Representative David Valadao

Dear [firstname]

After the fourth week of the government shutdown, the truth behind why Congressional Democrats refuse to reopen the government is starting to show.

The longer the federal government is shut down, the more serious the effects are for hardworking Americans. Millions of families are preparing to go without SNAP benefits, threatening food security for children, seniors, and low-income households. Air traffic control shortages are already causing widespread flight delays, while nearly two million federal employees—including law enforcement officers and air traffic controllers—face missed paychecks. Small businesses are losing access to critical loans, halting growth and local investment. Each passing day without action hurts families, disrupts essential services, and undermines the safety and stability of our nation.

Visiting CAPK and Discussing the Importance of SNAP

This week, I visited the Community Action Partnership of Kern’s (CAPK) Bakersfield Food Pantry and Distribution Center to hear directly from constituents about how the government shutdown is affecting them. Because of the lapse in funding, SNAP food assistance will no longer be available as of November 1. More than 200,000 people across CA-22 rely on SNAP to help put food on the table, and hearing from those on the front lines working to keep our community fed underscores how critical this program is. Time is running out for Senate Democrats to act, pass the budget extension, and ensure families continue receiving the critical food assistance they depend on.

Recognizing the 1984 Sikh Genocide

This week I reintroduced a resolution to formally recognize and commemorate the Sikh Genocide of 1984. Throughout history, many Sikhs have been directly targeted for their religious beliefs—including during the 1984 genocide. Sikh-Americans are valued and respected members of our Central Valley communities, and I’m committed to standing with them to demand recognition and accountability for this horrific event in their history. Leaders at every level of government have a responsibility to condemn violence and transnational repression, and as founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m proud to help lead the charge.

Attending Gurpurab with the Central Valley Sikh Community

This week I attended Gurpurab alongside Bakersfield Mayor, Karen Goh, to celebrate the birth of the first Sikh guru and founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. As the founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, it was an honor to be a part of their most significant religious festival. I’m always grateful for the chance to join our Sikh-American community members in celebrating their faith and the culture they bring to the Central Valley.

Team Valadao in the Valley

This week, Team Valadao joined community members to celebrate the California Water Institute’s 25th Anniversary, recognizing decades of leadership in sustainable water management and research. The team also attended the grand openings of Clinica Sierra Vista’s Specialty Services Center and the historic Woolworth Building in Bakersfield—celebrating expanded access to health care, local business growth, and the continued growth of our downtown. Later, staff attended the ribbon cutting for OACY’s new Technology Center.

Team Valadao also visited the Porterville Fire Department and toured its new four-story live burn training tower, designed to help firefighters safely practice real-life fire and rescue scenarios under controlled conditions. Staff later attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center, which will expand access to critical mental health services in the community. In Hanford, the team participated in the groundbreaking for the Kings County Library Hanford Branch, where they presented a certificate to Library Director, Tanya Russell.

Finally, Team Valadao was proud to attend the Special Olympics Southern California event, celebrating and empowering athletes with disabilities through sports and friendly competition.

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 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!

Ask David

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.

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

Moderate Democrats are looking for a shutdown negotiating partner. Their GOP counterparts told them to shove off

Valadao told MSNBC in a statement that, “as someone who has routinely pushed back against my own party during funding fights, it’s frustrating to see those who haven’t suddenly call for ‘good governance’ now.”

“I’m looking forward to working across the aisle to tackle rising health-care costs, but first we need to get the government back open,” Valadao said.