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Yesterday, the Combating Human Trafficking Congressional Caucus hosted another successful event, this time with a panel focused on anti-trafficking efforts in the hospitality industry. Workers in this sector are uniquely positioned to identify and disrupt this crime, and it was great to have industry leaders and policy experts inform Congressional staff on how these efforts are helping lead the fight against human trafficking.

I had a great meeting with the California Farmworker Foundation this week. We discussed the critical services they provide farmworkers and families in our communities, including healthcare resources, workforce development, digital literacy, food assistance, immigration support services, and more. I appreciate CFF's important work and look forward to seeing the completion of their newest center in Delano.

I'm happy to announce that the Bureau of Reclamation has awarded more than $34 million in federal funding for two critical Central Valley water projects!
 The South Valley Conveyance and Storage Project and Seaborn Reservoir Project will expand our region's ability to store and move water, helping increase reliability and strengthen our water supply for years to come. Expanding California's water storage capacity is one of the best ways to limit the impacts of droughts, and I'm committed to continuing to advance projects that benefit our families, farmers, and communities.

Filing taxes, managing a budget, building savings, and understanding credit are all important life skills, yet too many students graduate high school without the financial knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Instead of trying to navigate a complicated financial system on their own, students should have a strong foundation in financial literacy. That's why I'm proud to introduce the Promoting Financial Literacy in Secondary Schools Act with @RepPettersen. This bipartisan bill would give students these critical tools before they graduate and help prepare the next generation for success—whether they choose to attend college, pursue a trade, or enter the workforce. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/docum…

Whether I'm home in the Central Valley or working in Washington, affordability is one of the biggest concerns I hear from families. But if Congress is serious about making life more affordable, we must fix our broken immigration system. In my op-ed with @LIBREinitiative President @danielggarza, we discuss how a functioning legal immigration system helps keep our economy moving and makes it easier to bring costs down. Read more here: sjvsun.com/view/congress-con…

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we remember the thousands of lives taken too soon and honor the heroic first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. That horrific day exposed our nation to unimaginable evil, but it also showed the strength and resolve of the American spirit. We will never forget the lives that were lost and those who died trying to save them. 🇺🇸

The Central Valley is home to a large and vibrant Sikh community. Sikh Americans deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else. The post shared today by the Department of Homeland Security was completely unacceptable, and I’m glad it was taken down. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right protected by our Constitution. No American should be targeted because of their faith or their name.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Service Academy Information Night! It was great to meet students from across the Valley and welcome representatives from our nation's military academies. Students had the opportunity to learn more about the programs each academy offers, ask questions, and hear about what it takes to serve and succeed. 🇺🇸

Our Central Valley tomato growers and processors work hard to provide a safe, high-quality product, and they shouldn’t have to compete with mislabeled foreign imports. In recent years, low-quality tomatoes grown in China have been found in products like tomato paste, allowing bad actors to skirt U.S. trade and forced-labor laws and making it harder for consumers to know what they’re buying. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the ROMA Act alongside @RepThompson, @RepDavidRouzer, @RepJimCosta, @RepGallagherCA1, and @RepDonDavis. This bipartisan bill would give USDA and CBP a science-based tool to verify the origin of imported tomato products and better enforce the laws already on the books. This is a commonsense solution that will close a gap in our current system, protect the integrity of our agricultural supply chain, and ensure consumers know what they’re buying. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/docum…

Today we honor the contributions of hard-working Americans across our communities. Happy Labor Day!

Next week, my team is hosting a Service Academy Information Night at Porterville Military Academy, on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00-8:00 pm PT. I encourage Central Valley students interested in military service to attend to learn about the application process and meet with academy representatives. For more information visit my website to RSVP here: valadao.house.gov/services/a…

Last month, the California Energy Commission unanimously approved the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, a harmful regulation that will severely limit consumer choice and raise costs for replacement tires. That's why @RepGallagherCA1 and I lead members of the California delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging his administration to withdraw this rule as soon as possible. Governor Newsom is advancing a misguided policy in the name of unproven climate goals that will make driving less efficient, less safe, and more expensive. Central Valley families are already feeling the strain of California’s high cost of living, and need some relief, not another expense. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/docum…

This morning, I had the great privilege of welcoming veterans from the Central Valley Honor Flight to the Capitol. This is an event I always look forward to, and it was an honor to thank our veterans for their service to our nation and the volunteers who help make this trip a reality.

Central Valley families and farmers know firsthand the devastating impact flooding can have on our communities, like we saw when Tulare Lake flooded in 2023. Instead of just reacting after a disaster strikes, it’s important we take proactive steps to reduce damage before the next flood. That's why I was proud to join @RepDonBeyer in introducing the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act. This bipartisan bill would establish a coordinated federal program to improve flood forecasting, strengthen infrastructure, promote better flood management and protections, and help keep the Central Valley safe and resilient from these natural disasters. Read more: valadao.house.gov/news/docum…

I'm happy to see that the @USDOT's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded Kern County nearly $43 million for the Cherry Avenue Grade Separation project. This project will prevent collisions, reduce delays for railway and roadway traffic, and enhance the overall safety for Shafter residents. I appreciate the FRA, Kern County, the City of Shafter, and BNSF Railway for their partnership and commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, increasing safety, and ensuring residents have better access to jobs and economic opportunities.

This week, I met with leaders from Self-Help Enterprises at their Palm Terrace affordable housing community in Lindsay. We discussed the challenges facing rural housing programs and the need to expand access to affordable housing across the Central Valley. I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the impactful work they're doing and I look forward to continuing our conversations about how federal housing resources can help meet the region's growing needs.

I appreciated the opportunity to visit Adventist Health in Hanford and visit the hospital's Cardiac Cath Lab. During my tour, I met with providers and members of their leadership team to talk about the impact this expansion will have on patients across the Central Valley. Expanding access to advanced cardiac care is lifesaving, and I'm grateful for all the work Adventist Health is doing to strengthen healthcare in our region.

I had a great time touring the Frito Lay facility in Bakersfield this week. With facilities throughout California, Frito Lay helps drive economic growth and generate employment opportunities in our communities across the state. I got to see the behind-the-scenes of their operations while learning more about their food manufacturing process, supply chain, and community involvement. Thank you for showing me around and giving me a firsthand look at the work that goes into feeding people across the globe.

I enjoyed meeting with Superintendent Brandy Charles from the Lamont Elementary School District (LESD) and Jennifer Wood-Slayton, Project Director at the LESD Family Success Center, to discuss the important work they are doing to support students and families in the Lamont community. I appreciate their time and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure families across the Central Valley have access to the resources they need to succeed.

🚨On August 17 & 18 from 9am-1pm @IRSnews will be hosting a hiring event in Fresno. With on-the-spot job offers, applicants can start the employment process and grow your Tax Examiner career. If you or someone you know is interested, visit the website for more information: irs.usajobs.gov/job/87894170…