Thank you to everyone who took the time to join my telephone town hall this week! It was a productive and engaging conversation, where we covered a wide range of important issues that impact the Central Valley community. I really value the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, hear your perspectives, and address your concerns firsthand. Your participation is what makes these conversations meaningful and effective, and I’m looking forward to our next town hall. 

Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend our nation, and they shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to access the benefits they’ve earned. Unfortunately, outdated systems at the VA are causing unnecessary delays that create real hardships for both veterans and their families. To speed up disability claims, the VA has used automation tools like AI to draft letters and gather documents. But that same technology hasn’t been applied to other types of claims, such as pensions or survivors’ benefits. This has led to growing backlogs and, in some cases, missed benefits altogether. That’s why I was proud to see my bill, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act, pass the House of Representatives this week.

This legislation requires the VA to expand the use of automation tools, ensure documents are properly labeled in the system, and improve coordination between offices. It also directs the VA to use these tools for pensions and survivors’ benefits so families aren’t left behind. By improving coordination across the VA and other federal agencies, we can also reduce overpayments and prevent families from being hit with unexpected debt notices. House passage of my bill is an important step to expand automation tools, streamline the process, and ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get it across the finish line.

Access to quality education is one of the most important issues facing Central Valley families and that begins with early childhood education. Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction when they file taxes, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot. This week, I addressed this issue by joining a bipartisan delegation to introduce the Supporting Early Childhood Educators Deductions Act. This bill would expand the educator expense deduction to help early childhood educators cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials. No teacher should have to choose between paying out of pocket or providing basic classroom needs, and this legislation ensures childhood educators can focus on teaching the next generation rather than worrying about costs.

Both the House and Senate must pass all appropriations bills by September 30th, or a Continuing Resolution (CR) is needed to keep the government running. So far, the House has passed three appropriations bills, with nine more still pending. Government shutdowns are unproductive, cost billions, and disrupt services Americans depend on. That's why I voted in support of a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open while Congress works on long-term funding bills. This bill funds the government at current levels through November 21, 2025, extends expiring health care programs, and allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue providing food assistance to low-income women, children, and infants. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I'll keep working to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

On Tuesday I met with representatives from the Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO) to discuss the positive impact the Head Start program has on Central Valley families. They shared updates on the important work they do and spoke about ways to further invest in our communities and families.  I’m proud to be a continued advocate for Head Start and look forward to our continued conversations.

When our service members are called to deploy, they often leave on short notice with little time to gather even the most basic necessities. Once in the field, access to these essentials can be limited, but the United Service Organization (USO) Care Package Program provides free packages with toiletries, snacks, drink mixes, and other gear to deployed service members. On Thursday, I joined the USO for their Care Package Assembly Project on Capitol Hill, where I helped assemble toiletry kits for those serving abroad. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support this effort and to honor the dedication of our men and women in uniform.

On Saturday, Team Valadao attended the Trees of Honor Ceremony at Historic Union Cemetery, where they tied pink ribbons on trees to remember the lives lost to cancer—a moving tribute to families across the Valley touched by this disease.

On Monday, my staff celebrated the grand opening of Stone Hair Dry Bar in Downtown Bakersfield, presenting a certificate to welcome them to our small business community. That same day, my staff met with the North Kern Tulare Hospital District’s new General Manager, Jahaziel Flores, to talk about protecting access to care for our most vulnerable neighbors, before attending the Tulare Leadership Reception.

On Tuesday, my team met with the Porterville Irrigation District to discuss USDA recovery assistance and local water management challenges, and with the Central Valley Salinity Coalition to highlight the importance of federal support for water quality and nitrate control systems.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao participated in the Water Blueprint Board of Directors Meeting to track major water policy issues. Later, they joined the Kings County Behavioral Health Walk of Hope, presenting a certificate to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

On Thursday, my staff attended the Kern County Fair Person of the Year Dinner to honor Ralph Mendes with a letter of recognition. They also celebrated the ribbon cutting for Sequoia Little Oaks and met with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Alta Mira Chapter to learn more about their work and discuss how our office can support their efforts. In Hanford, they joined local leaders at the Council Corner Meeting to discuss public safety upgrades, participated in the Kings Partnership General Meeting to highlight programs supporting youth and suicide prevention, and attended the Sierra Hills Wall of Honor unveiling—a powerful tribute to veterans and their families.

Finally on Friday, Team Valadao met with Sandra Cuadros, a Family Connection Advisor in Hanford and Lemoore, to learn more about the services available to support local families.

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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