Farmers in the Central Valley produce a quarter of our nation’s food with less than one percent of our nation’s farmland. In the last 10 years, Chinese ownership of U.S.  farmland has increased from $81 million to over $1.8 billion. Increased ownership of U.S. farmland by foreign adversaries like China is an alarmingly growing trend that poses a risk to our national and economic security. 

We cannot sit by while China strategically purchases the rich land in our own backyard, jeopardizing our nation’s food security and giving China control over our food supply. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People's Republic of China Act, which will ensure American farms are kept out of the hands of our adversaries. 

I’m proud to once again be joining the Congressional Hispanic Conference in the House of Representatives. This group is united in addressing issues that affect not only Hispanics but all Americans – from rising fuel costs to immigration. I look forward to working with co-chairs Rep. Tony Gonzalez of Texas and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida to enhance the needs of our Hispanic communities.

This week, I received my committee assignments for the 118^th Congress. I will continue serving on the House Committee on Appropriations – the committee responsible for funding the federal government and determining how American tax dollars are spent. In addition to the House Committee on Appropriations, I’ve also been appointed to the House Committee on Budget.

Serving on both the budget and appropriations committees gives the Central Valley a seat at the table in determining how your tax dollars are spent – a responsibility I do not take lightly. I look forward to working in the Republican majority to return to regular order and get our fiscal house in order.

It was great answering your questions during my first Telephone Town Hall of the new year. We discussed many topics important to the Central Valley – from everyone’s out-of-control energy bills to the need to expand water storage.  

If you couldn't join this time, sign up here to make sure you don't miss the next one. If I didn't get to your question during the call, I encourage you to send me your questions or comments by sending me a message on my website. 

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