Valadao, David RSS Articles

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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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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