Valadao, David RSS Articles

Congress Continues to Tackle Economic Issues, But We Can’t Forget About Immigration

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Whether I’m home in the Central Valley or working in Washington, affordability is one of the biggest concerns I hear from families.

They feel it every time they buy groceries, fill up their gas tank, pay the mortgage, or see a doctor. Despite this daily reality, Sacramento politicians continue to make life more expensive.

Look no further than the latest gas tax increase, which took effect on July 1 and raised the state’s excise tax to 63.4 cents per gallon, or the new state health tax, which could increase annual health insurance premiums for families by hundreds of dollars.

While Democrats in the super majority in Sacramento keep raising costs, Republicans in Congress are focused on policy solutions that deliver real relief.

Last year, I helped Congress pass the largest tax reform bill in a decade, preventing the biggest tax hike in American history, expanding deductions, and helping families keep more of their hard-earned money. We’ve already seen the positive effects of this legislation, with 2026 filing data showing the largest tax refunds for families in years.

I’m also proud to have worked with my colleagues across the aisle to make it easier to build housing, expand domestic energy production, support small businesses, and lower healthcare costs for all Americans.

A recent national poll conducted by the LIBRE Institute found that while the economy remains a top concern for Hispanic Americans, nearly nine out of ten also believe our legal immigration system needs to be fixed.

That reflects conversations I’ve had with families, farmers, employers, and workers throughout the Central Valley. People want the opportunity to work hard, keep more of what they earn, and build their own American Dream.

That’s why I believe meaningful immigration reform should be part of a larger strategy to strengthen our economy and put more money back in people’s pockets.

But if Congress is serious about making life more affordable, we must fix our broken immigration system.

The Central Valley’s economy depends on agriculture, construction, and hospitality—all industries that need a stable, legal workforce. When employers can’t find enough workers, crops go unharvested, projects are delayed, supply chains tighten, and businesses face higher costs.

These are realities that I understand firsthand.

When input costs for producers go up, we see higher prices for everyday goods. A functioning legal immigration system helps keep our economy moving and makes it easier to bring costs down.

That’s why I helped introduce the DIGNITY Act, which strengthens border security by increasing mandatory funding for border control while also creating an earned pathway to legal work status for Dreamers and other long-term undocumented residents who meet strict requirements. This bipartisan bill does not grant amnesty to those who broke the law by entering or staying in the country illegally, but instead creates a process for those peacefully living in and contributing to continue to do so with an appropriate work visa.

The bill reinforces the principle that America is a nation of laws while also giving people who work hard, have no criminal record, and have contributed to our communities for years the opportunity to right past wrongs and participate in the American Dream.

That approach is already earning support here at home. Huron, Kerman, and other Central Valley communities have already passed resolutions supporting the DIGNITY Act, joining more than 100 organizations nationwide that recognize immigration reform is essential to strengthening our economy.

While long-term legal status is an important part of the solution, we also need reliable temporary worker programs. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I was proud to co-sponsor the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act—one of the most significant overhauls of the H-2A farm labor visa system in nearly forty years.

This bipartisan bill updates a system built for seasonal agriculture to ensure it works for year-round industries, creates predictable wage requirements, and provides producers with the workforce certainty needed to invest in future operations. A reliable workforce means stable production and affordable food for Central Valley families when they visit the grocery store.

Reasonable immigration reform is no longer just an idea in Washington. Both the DIGNITY Act and Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act have built broad bipartisan support because many lawmakers recognize that a functioning, legal immigration system strengthens our economy and helps bring costs down for working families across the nation.

Central Valley families don’t expect every problem to be solved overnight, but they do expect their elected leaders to work together and deliver results. That means lowering taxes, cutting unnecessary regulations, securing our border, and fixing our broken immigration system.

Sacramento politicians may continue to increase the cost of living, but I’ll keep working in Washington to advance commonsense policies that make life more affordable for the families I represent.

Read the Op-Ed in the San Joaquin Valley Sun

Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Increase Transparency in Agricultural Imports

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Rooting Out Mislabeled Agriculture (ROMA) Act alongside Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Rouzer (NC-07), Jim Costa (CA-20), James Gallagher (CA-01), and Don Davis (NC-01). This bipartisan bill would strengthen efforts to prevent low-quality foreign-grown tomatoes from entering the U.S. marketplace illegally through mislabeled blended imported tomato products by authorizing the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to use isotopic testing to verify the country of origin.

China is a major producer of processing tomatoes, with significant production occurring in regions linked to serious forced-labor concerns. Chinese tomato products also face longstanding concerns over quality and food safety, including reports of rotting tomatoes and undeclared fillers that would not meet the standards required of U.S. products. Recent investigations in Europe have further exposed how Chinese tomato paste can be diverted through international supply chains and deceptively marketed as Italian or otherwise obscured in origin. This practice makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to know where their tomato products actually come from—and whether the quality and safety of those products match what is advertised.

“Our Central Valley tomato growers and processors work hard to provide a safe, high-quality product, and they shouldn’t have to compete with foreign imports that are mislabeled or misrepresented,” said Congressman Valadao. “In recent years, low-quality tomatoes grown in China have been found in products like tomato paste, allowing bad actors to skirt U.S. trade and forced-labor laws and making it harder for consumers to know what they’re buying. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan ROMA Act, which would give USDA and Customs and Border Protection a science-based tool to verify the origin of imported tomato products and better enforce the laws already on the books. This is a commonsense solution that will close a gap in our current system, protect the integrity of our agricultural supply chain, and ensure consumers know what they’re buying.”

"My district grows the best processing tomatoes in the world, and American consumers deserve to know that when a tomato product is labeled as American, it is actually made from tomatoes grown here in the United State,” said Congressman Thompson. “Our farmers and processors should not be undercut by foreign products that are blended, mislabeled, or used to evade our trade and forced-labor laws. This legislation will give USDA the tools to develop the scientific fingerprint needed to verify where tomatoes are grown, protect our farmers and domestic producers, and give consumers confidence that 'Made in America' means exactly that."

“American farmers work hard to grow a safe, reliable tomato supply,” said Congressman Rouzer. “We cannot allow China and other bad actors to profit by disguising foreign-grown food products as American goods. This fraud undermines North Carolina growers, deceives consumers, and breaks our laws. The ROMA Act will help end this practice, strengthen our laws, and protect the American farmers who grow our food.”

“American growers should not have to compete with mislabeled imports or products made with forced labor,” said Congressman Costa. “The ROMA Act will help protect hardworking tomato growers in the San Joaquin Valley and across the country by ensuring a fair and level playing field.”

“American farmers shouldn’t have to compete against Chinese products sneaking into our markets under a phony label,” said Congressman Gallagher. “If it was grown in China, consumers deserve to know it was grown in China. The ROMA Act gives us a new tool to expose where these products actually come from so American growers aren’t getting cheated.”

“As one of the nation’s leading tomato-producing states, North Carolina has a real stake in making sure our agricultural markets are transparent and fair. The ROMA Act would support research to better identify the origin of imported tomato products, strengthen transparency, and help ensure North Carolina growers can compete on a level playing field,” said Congressman Davis. “North Carolina farmers work hard every day to grow quality products and bring them to market. They deserve a fair opportunity to compete, and consumers and businesses deserve to know where the products they buy come from.”

“The Rooting Out Mislabeled Agriculture Act gives California processing tomato growers a powerful new tool to fight fraud in the marketplace. By creating a scientific, isotopic fingerprint for our crop, this bill helps ensure that products labeled as U.S.-grown tomatoes actually are — protecting our growers, processors, and consumers alike. This will ensure that imported tomatoes entering our market are what they claim to be,” said Mike Montna, President and CEO, California Tomato Growers Association.

Background:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has increasingly explored isotopic testing as a way to verify the origin of agricultural products. This technology analyzes naturally occurring elements in food to create a geographic “fingerprint” that can help identify where a product was grown. Research has shown that isotopic testing can distinguish tomatoes from different regions, including China and Italy, even after the tomatoes have been processed into paste and other products. The ROMA Act would build on this existing technology by directing the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to create and maintain a database of isotopic signatures for processing tomatoes. The bill would also support additional research to improve testing methods and require coordination with CBP to determine how the database can be used to strengthen import inspections and verify the origin of imported tomato products.

Read the bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Supports Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen 988 Mental Health Crisis Response

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Kim Schrier (WA-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Adam Smith (WA-09) to introduce the 988 Crisis Response Act. This bipartisan legislation would help fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources.

“Across the Central Valley, mobile crisis response teams work alongside law enforcement to respond to individuals in crisis, deescalate difficult situations, and connect people with vital mental health services,” said Congressman Valadao. “I know how deeply personal and impactful this work is for our community, which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the 988 Crisis Response Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen federal support for mobile crisis response teams and the broader crisis care continuum, helping ensure these critical services remain available to those who need them most.”

“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how severe our youth and adult mental health crisis has become,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is so important that when our family members, loved ones, and neighbors are in crisis, they can get immediate help. Mobile crisis response teams, with licensed counselors, physicians, crisis workers, and paramedics, dispatched by 988 save lives, deescalate dangerous situations, and keep us all safe. We need to make sure these teams are always available for every American as a reliable resource when our community members need help.”

“A mental health crisis does not wait for business hours, and a family asking for help should never be left wondering whether anyone will come,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “For years, I have worked with families, first responders, providers, and advocates who understand that the right intervention at the right moment can change the course of a life. The 988 Lifeline gave Americans a number to call; now we must make certain there is a strong system of care ready to answer that call. Our bipartisan 988 Crisis Response Act will help communities put trained professionals on the ground, strengthen crisis stabilization services, and ensure that when someone reaches out in their most vulnerable hour, help is not merely promised—it arrives.”

“When someone has a mental health crisis, they deserve timely, comprehensive treatment — not just a trip to an overcrowded emergency room,” said Congressman Smith. "I've witnessed the important work of our mobile crisis response teams and broader behavioral health workforce in King County, and I appreciate their dedication to providing critical care to our community's most vulnerable. This bill will provide the reliable funding needed to strengthen these teams and help expand this model of care nationwide. Everyone deserves the right help, in the right setting, at the right time. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this effort.”

The 988 Crisis Response Act would:

Authorize $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers.
Make permanent the 85% federal matching assistance percentage (FMAP) for mobile crisis response teams and expand the FMAP to crisis call centers and crisis stabilizing and receiving facilities, ensuring Medicaid financing for all three pillars of the crisis care continuum.

If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 988.

Read the full bill here.

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Valadao, Fong Condemn California State Water Resources Control Board’s Bay-Delta Plan Bait and Switch

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) released the following statement criticizing the State Water Resources Control Board Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan:

“In 2022, after years of negotiations, California’s public water agencies came together in good faith and agreed on a science-based path forward for the Bay-Delta. Four years later, the State Water Board has walked away from that agreement and moved the goalposts. Central Valley families are the ones who will pay the price for this bait and switch.

“An unelected board in Sacramento is once again telling farmers, workers, and businesses that their water needs come last. Water districts and communities across California need certainty, not shifting rules that guarantee years of delay and litigation. Higher costs and more regulation are not the answer. While the federal government is working to deliver more water to Californians, the State Water Board keeps finding new ways to take it away. The Board must stop jeopardizing California’s water supply and deliver a viable path forward.”

After years of negotiations, California's public water agencies established a science-based path forward for the Bay-Delta in 2022, which was supported by public water agencies across the state, the California Secretary of Natural Resources, the California Secretary for Environmental Protection, and the Bureau of Reclamation through a Memorandum of Understanding. Unfortunately, the State Water Resources Control Board has disregarded the agreed upon plan and produced a flawed product that fundamentally undermines what parties negotiated for years in good faith.

The new plan, released on August 19, 2026, changes how water contributions are counted, reduces the credit water users receive for commitments already made, and removes the limits on future demands — leaving more uncertainty than when negotiations began.

The Central Valley is the food production capital of the nation, growing nearly a quarter of the food on Americans' tables. Without reliable water resources, the foundation of our region's economy and the entire nation's food supply is at risk.

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Valadao, Gallagher Urge Governor Newsom to Prioritize Affordability Over More Regulations

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to immediately direct the California Energy Commission (CEC) to withdraw its proposed Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). The proposed regulation would restrict consumers to purchase only replacement tires that meet CEC's unfounded climate goals. It would also dramatically reduce the choices available to California drivers, eliminating 70 percent of current tire offerings in the state by 2033 and significantly increasing costs.

Congressmen Valadao and Gallagher were joined in the letter by Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Vince Fong (CA-20), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Ken Calvert (CA-41), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

“Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and instead of working to give people some relief, the Newsom Administration is making things worse,” said Congressman Valadao. “Last month, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved a harmful regulation that will severely limit consumer choice and raise costs for replacement tires. Governor Newsom is advancing a misguided policy in the name of unproven climate goals that will make driving less efficient, less safe, and more expensive. I’m proud to lead this letter alongside Congressman Gallagher and our California colleagues urging his administration to withdraw this rule as soon as possible.”

“Californians are already getting hammered by the cost of living, and now Sacramento wants to tell them what tires they can buy. Give me a break,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Families should be able to choose the tires that work best for their car and their budget without Gavin Newsom and unelected regulators making that decision for them. I’m proud to join Congressman Valadao in telling the Governor to put the brakes on this ridiculous mandate.”

This letter comes one month after the California Energy Commission (CEC) unanimously finalized its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP). While this regulation will directly impact California drivers, its consequences could extend far beyond the state’s borders, as increased manufacturing and production costs are likely to drive up prices for consumers nationwide.

“These added expenses come at a time when Californians are already struggling with the high cost of living,” the letter states. “From housing and transportation to insurance, gas, and food, prices have increased substantially under your administration. By materially increasing the cost of replacement tires, the proposed standards would impose hundreds of dollars in new upfront expenses—costs that disproportionately affect working families, rural residents, seniors on fixed incomes, and lower-income households that often have longer commutes and fewer transportation alternatives.”

The lawmakers urge Governor Newsom to prioritize common sense and affordability over arbitrary climate goals.

“California has banned 70 percent of tires that don’t meet performance standards, a mandate that exists nowhere else in the country,” said Rep. Kiley. “By some estimates, Californians will have to pay hundreds of dollars more, and these tires will wear out quicker, which means people will have to buy more expensive tires and buy them more often. Californians simply cannot afford this when the cost of living is already the highest in the country. Governor Newsom and the California Legislature must reverse this absurd proposal.”

"Consumers know what is best for them. Government interference will lead to higher costs for already overtaxed and over regulated Californians," said Rep. McClintock.

"California is facing an energy crisis, with two refineries closing, nearly 20% of refining capacity disappearing, and families already paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation,” said Rep. Fong. “Yet instead of fixing their failed energy policies, Sacramento Democrats are micromanaging the tires Californians can buy. This regulation would eliminate 70% of current tire options and impose hundreds of dollars in new costs on drivers. At a time when families and businesses are struggling with rising costs, Californians need more affordable choices — not another costly Sacramento mandate."

“This proposed regulation is a clear overreach that will hurt Californians by increasing costs and limiting consumer choice,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Drivers should not be forced to pay more for replacement tires based on theoretical fuel savings that may never materialize. The CEC should immediately withdraw this misguided rule.”

“California families are already struggling with some of the highest costs in the nation, yet Sacramento continues to regulate nearly every part of their daily lives, from the gas they put in their cars to the tires they put on them,” said Rep. Kim. “Californians want more options and lower prices. They don’t need politicians regulating the shirts off their backs and the tires off their cars. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting this misguided mandate and standing up for consumer choice.”

“The Californians who already pay the highest gas prices in the country, the highest housing prices in the country, the highest taxes in the country, and highest energy costs in the country simply cannot afford to also pay the highest tire prices in the country,” said Rep. Calvert.

“California’s leaders continue to choose partisan climate politics over economic opportunity and consumer choice,” said Rep. Issa. “California’s latest scheme – the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program – isn’t about “efficiency” at all – but enlarging the state’s regulatory reach at the expense of common-sense energy policies.”

Read the full letter here.

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Valadao, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Improve Federal Coordination and Reduce Flood Risks

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) to introduce the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act. This bipartisan bill would establish a coordinated federal program to improve the understanding of flood risks, advance more effective mitigation and resilience measures, and reduce the loss of life and property caused by flooding. The legislation is modeled on the success of the bipartisan National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP), which brings together public and private sector partners to coordinate emergency response and supports the research, development, and implementation of lifesaving earthquake risk reduction and safety measures.

“Central Valley families and farmers know firsthand the devastating impact flooding can have on our communities, like we saw when Tulare Lake flooded in 2023,” said Congressman Valadao. “Instead of just reacting after a disaster strikes, it’s important we take proactive steps to reduce damage before the next flood. I’m proud to join Rep. Beyer in introducing the bipartisan National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act to improve flood forecasting, strengthen infrastructure, promote better flood management and protections, and support federal coordination to help keep the Central Valley safe and resilient from these natural disasters.”

“Communities across the country, including here in Northern Virginia, have experienced firsthand how disruptive and destructive flooding can be – but these losses are not inevitable. We have the expertise and resources necessary to save lives and prevent severe damage,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress successfully established a coordinated federal program to reduce earthquake risk, and we should bring that same proven model to improve flood resilience. Our bill would strengthen coordination between the public and private sectors to ensure that our communities have the information and tools they need to prepare before the next flood.”

Background:

In the Central Valley, heavy storms and runoff can place significant pressure on local flood-control systems, threaten homes and agricultural land, and disrupt essential infrastructure. As weather patterns and development continue to change, having accurate information about flood risks and investing in mitigation measures is critical. The bipartisan National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act creates the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Program which would improve flood-risk mapping and data collection, support research into flood mitigation and resilience, and provide grants and technical assistance to state and local governments to encourage adoption of safety measures. This bill would also improve coordination between federal agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to improve the information available to communities preparing for future natural disasters.

Read the bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Recognizes Central Valley Producers During National Farmers Market Week

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced a bipartisan resolution designating August 2–8, 2026, as National Farmers Market Week alongside Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01). This resolution honors the critical role farmers markets play in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, helping people better understand the realities of farming and ranching.

Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the companion resolution in the Senate.

“The Central Valley grows a quarter of our nation’s food on less than one percent of America’s farmland, yet too many people living in urban areas don’t realize what it takes to get food from field to table,” said Congressman Valadao. “Farmers markets provide a valuable opportunity to connect people with the hardworking producers who feed our nation, and they highlight the important role agriculture plays in our communities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Farmers Market Week and honoring the contributions of our CA-22 producers working to support food access, bolster local economies, promote healthy living, and foster sustainable farming.”

“Farmers markets have been a cherished tradition in communities across America for generations. A quarter of Maine farms sell directly to consumers, with more than 100 farmers markets currently operating in our state,” said Congresswoman Pingree, a longtime organic farmer and co-chair of both the Organic Caucus and the Food Recovery Caucus. “By connecting local growers with their communities, farmers markets not only help put healthy food on the table, but also strengthen local economies and help preserve Maine’s agricultural traditions for future generations. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution reminds us that, in red states and blue states alike, farmers markets can be a force for good—and an important part of building a stronger, more resilient food system for all Americans.”

“California is home to more than 800 farmers markets that nourish our families, bolster the local economy, and cultivate thoughtful relationships between growers and consumers,” said Senator Padilla. “We cherish these shared spaces which are a vibrant, dependable source of nutrition for our state. I’m proud to lead this Senate resolution celebrating National Farmer’s Market Week to support our local farmers who feed our families and strengthen our communities.”

“Agriculture is the heart of Iowa, and farmers markets make it easier for Iowans to buy fresh, locally grown food in communities across our state,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to lead a bipartisan resolution designating Aug. 2-8 as National Farmers Market Week to recognize the tireless work of our farmers, ranchers, and producers who put nutritious food on Americans’ tables every day.”

Read the resolution here.

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Congressman Valadao Secures Federal Funding for Bakersfield Senior Center, Attends Site Groundbreaking

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

BAKERSFIELD – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) attended the Housing Authority of the County of Kern’s groundbreaking for the site of the new Bakersfield Senior Center. Once constructed, this project will provide thirty-six additional affordable housing units for seniors and connect residents with the services and support needed to live safely and independently.

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Congressman Valadao fought to secure over $7.57 million in Community Project Funding for this facility in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

“Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing Central Valley residents, and seniors are no exception,” said Congressman Valadao. “For seniors living on fixed incomes, access to affordable housing and support services can make all the difference in their ability to live safely and independently. I’m proud to have secured more than $7.57 million in federal funding for this project, and I’m grateful to our local partners for helping turn this vision into a reality.”

"Congressman Valadao’s Community Project Funding was essential in completing the financing needed for the Bakersfield Senior Center Housing & Facility project. We were honored to have him present at the groundbreaking this morning to celebrate the most consequential investment in Southeast Bakersfield in decades. In 19 months, the community will benefit from a brand-new senior center and 36 new affordable rental homes for seniors thanks in part to Congressman Valadao’s support," said Stephen Pelz, Executive Director, Housing Authority of the County of Kern.

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Congressman Valadao Honors Central Valley Community Health Centers

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced a bipartisan bill designating the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week. He was joined by Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04). This resolution recognizes the important partnership between health centers and the communities they serve.

Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“As a member of the Congressional Community Health Center Caucus, I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Community Health Center Week,” said Congressman Valadao. “In California’s 22nd Congressional District, seven federally funded Community Health Center (CHC) organizations provide care to more than 765,000 patients each year, serving as a critical lifeline for families in rural and underserved communities. This week, we celebrate CHCs and the dedicated healthcare professionals who work hard to ensure quality, affordable healthcare across our communities.”

“Community health centers provide millions of Americans with access to the primary, preventive, and behavioral health care they depend on," said Congressman Balderson. "For many rural and underserved communities, these centers are an essential source of quality, affordable care that helps keep patients healthy and reduces the need for more costly treatment down the road. During National Community Health Center Week, we recognize and thank the dedicated doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who work every day to strengthen the health of our communities.”

“Community Health Centers are community-based healthcare providers that provide and expand access to care for millions of medically underserved Americans who receive primary, preventive, behavioral health, dental care, substance use treatment, and other services," said Congressman Davis. "I join my colleagues in celebrating 61 years of improving our nation’s health."

“Community health centers are tested and trusted, as this resolution recognizes,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Congress should make these vital clinics the backbone of primary care in America by providing the rules & resourcing to multiply their impact.”

"The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) applauds Reps. Valadao (R-CA), Balderson (R-OH), Auchincloss (D-MA), and Davis (D-IL) for introducing this year's resolution honoring National Community Health Center Week. Community Health Centers (CHC) anchor the nation's largest primary care network, treating 52 million patients — 1 in 7 Americans, including 1 in 3 in rural America — while spending just 1% of the nation's health care dollars. Congress's continued bipartisan backing enables CHCs to operate more than 17,000 locations and employ 326,000 people, who provide primary and preventive care, manage chronic disease, reduce health care costs, and strengthen local economies in communities nationwide,” said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC.

“The Central Valley Health Network would like to recognize the continued leadership of Representative Valadao and that of his colleagues Representatives Auchincloss (D-MA), Balderson (R-OH) and Davis (D-IL) in acknowledging the critical work of health centers to provide access to quality healthcare by introducing the 2026 congressional resolution commemorating National Community Health Center Week. California’s community health centers serve as the backbone to the state’s healthcare delivery system to underserved communities serving more than 5.8 million individuals in rural and urban regions, with many families throughout the Central Valley relying on the essential services they provide,” said Jason Vega, CEO, Central Valley Health Network.

"Family HealthCare Network is grateful to Congressman Valadao for recognizing National Community Health Center Week and the essential role community health centers play in keeping our communities healthy. His continued support reflects an understanding that access to quality, affordable primary care is fundamental to the well-being of families throughout the Central Valley. As Californians continue to rely on health centers for their care, this recognition reinforces the importance of ensuring these vital services remain strong and accessible for everyone who needs them. The recognition also reinforces Congressman Valadao’s continued focus on the well-being and prosperity of those living in the Central Valley," said Kerry Hydash, MPA, President & CEO, Family HealthCare Network.

Read the resolution here.

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Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Legislation to Combat Invasive Pest Targeting Central Valley Growers

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) reintroduced the Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act alongside Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06). This bipartisan bill would help combat the spread of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest threatening stone fruit producers in the Central Valley and across the western United States, by strengthening the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts to contain its spread and advance research into effective control and management strategies.

Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Central Valley specialty crop growers work tirelessly to put food on tables across America, but invasive pests like the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) continue to make that job harder and more expensive,” said Congressman Valadao. “SWD spreads quickly and infests healthy fruit before harvest, leaving growers with significant crop losses and higher production costs. By investing in research and innovative pest management strategies, the bipartisan SWAT Act will help our producers stay ahead of this growing threat and protect one of the Central Valley’s most important industries.”

“You won’t find better fruits and vegetables than the ones that grow in Oregon,” said Rep. Salinas. “Our specialty crop growers produce everything from blueberries to wine grapes, and those crops support family farms, local jobs, and communities across the Willamette Valley. Spotted wing drosophila can spread quickly and destroy an entire crop, turning healthy fruit into an unusable product. The SWAT Act will direct $6.5 million to APHIS for the research and control tools growers need to fight this invasive pest, protect their livelihoods, and keep high-quality Oregon fruit on store shelves.”

Background:

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive pest native to East Asia that infests soft-skinned fruit crops, including peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, berries, and other specialty crops. Since it was first detected in the United States in 2008, SWD has spread throughout the West Coast, including California’s Central Valley, posing a growing threat to growers. Nationally, the pest is responsible for more than $700 million in annual economic losses. Because fruit buyers maintain a zero-tolerance policy for SWD, the discovery of a single larva can result in an entire shipment being rejected. As a result, growers must invest heavily in intensive pest management programs to protect their crops and meet market standards. The Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act would establish a dedicated fund within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to support research, develop innovative control strategies, and strengthen efforts to reduce SWD populations across the United States.

Read the bill here.

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