Dear [firstname]

We’re now three weeks into the government shutdown, and people are starting to feel the widespread impacts. The Small Business Administration (SBA) can’t approve any new loans for small businesses, our local schools that participate in the Head Start Program are at risk of missing payments, and any new Social Security applications will be delayed. This week, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) also announced that recipients of SNAP food assistance may not receive their November benefits if the government isn’t reopened before the end of this month. Time is running out to pass the budget extension before vulnerable families are left struggling to put food on the table, and Senate Democrats are still choosing to keep the government closed.

I understand the continued government shutdown is causing uncertainty, and I want to assure you my office remains here to help. My teams in Washington, D.C. and the district can continue to answer any questions and process casework requests. While some agencies may delay processing, we can still open cases, submit paperwork, and press them for updates. My top priority is serving CA-22 constituents, and I’m committed to continuing to push my Senate colleagues to do the right thing and reopen the government for the American people.

For the full list of FAQs, please visit my website.

Access to affordable healthcare remains one of my top priorities. Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats keeping the government closed helps no one and only delays the real work that needs to be done. Once the government is reopened, Congress must turn its attention to the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats temporarily expanded these subsidies and set them to expire at the end of 2025—creating a short-term fix that has now become a long-term challenge. These enhanced credits have been a lifeline for families, seniors, and small business owners across the country, and if they expire at the end of the year, it will leave many Americans facing premium increases.

That’s why I joined my House colleagues in sending a letter to the Speaker of the House urging him to make this issue a priority once the government reopens. While Congressional Republicans didn’t create this problem, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to help fix it. Congress needs to come together to figure out a real solution, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to address this issue.

Last Saturday, Team Valadao attended and judged floats at the Buttonwillow Fall Farm Festival Parade.

On Tuesday, my staff attended the State of the Subbasin hearing hosted by the Kaweah Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies to learn about local Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation and progress.

On Wednesday, my team joined community members for the Tulare County Office of Education’s annual Excellence in Education Awards, celebrating outstanding educators and innovative programs across our region. That same evening, members of my staff attended the 2025 Respiratory Week Dinner in Bakersfield, where they presented certificates to respiratory care directors from local hospitals in recognition of their dedication to patient health and safety.

On Thursday, Team Valadao was proud to represent our office at several events throughout the district—starting with the grand openings of the East Side Aquatic Center and the Envy Lounge, followed by City Serve’s graduation ceremony. In Bakersfield, they also joined the Chamber of Commerce for the House of Flowers ribbon cutting, participated in the Thursday Prayer Connection’s annual Governmental Leaders Luncheon, and celebrated Golden West Casino’s 30th Anniversary, presenting certificates of recognition at each event. Lastly my team attended the Kettleman City AT&T Broadband Connection Announcement Ceremony, celebrating the expansion of AT&T's network to 363 unserved locations in the county. 

Today, Team Valadao conducted Veterans History Project interviews at Sierra Hills Senior Facility in Porterville to honor local veterans by helping preserve their stories and presenting certificates in gratitude for their service. They also attended a tour of the East Niles Community Services District, hosted by the California Special Districts Association, to learn more about the critical services they provide to rural communities.

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 here 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!

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.

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.