Rep. David Valadao

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I'd like to congratulate Emily Romero of Hanford High School on her winning entry for the Congressional Art Competition, July 7, 2012. Her piece beautifully captures the spirit of a local county fair while celebrating the traditions of classic Americana, which are especially meaningful as we approach America's 250th anniversary. 
 I'd like to thank all the talented students across California's 22nd Congressional District who shared their artwork and look forward to seeing Emily's piece every time I walk through the U.S. Capitol.

As the sole dairy farmer in Congress and a new member of @HouseAgGOP , I was proud to vote in favor of the Farm Bill today. This bipartisan bill delivers real wins for Central Valley farmers, ranchers, and producers, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get it across the finish line.   Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/documents…

As co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I'm honored to join @RepBrianFitz, @RepJudyChu, and @RepJoshG in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate April as Sikh History Month. This effort is an important opportunity to highlight the core principles of the Sikh faith—earning an honest living, remembering God, and sharing with others—while also recognizing the strong tradition of service that defines the Sikh community. This resolution is an important step toward religious tolerance for all, and I'm proud to support it. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/documents…

For decades, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has been overspending and underdelivering. When California voters approved initial funding for this project, CHSA claimed it would be a $33 billion project. That cost has now skyrocketed by over 700%. It's past time we refocus our efforts toward making critical infrastructure improvements in our communities rather than continuing to fund this wildly expensive track to nowhere. foxbusiness.com/fox-news-polit…

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. That's why I was proud to join @RepScholten in introducing the Promoting Local Access to Agriculture Act. This bipartisan bill reduces 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 to lower-income families and opening new markets for producers, we can both strengthen our ag economy and improve food access across the Valley. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/documents…

Last year, I was proud to join @RepJimmyPanetta, @RepBrianFitz, and @RepGoodlander to introduce the SEED Act, and today, I was honored to help pass it out of the House. Central Valley families know how important a strong start is for every child, and that begins in the classroom. Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot. I'm proud to see the House pass this bipartisan bill to help early childhood educators cover classroom costs, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to get it signed into law.

Happy Dia da Liberdade, Portugal! 52 years ago during the Carnation Revolution, Portugal secured it’s freedom—a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to stand for liberty.

This morning, I had the privilege of welcoming almost 100 veterans to the U.S. Capitol for the Kern County Honor Flight. These Valley patriots fought to defend our nation and freedoms, and this program is a great way to recognize them for their service. Thank you to all the Guardians, volunteers, and participants who make this program possible.🇺🇸

This morning, I had the pleasure of welcoming Close Up Region 5 students from Kern County during the annual @CloseUp_DC trip to Washington, D.C. They asked some great questions about California water issues, the appropriations process, and my work as their representative. Thanks for visiting!

This morning, I was proud to welcome the Central Valley Honor Flight to our nation's capital. This is one of my favorite events, and I was honored to thank these brave veterans for their sacrifice and service to our nation.

In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency. With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need.
 That's why I was proud to help the House pass my bill, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act, today.
 This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this signed into law.   Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/documents…

🚨 There's still time to submit an entry for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition! This challenge is open to students Grades 9-12 and the winner will have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol. For a full list of rules and regulations, visit my website: valadao.house.gov/forms/submitar…

As Co-Chair of the UXO/Demining Caucus, I was honored to speak at this year's Mine Awareness Day event. Humanitarian demining is an essential part of U.S. foreign policy, and it was great to hear from industry partners about the work being done to address the threat of unexploded landmines around the world.

This week, I met with Jason Hinson, Executive Director of Government Relations at Fresno State University. We discussed the university's new innovation hub, The Forge, and the advancements in engineering, ag-tech, and biotech students are making across the Central Valley. It's great to see their dedication to developing the next generation, and I remain committed to continuing to support their efforts.

I had a great meeting this week with California State University leadership. President Harper from CSU Bakersfield shared the university's plans for growing the agricultural workforce in Kern County and we spoke about the importance of Federal Pell Grants. I'm proud to support Hispanic Serving Institutions like CSU Bakersfield and look forward to our continued partnership.

Yesterday, I met with Blake Zante, Executive Director of the Maddy Institute. We discussed their public policy partnership program that connects students throughout the Central Valley with internships at the local, state, and federal levels. I've hosted several of their interns in my offices, and I look forward to continuing my work to support the leaders of tomorrow.

As Co-Chair of the Armenian Caucus, it was an honor to deliver remarks this week to recognize Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. On this day, we remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were murdered and displaced by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. As we remember the victims, we also recommit ourselves to action. The current aggression, human rights abuses, and forced displacement of Armenians in Artsakh by the Government of Azerbaijan are a direct violation of international agreements, and we cannot turn a blind eye. I'm honored to stand with the Central Valley Armenian community on this solemn day and remain committed to continuing to be an advocate for the cause.

I enjoyed welcoming Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program to Washington this week. CALP partners with California universities and educators to help participants become future leaders in the agricultural industry. It was great to meet this year's cohort to discuss the challenges our ag producers are facing and talk about some of the work I'm doing to support them.

This week, I welcomed eighth graders from Hanford Christian School to our nation's capital for their annual trip. It was great to meet with the students, teachers, and volunteers and answer their questions about my work in Washington. If you or someone you know is planning to visit Washington, D.C. and would like a tour of the Capitol, please visit my website for more information: valadao.house.gov/forms/tourrequ…