I had a great meeting this week with California State University leadership. President Harper from CSU Bakersfield shared the university’s plans for a new hands-on agronomy program training students in soil management and crop production to help grow the agriculture workforce in Kern County. We also spoke about the importance of Federal Pell Grants that support underserved students across the Central Valley. I’m proud to support Hispanic Serving Institutions like CSU Bakersfield and applaud their efforts to provide local students with the resources they need for successful futures.

On Thursday, I met with Blake Zante, Executive Director of the Maddy Institute. The Maddy Institute is a public policy partnership program that works with colleges throughout the San Joaquin Valley to connect students with internships at the local, state, and federal levels. For years, I’ve hosted several of their interns in my Washington, D.C. office and look forward to continuing to support the program. 

This week, I met with Jason Hinson, Executive Director of Government Relations at Fresno State University. We discussed their newest investment, The Forge, which is an innovation hub for advancements in engineering, ag-tech, and biotech. It's encouraging to see the university launching initiatives that equip students with practical, career-ready skills. I look forward to continuing our partnership to help ensure the next generation is well-prepared to enter the workforce. 

As Co-Chair of the Armenian Caucus, it was an honor to deliver remarks this week to recognize Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. On this day, we remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were murdered and displaced by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. As we remember the victims, we also recommit ourselves to action. The current aggression, human rights abuses, and forced displacement of Armenians in Artsakh by the Government of Azerbaijan are a direct violation of international agreements, and we cannot turn a blind eye. I’m honored to stand with the Central Valley Armenian community on this solemn day and remain committed to continuing to be an advocate for the cause.

As Co-Chair of the UXO/Demining Caucus, I was honored to speak at this year’s Mine Awareness Day event. In too many places, communities are still living in fear of landmines and unexploded munitions left behind from conflicts decades ago. Humanitarian demining is an essential part of U.S. foreign policy, and it was great to hear from industry partners about the work being done to address this threat. 

This week, Team Valadao joined the Sons of the American Revolution Kern County Chapter at their America 250 Celebration and Liberty Tree rededication ceremony. The team delivered Certificates of Recognition for Downtown Elementary School’s awards assembly, honoring students for their academic excellence. They also joined JJ’s Legacy’s panel of judges for their Got the Dot Leadership Program Project, where students shared their efforts to promote organ donation awareness. Later, my staff met with SB Energy to receive updates on the 500-acre Angela Storage and Solar Project to bring renewable energy to Alpaugh. My staff also met with the American Federation of Government Employees to discuss federal regulations.

Later in the week, my staff attended meetings with the Kings County and Kern County Board of Supervisors. At the Tulare County Office of Education’s 17th Annual Legislative Event, community leaders discussed the importance of student health and how it impacts education outcomes. The team also met with the Kings County Area Public Transit Authority and the Kings County Association of Governments to tour transit facilities in Hanford and discuss ways my office can support expanded transit services. They also presented Certificates of Recognition at the Toys for Tots ribbon cutting and the Kiwanis Club Lindsay’s Orange Blossom Festival Queen’s Luncheon. 

To wrap up the week, my staff attended the Porterville Unified School District Electric School Bus Summit, where students and community members previewed a future facility. At the Unitek College and Sierra View Medical Center BSN Graduation and RN Pinning Ceremony, the team presented Certificates of Recognition to the graduates. They also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Padres Unidos De Kern at their ribbon cutting and a Congressional Record Statement to Houchin Community Blood Bank for their 75th Anniversary. The team ended the week attending the 2026 Association of Kern County Nurse Leaders’ RN of the Year Award Program, celebrating the dedication and contributions of nurses across the region.

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!

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