This week marked the start of the second session of the 119th Congress and the beginning of an exciting new year. As Congress gets back to work in Washington, my focus remains on delivering for the Central Valley.

This year, I'm committed to continuing to work toward improving access to quality, affordable health care, expanding educational opportunities for our kids, pushing for real reforms to our nation’s broken immigration system, supporting our agricultural producers, and strengthening water reliability.

It's truly an honor to represent the Central Valley in Washington, and I'm looking forward to a productive year!

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend and fellow farmer, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. I’ve known Doug for over 16 years, first serving alongside him in the State Legislature, where his steadfast commitment to the people of Northern California and our agricultural communities was evident every day. He dedicated his life to public service, always placing his constituents first and advancing the policies that strengthen our farms and families. Doug’s legacy of leadership, integrity, and service to his community will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. Terra and I are praying for his wife, Jill, as well as his children, Kyle, Allison, Sophia, Natalie, and all his friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, this week I voted in support of H.R. 6938 to advance the next three full-year funding bills. This package will help bolster our national security efforts, strengthen domestic energy production, and invest in public safety improvements. Importantly, I was proud to have secured key investments—totaling $14 million—for several critical water and infrastructure projects across the Central Valley.

From strengthening groundwater recharge and preventing land subsidence to replacing aging wells and water storage infrastructure, these funds will help safeguard our water supply, support our farmers and communities, and ensure continued access to clean water. Passing this funding package also brings us one step closer to completing our full-year funding bills, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue this important process.

To kick off the week, Team Valadao attended the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting to receive updates on upcoming legislation and key issues shaping the year ahead. The team then met with First 5 of Tulare County to discuss their continued efforts to support early childhood growth and development across the region. Following that meeting, my staff sat down with the Tulare County Association of Realtors President Maggie Sanchez to discuss how my office can support the association this year.

Later, my staff met with the Tulare County Office of Education Superintendent Tim Hire to review legislative priorities for the year and discuss the annual Congressional Art Competition. That afternoon, Team Valadao presented a Certificate of Recognition to AFC Urgent Care in celebration of its newest location, which will provide state-of-the-art care to the Bakersfield community. In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the team also attended an event hosted by the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking to present a certificate honoring their ongoing work to protect victims and raise awareness of this critical issue. The day concluded with a meeting between my staff and Kern County District 4 representatives to receive updates on county projects and ensure district priorities remain on track for the new year.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao presented a Certificate of Recognition celebrating Toucan Trolley’s Golden Empire Transit (GET) program, which provides accessible, on-demand public transportation for Bakersfield residents. The team then met with McFarland School District Superintendent Aaron Resendez to provide a legislative update and discuss the district’s priorities for 2026. Later that day in Arvin and Lamont, Team Valadao met with community leaders to receive federal inquiries, legislative briefings, and updates on community projects. On Thursday, my staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for XOL Lounge and presented a Certificate of Recognition.

Team Valadao wrapped up the week on Friday by recognizing members of the World Mission Society Church of God for their lifesaving blood donations. The Fresno event brought together approximately 168 volunteers from across the district and neighboring communities. To close out the week, my staff met with McFarland City Manager Diego Viramontes to discuss the city’s upcoming initiatives, projects, and legislative priorities for the year ahead. 

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!

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.  

I'll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you updated on my work in Congress. Make sure to sign up for regular updates and follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with my work.