Last weekend the Central Valley community received heartbreaking news that Captain Mark Eads of the Kings County Fire Department tragically passed away in the line of duty. For over 20 years, Captain Eads dedicated himself to protecting and serving the Kings County community. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.

This week, the House passed my bill, the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act (H.R. 836) with bipartisan support. This legislation expands the use of enhanced aerial firefighting systems to combat wildfires more effectively. Just last month, one of California’s most destructive wildfires devastated L.A. County, underscoring the urgent need for better firefighting technology. When disaster strikes, we must have the best tools available to minimize damage and protect our communities. The Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act directs the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Interior to evaluate the use of Containerized Aerial Firefighting System which would increase the number of aircrafts available and allow for 24-hour operations with higher container altitudes.

The United States has a zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking, yet recent reports show that federal agencies are failing to prevent trafficking within government contracts. American taxpayers should have full confidence that their tax dollars are never linked to trafficking. On Wednesday, I took action by introducing the Ensuring Accountability and Dignity in Government Contracting Act. This legislation would close existing loopholes and strengthen oversight to ensure contractors comply with anti-trafficking law. Read more about this bill here.

Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have access to the benefits and services they’ve earned. Sadly, too many disabled veterans in the Central Valley face unnecessary obstacles, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a duty to make sure resources are fully accessible. This week, I introduced the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, which would give disabled veterans a direct voice in decisions about accessibility. This would require the VA to create an advisory committee focused on improving access to VA benefits, services, and facilities for those with mobility impairments and hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and this bill ensures the VA will prioritize their needs and meet its obligations. You can read more here.

While I was at work in Washington this week, Team Valadao was out in the Central Valley connecting with the community. On Tuesday my staff presented a certificate to the Kings County Board of Supervisors recognizing January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking awareness month. On Thursday my team was present at the monthly Kern County Honor Flight breakfast. 

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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