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!

Ensuring a Proper Burial for Unclaimed Fallen Veterans

When a veteran lays down their life in service to our nation, we owe them dignity and respect in death. Across the United States, there are thousands of unclaimed veterans' remains sitting in funeral home shelves collecting dust, and in many cases, they have no next-of-kin willing or able to claim them. This week, I introduced the Locating Our Unclaimed Veterans Act to fix this issue.

This bill would create a centralized identification system at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help locate and collect the unclaimed remains of deceased veterans. Ahead of Memorial Day, I'm proud to help ensure our fallen heroes are finally laid to rest with the honor they deserve.

Restoring Ownership of Historic Land to Tulare County

More than 150 years ago, two parcels of lands in Tulare County were set aside for railroad construction that never occurred. After years of these parcels sitting empty, the county received permission to build Tulare Skate Park and the historic Tulare Women's Club. For decades, these have been important community spaces, but outdated ownership restrictions have prevented the county from making long-overdue improvements. That's why I introduced the Tulare Youth Recreation and Women's History Enhancement Act this week alongside Congressman Vince Fong.

This bill would authorize the sale of these parcels from Union Pacific Railroad to Tulare County so the Tulare Skate Park and historic Tulare Women's Club can be properly upgraded for future generations. I appreciate Union Pacific's partnership in helping move this solution forward, and I look forward to seeing these sites continue to serve Tulare families and preserve the community's history for years to come.

Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act

Protecting Central Valley Agriculture from Invasive Pests

Earlier this week, I hosted representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for a discussion and detector dog demonstration. Agriculture is incredibly important in the Central Valley, and it's critical we protect our crops, livestock, and food supply from invasive pests and diseases. When people go to the airport, they've probably seen detector dogs working alongside federal inspectors, but many don't know these dogs are specifically trained to protect our food supply from invasive insects, parasites, and plant diseases—including New World Screwworm. It was great to learn more about the important work APHIS is doing to ensure our nation's food security.

Reducing Unnecessary Spending

After months of hard work preparing the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch funding bill as committee chairman, I was proud to see it advance this week. This bill ensures Congress has the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people while also reducing unnecessary spending and refocusing our priorities on core responsibilities. Importantly, it ensures the historic Capitol complex remains safe and accessible for Members and staff, as well as students, families, and visitors from across the country. I look forward to building on this momentum as this bill continues to move through the legislative process.

Discussing the Farm Bill with the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association

I had a great meeting with local representatives from the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association this week. We spoke about important provisions included in the 2026 Farm Bill, including changes to Specialty Crop Block Grants. Tree nuts play a key role in the Central Valley agricultural industry, and I enjoyed hearing firsthand from some of our growers.

Team Valadao in the Valley

This week, Team Valadao presented a Congressional Record to Jim Morehead, the 2026 Farmer of the Year, and toured their almond farm in Pixley. The team also visited the Tulare Fire Department, met with the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and delivered a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to the Happy Trails Riding Academy. My staff also attended the Kings County Homelessness Collaborative Meeting to receive updates on the County’s approach to homelessness and shelter operations. Later, they met with Valley Children’s Hospital Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Tim Curley, and toured Fresno State Campus.

My staff met with Tulare County Museum Curator Amy King and visited the Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Council to learn more about the Lisa Project. They toured the Tulare County Law Library and met with California Highway Patrol Captain Scott Goddard to discuss keeping commuters safe. Throughout the week, Team Valadao presented Certificates of Recognition at military banner ceremonies in Lindsay, Tulare, and Porterville to honor the service and sacrifice of our armed forces, then met with the Porterville Deputy City Manager Donnie Moore. My staff also spoke at the California Cotton Grinners and Growers Annual Meeting during the World Ag Expo to provide an update on my work in Congress.

The team met with Lamont Elementary School District Superintendent Brandy Charles, Sergeant Ryan Sorrow of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Lamont Substation, and the Vineland School District Board, where they presented Certificates of Recognition to students who were reclassified as proficient English speakers. Staff also attended Kern Community College District’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration and later met with Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton for a public safety update. Team Valadao also presented Certificates of Recognition to The Beautiful Life Hair and Makeup Company for its ten-year anniversary and grand reopening, as well as to teachers from Wasco Union Elementary School District during their Celebration of Education event. To close out the week, my staff met with Wasco City Manager Scott Hurlbert, toured Mulch Master, and attended the Friant Water Authority Annual Meeting.

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 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

Hope for new moms in baby bonus bill

Rep. David Valadao’s (R-CA) Supporting Newborn Parents Act offers a strong, practical starting point. This bipartisan legislation would establish a $2,000 newborn tax credit for working parents. But unlike other tax credits, the help is immediate and accessible.