A thoughtful piece from my colleague @Rep_Whitesides, who brings a unique perspective to the debate over AI after serving as NASA’s Chief of Staff and spending much of his career in aerospace. AI has enormous potential, but moving fast shouldn’t mean ignoring serious risks. George makes a compelling case for borrowing a lesson from aerospace: when the stakes are high, taking the time to understand the risks and put the right safeguards in place is just common sense. Worth a read. washingtonpost.com/opinions/…

For years, Madera has been working to upgrade its sewer system and keep up with the needs of a growing community. Now, $2 million in federal funding is on the way to help complete the final section of the Avenue 13 sewer main, from Granada Avenue to Highway 99. Infrastructure projects like this help keep the Valley moving forward.

Families in Mendota with deep ties to El Salvador are facing real uncertainty about what comes next. We heard directly from Mayor Martinez about the uncertainty TPS is creating for folks who have built their lives here in the Valley. TPS should be extended for Salvadorans. These families are our neighbors, and they deserve certainty about what comes next.

25 years later, we remember the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the families who still carry their memory. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger, the service members who stepped forward to serve, and the Americans who came together in the days that followed. Their courage, sacrifice, and service remain part of our nation’s story.

The Central Valley is home to a large and vibrant Sikh community. Sikh Americans are our neighbors, business owners, farmers, truck drivers, and community leaders. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to single out Sikhs in its social media posts was wrong. There is no place for the federal government to stereotype Americans because of their name, faith, or background. We can enforce our laws and keep our roads safe without demeaning an entire community. This kind of rhetoric is beneath the dignity of our country.

Mendota has been working for years to make a new Community Center a reality. This $2 million federal investment moves that project another step closer. The new center will give families, kids, and seniors a place for recreation, community programs, and time together. Federal investments should make a practical difference in the communities they serve. This one will do exactly that for Mendota.

Good to be back in Dos Palos. We secured $2 million in federal funding for two wastewater projects to replace aging facilities and keep #CA13 moving forward. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of investment that keeps Central Valley communities running and growing.

Yosemite isn’t for sale. Growing up in Merced, the Gateway to Yosemite, I've seen firsthand generations of families who have visited, worked, and made memories at this historic park. We must protect our public lands and ensure Yosemite remains accessible to those living and visiting the Central Valley.

We marked the completion of a project that will make this intersection safer for Hilmar families, farmworkers, businesses and neighbors. It took too long, but the #CA13 community stayed engaged and kept working together to get it done.

For folks in the Central Valley, getting health care shouldn’t mean missing a day of work or driving hours just to see a doctor. The reopening of Lumira Healthcare in Hilmar means more families can get the care they need close to home. That’s good for Hilmar and another step toward making health care work better for Valley families.

General Vang Pao’s leadership, service, and commitment to the Hmong community left a lasting mark on generations of families. Team Gray joined community leaders and families in Merced for the groundbreaking of General Vang Pao Park. The park will celebrate that legacy while creating a place where families can gather, children can play, and the community can come together for generations to come. #CA13

Congratulations to Ray Souza on receiving the Western Fairs Association’s Blue Ribbon Award in recognition of his years of service on the Stanislaus County Fair Board. The Stanislaus County Fair is one of the Central Valley’s great traditions, bringing together families, agriculture, and communities every summer. Thank you, Ray, for the time and dedication you’ve given to helping keep that tradition strong.

Happy 4th of July, #CA13! As America marks 250 years, today is a reminder that while we’ve never agreed on everything, we’ve always been strongest when we remember what we have in common. Have a safe and meaningful Independence Day with your family and friends.

Team Gray joined local leaders and elected officials at the 6th annual Fresno Pride flag-raising ceremony to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in #CA13.

The administration’s supplemental funding request includes a $10 billion investment for specialty crop growers, a critical priority for the Central Valley. After a difficult year marked by trade uncertainty, rising costs, and weaker markets, this investment would provide the certainty growers need to plan for the future, support good-paying jobs, and keep America’s food supply strong. turlockjournal.com/news/gove…

Team Gray joined members of the Fresno Irrigation District for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Carter-Bybee Basin Groundwater Recharge Basin. This project will help strengthen groundwater supplies and improve long-term water reliability for communities across #CA13.

Army Sergeant Alan Frunz earned the Purple Heart in 1968 but never received the medal. Nearly six decades later, working with the U.S. Army, my office helped ensure Sergeant Frunz finally received the recognition he earned through his service and sacrifice.

In Modesto, we brought together local labor leaders and organizers to discuss how we can work together to support folks across #CA13.

Antojitos Sinaloa brings authentic flavors and a welcoming community atmosphere to #CA13. Already known for its food truck at Grub Hub Modesto, Team Gray was onsite to celebrate the grand opening of its new storefront on Carpenter Road.

Team Gray was in Modesto for the American Graffiti Festival & Car Show. A great event to support children and youth in our community.