This week, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities and outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense. 

The FY24 NDAA gives our troops the largest pay increase in 20 years and provides our military with the equipment, resources, and training needed to effectively protect the United States against our adversaries. We still have work to do to get this bill across the finish line, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to strengthen the FY24 NDAA through the conference process.

We need to make it easier for young people to enter the agriculture industry to ensure the Valley ag economy remains strong. That’s why I’m proud to be supporting H.R. 3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which will expand crop insurance access for new farmers & ensure the Central Valley is able to feed the world for generations to come.

This week, I had the chance to meet with Bronson and Seth during Tuesday's Children "Bring Our Children to Work Day". Tuesday's Children was formed in the aftermath of 9/11 and offers support and opportunities for families following a loss due to mass violence, terrorism, or military service. 

We got to spend some time in my office talking about dairy farming, getting involved in public service, and even some sports. I had a great time meeting them and I know they both have a bright future ahead.

If you were impacted by the storms and flooding in the Valley earlier this year, you are still eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is JULY 20, 2023.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply or call 800-621-3362. 

Si fue afectado por las tormentas y las inundaciones en el Valle a principios de este año, aún tiene oportunidad para solicitar asistencia federal por desastre. La fecha límite para aplicar es el 20 de julio de 2023.

Visite DisasterAssistance.gov para presentar una solicitud o llame al 800-621-3362

This week, I was honored to be recognized by the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) as one of Congress’ Champions of Healthcare Innovation. I also stopped by a few booths at their Innovation Expo to learn more about the technology being used to support better health outcomes in our community.

We must give states and localities the tools to increase transparency in the way they conduct elections so people have confidence in the votes they cast. Last year, I held an Election Integrity Roundtable with leaders and experts in Kern County to discuss the growing distrust in American elections and commonsense reforms we could enact to reverse that trend. 

I take this issue very seriously, which is why I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 4563, the American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act. This legislation will enact many of the same commonsense reforms discussed at our roundtable - such as requiring an ID to vote and annual maintenance of voter lists - to ensure faith in our elections. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this bill through the House. 

Our question this week comes from Bill from Bakersfield. He asks:

"I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on the U.S. supporting Ukraine." 

Thank you for your question, Bill.

I know people have differing views on the extent and duration of U.S. assistance to Ukraine. It’s my belief that supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities now prevents American troops from being involved later. If Putin wins in Ukraine, it is unlikely he stops there. Countries like Moldova and Georgia could be invaded next, and if Russia invaded a NATO ally such as Poland or Romania, the United States would be legally obligated to defend those countries under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. This is a scenario we should avoid, and one of the ways to do that is to take preventative action by continuing to support Ukraine’s efforts now.  

Sending U.S. dollars and military equipment now is the best way to prevent a larger war involving American troops on the ground.

While I continue to support sending the necessary military assistance to Ukraine, it’s also important that there is proper oversight of these dollars. The NDAA, which passed the House this week, establishes a new Special Inspector General for Ukraine Security Assistance to conduct oversight and audits of all aid provided to Ukraine by the United States.

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!

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