California sadly leads the nation in reported human trafficking cases, and the Central Valley is unfortunately no exception. Workers in the entertainment, hospitality, and transportation industries are often the first to spot the warning signs, which is why proper training and awareness are so critical. That’s why I was proud to reintroduce the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act this week.

This bipartisan bill establishes an annual certification program at the Department of Homeland Security to incentivize employers in certain industries to complete human trafficking awareness training. By creating this certification, we're strengthening workforce preparedness while also encouraging more businesses to be part of the solution. This program also helps raise awareness among the public. When someone walks into a hotel or business and sees that certification, it sends a clear message that this establishment is committed to fighting human trafficking, and it encourages everyone to stay alert and speak up. Close coordination at the federal, state, and local levels is essential to catching and prosecuting human trafficking cases, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues to bring an end to this growing and disturbing crime.

For decades following the 1984 Sikh Genocide, Sikh Americans have faced heightened discrimination and hate crimes. It's past time for the Department of Justice to take action to address this violence and transnational repression. As a co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m proud to stand firmly against anti-Sikh discrimination by joining Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to introduce the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act.

This bipartisan bill would create a long-overdue DOJ Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination. The task force, in collaboration with the Sikh community, would be responsible for drafting a definition of anti-Sikhism, developing an educational program on anti-Sikh discrimination, and producing an annual report of anti-Sikh hate crime statistics. I’m honored to represent the Central Valley’s vibrant Sikh community in Congress, and I remain committed to raising awareness and advancing efforts to protect their rights and safety.

On Wednesday, I had the honor of addressing the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in support of my bill, the Improving Mental Health Care and Coordination for Homeless Veterans Act. After serving our nation, veterans deserve timely access to quality care—especially when they’re facing homelessness and mental health challenges. Sadly, too many veterans slip through the cracks because the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) system isn’t working the way it should.

My bill requires VA to conduct a comprehensive assessment within three days of identifying a veteran in need, evaluate immediate and long-term health needs, identify appropriate housing options, and ensure that information is included in the veteran’s electronic health record, so nothing gets lost. Roughly one in ten veterans experience homelessness after serving and seek help from VA, and we owe it to them to make sure the system works properly and they can access the services they need. 

On Thursday, I met with Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni and Captain Brandon Pursell. They shared their efforts to improve public safety in our region and spoke about the new training facility they’re building. I’m proud to support our local law enforcement and look forward to their progress.

Supplemental oxygen is lifesaving, but many people struggle to get the access they need because of burdensome Medicare requirements. To combat this issue, I joined my colleagues to reintroduce the bipartisan Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act last year, and this week, I met with representatives from the American Association for Respiratory Care, American Thoracic Society, and a patient struggling with Alpha-1 disorder to discuss it. Hearing directly from healthcare advocates and someone struggling with difficulty breathing was invaluable, and I really appreciated their insights. Over 1.5 million Americans rely on supplemental oxygen access, and I’ll continue working to get this critical bill over the finish line.

On Friday, I met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs, Yvette Herrell, to discuss ways we can strengthen support for Central Valley agriculture. We spoke about improving how Farm Service Agency offices connect our farmers with grants, crop assistance, and funding they need to keep their operations strong. I'm proud to stand with our local producers and look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed.

I’m excited to announce my office has begun accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is a great opportunity for CA-22 students (Grades 9-12) to express their creativity and showcase their artistic talent on the national stage. The winner will have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol and may receive additional prizes. It’s always meaningful to walk through the halls of Congress and see CA-22 represented, and I look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions.

Last weekend, Team Valadao attended the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Awards Breakfast hosted by the SCLC Kern County Chapter and the MLK Jr. Committee and presented Certificates of Recognition. Later, they joined the Tulare County Alliance of African American Women (TCAAAW) for their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative breakfast and unity walk, an event dedicated to promoting unity, justice, and cultural awareness throughout Tulare County. While there, they presented a Certificate of Recognition to TCAAAW Vice President Gwen Aytman in honor of her leadership and service.

On Tuesday, my staff joined the Allensworth Community Services District for the groundbreaking ceremony for a new well at the Allensworth Community Center. They also met with the Allensworth School District to discuss goals and priorities for the year ahead. Later, the team presented Certificates of Recognition at the ribbon cutting for Well Comedy Club in downtown Bakersfield and at the grand opening of Valle Flavors of Mexico, hosted by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao joined Porterville Unified School District, CAL FIRE, and the California Schoolyard Forest System for a ribbon cutting at John J. Doyle Elementary School, celebrating a partnership that will bring more trees, shade, and outdoor learning opportunities to the campus. The team also met with Porterville Chamber CEO Kristy Martin to provide office updates, connected with a City of Porterville administrative analyst to discuss 2026 goals, and met with Eastern GSA Tule’s general manager to share plans for the new year. My staff also visited Grow Academy Shafter to meet with Principal Lacie Harris and hear about the school’s goals for 2026.

Later in the day, the team attended the Shafter Community Collaborative meeting, which featured presentations from United Way of Central Eastern California and California State University, Bakersfield. They also participated in a Líderes Campesinas pesticide awareness meeting, where they presented a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of their important advocacy work. The day concluded with a meeting with the City of Porterville Parks and Leisure Services Department to discuss upcoming community events.

To wrap up the week, the team met with the Central Valley California Moving & Storage Association to hear directly from industry leaders. They also attended the grand opening of United Way of Central Eastern California’s Bakersfield office and presented a Certificate of Recognition. My staff was proud to recognize veteran-owned business, MindDiver,s at their ribbon cutting for a new mental health resource office in Bakersfield. The team also joined Brandywine Apartments in celebrating their 40th anniversary and grand reopening, presenting them with a Certificate of Recognition. The week concluded with Team Valadao attending the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards ceremony.

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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