Valadao, David RSS Articles

Congressman Valadao Opposes Governor Newsom's Annual Gas Tax Increase

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) led members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to suspend the state’s upcoming gas excise tax increase on July 1, 2026. Beginning next month, the tax will rise from 61.4 cents per gallon to 63.4 cents per gallon, meaning drivers will pay a combined total of 71.4 cents per gallon extra when factoring in the state sales and use tax rate. These taxes don’t include the other mandated fees that cumulatively result in a staggering $1.15-per-gallon surcharge on every gallon of gas sold in California.

For the last four years, Congressman Valadao has led efforts to suspend the annual July 1st gas excise tax increase to provide much-needed relief to California families. Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. James Gallagher (CA-01), 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).

“California drivers pay almost $2 more per gallon than the national average, yet Governor Newsom continues to advance policies that will drive prices even higher,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and they can’t afford to pay an extra 71 cents per gallon every time they fill up their tanks. For years, I’ve urged Governor Newsom to suspend the annual gas excise tax increase and pause regulatory measures that raise prices for consumers, but those calls have gone unanswered. It’s past time for Sacramento to stop these harmful price hikes, prioritize domestic energy production, and ease the burden on hardworking Californians instead of adding to it.”

The letter comes one year after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) implemented updates to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) which it claimed would save Californians billions of dollars. Instead, these regulations have directly contributed to rising fuel prices for both energy producers and everyday consumers.

"According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in California is currently $5.58 per gallon—the highest in the nation and $1.65 above the national average," the letter states. "State and local taxes, along with regulatory programs such as the LCFS, Cap-and-Trade, and the State Underground Storage Tank Program, are significant contributors to these elevated costs, collectively adding approximately $1.15 per gallon, or roughly 20 percent of the total price. Given these already high costs, further increasing the excise tax would only place an unnecessary burden on consumers and businesses across the state."

Instead of further unaffordable increases to the state’s gas excise tax, the lawmakers urged Governor Newsom to prioritize commonsense energy policies that will provide meaningful financial relief for all Californians.

"California families are already being crushed by the highest fuel prices in the nation, and now they’re set to increase even more," said Rep. Gallagher. "As gas prices continue to spike, the impact will extend far beyond the pump. Higher transportation and fuel expenses will increase the cost of everyday goods and services for hardworking California families and businesses. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature should act now to stop this increase on July 1st and help protect Californians from even greater financial hardship."

“When Governor Newsom closes our oil refineries and jacks up taxes, he’s not fighting the oil industry – they just move on – he’s fighting California consumers, employers and families who struggle to pay his highest in the nation taxes,” said Rep. Kiley. “Beginning July 1, just as Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday weekend, the gas tax in California will rise from 61.4 cents per gallon to 63.4 cents per gallon. All we are asking for is a pause, so consumers reeling from California’s enormous taxes can get a break this summer.”

"The gas tax was promised to be used to maintain and expand our roads," said Rep. McClintock. "Sacramento politicians have made a mockery of that promise - charging the highest gas tax in the nation while starving our highways. The biggest price gouger in California IS California."

"Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, and more than half of every gallon’s cost is driven by Sacramento’s taxes, mandates, and regulations," said Rep. Fong. "Raising the gas tax now would only make life more expensive for families who are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living. Governor Gavin Newsom should stop this gas tax increase and focus instead on expanding domestic oil and gas production to help lower energy costs."

“Increasing the gas tax again will only make life more expensive for families, workers, and small businesses who are already struggling with the high cost of living,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Californians already pay the highest gas taxes in the nation, yet our roads remain among the worst. One-party rule in Sacramento has spent years piling on taxes, mandates, and regulations that drive up the cost of fuel and make our state less affordable for California families. Before raising the gas tax yet again, Sacramento should focus on commonsense policies that lower costs, improve our fuel supply, and actually fix the roads Californians are already paying for.”

“Gavin Newsom’s newest gas tax will cause Californians to pay $1.15 extra per gallon every time they fill up,” said Rep. Kim. “Californians have suffered enough. Newsom must suspend this gas tax and for once give hardworking families the relief they deserve.”

“Since California Democrats passed this automatic gas tax increase, it has more than doubled from 27.8 cents per gallon to now 63.4 cents per gallon," said Rep. Calvert. "Californians pay the highest gas prices in the country but rarely see any road improvements, freeway expansions, or improved commute times. Governor Newsom should suspend the tax and give Californians much needed relief at the pump.”

“California drivers already pay the highest gas prices in the nation, but not high enough for Gavin Newsom and Sacramento Democrats and their appetite for even more pain at the pump, said Rep. Issa. “Along with all my GOP colleagues from California, we’re calling this out and urging a better way: common-sense energy policies that will deliver more supply, lower prices, and lasting relief for all Californians.”

Read the full letter here.

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Congressman Valadao Applauds CMS Approval of California’s Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement in response to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of California’s Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program (HQAF) 9 proposal. Approval of this program will result in a net benefit of $5.9 billion for hospitals across the state.

“I’m happy to see that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved California’s Hospital Quality Assurance Fee Program (HQAF) 9 proposal,” said Congressman Valadao. “Over the past year, I’ve worked directly with CMS to stress the importance of a timely approval because I know this funding is essential to protecting access to care across our region. This decision will help ensure hospitals—especially in our rural and underserved communities—have the resources they need to keep their doors open. I appreciate CMS for their partnership, and I’ll keep working to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure Central Valley families can access the care they need.”

Background:

California’s Hospital Quality Assurance Fee (HQAF) Program is a federally approved provider fee that allows the state to draw down federal Medicaid matching funds and deliver supplemental Medi-Cal payments to hospitals serving some of California’s most vulnerable patients. The HQAF 9 proposal updates the current funding structure and will provide critical financial support to hospitals facing rising labor, supply, and infrastructure costs, helping them continue providing care across the state. These supplemental payments are especially important in California, where Medi-Cal covers nearly 15 million residents and many hospitals are operating at a financial loss. This approval helps ensure hospitals can continue delivering high-quality care while strengthening access to essential healthcare services for patients. Today, CMS also approved California's state directed payment (SDP) proposal under Medicaid managed SDPs. This announcement provides additional financial support to healthcare providers in the Central Valley and across the state.

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Congressman Valadao Demands Answers from California Over Healthcare Tax Hike

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), and members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and California State Medicaid Director Tyler Sadwith expressing concerns about the state’s revised health care tax, which would raise healthcare costs for millions of Californians already struggling with the rising costs of healthcare.

“I’m deeply concerned by the Newsom Administration’s decision to dramatically increase taxes on health plans serving working families, employees, and employers across California,” said Congressman Valadao. “For years, the state has relied on Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax revenue to help offset broader budget obligations rather than directing those resources toward strengthening Medi-Cal and improving access to care. Now, instead of pursuing a budget solution that makes healthcare more affordable, Sacramento is ready to shift additional costs onto hardworking Californians to help balance the Newsom Administration’s reckless spending. I’m proud to join my California colleagues in demanding answers from Governor Newsom and pushing for a path forward that lowers costs for families rather than making healthcare more expensive.”

The letter comes in response to the recent passage of the State of California’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, which restructures the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax to shift additional costs onto commercial health plans and the enrollees they cover, rather than scaling the tax rate to the lower commercial rate or utilizing General Fund obligations.

“Before the implementation of H.R. 1, California’s MCO tax rates were set at $274 per member, per month for Medicaid, while commercial member months were taxed at $1.75 per member, per month,” the letter states. “The current California tax proposal would impose a per-enrollee tax of $8.85 per month on commercial health plans, Medicaid plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans. This proposal would place an additional financial burden on working families, employees, and employers who rely on commercial health insurance.”

Federal law requires California to impose a uniform MCO tax on both commercial and Medi-Cal plans. However, taxes on Medi-Cal and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans are absorbed by the federal government, meaning individuals on commercial plans will bear the brunt of this change. Additionally, in November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 35, which required that all MCO tax revenue be used to strengthen healthcare and set a $2.50 per month limit on taxes for commercial plans to protect Californians from drastic premium increases like the ones proposed in the FY26-27 Budget.

“The California Legislative Analyst's Office has warned that commercial insurers will "likely recover at least some of this cost by increasing premiums on consumers, potentially increasing health care costs for working families by hundreds of dollars each year,” the letter continues.

“Our constituents deserve transparency about how this policy will affect their pocketbooks and whether it honors the commitments made to voters at the ballot box. We look forward to your prompt response. We urge the state to pursue a budget solution that does not increase health care costs for Californians, who are already struggling with California’s high cost of living,” the letter concludes.

Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20)

Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23)

Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01)

Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03)

Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-05)

Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40)

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41)

Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48)

Read the full text of the letter here.

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Valadao, Costa Introduce Resolution Designating June as Portuguese National Heritage Month

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) reintroduced a resolution to formally recognize June as Portuguese National Heritage Month. This resolution highlights the countless contributions that millions of Portuguese Americans have made to our nation.

“Like many Portuguese Americans, my parents came to the United States from the Azores Islands of Portugal in pursuit of the American Dream and greater opportunities for their children,” said Congressman Valadao. “That same determination has inspired generations of Portuguese Americans to make lasting contributions to our communities here in the Central Valley and across the nation. As co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, I’m honored to recognize the impact of the Portuguese American community by formally designating June as Portuguese National Heritage Month.”

“I’m honored to represent a community with deep Portuguese roots. As the grandson of Portuguese immigrants, I have seen firsthand the values of hard work, family, and perseverance that have shaped generations of Portuguese Americans,” said Rep. Costa. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we recognize the lasting contributions Portuguese Americans have made to the San Joaquin Valley and our nation, as well as the enduring friendship between the United States and Portugal.”

Read the full resolution here.

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Congressman Valadao Leads Effort to Strengthen VA Veteran Suicide Prevention Reporting

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Trauma Outreach, Understanding, and Resiliency through Spirituality (TOURS) Act. This bill would expand the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report to include data relating to engagement with the Chaplaincy and faith-based programs. Veteran suicide is a tragedy, and this bill will help us to better understand and combat it.

“Our veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we owe them access to every resource that could help them navigate life’s toughest challenges,” said Congressman Valadao. “While the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides important mental health care, oftentimes veterans struggling with suicidal ideation will seek support through faith and spiritual guidance—something a traditional clinic doesn’t cover. By studying alternate forms of mental health treatment, the TOURS Act would help connect at-risk veterans with meaningful support and reduce veteran suicide.”

Background:

More than 6,000 veterans have died by suicide each year since 2001—a rate that has remained almost two times higher than the general population in the United States for more than 20 years. The National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report is the largest analysis of veteran suicide trends and provides critical public health data to help policymakers develop life-saving prevention strategies, but despite the useful data, there remains a gap in analysis on the effectiveness of the chaplaincy in reducing the risk of veteran suicide. The TOURS Act would require VA to conduct a two-year study on the relationship between the chaplain service and other faith-based programs and the risk of suicide among veterans. Importantly, the study would ensure the privacy of veterans by not compromising medical records or protected religious communications, ensuring chaplaincy services remain voluntary. Veterans have served our nation and often risked their lives in doing so. This bill ensures we are doing everything we can to make sure that risk ends when they return home.

Read the full bill here.

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Valadao, Costa Recognize Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) to reintroduce a resolution officially commemorating June 10th as Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas). This resolution honors the life and legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most celebrated poet and author of Os Lusíadas—a literary work that helped define Portuguese national identity. It also recognizes the contributions of Portuguese communities around the world, including the millions of Portuguese Americans who have played a role in enriching our nation’s culture.

“As a proud Portuguese American and co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, I’m honored to join Congressman Costa in recognizing June 10th as Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Central Valley is home to a strong Portuguese American community whose values, traditions, and work ethic have helped shaped our region for generations. As we honor the life and legacy of Luís de Camões, we also celebrate the countless contributions Portuguese communities continue to make in the Central Valley and across the nation.”

"As the grandson of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores, I am proud to help recognize the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities," said Congressman Costa. "The Portuguese American community has played an important role in shaping the San Joaquin Valley and our nation, and this resolution honors the generations whose hard work and values continue to strengthen our communities."

Read the full resolution here.

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Valadao, Bonamici, Bacon Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02) to reintroduce the Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to provide transportation for people in need of overdose prevention services, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, and other related supportive services.

Congressman Valadao was an original co-sponsor of this legislation in the 118th Congress.

“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Congressman Valadao. “Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care.”

“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I’m working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Rep. Bacon. “The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I’m grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort.”

The CHIERS Act would:

Create a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.
Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities, including community health centers; Continuum of Care Program participants; opioid recovery centers; state, Tribal, and local governments; and nonprofit organizations.

Background:

Communities across Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties continue to face significant barriers to accessing treatment for opioid use disorder, particularly in rural and low-income areas where treatment centers are limited and transportation options are scarce. Individuals seeking Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often must travel long distances to reach care, relying on friends or family members for transportation or forgoing treatment altogether due to cost and accessibility challenges. With only eight substance treatment centers serving the three-county region, many residents struggle to receive timely, life-saving services. Expanding grant support for affordable transportation options can help connect residents to critical treatment services—reducing barriers to recovery and improving public health outcomes.

Read the full bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Secures Key Wins for Central Valley Families, Farmers, and Communities in FY27 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This is the second full-year government funding bill to pass the House for Fiscal Year 2027.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was proud to help pass the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill delivers critical investments for the Central Valley by strengthening rural development programs, helping farmers and ranchers access disaster assistance and Farm Service Agency loans, and supporting nutrition programs that help our most vulnerable put food on the table. It also increases funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to combat invasive pests and diseases, including the glassy-winged sharpshooter, New World screwworm, and navel orangeworm, which pose a direct threat to our region’s agricultural industry. I was also proud to secure over $1.3 million in Community Project Funding for the Vineland Elementary School District and the Tulare County Fire Department to improve critical water infrastructure and enhance emergency response capabilities in our communities. Advancing this bill through the House is an important step toward completing the full-year funding process, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to get it over the finish line and ensure our families, farmers, and communities have the resources they deserve.”

Key investments secured by Congressman Valadao in the FY27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act include:

$1.25 million for the Vineland Elementary School District in Bakersfield to construct a new primary water line to ensure adequate water flow for emergency response, support the addition of new classrooms, and provide a safe, modern educational facility for students and staff.
$600,000 for the Tulare County Fire Department to purchase a new water tender to strengthen emergency response capabilities across Tulare County, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to a reliable water supply is limited.

Additional highlights include:

$1.79 billion for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), including increases in funding to help discover resilient citrus breeding varieties, pest management and detection methods, and water resource management.
$1.158 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), including increases for animal health and specialty crop programs and funding to combat invasive pests like glassy-winged sharpshooter, New World screwworm, and navel orangeworm.
$1.1 billion for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help farmers access disaster relief, receive funds from commodity programs, acquire loans, and plan for next year.
$3.81 billion for rural development programs, including affordable housing rental assistance, the Section 502 homeownership loan program, and rural broadband grants and loans.
$37.9 billion for Child Nutrition programs—an increase of $59 million above the FY26 enacted level—including funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Programs.
$8 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and $101.2 billion in mandatory funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on the tables of our most vulnerable.
$460 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to help feed lower-income senior citizens.
$900 million for the Food for Peace Program and $240 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. Both programs purchase commodities from CA-22 farmers and producers, helping combat malnutrition in developing nations and supporting our local economy.

Read the full bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Urge Funding to Combat Golden Mussels

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Josh Harder (CA-09) to send a letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Brian Nesvik urging immediate emergency federal funding to combat the rapidly spreading invasive golden mussel in California waterways.

The letter warns that, without immediate federal support, California water agencies, farmers, and communities will continue to bear escalating costs as this invasive species spreads unchecked.

“Golden mussels pose a unique threat given they reproduce at exponential rates, clog water delivery systems, and damage water infrastructure,” the letter states. “Golden mussels spawn several times throughout the year producing microscopic larvae in numbers reaching up to one million eggs annually per female. This has led to the unrestrained spread of larvae throughout California and has made eradication efforts nearly impossible.

"Golden mussel colonies infiltrate critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, pumps, and hydropower systems, by attaching to surfaces, reducing water flow, overheating pumps, and potentially causing catastrophic failure of water conveyance systems. These impacts have reduced water conveyance capacity, damaged equipment, and driven-up maintenance costs for water agencies and ratepayers alike.

"After golden mussels were first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) in late 2025, they have rapidly spread, threatening major water systems like the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project. These projects supply water to millions of Californians and irrigate more than 4,000 acres of farmland.

"Kern and San Joaquin Counties recently declared a local state of emergency in response to an active infestation within critical water infrastructure, citing 'immediate operational risks' to drinking water supply, agriculture, energy production, and regional economic stability. The scale and reach of these water projects underscore the statewide risk to California's water supply, environment, and agricultural infrastructure."

Specifically, the letter urges USFWS to:

Expedite emergency funding through existing invasive species authorities
Prioritize California for assistance under existing grant funding and future funding cycles
Increase funding allocations for early detection, rapid response, and containment efforts for water infrastructure systems
Coordinate with federal partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation, Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency to ensure a whole-of-government response
Expedite the listing of golden mussels on the injurious species list under the Lacey Act
Develop a golden mussel National Control and Management Plan to prevent further introduction and spread, and to eradicate and control existing populations

Read the full letter here.

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Congressman Valadao Welcomes USDA Secretary Rollins to Bakersfield for Roundtable with Local Agriculture Leaders

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins at Allied Potato for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing Central Valley farmers, ranchers, and producers. The event brought together agricultural leaders from across the region to discuss key industry priorities and celebrate USDA’s finalizing of the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. This will provide $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers to help offset rising input costs and market disruptions—$625 million more than previously announced.

Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Valadao and Secretary Rollins toured Allied Potato, where they visited the potato fields and observed the processing and packaging operations that help feed families across the nation.

“Agriculture drives the Central Valley’s economy, and I was honored to welcome USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield for a discussion with local agricultural leaders today,” said Congressman Valadao. “For years, I’ve worked closely with producers across the Valley to address the challenges they face—rising input costs, workforce shortages, burdensome regulations, and the need for a stronger specialty crop safety net—and this conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. As the sole dairy farmer in Congress, I understand these issues firsthand, which is why I was proud to join the Secretary as she announced USDA finalized $1.6 billion in assistance for specialty crop growers to help offset high costs and market disruptions. I appreciate her engagement with our local leaders, and I look forward to continuing to work with USDA on commonsense policies that support Central Valley agriculture and give producers the certainty they need to plan for the future.”

“Thank you Congressman Valadao, a leader on the House Commitee on Agriculture, for hosting an incredible roundtable today at Allied Potato here in your beautiful Bakersfield, California. Your extraordinary farmers, ranchers, and dairymen exemplify what it means to feed the country and the world,” said Secretary Rollins. “Everyday, the Trump Administration is putting Farmers First. As we announced after the roundtable, we are committed to ensuring the economic strength of our specialty crop operations as we continue opening new markets abroad and strengthening demand domestically for American produce. Congressman Valadao was critical to helping pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which is already helping over 63,000 California farms sell more agriculture products than any other state, protecting 2 million family farms from the death tax, increasing reference prices for the first time in more than a decade, and making the largest investment in rural America in history. And we are just getting started.”

“It was an honor to be asked by Congressman Valadao to host this important event with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. I appreciated the opportunity to welcome her to our farm, showcase Allied Potato’s operations, and share the important role California plays in potato production and exports. Many people are surprised to learn that California exports potatoes, and Allied Potato is proud to be the largest exporter in North America. The roundtable was extremely productive and provided a valuable forum to highlight the challenges and opportunities currently facing our agricultural producers. It was great to discuss these issues directly with Secretary Rollins, and I look forward to continuing the conversation about how producers and policymakers can work together to strengthen the Valley’s agricultural economy, expand our markets, and grow more products for consumers here and around the world,” said Jason Davenport, President and Owner, Allied Potato.

Attendees included representatives from the California Farm Bureau, Western Growers, Wonderful Citrus, California Dairies, Inc., Milk Producer’s Council, California Citrus Mutual, Grimmway Farms, Western Tree Nut Association, Blue Diamond Almonds, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Farmworker Foundation, Family Tree Farms, Monte Vista Farming Company, and Cauzza Growers.

Click here for photos from today's event.

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