Representative David Valadao

Dear [firstname],

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

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Protecting Americans from Public Health Threats

In 2023, local officials discovered an illegal biolab with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ties operating out of Reedley, CA. After an investigation, officials discovered multiple dangerous biological agents, including COVID-19, Malaria, E. coli, blood, and biological waste. Recently, authorities started an investigation into a suspected biolab in Las Vegas with alleged ties to Reedley. These incidents are dangerous national security failures, and it’s critical we put safeguards in place to ensure it never happens again.

Last year, I joined Congressman Jim Costa in reintroducing the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Public Health Act of 2025 which would help close federal loopholes that allow facilities like these to operate under the radar. We must put safeguards in place to protect communities and support first responders, which is why I joined Congressman Costa and a bipartisan group of members to send a letter to House leadership and the Energy and Commerce Committee to urge swift consideration of this important bill. Congress must act immediately to protect against biosecurity vulnerabilities, and I'll continue advocating to advance this critical bipartisan solution.

Discussing Central Valley Healthcare Challenges

This week, I had a great meeting with Jason Vega, CEO of Central Valley Health Network, and John Blaine, CEO of Aria Community Health. We discussed critical topics including funding for community health centers, healthcare workforce challenges, and their ongoing efforts to expand access to care across the Central Valley. I appreciate their dedication to making healthcare more affordable and accessible for our rural and underserved communities.

I was also honored to receive the National Association of Community Health Centers' Distinguished Community Health Champion Award! Improving access to healthcare in our underserved communities is my top priority, and I'll keep fighting to advance policies that help us meet that goal.

Meeting with the California Strawberry Commission

On Wednesday, I met with representatives from the California Strawberry Commission to talk about the ongoing agricultural labor shortages impacting our growers. Producers across the Central Valley continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce, and I remain committed to working alongside my colleagues in Congress to advance legislation that supports our farmers and strengthens the future of our agricultural economy.

Supporting our Central Valley Healthcare Providers

On Wednesday, I met with Craig Wagoner, President and CEO of Community Health System, along with members of his team, to discuss issues impacting healthcare providers across the Valley. I provided an update on the status of pending FEMA reimbursements and we had a productive conversation about the careful implementation of provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cut. Community Health System serves over 1.7 million residents across our region, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear their perspectives. I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure families in the Central Valley have access to the quality care they deserve.

Team Valadao Visits the World Ag Expo

This week, Tulare hosted the World Ag Expo, highlighting some of the newest advancements in farming technology and equipment. While I was in Washington, my staff was on-site to explore the event and meet with growers, exhibitors, and industry leaders to hear about the latest in agricultural innovation and education. Team Valadao also joined the community in celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the winners of the Top 10 New Products competition, and recipients of the “We Believe in Growing” scholarship! I’m proud to have the world's largest annual agricultural event take place here in Tulare!

Team Valadao in the Valley

This week, Team Valadao joined the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards and installation ceremony to celebrate the rich history and continued growth of Lindsay. From there, my staff attended the Allensworth State Park Black History Month Festival, where they presented Certificates of Recognition to Sasha and Michael Biscoe in honor of their many years of dedicated service and leadership in coordinating this important event. Later, they met with the Armona Community Services District to share a legislative update.

On Wednesday, my staff attended the Kings County Memorial Highway 198 sign unveiling to honor Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendes Covarrubias, recognizing his sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our nation and community. After, they joined local leaders at the 2026 Kern Community College District African American Leaders Luncheon, where they heard directly from a panel of community leaders about the issues and opportunities facing our region.

On Thursday, Team Valadao attended the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County’s 2026 Youth of the Year Gala. My staff presented Certificates of Recognition to the Youth of the Year, Jr. Youth of the Year, Legacy Board Inductee, and Advanced Educational Scholarship recipients, celebrating their outstanding leadership, service, and academic achievement. To close out the week, Team Valadao met with Bakersfield City School District’s new Superintendent, Dr. Aguilera-Fort, to hear about his vision and goals for the district’s future.

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

Our question this week comes from Sandra from Wasco. She wants to know if Congress is working to prevent people from voting by passing the SAVE America Act.

Thank you for your question, Sandra. There has been some disinformation regarding what this bill does, and I want to set the record straight. The SAVE America Act does not suppress voter rights or go after women's constitutional right to vote. This bill simply requires that states obtain proof of an individual’s citizenship status when they register to vote in federal elections. Voters can still cast mail-in ballots by attaching a copy of their ID, and if a voter forgets the necessary paperwork on election day, they can still cast a provisional ballot. Also, if someone hasn’t updated their documentation to show a name change by the time they get to the voting booth, this bill establishes a registration process where an applicant can provide additional documentation. These additional options include a social security number, a passport, or any combination of documents to show citizenship that would be expected at the DMV. Real ID—which is mandated by every state—is also an acceptable option.

People are already asked to show ID for everyday activities like boarding a flight, picking up prescriptions, or opening a bank account, so it's reasonable to require identification when participating in something as important as our elections. I believe safeguarding the integrity of our elections is essential to preserving democracy, and this bill is a commonsense way to restore voter trust and help ensure our voter registration system is secure.

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.

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

Reps urge Congress to pass biolab legislation in response to Reedley, Las Vegas

Central Valley representatives are pushing Congress to advance a bill in response to the illegal secret Reedley biolab that was discovered in late 2022. Representatives Jim Costa (D–Fresno), David Valadao (R–Hanford) and Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) wrote a letter to House leadership and the Energy and Commerce Committee asking for Congress to take action.