The community of Mariposa gathered this week for the Highway 140 Centennial Celebration – the all-weather entrance to Yosemite National Park. In the darkest days of the Civil War, President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, which contained an extraordinary promise: that it shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation…inalienable for all time. For a century Highway 140 has fulfilled that promise. It was an honor to help commemorate the occasion.

The greater Yosemite community’s thoughts remain with the helicopter crew lost battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite. Ryan Cutter and Greg King came here to protect our community and our nation’s most treasured national wonder and they gave their lives in doing so. They knew the danger and they did what they did anyway. That is the definition of heroism. I am grateful to all those fighting the fire, and to the fire command and Mariposa Sheriff’s Office for providing me an update.

Deeply saddened by the tragic news of the deaths of two crew members in the crash of a helicopter while battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite.  Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and colleagues.

Statement by the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus: As reports indicate that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian plans to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus urges the international community not to ignore the regime's worsening human rights record. While Tehran seeks to present a moderate face at the United Nations, the reality for the Iranian people is continued repression. Human rights organizations report that more than 4,100 executions have been carried out under Pezeshkian's tenure, including political prisoners, protesters, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. The Iranian regime's principal war is not with foreign adversaries. Its primary war is against its own people. Executions, torture, arbitrary arrests, sham trials, and suppression of free expression remain the regime's tools of control. As President Pezeshkian addresses world leaders in New York, we call on the United States and its allies to publicly condemn these abuses, support international accountability efforts, and ensure that human rights remain central to all engagement with Iran. We stand with the Iranian people and the thousands of Iranian Americans from more than 40 states who support a free, secular, democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran. The voices of those executed, imprisoned, and silenced must not be forgotten. mcclintock.house.gov/newsroo…

The Action Versus No Action Act, H.R. 184, has passed the House Natural Resources Committee. The legislation represents a practical step toward restoring active management to federal forests, reducing wildfire risk, and protecting communities increasingly living under constant threat of wildfire.

Opening today's hearing on the continuing tragedy of Democrats' sanctuary laws ⬇️

The lesson of history comes down to four words: Freedom Rocks, Socialism Sucks Debate on socialism:

It was an honor to welcome veterans from the Central Valley Honor Flight to the U.S. Capitol.  Our nation survives today because of the heroism and sacrifice of veterans who fought to defend our country. We thank you for your selfless service.

Today's Immigration Subcommittee Hearing: Sanctuary Policies, Tragic Consequences

Dalilah, a 5-year-old from California, was in a coma for 3 weeks because an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler crashed into her family's car. Sanctuary state California gave the illegal alien a CDL. And it's giving thousands of other illegal aliens CDLs too. Watch Dalilah's father, Marcus Coleman, tell their family's story ⬇️

I appreciated meeting with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials at the Fresno Enforcement Office for a briefing on drug trends in the Central Valley. We discussed the important work being done to make communities safer by combating drug trafficking and gang violence through the agency’s Fentanyl Free America initiative. Thank you to the dedicated agents who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe.

I was proud to host a Water and Agricultural Forum Roundtable in Turlock. The roundtable discussion brought together farmers, local officials, federal agency representatives and water irrigation district representatives to address issues central to the region, including water, land management and resource planning.   The cooperation between local, state, and federal government remains a crucial point in strengthening rural infrastructure.

It was great to meet with local Almond growers for a discussion on new almond varieties and harvesting methods.  We also discussed the need for stronger water infrastructure and for additional reservoirs.

After years of work by the Forest Service and strong advocacy from our community, Lumsden Road in the Stanislaus National Forest has officially reopened. This important route supports outdoor recreation and helps federal agencies manage and protect our public lands. It was a pleasure to meet with our federal and local partners on-site and discuss the importance of keeping public lands accessible to everyone. I am grateful for the teamwork that made this achievement possible.

I had the pleasure of meeting with local business owners and residents in Groveland to discuss the local economy. I’m grateful to the small business owners whose hard work and dedication form the backbone of our nation’s economic prosperity.

Additional resources are arriving to fight the Gann Fire in Calaveras County. FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support state and local agencies with fire suppression efforts. I am grateful to the first responders across multiple agencies as well as the numerous community volunteers stepping in to help their neighbors.

Law enforcement are the frontline defenders of our communities and deserve our recognition and gratitude.  I appreciated attending a roundtable discussion with local Sheriffs to hear their concerns and what Congress can do to better support them.  Thank you to El Dorado County Sheriff Leikauf for hosting this important discussion.