff met with locals from Arvin, Lamont, and Vineland to hear about the Local Control and Accountability Plan to improve student outcomes in the school districts.

To wrap up the week, Team Valadao celebrated Belleview Elementary’s new Schoolyard Forest Project at their ribbon-cutting ceremony. Later, they met with representatives from the California Farm Bureau to discuss ways our office can support USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. After, they sat down with Commercial Trade Inc. CEO, Chris Keeler, to answer questions on recent legislation. They also attended the official badge pinning ceremony for Lindsay Public Safety Chief Nicholas Nave. The team also thanked Martha Elias with a Congressional Record Statement for her years of service as a counselor at Nueva High School. My staff also toured the Shafter Composting Facility with the Solid Waste Association of North America Sierra Chapter. Finally, they joined the Kings County Farm Bureau at their monthly luncheon to hear from local farmers.

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 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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In the News

The Science Coalition Recognizes Congressman David Valadao with Champion of Science Award

The Science Coalition (TSC) announced U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA-22) as a 2026 Champion of Science in recognition of his commitment to federal investments in basic scientific research at U.S. colleges and universities. As a prominent member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Valadao helps advance funding for scientific research, including programs focused on agriculture, healthcare, and defense. He consistently advocates for federally funded research to support farmers and maximize agricultural yields.