Valadao, David RSS Articles

Congressman Valadao Restores Ownership of Historic Land to Tulare County

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act alongside Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20). This bill authorizes the sale of two parcels of lands from Union Pacific Railroad to Tulare County in order to restore the City Skate Park and historic Tulare Women’s Club.

“For years, the Tulare Skate Park and the historic Tulare Women’s Club have been important community spaces, but outdated ownership restrictions have prevented the City from making long-overdue improvements,” said Congressman Valadao. “These parcels were originally set aside for railroad construction more than 150 years ago, and it’s past time to transfer ownership to the City so these facilities can be properly upgraded for future generations. I appreciate Union Pacific’s partnership in helping move this solution forward, and I look forward to seeing these sites continue to serve Tulare families and preserve the community’s history for years to come.”

“Tulare is a community with a proud history, strong values and a bright future, and I'm honored to support this legislation alongside my friend Congressman Valadao,” said Rep. Fong. “The Tulare Youth Recreation and Women's History Enhancement Act invests in the people and places that make our community stronger by eliminating barriers so Tulare can celebrate its history and enrich the lives of residents for generations to come. It's a win for our community and our history and I'm proud to support it."

“The City of Tulare is immensely grateful for Congressman Valadao’s action to preserve two valued community assets and ensure they remain in local hands for generations to come. The Tulare Historic Women’s Clubhouse has long been a landmark that reflects our city’s history and civic identity, while the adjacent Rotary Skate Plaza serves as an important recreational space for Tulare’s youth and families. Bringing these properties under City ownership will allow us to protect, improve, and fully activate these sites for the benefit of our community. We appreciate the leadership of our Congressional delegation in advancing a practical, community-focused solution that recognizes the importance of the City’s commitment to historic preservation and our sense of community, ensuring these properties continue serving the people of Tulare as places of gathering, recreation, and community pride," said Mayor Patrick Isherwood.

Background:

The Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act, first introduced in the 116th Congress, would authorize the City of Tulare to acquire ownership of two parcels of land currently held by Union Pacific Railroad. Originally retained in 1866 for railroad construction, the parcels have remained subject to federal reversionary interests, limiting the City’s ability to improve and develop the sites. By authorizing the conveyance of the Tulare Railroad Proposed Parcels and relinquishing the United States’ reversionary interest, the legislation would enable the City to expand youth recreational opportunities and enhance efforts to commemorate women’s history in Tulare.

Read the full bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Votes to Fully Fund Benefits for Central Valley Servicemembers and Veterans

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bill includes critical investments to modernize military infrastructure, support combat readiness, and enhance the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was proud to support the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” said Congressman Valadao. “Our servicemembers and veterans have made great sacrifices in defense of our nation, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned. This bill fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits programs, invests in critical quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families, and continues efforts to advance construction of the new Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic. As the first FY27 funding package to pass the House, this legislation reflects our commitment to those who serve, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move the remaining appropriations bills forward.”

Key Takeaways:

Fully funds veterans' healthcare programs
Fully funds veterans' benefits
Reaffirms our commitment to the construction of the Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Maintains funding for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans
Invests over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries
Provides resources to improve mental health and suicide prevention among veterans
Fully funds the Community Care account, which empowers veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs
Invests $90 million for the design of barracks and child development centers to address current deficiencies
Funds improvements in Department of Defense family housing for active servicemembers and their families

Background:

The FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes a total discretionary allocation of $157 billion, which is nearly $4 billion (3%) above the FY26 enacted level. This bill also provides $323.9 billion for mandatory programs, for a total of $469.49 billion in overall funding. Last month, the FY27 bill was approved by the full House Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote of 58 to 0.

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Congressman Valadao Introduces Tax Credit to Offset Early Expenses for New Families

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 to create a newborn tax credit, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC), to help new families cover the significant costs associated with welcoming a child. In the United States, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care alone can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses during a child's first year of life can exceed $17,000—especially in California. This legislation would provide immediate, targeted relief to help ease the financial burden on parents during one of the most important and expensive times in their lives. Original co-leads of the bill include Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06).

“One of the most exciting moments for any expecting family is preparing to welcome a new child, but unexpected expenses can quickly add up and leave new parents facing costs far beyond what they planned,” said Congressman Valadao. “As a father of three, I know how quickly costs can pile up—from diapers and clothing to strollers, childcare, and other essentials during a baby’s first year. While the existing Child Tax Credit has provided important relief for many working families, parents often need support long before tax season arrives. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide up to $2,000 per newborn as an advance payment to help families cover the immediate costs that come with welcoming a child into the world. This commonsense bill gives working parents greater financial flexibility and peace of mind so they can focus on growing their family instead of worrying about how to make ends meet.”

“Welcoming a new baby into the world should be one of the happiest moments in a family’s life, not one filled with fear about how to pay the bills,” said Congressman Suozzi. “At a time when so many Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, this bipartisan bill will support young families and provide immediate, practical relief to working parents as they handle those critical first expenses.”

“As a father of four, I know how quickly expenses add up when a new child arrives: diapers, car seats, strollers, clothing, formula, and the unexpected costs that come during the first year,” said Congressman Moore. “I’m excited to introduce the Supporting Newborn Parents Act to build on policies in the Working Families Tax Cuts, like the increased Child Tax Credit, by creating an additional tax credit for working parents of up to $2,000 per newborn child. This credit will help new and growing families by creating a financial cushion to meet their baby’s needs when they need it most.”

“Bringing home a newborn should be a moment of pure love and wonder, not financial stress,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This legislation puts tax dollars back into the wallets of working families when they need it most, helping to cover everything from diapers to doctor’s visits. I am proud to support this effort, because every family deserves peace of mind in those first precious moments.”

The Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would:

Create a standalone tax credit of up to $2,000 for families welcoming a newborn child, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Ensure low- and middle-income working parents can qualify for the credit, with benefits increasing alongside earned income.
Allow families to receive the credit either as part of their annual tax refund or as an advance payment shortly after a child is born.
Give parents flexibility to calculate eligibility using either their current-year or prior-year income.
Align eligibility rules and income thresholds with the Child Tax Credit to simplify administration and avoid sudden benefit cutoffs.
Adjust the credit amount over time to account for inflation.

Supporting organizations include the Niskanen Center, Save the Children, Third Way, American Principles Project, Bread for the World, Searchlight Institute, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), First 5 Kern, and Adventist Health.

“A newborn credit helps parents weather the turbulence of their baby’s first year. This bill gives families the flexibility to make choices that work best for them at a critical moment. We thank Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Blake Moore, and Dingell for their leadership in supporting their commitment to supporting working families,” said Leah Sargeant, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center.

“Save the Children is proud to support the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026. This legislation recognizes the importance of supporting families during the earliest days of a child’s life, as well as the economic stress that can come with it. It’s a commonsense policy that supports hardworking families, including those in rural communities, and helps ensure every child has a strong start from day one,” said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children.

“The last thing new parents should have to worry about is how to pay for a hospital bill or a car seat. As costs rise, families need real support at one of the most important moments in a child’s life. That’s why we’re proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act and grateful to Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Dingell, and Moore for their leadership in easing the financial burden on new parents,” said Curran McSwigan, Deputy Director of the Economic Program, Third Way.

“American Principles Project is proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act. This bipartisan bill delivers real help to working parents exactly when the affordability crisis hits hardest — right after welcoming a new child. This $2,000 newborn tax credit will help alleviate the pain of hospital bills, diapers, and lost wages without punishing work or marriage, while offering flexible payments and a simple process. The vast majority of Americans agree: we need more babies and stronger families. This smart, pro-family proposal would deliver relief today and invest in our future. Congress should pass it,” said Jon Schweppe, Senior Advisor, American Principles Project.

"Bread for the World applauds the introduction of the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which will be a critical tool in addressing food insecurity for families. This will be a beacon of hope for families in a financially vulnerable season of life: when they are welcoming new children into their lives. Congress’s continued support for and expansion of tax credits for families is critical for sustaining positive outcomes, reducing child poverty, and ending hunger," said Eugene Cho, CEO, Bread for the World.

“Parents should be able to focus on bonding with their baby in the first months after birth. Too often, though, this period of life is marked by financial insecurity as new expenses hit the pocket book. A newborn credit—providing up to $2,000 on top of the typical Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the first year of life—is a smart way to support those American families. The Searchlight Institute applauds this bipartisan effort,” said Will Raderman, Policy Director, Searchlight Institute.

“The Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is grateful for the Bi-partisan bill "Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026". As a Kern County Primary Care Clinic-Free, with services specific to Pregnancy and Sexual health, we see first-hand the challenges our clients face in welcoming a new baby into their life. This tax credit will help build nation committed to supporting moms and dads, equipping them with needed financial resources so that choosing to have a child is natural, expected and celebrated,” said Erin Rogers, Executive Director, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center.

“Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 for its focus on strengthening families at a critical time. By easing financial strain for new parents, this legislation will allow our agency to better serve the community and enhance the effectiveness of our existing programs by helping move people out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency,” said Jeremy Tobias, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).

“The Supporting Newborn Parents Act provides an important lifeline for families navigating the early stages of parenthood. A child’s earliest months and years are critical to healthy development, and we must continue creating meaningful support systems for parents and caregivers. As the costs of childbirth, postpartum care, and child care continue to rise, this legislation reflects an important investment in Central Valley families. Thank you to Congressman Valadao for his leadership on this issue," said Amy Travis, Executive Director, First 5 Kern.

"Adventist Health strongly supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $2,000 per newborn to help ease the significant financial strain experienced by many of the rural, low-income, and working families we serve. By delivering timely, flexible support during a critical period, this legislation will help strengthen family stability and promote healthier starts for newborns across our communities," said Julia Drefke, MPA, Public Affairs Executive, Adventist Health.

“In an era of declining family formation, we need action to support new parents during a vulnerable and volatile time of their life. This bill would support parents of newborns in a direct, visible way, helping make America a meaningfully more welcoming place to have a child. If it passes, it would become the most high-impact piece of pro-family legislation in a generation,” said Patrick T. Brown, Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center.

"Babies come with new expenses and disruptions to work. What they don't come with is a check to pay for all of that. This bill is a long-overdue opportunity to fix that mismatch, and help American families start their lives as parents on a strong footing,” said Lyman Stone, Senior Fellow and Director of the Pronatalism Initiative, Institute for Family Studies.

“Working families are the backbone of this country, and federal policy should reflect that. BPC Action is excited to see Reps Valadao, Suozzi, Moore and Dingell focusing on this critical issue. Investing in families is essential and Congress must continue bipartisan engagement on these issues to meet the needs of families in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action.

Background:

Working families across the United States rely on a range of family benefit programs, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Yet despite this support, a critical gap remains in the months immediately following a child’s birth—a period when families face significant new expenses while household income declines by an average of 10 percent. The Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would address this gap by establishing a newborn tax credit to complement existing family benefits. This credit would provide timely financial support to help parents cover hospital bills, purchase essential supplies, and manage the financial strain that often accompanies the arrival of a new child.

Read the full bill here.

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House Passes Legislation to Combat Organized Supply Chain Theft and Retail Crime

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Reps. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Susie Lee (NV-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Dina Titus (NV-01), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). The CORCA Act takes important steps to strengthen legal tools for law enforcement and crack down on interstate and transnational crime.

The CORCA Act builds off initiatives included in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) in the 118th Congress.

“Organized retail crime and cargo theft are hurting small businesses and families across the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “These are coordinated criminal operations that put public safety at risk, disrupt supply chains, and drive-up costs for consumers. The CORCA Act gives law enforcement stronger tools to investigate and dismantle organized theft rings, and I’m especially proud to see language from my Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act included. This Police Week, I’m honored to help pass this bipartisan bill to hold criminals accountable and support the law enforcement officers working every day to keep our communities safe.”

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:

Strengthen legal tools for law enforcement by allowing criminal forfeitures for interstate shipment, transportation of stolen goods, or sale of stolen goods convictions
Expand money laundering statutes
Enable prosecution of organized retail and supply chain groups using interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate crimes
Mandate the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Department of Homeland Security

Background:

Sophisticated criminal organizations have been increasingly involved in theft, fraud, and other property crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain. These crimes have escalated in scope and impact, threatening the national economy, consumer safety, and public security. According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023, and stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023. This surge in retail crime is often orchestrated by organized groups to resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises.

At the same time, product manufacturers and supply chains are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These thefts range from large-scale physical theft of goods from containers and storage to sophisticated cybercriminal methods that divert shipments to illicit receivers. This causes significant financial losses and operational supply chain disruptions.

Read the full bill here.

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Valadao, Dingell Reaffirm Support for Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, on World Asthma Day, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chairs of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, reaffirmed support for their bipartisan resolution designating the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“In the Central Valley, more than half a million people are living with asthma, and many more struggle with allergies that make daily life harder than it should be,” said Congressman Valadao. “For many families, managing these conditions means juggling doctor’s visits, covering the cost of medications, and staying ahead of potential emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to recognize May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support those facing these difficult conditions. I look forward to continuing to work with my Asthma and Allergy Caucus co-chair, Rep. Dingell, to ensure families across the country can breathe a little easier and live healthier lives.”

“Allergies and asthma impact Americans from every corner of the country, including my home state of Michigan, which has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to designate May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support increased education and efforts to improve the quality of life for Americans living with these conditions.”

“On behalf of the more than 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, we thank Reps. Dingell and Valadao for their leadership in raising awareness about the burden of asthma. Untreated asthma increases healthcare costs, results in lost productivity, and risks lives. Between 9 and 11 people die each day from asthma, and nearly all of those deaths are preventable with access to effective treatment. On this World Asthma Day, we call on policymakers to join with key stakeholders to ensure everyone with asthma can access and afford the care they need,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Read the full resolution here.

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Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention Resources

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026. This bipartisan bill would mandate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on new driver’s licenses and student ID cards to help connect teens and young adults with mental health resources. It would also expand Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants to include peer-to-peer early intervention activities by student groups.

“Young adults are facing a growing mental health crisis, but too many still don’t know where to turn for help,” said Congressman Valadao. “While California law requires the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on student ID cards, access to this lifesaving resource shouldn’t depend on your zip code. By expanding existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants and ensuring 988 is added to new IDs nationwide, we can raise awareness for mental health care, connect more people to support, and help prevent tragedies before they happen."

“We have a responsibility to make sure young people know where to turn in a moment of crisis,” said Rep. Houchin. “During Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m proud to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act to expand access to the 988 Lifeline and strengthen support on campuses. This bill promotes early intervention, student engagement, and life-saving mental health resources. It’s our goal to make sure every young person knows help is available.”

“Every young person deserves access to compassionate, lifesaving mental health care when they need it most,” said Rep. Trahan. “I was proud to lead the Garrett Lee Smith Reauthorization Act to strengthen and expand suicide prevention programs for young people, and this bipartisan legislation builds on that work by increasing awareness of and access to these vital services. By leveraging the reach of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can connect more teens and young adults with the support they need, ensure they know help is available, and reach more young people before a crisis becomes a tragedy.”

"The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has saved lives. There’s no question about it," said Rep. Pocan. "The more awareness we can raise about 988, especially among our young people, the better. I’m glad to help lead this effort with Reps. Houchin, Trahan, and Valadao.”

“Youth-informed policy is not only powerful, it’s necessary. The best policies and laws are shaped by those with firsthand experience who understand both the challenges and the solutions. We are grateful to Representatives Houchin (R-IN), Trahan (D-MA), Valadao (R-CA), and Pocan (D-WI) for recognizing the importance of youth-led solutions and for their bipartisan leadership on the Campus Lifeline Act. What began as a youth-led initiative to place 988 on the back of student ID cards on campuses has now grown into the introduction of federal legislation with the potential to create nationwide change. Awareness and education around mental health resources are vital, and when young people lead, they help create solutions that are practical and accessible,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy, Active Minds.

The Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 would:

Clarify existing statute to allow the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be printed on new drivers’ licenses and student campus IDs.
Expand existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants' allowable use to include early intervention activities by student groups and prioritize this use in future grantmaking.
Clarify existing application requirements on stakeholder input and outreach strategies to include meaningful student involvement.

Read the full bill here.

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Congressman Valadao Announces the Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement announcing the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in California’s 22nd Congressional District. The winning entry, titled July 7, 2012, is a mixed-media piece created by Emily Romero, an 11th-grade student at Hanford High School. Last week, Congressman Valadao called Emily to congratulate her on her achievement.

“Congratulations to Emily Romero of Hanford High School on her winning entry, and thank you to all the talented students across California’s 22nd Congressional District who shared their artwork,” said Congressman Valadao. “Emily’s piece, July 7, 2012, beautifully captures the spirit of a local county fair while celebrating the enduring traditions of classic Americana, which are especially meaningful as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. I look forward to seeing her work each time I walk through the U.S. Capitol.”

July 7, 2012, by Emily Romero

The winning entry, July 7, 2012, by Emily Romero of Hanford High School, is a mixed media piece utilizing colored pencil and marker depicting a child riding the merry-go-round at the fair. This piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country for one year. Emily will also be invited to visit Washington, D.C. to attend a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute, which hosts the annual competition.

Elidia, by Albert Garcia

The People’s Choice winner, selected by popular vote, is Elidia, a black-and-white photograph by Albert Garcia, a 12th-grade student at Del Oro High School in Bakersfield. The image portrays Albert’s abuela, Elidia, capturing a quiet Christmas Eve moment as she shares a story in the warmth of their home. Behind her, photographs of La Virgen and her husband add context to the memory and personal history reflected in the scene.

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Congressman Valadao Leads Subcommittee Markup of FY27 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2027 bill. This measure was approved by the Subcommittee, which Congressman Valadao chairs.

“As Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, it’s been a productive few weeks working to put together a bill that reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while also ensuring the key functions of Congress,” said Congressman Valadao. “This legislation reduces unnecessary spending, focuses on core needs, and helps maintain the historic Capitol complex so it remains accessible for students, families, and visitors from across the country. It also increases funding for the Capitol Police to ensure Members, staff, and everyone who works in or visits the Capitol complex remains safe. I appreciate Chairman Cole’s leadership and partnership throughout this process, as well as my colleagues on the subcommittee, and I look forward to moving this bill to the full committee."

Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said, “The FY27 Legislative Branch bill is grounded in a simple principle: serve the American people – and do it responsibly. The measure strengthens the institutions that support democracy, safeguards the Capitol complex, and ensures Congress can meet its constitutional responsibilities to the nation with clarity and discipline. With focused investments in constituent services, oversight, security, and legislative capacity – we are reinforcing a more effective, responsive Congress. Chairman Valadao delivered on a clear focus of efficiency and accountability – while never losing sight of who comes first: the citizens we represent.”

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

I am pleased to introduce the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriation bill for the subcommittee’s consideration.

I’d like to begin by thanking Ranking Member Espaillat for the respectful and bipartisan process as we’ve worked together to develop the FY27 bill. I’d also like to thank each of our subcommittee Members for being actively engaged in the appropriations process this cycle that has resulted in the bill that we present for consideration this morning.

As we begin, I would like to remind our Members that this bill marks the first step of many, towards providing final FY27 funding for the offices and agencies within the legislative branch of our government. As we worked within our allocation, we did our best to respond to the priorities of the Members in executing their constitutional duties, while supporting the operations of the Congress, the Capitol Complex, and the people who serve it.

This bill provides $5.4 billion for House and Joint Items; in keeping with longstanding tradition, we leave Senate items for the other body’s consideration.

I want to take a moment to note a few highlights of this bill, all of which are priorities for Members on both sides of the aisle. First, we are maintaining the new and existing security programs at the levels recommended by the House Sergeant at Arms and providing them with the requested funds to continue their operations. The bill also increases essential funding for the U.S. Capitol Police by over $55 million. This is an important investment in the women and men who spend their days protecting the seat of democracy – the Capitol Complex. We thank each and every one of them for all that they do to protect the Members, our visitors, constituents, and staff.

The bill under consideration today also increases funding for the Office of Legislative Counsel to assist all Member offices; it provides additional resources for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program which is popular among all Members, and increases the Members’ Representational Allowance to account for rising costs across the nation and to assist with workforce retention and institutional knowledge. Members on both sides of the aisle prioritized this account when submitting their requests for this bill.

The bill also supports the addition of new primary services for female Members of Congress through the Office of the Attending Physician, continues the ongoing initial investment for the critical renovation of the Rayburn House Office Building, and provides for the employees and programs of the Library of Congress and the essential services they provide the Congress.
I want to thank the subcommittee staff on both sides for their work – from the majority, Lori Rowley and April Lyman, and from the minority, Faye Cobb.

Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their requests, contributions, and engagement which resulted in this Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch bill. I look forward to continuing to work together in the days ahead as we move the bill through the legislative process both here in the House and in final negotiations with the Senate.

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Congressman Valadao Votes to Support Central Valley Producers by Passing the 2026 Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill, out of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As the sole dairy farmer in Congress and a new member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I was proud to vote in favor of the Farm Bill,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill delivers real wins for the Central Valley, including addressing rising production costs and expanding technical assistance for dairy producers, while also improving crop insurance and disaster assistance for our specialty crop growers. It also invests in rural infrastructure and wildfire prevention to better protect our communities and natural resources. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line to provide the certainty our farmers, ranchers, and producers are counting on.”

Key wins for the Central Valley include:

Directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to examine rising dairy production costs and identify ways to better incorporate those costs into price coverage and insurance formulas, ensuring support reflects current economic realities for dairy producers.
Increasing Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (DBII) funding for California to ensure the state receives equitable resources compared to other regions. This funding supports technical assistance, marketing, and business development for dairy farmers.
Expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Dairy Nutrition Incentives to include yogurt and a broader selection of cheese, improving access to nutritious dairy options for families.
Expanding eligibility for specialty crops under the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), helping growers replant and rehabilitate trees impacted by natural disasters.
Prioritizing efforts to combat Citrus Greening by strengthening coordination and research at USDA and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
Expanding crop insurance access for specialty crop growers by directing USDA’s Risk Management Agency to work more closely with producers to improve coverage options.
Reauthorizing USDA Rural Development water infrastructure programs that support clean drinking water, wastewater systems, solid waste disposal, and stormwater management in rural communities.
Directing the U.S. Forest Service to partner with large landowners on wildfire prevention efforts to better protect communities and natural resources.

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Valadao, Scholten Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Affordable, Locally-Grown Food

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) to reintroduce the Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act. This bipartisan legislation would remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families.

“Central Valley producers grow the food that feeds our nation, but unfortunately, complicated administrative hurdles make it hard for them to provide food to families in our own communities," said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill reduces these barriers and equips small farmers and ranchers with the tools needed to accept benefits through programs like SNAP and WIC. By expanding access to fresh, locally-grown food for lower-income families and opening new markets for producers, we can both strengthen our agricultural economy and improve food access across the Valley.”

“Too often, local farmers and ranchers cannot access the federal programs designed to help feed our communities, not because of a lack of need or demand, but because the system is too complicated to navigate,” said Rep. Scholten. “By cutting through unnecessary red tape for farmers to participate in these nutrition programs, we can enable more local producers to succeed while ensuring families have better access to fresh, affordable food. Our bipartisan effort is about making government work the way it should – advancing practical solutions that are responsive to the people it serves.”

"The Farmers Market Coalition is extremely pleased to see the introduction of this bill. Farmers markets and the farmers who sell at them face many barriers to accepting SNAP and other Federal Nutrition Benefits, and this bill would make necessary improvements to remove red tape and streamline the process. These changes will increase income for American farmers and improve access to healthy food for low-income shoppers,” said Jamie Hadji, Board President, Farmers Market Coalition.

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Every family deserves nutritious, affordable food, and that food can be grown right here in Minnesota. Farmers and producers are the lifeblood of Minnesota’s ag economy, and we should be doing everything we can to help farmers sell their products to families in their local community,” said Senator Smith. “By cutting red tape and providing necessary technology and equipment, this bill will make it easier for them to accept nutrition program benefits, while simultaneously helping folks using federal nutrition programs get healthy, local food at farmers markets.”

The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to:

Streamline the application process for farmers and ranchers to participate as authorized vendors under various nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
Streamline the equipment/technology systems needed by farmers to process the benefits.
Provide free wireless or mobile processing equipment and systems for farmers markets.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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