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!

Attending the State of the Union

I was honored to attend President Trump's State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress this week. The President spoke about many issues that are critical to families across the country—from lowering costs and strengthening our health care system to expanding economic opportunity for the next generation and protecting our national security. These priorities are especially important to my constituents in the Central Valley, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to meet these goals.

Celebrating National FFA Week

This week, I was proud to celebrate National FFA Week! Future Farmers of America provides students with the skills, knowledge, and leadership opportunities it takes to keep our agricultural future strong. As a former FFA member, I know how valuable this organization is to our community, and I’m proud to honor and recognize their efforts.

Identifying Foreign Trade Obstacles for Specialty Crop Growers

Specialty crops are a cornerstone of California agriculture—especially in the Central Valley—but while our state is a top exporter, our growers have unfortunately faced many challenges over the last few years. Many of our California-grown specialty crops rely on customers overseas, but due to unfair trade practices, burdensome labeling standards, and blockades in foreign markets, it makes it difficult to stay competitive. That’s why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in reintroducing the Specialty CROP Act. This bipartisan bill improves the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report by requiring certain federal agencies to identify major trade barriers so specialty crop growers can boost sales in foreign markets. Our specialty crop producers deserve to compete on a level playing field in the global marketplace, and this legislation would take necessary steps to identify and combat unreasonable trade barriers more effectively.

Discussing Rural Healthcare Issues

This week, I had a great meeting with Kern Health Systems Directors Hernan Hernandez and Jeremy McGuire. We discussed the implementation of provisions in H.R. 1, including community engagement requirements and the new Rural Health Transformation Fund. I appreciated their perspectives and look forward to future conversations.

Safeguarding Central Valley Water

On Tuesday, I met with the Executive Director of Tri-County Water Authority, Deanna Jackson, to speak about challenges our communities face complying with Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requirements. Solving California's groundwater management challenges is one of my top priorities, and I'll continue working alongside my Congressional colleagues and local water authorities to enact long-term legislative solutions.

Welcoming the Kings County Board of Supervisors to Washington

It was a pleasure welcoming representatives from the Kings County Board of Supervisors to Washington this week! During our meeting, we discussed water and agriculture policy initiatives as well as their goals for this year. It's always great to catch up with local officials from the Central Valley and I look forward to continuing to work together to improve our communities.

Meeting with Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County

This week, I met with representatives from Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to discuss creating career pathways for local youth and the importance of after-school programs. Their programs help teach leadership skills to prepare for the workforce, encourage community building, and support the well-being of youth who may be struggling with addiction or trauma. Boys & Girls Clubs do incredible work to ensure every student has the tools necessary for success, and I appreciate all their efforts.

Discussion Infrastructure and Forest Management with the Tulare County Board of Supervisors

Earlier this week, I welcomed representatives from the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to receive a county update. They shared their plans to improve forest management for the 27% of Tulare County’s land that is covered in natural forests, as well as their support for increasing access to surface water south of the delta through better infrastructure. I appreciate all the hard work they do for our communities and look forward to our continued partnership.

Improving Central Valley Water Supply

On Wednesday, I met with members of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority to discuss the affordability of water supplies and how Congress can support the Central Valley through transportation funding for key water improvement projects. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was happy to secure investments—totaling $14 million—for several critical water and infrastructure projects across the Central Valley. Ensuring our farmers have the supplies they need allows them to expand into new markets and continue putting fresh, nutritious food on tables across the country.

Team Valadao in the Valley

To kick off the week, Team Valadao attended the Annual Delano Chamber of Commerce Crab Feed, where they presented a Certificate of Recognition commemorating the event’s 15th anniversary and its lasting impact on the community. They also joined the opening day festivities for League of Dreams Baseball’s 2026 season, honoring the organization with a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding work expanding adaptive sports opportunities for local youth. My staff later attended the Kern County Board of Supervisors’ monthly meeting and met with a representative from the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to discuss priorities for Community Project Funding. At the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Luncheon, Team Valadao connected with local leaders and heard updates from Synchrony Medical Group and TopFlight MSP. My staff also met with officials from the Vineland School District and Arvin High School Principal Gabriel Ramirez to learn more about upcoming campus projects and events.

On Tuesday, my staff met with Lamont Public Utility District General Manager Scott Taylor to discuss community funding initiatives. After, they presented Certificates of Recognition to English language learners at Di Giorgio School District who recently achieved reclassification as English proficient. At the Arvin City Council meeting, my staff announced that our office was able to secure $1.25 million for the city’s 4th Street Project, which will improve access and support future housing and economic development. They also met with Tulare County Fire Chief Charlie Norman, the Tulare County Office of Education, and the Tulare County Resource Management Agency to discuss funding opportunities and preparations for the 2026 Congressional Art Challenge.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao participated in the Maddy Institute’s California Energy Transition 3rd Annual Agricultural Policy Summit, engaging in important conversations about the future of energy and agriculture in our region. My staff attended the Wasco Collaborative Meeting to learn more about the Kern County Safely Surrendered Baby Program and the Kern Behavioral Health Crisis Team. They also presented Certificates of Recognition at the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Clinica Sierra Vista’s new Brimhall Community Health Center. Later, Team Valadao joined local energy organizations and community leaders at the B3K Advanced Leadership Advisory Council Meeting and recognized Kern County grand jurors during Grand Jury Awareness Month in downtown Bakersfield, thanking them for their dedicated public service.

To close out the week, my team visited the Tulare Historical Museum to discuss the Congressional Art Challenge and tour its new student art exhibit. They also attended Valley Oak Credit Union’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Tulare. Later, my staff presented Certificates of Recognition to graduates of the Catholic Charities of Bakersfield HopeWorks workforce development program, celebrating their commitment to building brighter futures. Finally, Team Valadao joined the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony, recognizing the remarkable leadership and contributions of community members across the region.

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?

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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.

I'll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you updated on my work in Congress. Make sure to sign up for regular updates and follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with my work.

David G.Valadao

Member of Congress