Valadao, David RSS Articles

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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Congressman Valadao Votes to Strengthen Our Nation’s Defense Capabilities

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after voting in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities, including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development.

“At a time of growing threats around the world, it’s more important than ever that we provide our servicemembers with the resources they need to keep our country safe,” said Congressman Valadao. “I was proud to support the bipartisan FY27 National Defense Authorization Act because it delivers on our commitment to our men and women in uniform and their families. This bill provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, improves military housing, expands access to education, childcare, and healthcare, and strengthens our military readiness by investing in advanced technologies and rebuilding our defense industrial base. Our servicemembers volunteer to defend our freedoms every day, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act:

Provides servicemembers with a 5-7% pay raise.
Improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.
Expands access to healthcare for servicemembers and their families.
Enhances America’s nuclear deterrent and new nuclear power technologies.
Prioritizes investment in the forces and capabilities needed to counter foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Rebuilds depleted stockpiles by providing the authorities and resources required to expedite the production and acquisition of munitions and key warfighting capabilities

Read the bill summary here.

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Congressman Valadao Votes to Continue Funding for Critical Programs

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after voting in support of a clean, short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded while the House and Senate continue their work on passing full-year appropriations bills.

“Today, I voted in support of a clean, short-term Continuing Resolution to keep the government running while Congress continues working on full-year funding bills,” said Congressman Valadao. “While a CR isn’t the preferred solution, government shutdowns are unproductive, cost billions, and disrupt the services Americans depend on. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I’m proud we’ve done our job by advancing all twelve Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bills, and I stand ready to continue negotiations with my Senate colleagues to get full-year funding bills across the finish line.”

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027:

Funds the government at current levels through December 4, 2026.
Allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue providing food assistance to low-income women, infants, and children for the duration of the CR.
Continues Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for the National Flood Insurance Program and the Disaster Relief Fund.
Authorizes U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to obligate funding for critical wildfire suppression efforts.
Provides the Small Business Association (SBA) with the authority to continue small business support programs.
Extends authorization of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program

Background:

The House and Senate each must pass 12 full-year appropriations bills before September 30th or a Continuing Resolution (CR) to buy more time to find agreement between the House, Senate, and White House on various funding levels to keep the government open. The House Appropriations Committee passed all 12 bills out of Committee and passed 3 off the House Floor. Congress now has until December 4, 2026 to find agreement on full-year appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2027.

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Congressman Valadao Works to Lower Substance Use Disorder Rates Among Older Americans

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Carol Miller (WV-01), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) to reintroduce the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act. This bipartisan bill would help lower the rate of drug overdoses among older adults by authorizing residential and in-patient treatment of opioid-use disorder under Medicare.

“Substance use disorder can affect anyone, and over the last two decades, overdose deaths among older Americans have increased at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Valadao. “While Medicaid covers residential addiction treatment, too many seniors who rely on Medicare are left without access to these critical services or forced to pay out-of-pocket for expensive services they can’t afford. In the Central Valley, we’ve seen the devastating impact of the opioid crisis firsthand, and we need to ensure every American has the care they need to recover. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill to expand access to lifesaving treatment and better support seniors struggling with substance use disorder.”

“Substance use disorders among seniors are on the rise, and I've heard from so many families who have lost older relatives to addiction,” said Rep. Underwood. “We cannot accept this as a new normal. Our bipartisan legislation will make sure seniors in our communities can get help when they need it and have access to the high-quality recovery care that they deserve.”

“In a state where seniors represent more than 20 percent of the population, substance use disorders among older adults remain a serious yet frequently overlooked challenge,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill is an important step to expand access to recovery care for seniors and support families facing addiction. By allowing Medicare to cover residential addiction treatment programs, we are strengthening the continuum of care and ensuring seniors have access to structured, medically appropriate recovery services when they need them most.”

“The disease of addiction has touched every corner of our communities, so our response addressing this crisis must be equally extensive,” said Rep. Tonko. “Given the alarming rise in substance use disorder among our seniors, making sure they have the treatment and care they need is of particular importance. Our Residential Recovery for Seniors Act delivers that lifesaving care for older adults and people with disabilities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in pushing this commonsense, compassionate bill, that delivers the support needed to those on the path to recovery.”

Supporting organizations include the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Legal Action Center, Pyramid Healthcare, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Smart Recovery, The Kennedy Forum, Treatment Communities of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addictions Agencies Inc., National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, HIV Alliance, Shatterproof, Gaudenzia, Faces & Voices of Recovery, Powell Recovery Center, Inc, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the Mental Health Association of Maryland.

The Residential Recovery for Seniors Act would:

Create a new Medicare benefit to cover residential and inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder according to American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.
Include coverage for:

Low-intensity residential treatment for individuals who need ongoing support in a structured setting.
High-intensity residential treatment for individuals requiring more comprehensive clinical care.
Medically managed residential treatment for patients with more complex medical and addiction treatment needs.

Establish a predictable Medicare payment system that reimburses treatment providers through a fixed payment amount, helping improve access to care and encourage provider participation.

Read the full bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Works to Solve Labor Shortages for Central Valley Dairy Producers

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson as an original co-sponsor of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize the H-2A program to better meet the needs of year-round agricultural operations while giving existing unauthorized workers the opportunity to participate in the program, providing much-needed stability for the ag sector.

As the sole dairyman in Congress, Congressman Valadao has been a leading advocate for modernizing the H-2A program and strengthening America’s agricultural workforce. Among his efforts, he has introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the 118th and 119th Congresses.

“One of the biggest concerns I hear from producers across the Central Valley is the ongoing agricultural labor shortage,” said Congressman Valadao. “While the H-2A program works well for many seasonal operations, it hasn’t kept pace with the needs of year-round industries like dairy. That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which modernizes the program by clarifying that ‘temporary labor’ refers to the length of a farmworker’s contract—not whether the job itself is seasonal. It also creates a pathway for eligible undocumented agricultural workers to earn H-2A status and provide for their families. This bill is a commonsense step that gives producers greater certainty to plan for their workforce, provides long-overdue stability for agricultural workers, and helps strengthen the Central Valley’s food supply for the future."

Background:

In the 1980s, the H-2A program was created to help address temporary and seasonal agricultural labor needs. The program requires workers to hold temporary visas tied to jobs lasting no more than ten months. While this structure works well for many agricultural sectors with defined planting and harvesting seasons, it creates challenges for dairy producers, whose operations run year-round. As a result, dairy producers often face uncertainty and application denials because their labor needs are viewed as permanent rather than “temporary” or “seasonal.”

The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act would:

Allow H-2A visas to be used for agricultural jobs that are temporary in nature, while removing the current requirement that jobs must also be seasonal.
Clarify that “temporary” refers to the length of the employment contract—up to 350 days—rather than whether the work itself is seasonal.
Expand eligibility for the program to include controlled environment agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and livestock harvesting.
Create a pathway for existing unauthorized agricultural workers to participate in the H-2A program if they meet all requirements, including successfully completing a criminal background check.
Establish an online platform to streamline communication and processing between agricultural employers, workers, and government agencies.
Provide agricultural producers with the flexibility needed to meet the industry’s year-round workforce demands while maintaining strong, transparent, and enforceable program standards.

Supporting organizations include the American Farm Bureau Federation, California Farm Bureau, National Milk Producers Federation, Western Growers, AmericanHort, International Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, USA Farmers, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, American Business Immigration Council, National Potato Council, Northwest Horticultural Council, US Apple, American Peanut Shellers Association, American Soybean Association, Livestock Marketing Association, Meat Institute, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Chicken Council, National Cotton Council, National Pecan Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Turkey Federation, National Watermelon Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, U.S. Rice Producers Association, USA Rice, Vidalia Onion Business Council, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Peanut Federation, Georgia Blueberry Commission, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Midwest Council on Agriculture, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and Washington Red Raspberry Commission.

Read the full bill here.

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Valadao, Courtney, Simpson, DelBene Relaunch Bipartisan Congressional Dairy Caucus

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in relaunching the Congressional Dairy Caucus. Central Valley dairy producers continue to struggle due to high input costs, competitive pressures from trade partners, and shifting consumption patterns, and this bipartisan caucus will work to elevate those concerns at the federal level and advocate for healthy and wholesome milk and dairy products.

“As the sole dairyman in Congress, I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Dairy Caucus,” said Congressman Valadao. “Dairy is the cornerstone of the Central Valley’s economy, and I know firsthand the challenges our producers face—from rising input costs and labor shortages to changing consumer demands and an increasingly unpredictable marketplace. Our dairy producers deserve strong advocates in Washington who understand what’s at stake, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry, promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products, and ensure the hardworking men and women who feed our nation have the support they need to succeed.”

“Eastern Connecticut has a proud heritage of multi-generation, family-owned dairy farms,” said Rep. Courtney. “Dairy farms are a key part of our local economy and provide nutritious products to our communities. The industry is facing pressing challenges of rising input costs, market volatility, and competitive pressures from trade partners. As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Dairy Caucus, I will continue making dairy farmers’ voices heard in Congress and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address their needs and help grow their businesses.”

“Idaho is one of the largest dairy-producing states, and I represent one of the most productive dairy districts in the country," said Rep. Simpson. "Dairy farmers work 365 days a year, and their critical work keeps our nation healthy and Americans fed. As a longtime Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dairy Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry and ensure dairy farmers' priorities are heard.”

“Dairy farmers are a critical part of Washington’s economy and the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. DelBene. “From holding our trading partners accountable to adapting to changes in the industry, dairy farmers deserve to have their voices represented in Congress. I’m looking forward to returning as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus, to support dairy farmers across the country.”

“The revival of the Congressional Dairy Caucus, a crucial agricultural coalition that dates to 2006, underscores the important, bipartisan collaboration of lawmakers who are committed to supporting America’s dairy farmers and rural communities. Having dedicated partners among members who represent dairy districts across the country on Capitol Hill ensures thoughtful discussion and advancement of the shared policy priorities that unite and sustain their constituents. Dairy isn’t only a 24/7, 365-days-a-year vocation – it’s exceptional within agriculture with a footprint in all 50 states, touching local economies nationwide and playing a vital role in global nutrition and trade. We thank Congressman Courtney for his dedication to ensuring the Congressional Dairy Caucus remains active so that U.S. dairy farmers know they have an advocacy network in congress that cares about the future of their farms,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation.

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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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