{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"CA\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-hypersonic-flight-test-yesterday", "Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Statement on Hypersonic Flight Test Yesterday", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cStratolaunch makes history with its first fully reusable hypersonic flight test of the Talon A-2 vehicle which took off yesterday from the Mojave Air and Space Port, located in California\u2019s 20th District. Our region continues to lead the way for America to explore, test, and advance new flight technologies \u2013 from Chuck Yeager\u2019s test flight breaking the sound barrier almost 80 years ago to NASA\u2019s X-59 quiet supersonic flight engine testing last month. This historic flight signifies a new era of hypersonic flight technology, where traveling at faster speeds may soon become a reality thanks to American entrepreneurship and innovation, and I enjoyed learning more about next steps from Stratolaunch when I visited Mojave last week. Congratulations to Zack Krevor and the Stratolaunch team on this incredible accomplishment!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-house-passage-american-relief-act-2025", "Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Statement on House Passage of the American Relief Act, 2025", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) issued the following statement after the House passed the American Relief Act, 2025 by a vote of 366-34-1.\n\n\u201cIt bears repeating that this last-minute funding mess is a direct result of Senator Schumer and the Senate refusing to pass any appropriations bills this year. Having to respond to hurricanes and agricultural relief, House Republicans worked with incoming President-elect Trump to take necessary action. Efforts will continue to achieve additional savings, more economic growth, and the elimination of wasteful spending with a new Administration and Republican majorities in the House and Senate in the new year. I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump-Vance Administration in tackling our nation\u2019s most pressing challenges.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-issa-introduces-landmark-legislation-stop-misuse-ai-generated", "Congressman Issa Introduces Landmark Legislation to Stop the Misuse of AI-Generated Digital Replicas", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, introduced the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA), landmark legislation to protect the voice, image, and likeness of individuals from being used commercially in unauthorized ways. He is joined by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Chairman of the House Artificial Intelligence Task Force, and Congressman Ben Cline (VA-6), a member of both the Subcommittee and the Task Force.\n\n\u201cAs AI continues its integration into every facet of our lives, its inherent perils and potential become more evident by the day,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cPADRA ensures that innovators and creators can protect their voice, image, and likeness from unauthorized use and establishes a new and better way to keep and defend what inherently belongs to each of us.\u201d\n\nThis bill represents a crucial step toward safeguarding personal identity in the age of AI and defines a baseline of federally recognized protections against clear misuses of digital replicas.\n\nSpecifically, PADRA will:\n\nFor the first time under federal law, target the commercial misuse of digital replicas of individuals\u2019 identifying characteristics, such as their likeness or voice.\n\nProtect the public from the deceptive use of digital replicas to confuse consumers about an individual\u2019s endorsement or affiliation with a product, service, or other commercial activity.\n\nAdapt and strengthen existing trademark law under the Lanham Act, minimizing uncertainty about scope, process, and court interpretation by utilizing well-understood regimes for remedies, jurisdiction and evidentiary issues.\n\nEmpower individuals to enforce their own rights against bad actors without the need for new federal government authority or bureaucracy, imposing essentially no costs to U.S. taxpayers and avoiding burdensome regulations that would hinder U.S. innovation or competitiveness in AI technology.\n\nPADRA embodies the culmination of Rep. Issa\u2019s work on the issue of digital replica misuse with AI technology in the 118th Congress as Chairman of the Subcommittee and a senior member of the AI Task Force. This introduction is a critical step toward the important work that will continue at the start of the next Congress.\n\n\u201cWith the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence, we are witnessing an alarming increase in the use of digital replicas to mislead consumers,\u201d Congressman Ben Cline said. \u201cThe use of deepfakes to mislead the public, as seen with figures like Tom Hanks and Lainey Wilson, is completely unacceptable. That\u2019s why I am proud to support the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA). This vital legislation empowers individuals to protect their identities and holds offenders accountable for their deceitful actions. We must continue to combat this growing threat and ensure the integrity of our digital landscape.\"\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act is a crucial step toward protecting Americans from the misuse of fraudulent digital replicas, safeguarding both individual identity and consumer trust,\u201d said Rep. Obernolte. \u201cPADRA strikes the right balance by proposing a robust federal framework that prevents exploitation, supports victims, and preserves our First Amendment rights. In a rapidly changing digital age, this bill ensures that innovation does not come at the cost of integrity or personal freedom.\u201d\n\nThe bill text can be found here.\n\nWhat Industry Leaders and Other Stakeholders Are Saying About PADRA:\n\nScott Belsky, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, Design & Emerging Products, Adobe\n\n\u201cCongressman Issa\u2019s Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA) is a critical step in ensuring the responsible use of AI-generated content. Adobe has been advocating for a federal anti-impersonation right that can help protect creators and combat bad actors who use AI to mimic an artist\u2019s style for commercial gain. We all share a responsibility to ensure this technology is developed and deployed in a way that benefits everyone and are encouraged by the momentum around thoughtful legislative solutions like PADRA, which aims to address the commercial misuse of AI and safeguard the intellectual property of the creative community. We believe that solutions work best when they are built off of input from the community they are intended to protect, and Adobe remains committed to advocating for policies that support artists and empower them to thrive in the age of AI.\u201d\n\nBusiness Software Alliance\n\n\"BSA urges Congress to take steps against the spread of unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas that harm artists, performers, and other creators. BSA commends Congressman Issa for introducing the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA), which advances the debate over how best to ensure that every artist, performer, and creator is protected under federal law from unfair acts of digital replication.\"\n\nMitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of RIAA\n\n\u201cWe thank Chairman Issa for his commitment to protecting artists against the use of digital replicas that steal their voice and likeness for false product endorsements and other trademark violations. We look forward to working with him in the new Congress to improve protections while preserving current Federal and State trademark statutes that protect consumers against harmful deep fakes. These protections, along with those in the NO FAKES Act, will support and recognize ethical AI development, while preventing real harm.\u201d\n\nMotion Picture Association\n\n\u201cThe Motion Picture Association appreciates Congressman Issa\u2019s effort to combat deceptive uses of digital replicas with the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA). The misuse of highly realistic depictions of an individual\u2019s image, voice, and likeness can confuse and deceive consumers. We look forward to working with Congressman Issa on the important goal of protecting Americans from such marketplace harms, while preserving the First Amendment rights of filmmakers, journalists, and other creators.\u201d\n\nDr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO, A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)\n\n\u201cIndependent labels invest decades in developing artists\u2019 unique brands and fanbases\u2014assets generative AI can exploit with disturbing ease. PADRA, introduced by Chairman Issa, addresses critical issues around responsible AI use. Misleading fakes not only mimic voice and likeness but also the distinct artistic essence of an artist\u2019s work, and this bill breaks new ground with recognition of that truth. A2IM looks forward to working next Congress on bills like PADRA and the NO FAKES Act to safeguard creators and ensure fairness in the digital age.\u201d\n\nSongwriters of North America\n\n\u201cThe Songwriters of North America applaud Congressman Issa\u2019s leadership on bringing the complicated discussion surrounding AI to the forefront on Capitol Hill. Creators need guardrails to help respect and protect our work in the digital age. The Protecting Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA) is an important step to help ensure responsible behavior around the fair and authorized use of our music.\u201d\n\nAmerican Society for Collective Rights Licensing\n\n\u201cThe American Society for Collective Rights Licensing, Inc., (ASCRL), is the largest visual materials trade organization in the United States, representing over 50,000 illustrators and photographers with published works. ASCRL wishes to thank you and your staff for the important work being done with the preventing Abuse of Digital Replica's Act (PADRA).\u201d\n\nProfessional Photographers of America\n\n\u201cThe Professional Photographers of America (PPA) join in supporting \u201cThe Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act\u201d (PADRA) and look forward to working with Chairman Issa and the Committee to protect professional photographers and other small creators from abuses caused by the scraping of their images through Generative AI. On behalf of PPA\u2019s 35,000 professional photographer members, we thank the Chairman for his leadership at this crucial time when Generative AI is threatening the very livelihood of visual artists.\u201d\n\nConcept Art Association\n\n\u201cConcept Art Association is pleased to support PADRA. With fraudulent digital replicas on the rise, due to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (genAI); artists and consumers everywhere are being bamboozled by a tidal wave of swindling and deception. Advancing the interests of and ability for Americans everywhere, including those in the creative industries, to assert their rights is not only essential, but a moral imperative if we are to protect the lifeblood of American ingenuity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-continuing-resolution-fund-government-through-march", "Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Statement on the Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government through March", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) issued the following statement after the \u201cAmerican Relief Act\u201d was voted on by the House tonight and failed to pass by a vote of 174-235-1.\n\n\u201cI had serious concerns with the first CR introduced with the extraneous and questionable provisions that were jammed inside and which I simply could not support. Clearly, we need more transparency in our government. Because of the inaction by Senator Schumer and the Senate who refused to pass any appropriations bills this year, it has created this last-minute mess, holding needed disaster and agricultural relief hostage so the Democrats could obtain many questionable provisions. The new CR agreement - the American Relief Act - focused on the basics and was the first of many steps to change how Washington works. Unfortunately, Democrats have chosen to ignore the needs of the American people right before Christmas and the holiday season and caused the bill to fail. I am hopeful we will come to an agreement that will allow us to tackle our nation\u2019s most pressing challenges and, along with the Trump-Vance Administration, Make America Great Again.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-issa-ip-hearing-explores-key-role-seps-us-competition-prc", "Chairman Issa IP Hearing Explores Key Role of SEPs in U.S. Competition with PRC", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, held a hearing to discuss the role of standard essential patents (SEPs) in U.S. competition with the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC).\n\nThe hearing, part four covering strategic competition with China this Congress, investigated how American businesses and innovators are impacted by SEP policies and manipulative licensing practices in China. The hearing focused on the PRC\u2019s misuse of courts and technical processes, including by \u201cstacking the deck\u201d at standard-setting organizations (SSOs) and other abusive tactics aimed to undermine U.S. technological leadership in global infrastructure.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing was another chapter in the work we have done to examine and explain how the PRC manipulates global IP systems to gain an unfair advantage over the inventors and creators in America who follow the law and play by the rules,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cFor years, the PRC has weaponized the standard-setting process and licensing practices to favor its own technologies and sideline American inventors. This lawfare threatens our country\u2019s businesses, markets, and economic leadership, and we must address it head-on to guarantee a level playing field and a fair fight.\u201d\n\nWitnesses for today\u2019s hearing included:\n\nWalter Copan, PhD, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Colorado School of Mines\n\nKent Baker, Head of IP Strategy, Litigation & Licensing, u-blox America, Inc.\n\nThomas Cotter, Taft Stettinius & Hollister Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School\n\nMark Cohen, Edison Fellow, Antonin Scalia School of Law, George Mason University", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-legislation-preserve-jamul-tribe-land-passes-house-now-headed-presidents", "Issa Legislation to Preserve Jamul Tribe Land Passes House, Now Headed to President's Desk", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate-companion legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to place 172 acres of land in East County, San Diego into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village passed the House and heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThe Jamul Indian Village has sought for years to bring tribal members back onto their ancestral land \u2013 so they can raise their families, carry forward their culture, and add to their history,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cThis is the right thing to do, and it empowers not government, but individuals, to take new charge and best care of their lives. This Fee-to-Trust bill provides that opportunity, securing Jamul\u2019s land, preserving its sacred sites, and protecting Kumeyaay traditions for generations to come. My thanks to Senator Padilla and Congressman Vargas for their support in pushing forth this important legislation.\u201d\n\nThe 172 acres are currently owned by the Jamul Indian Village, which includes residential land for homes and council buildings, an ancestral cemetery, and the tribe\u2019s only road for transportation.\n\n\u201cAfter years of sacrifice in their efforts to achieve self-determination, the Jamul Indian Village will finally get the true homeland they deserve to preserve their sacred history,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cI am honored to have worked alongside the Jamul Indian Village and Congressman Issa to strengthen the Tribe\u2019s community development and permanently safeguard their home for the benefit of their members.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor years, the Jamul Indian Village has been fighting to restore their homeland and rebuild their communities. Today, we mark a milestone in these efforts as the Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act passes Congress,\u201d said Rep. Juan Vargas. \u201cThis bill honors the Jamul Indian Village\u2019s right to place their land into trust, protecting traditions and sacred sites for future generations. Thank you to Congressman Issa and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue. It was an honor to work on this legislation alongside my colleagues and Jamul Indian Village leaders, and I look forward to seeing it swiftly signed into law.\u201d\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://obernolte.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-bipartisan-task-force-artificial-intelligence-delivers-report", "House Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence\u00a0Delivers Report", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Jay Obernolte", "O000019", "obernolte.house.gov", "obernolte", "https://obernolte.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries received the comprehensive report and key findings produced by the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. Developed in consultation with committees of jurisdiction, the report includes guiding principles and forward-looking recommendations that may be appropriate to advance America\u2019s leadership in AI innovation responsibly.\n\n\u201cBecause advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and national security, Leader Jeffries and I established the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to ensure America continues leading in this strategic arena. Developing a bipartisan vision for AI adoption, innovation, and governance is no easy task, but a necessary one as we look to the future of AI and ensure Americans see real benefits from this technology,\u201d said Speaker Mike Johnson. \u201cThanks to the leadership of the Task Force Co-Chairs Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu and the hard work of all the Members involved, Congress has a better understanding of how to leverage the promises and navigate the complexities of this transformative technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe development and safe adoption of artificial intelligence holds great promise to make a positive difference in the lives of the American people, and Congress has an important role in bringing these benefits to fruition. At the same time, we must ensure that appropriate guardrails are in place to prevent bad actors from exploiting this transformative technology,\u201d said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. \u201cThe Members of the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence worked hard over the past year developing a report that is serious, sober and substantive in nature. I\u2019m encouraged by the completion of the report and hopeful it will be instructive for enlightened legislative action moving forward. I\u2019m thankful for the partnership of Speaker Johnson, the leadership of Reps. Ted Lieu and Jay Obernolte and the entire Task Force for coming together to produce a bipartisan path forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt has been my honor to lead the House AI Task Force in producing this detailed, forward-thinking, and bipartisan report. It is our hope that this report will inform the Congress and the American people on the advantages, complexities, and risks of artificial intelligence,\u201d said Chairman Jay Obernolte (R-Ca.). \u201cThe report details a roadmap for Congress to follow to both safeguard consumers and foster continued U.S. investment and innovation in AI. I\u2019d like to thank Co-Chair Lieu, Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, and all of our AI Task Force members for their hard work this year. I am confident that this report will be an essential tool for crafting AI policy that protects Americans, spurs innovation, and secures American leadership in this revolutionary technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan House AI Task Force report provides a foundation both to ensure that America leads in AI innovation and to ensure that we have appropriate guardrails to protect Americans. This substantive report is the result of conversations with experts, extensive research, and analysis among Task Force members and will hopefully serve as a starting point to tackle pressing issues involving artificial intelligence. Collaborating across party lines to find consensus is not easy, and that is especially true for something as far-reaching and complex as AI,\u201d said Co-Chair Ted Lieu (D-Ca.). \u201cDespite the wide spectrum of political views of Members on our Task Force, we created a report that reflects our shared vision for a future where we protect people and champion American innovation. We have made our best efforts based on the information we have, but with the rapid pace of change in both AI software and hardware, we are fully aware that we don\u2019t know what we don\u2019t know. This initial report is only the first step. I am grateful to work alongside my friend, Jay Obernolte, on this important effort and for the trust that Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries put in our Task Force. I also want to recognize all the tremendous staff work that went into running the Task Force and creating our report.\u201d\n\nRead the full report and key findings here.\n\nRead what they're saying about the report here.\n\nBackground\n\nIn February, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the establishment of a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats.\n\nSpeaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries each appointed twelve members to the Task Force that represent key committees of jurisdiction and jointly led by Chairman Jay Obernolte (R-Ca.) and Co-Chair Ted Lieu (D-Ca.).\n\nMembership\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-bill-solve-backlogged-courts-overwhelmingly-passes-house", "Issa Bill to Solve Backlogged Courts Overwhelmingly Passes House", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate-companion legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to add critically needed federal judgeships to resolve backlogged courts passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan majority vote of 236-173. 29 Democrats crossed the aisle to support the bill.\n\n\u201cThe JUDGES Act represents the diligent work and hard-won agreement of national stakeholders that ultimately earned the support of a unanimous Senate and a strong bipartisan majority in the House. This is the durable solution our nation needs to solve a national judge shortage that is widely acknowledged, causing a backlog in our courts, and only getting worse,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cAs I noted during my floor speech, I ask the President to place country above party and establish as law a consensus idea whose time has come.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the JUDGES Act will:\n\nCreate 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035\n\nAdd three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma\n\nTask GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs\n\nRequire the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology\n\nAuthorize additional locations for holding court in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access to courthouses in rural areas", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1646", "Valadao Votes in Support of Bipartisan Bill to Address Court Backlog in California", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) voted in support of S. 4199, the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act). The JUDGES Act is the Senate passed version of a bill introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and co-sponsored by Congressman Valadao earlier this year. The legislation addresses the current backlog and understaffing of courts by creating 63 new permanent court judgeships throughout the country over the next decade. This includes four judgeships in the Eastern District Court of California, which serves the Central Valley. The JUDGES Act now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cFor years I\u2019ve seen the significant strain and burden put on our legal system due to the longstanding shortage of judges in California\u2019s Eastern District Court,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThe JUDGES Act would add four judgeships to the Central Valley region, helping to ease the unstainable workload currently overwhelming our justice system. I have no doubt this bill will bring much-needed relief to countless residents in our community who have been trapped in the legal system for far too long due to delays. I\u2019m proud that my colleagues in the House of Representatives and Senate came together to pass this crucial, bipartisan effort.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCalifornia\u2019s Eastern District Court, which encompasses the entire Central Valley, would receive an additional four judgeships if the JUDGES Act became law. As of June 30, 2024, America\u2019s federal district courts currently have 724,209 pending cases, 554 weighted filings per judgeship. Congress last authorized new district court judgeships more than two decades ago, despite the increase in our country\u2019s population and a corresponding rise in federal case filings. In 2023, the Judicial Conference of the United States, a nonpartisan policy-making body for federal courts headed by Chief Justice John Roberts, recommended that Congress create 66 new district court judgeships. The JUDGES Act of 2024 seeks to implement these recommendations during multiple future presidential administrations while adding new transparency and best practice requirements.\n\nThe JUDGES Act will:\n\nCreate 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035\n\nAdd three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma\n\nTask GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs\n\nRequire the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology\n\nAuthorize additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access for larger districts\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-priorities-included-fy25-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Calvert Priorities Included in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a bipartisan majority (281\u2013140) of the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The FY25 NDAA includes a number of provisions focused on improving the quality of life for service members and their families.\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I have prioritized the well-being of our service members by advocating for substantial pay increases, particularly for our junior enlisted personnel,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cThe Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Bill reflects this commitment by including a 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2025, and adds $2.5 billion towards a historic and targeted pay raise for our junior enlisted ranks (E-1 to E-4). The NDAA aligns with my vision by authorizing an extra 10% pay increase for junior enlisted service members, bringing their total raise to 14.5%. This significant investment underscores our dedication to supporting those who serve our nation and ensuring their financial stability.\u201d\n\nJoint Safety Council Reforms\n\nIn response to the tragic loss of First Lt. David Schmitz of Temecula, California, whose ejection seat malfunctioned during a nighttime landing, Rep. Calvert introduced the Military Equipment Quality and Safety Reform (MEZr) Act to enhance the safety of our service members. Building upon this effort, Rep. Calvert advocated for provisions that are included in Section 331 of the FY25 NDAA that require the Joint Safety Council to submit biannual reports and provide briefings detailing major accidents and the corrective actions taken.\n\n\u201cThe disclosure requirements included in the FY25 NDAA at my request aim to ensure accountability and implementation of necessary safety reforms to prevent future tragedies,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cWe owe it to our service members and their families to take these important steps to improve safety and transparency.\u201d\n\nDefense Innovation Data Repository\n\nOne of Rep. Calvert\u2019s highest priorities as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee is to leverage America\u2019s edge in technological innovation by more rapidly deploying advanced weapons and systems into the hands of our warfighters. To that end, Rep. Calvert advocated for the inclusion of Section 224 of the FY25 NDAA which calls on the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and the Defense Innovation Unit to collaborate with the Defense Technical Information Center to integrate initiatives from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs into a comprehensive data repository.\n\n\u201cThe Defense Innovation Data Repository will be updated quarterly by the head of the Defense Technical Information Center, ensuring that critical research, innovation, and advanced project information are accessible across the DoD,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cThis effort aims to streamline the transition of innovative technologies from small businesses into practical defense applications, thereby strengthening our national security and maintaining our technological edge.\u201d\n\nAI Pilot Program to Enhance Operations\n\nAs Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Calvert has championed the creation of a pilot program as outlined in Section 237 of the FY25 NDAA that evaluates the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software to enhance workflows and operations within Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, including military depots, shipyards, and other manufacturing sites. This initiative also improves contract administration across the Department.\n\n\u201cBy integrating AI-driven solutions, we can identify cost-saving opportunities and elevate the efficiency of our national security operations, with a particular focus on naval construction,\u201d said Rep. Calvert.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-supports-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-includes-2", "Rep. Vince Fong Supports Passage of National Defense Authorization Act - Includes 2 Rep. Fong Provisions", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025, which passed the House by a strong bipartisan vote of 281-140. The NDAA includes important provisions, including well-deserved cost-of-living increases for our servicemembers who courageously sacrifice for our nation and new investments to our warfighting capabilities at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Edwards Air Force Base, and Naval Air Station Lemoore to protect our national defense against foreign adversaries. The NDAA also includes two pieces of legislation that Fong had previously introduced and sponsored: the STOP TRANQ Act and the STAR Act.\n\nThe STOP TRANQ Act was included in the NDAA as the \u201cStrengthening tracking of Tranq\u201d provision and originally introduced by Rep. Fong in August 2024. This provision will require the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) to include an analysis of xylazine or \u201ctranq\u201d trafficking within the country-by-country report.\n\nThe STAR Act was included in the NDAA as the \u201cExtension of learning period for certain safety regulations relating to space flight participants\u201d provision. This provision would extend the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) learning period for regulating commercial human spaceflight until 2028, allowing for more time for the FAA and commercial space industry to develop consensus standards for human safety in spaceflight. Rep. Fong assumed first sponsorship of this legislation in July 2024.\n\n\u201cToday, I voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill ensures that we will continue to support our military in their efforts to protect our national security,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cI am honored to see two important pieces of my legislation included in the NDAA. These proposals are critical because we must stay diligent in preventing the drug and fentanyl crisis in America, and encourage the commercial space industry in our community and across California to fly, innovate, and grow. Thank you to all those who helped ensure these important provisions were included.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nSTOP TRANQ Act\n\nThe INCSR is released on March 1st annually, in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This report provides a country-by-country analysis of drug trafficking, money laundering, and financial crimes in an effort to effectively combat all aspects of these illegal activities.\n\nThe drugs currently tracked in the INCSR report include synthetic opioids, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, among others. Xylazine (tranq) is currently classified as a \u201cdrug cutting agent\u201d in the most recent INCSR report.\n\nSTAR Act\n\nThe act, originally introduced in September 2023 by former Representative Kevin McCarthy, was created to extend the learning period to 2031. The provision included in the NDAA will instead extend the period to 2028. Extending the learning period is critical to provide sufficient time for the commercial space industry to conduct the launches needed to inform the FAA\u2019s standards for safe human spaceflight.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-calvert-secure-50-million-riverside-county-water-infrastructure", "Issa, Calvert Secure $50 Million for Riverside County Water Infrastructure", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House approved S. 4367, which includes $50 million in additional water infrastructure funding requested by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) for (area).\n\n\u201cWater is one of our most vital resources, and it must be managed responsibly to meet the needs of all our people whenever they need it.\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cThis new infrastructure will also help deliver clean, reliable, and plentiful water to nearly one million western Riverside County residents, which is at once a significant win and critical step for our communities. Special thanks go to my friend Rep. Calvert for his leadership in securing this investment in our future.\u201d\n\nThe funding will support the project authorization of USACE/EMWD South Perris Groundwater Desalination initiative, which is expected to advance the next series of raw water wells, improving water quality and drought-proofing the regional water supply.\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1645", "Congressman Valadao Votes to Pass Final FY25 National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with Congressman David Valadao\u2019s support. The FY25 NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities \u2013 including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development. It also outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense (DoD).\n\n\u201cToday I was proud to vote to provide our military with the critical resources needed to protect the safety of Americans, while also securing quality-of-life improvements and a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis bill ensures our military has the funding, equipment, and training necessary to effectively defend the United States against our adversaries. The passage of the NDAA has been a bipartisan effort for over 60 years, and I am proud that the House of Representatives and Senate have worked to produce a final bill that not only strengthens our defense capabilities, but also improves the quality of life for military families, strengthens our southern border, and ensures the Department of Defense is prepared to counter threats against our nation.\u201d\n\nAmong other provisions, the FY25 NDAA:\n\nBoosts compensation for servicemembers by authorizing a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.\n\nImproves housing by authorizing $954 million over the President\u2019s request for housing maintenance accounts and over $569 million to build new family housing units.\n\nEnsures access to medical care for servicemembers by expanding the number of doctors and nurses working for the DoD.\n\nIncreases access to childcare with over $176 million for the construction of new childcare centers.\n\nDeclares that it is the policy of the United States to ensure Israel has adequate capability to defend itself against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.\n\nFully funds deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.\n\nFully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China\u2019s growing reach.\n\nRead a summary of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-wrda-bill-authorizing-riverside-county-water-infrastructure", "House Passes WRDA Bill Authorizing Riverside County Water Infrastructure Projects", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a bipartisan majority (399 - 18) of the House of Representatives to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), S. 4367. The final bipartisan, bicameral legislation authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. The bill is expected to be approved by the Senate soon and head to the White House for the President\u2019s signature.\n\nThe bill authorizes $100 million for the South Perris Desalination Program. The authorization was requested by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) to construct Stage II of this desalination program which is expected to add up to 5.4 million gallons of potable water per day for customers.\n\n\u201cBringing additional federal resources to expand the EMWD South Perris Water Supply Desalination project will help grow our local water supply and reduce dependence on imported water,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cI\u2019m proud to work along with my Inland Empire colleagues to secure this important infrastructure win for our region.\u201d\n\nThe bill also authorizes $4 million for the La Quinta Drainage Improvements Project. The authorization was requested by the city of La Quinta to construct drainage improvements in the areas of Eisenhower Drive and Avenida Bermudas.\n\n\u201cThe La Quinta Drainage Improvements project will help enhance local stormwater drainage along key corridors in the city,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cImproving our water infrastructure in the Coachella Valley is critically important to keeping roads safe and accessible during periods of heavy rain.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-announces-us-service-academy-nominees", "Rep. Vince Fong Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominees", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) announced his nominations to the United States Service Academies. Nominees were selected in a competitive process in which many highly qualified 20th Congressional District students applied for consideration.\n\n\u201cIt is my honor to nominate these distinguished students to the United States Service Academies,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cI am certain that their dedication to their studies and our country will help them excel in their future endeavors and make our community proud. Thank you to my esteemed interview panel who helped with the selection process.\u201d\n\nRep. Fong designated one principal nominee for each academy that will fill one of five slots afforded to him as a Member of Congress at each academy. He also nominated competing alternate nominations for each academy that will be ranked according to their competitiveness by the Academy Admission Board and selected for admission at the academy\u2019s discretion. The academies traditionally notify the alternates by April whether they will be offered an appointment. Some applicants received a nomination to more than one academy according to the rank preference listed on their application.\n\nEach candidate was interviewed by Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Academy Interview Committee and the selections were submitted to the Representative. The 2024 Academy Committee Members included: Cam Martin, former External Affairs Director at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, father of two United States Naval Academy graduates; (Committee Chair) Brigadier General Douglas Wickert, Commanding Officer, 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base,United States Air Force Academy graduate; Bob Ainley, Attorney and Owner of the Darling Hotel in Visalia; Derek Jeffery, Vice President & General Manager for KGET-TV, Telemundo, and CW Bakersfield stations; and Dr. April Moore, Superintendent, Sierra Sands Unified School District in Ridgecrest.\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO (USAFA)\n\nPrincipal Nominee:\n\nBraeden Hill, 16, of Friant, California. Braeden attends University High School in Fresno and is the son of C. Aaron and Shawna Hill.\n\nCompeting Alternates:\n\nKade Bravo, United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado Springs, CO\n\nJoshua Gault, Clovis North High School, Clovis, CA\n\nSofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA\n\nTyler Kipp, Centennial High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nJoanna Lee, El Diamonte High School, Visalia, CA\n\nLauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nShelbie Porter, Liberty High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nAidan Vansickle, Desert Junior-Senior High School, Edwards, CA\n\nElijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nUnited States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (USNA)\n\nPrincipal Nominee:\n\nJoanna Lee, 17, of Visalia, California. Joanna attends El Diamante High School in Visalia and is the daughter of Wook Lee and Seonim Yu.\n\nCompeting Alternates:\n\nJoshua Gault, Clovis North High School, Clovis, CA\n\nSofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA\n\nBraeden Hill, University High School, Fresno, CA\n\nLayla James, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nMadison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nJeremiah Molina, California State University, Fresno, CA\n\nLauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nEli Pugliese, Clovis High School, Clovis, CA\n\nElijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nUnited States Military Academy, West Point, NY (USMA)\n\nPrincipal Nominee:\n\nShelbie Porter, 16, of Bakersfield, California. Shelbie attends Liberty High School in Bakersfield and is the daughter of Fred II and Kathleen Porter.\n\nCompeting Alternates:\n\nBrinon Gacad, United States Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, NY\n\nReese Galloway, Desert Junior-Senior High School, Edwards, CA\n\nSofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA\n\nBraeden Hill, University High School, Fresno, CA\n\nLayla James, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nMadison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nAugustine Miller, University High School, Fresno, CA\n\nLauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nElijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY (USMMA)\n\nNOTE: The United States Merchant Marine Academy does not allow for a principal nominee to be designated. Members of Congress submit a slate of unranked nominations to the academy.\n\nCompeting Alternates:\n\nMadison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nLauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA\n\nEli Pugliese, Clovis High School, Clovis, CA", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-vote-banning-cooperation-ice-lawless-dangerous-and-out-touch", "Issa on Vote Banning Cooperation with ICE:  \u201cLawless, Dangerous, and Out of Touch\u201d", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ESCONDIDO \u2013 Congressman Issa announced his opposition to a resolution approved today by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors that would prohibit county cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it enforces federal law violated by criminal illegal aliens. The measure was passed by a 3-1 vote.\n\n\u201cFor four years, America has endured its worst border crisis ever, and nowhere has that disaster had a greater effect than our home region of San Diego and Southern California,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cAfter all the damage that Biden-Harris open borders have done, it is astonishing that this Board of Supervisors is siding with criminal illegal aliens and pledging to oppose the law of the land. This will not stand.\u201d\n\nThe proposal specifically prohibits county law enforcement agencies and officers from responding to ICE inquiries or communicating with ICE regarding individuals\u2019 incarceration status or release dates. But it would also attempt to stop the county from informing ICE about violent criminal aliens guilty of assault, burglary, and sexual abuse.\n\n\u201cThe shielding of criminal illegals with a law intended to stop law enforcement represents the most radical agenda of some members of this Board. I hope common sense prevails and this agenda item is swept aside like the lawless, dangerous, and out of touch idea it is,\u201d said Issa.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1643", "Congressman Valadao Elected Chairman of the Republican Governance Group", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after he was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Republican Governance Group (RG2). He succeeds Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), who has led the group since 2022. Rep. Valadao has been an active member throughout his time in Congress and will lead RG2 as Congress continues to address the most pressing challenges facing the nation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to have been elected as the next Chairman of RG2 and am grateful for my colleagues\u2019 trust and support,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cRG2 has consistently stood for effective and commonsense policy solutions, and I\u2019m excited to continue this tradition as we work together to address the critical challenges facing our nation. I also want to express my gratitude to Congressman Dave Joyce for his exceptional leadership and the groundwork he\u2019s laid for RG2\u2019s continued success. I look forward to building on RG2\u2019s legacy in the 119th Congress and delivering results for the American people.\u201d\n\nRG2 is a coalition of Republican House Members committed to finding solutions through pragmatic and responsible policy-making.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-uspto-fix-passes-house", "Issa USPTO Fix Passes House", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Language authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) correcting Title 35 of the U.S. Code., governing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), passed in the House under suspension this week. The bill authorizes the Director of the USPTO to provide good faith exceptions to fines for applicants claiming small and micro entity status to receive reduced application fees.\n\n\u201cThe House\u2019s passage of this bill is an important step toward guaranteeing that our patent system is as fundamentally fair as it is vitally necessary to protect the greatest ideas of the American people. By introducing new flexibility, this bill provides relief to small businesses and empowers the innovators who drive our nation forward,\u201d said Rep. Issa.\n\nSpecifically, the bill amends Title 35:\n\n(1) in section 41(j), by inserting \u201c, unless the entity shows that the assertion was made in good faith,\u201d before \u201cbe subject\u201d; and\n\n(2) in section 123(f), by inserting \u201c, unless the entity shows that the certification was made in good faith,\u201d before \u201cbe subject\u201d.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-bill-banning-us-courts-enforcing-stolen-trademarks-signed-law", "Issa Bill Banning U.S. Courts from Enforcing Stolen Trademarks Signed into Law", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, the bipartisan No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was signed into law by President Biden. The bill was co-led by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and advanced in the Senate by Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).\n\n\u201cThis bill righted a historic injustice by ensuring that American trademarks stolen by the Cuban regime will no longer be recognized on U.S. soil. This is more than just a law on the books: It is a declaration that the bond between the American people and their intellectual property is sacred, and its confiscation without consent is no less of a theft than the robbing of a bank. My thanks to Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, as well as Senators Rubio and Cortez Masto, for their leadership and dedication to this very just cause,\u201d said Rep. Issa.\n\n\u201cOur most fundamental responsibility is protecting Americans from being victimized by our adversaries. This means standing up to foreign malign actors who take advantage of loopholes in our laws to profit from stolen trademarks.\u201d said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. \u201cI\u2019ve heard Cuban-American constituents recount how their families were stripped of hard-earned wealth, expropriated by autocratic regimes. I\u2019m grateful to President Biden for signing our bill into law and demonstrating the United States\u2019 continuing commitment to combating intellectual property theft.\u201d\n\nThe bill will prohibit U.S. courts and executive branch agencies from recognizing, enforcing, or otherwise validating any assertion of rights by an individual for a trademark used in connection with a business or assets confiscated by the Cuban regime, unless the original owner of the trademark expressly consented to the transfer of the trademark.\n\nThe bill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-defense-departments-failed-audit-undermines-our-commitment", "Rep. Calvert: Defense Department\u2019s Failed Audit Undermines Our Commitment to Taxpayers", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWe have a responsibility to the American taxpayer to use every defense dollar effectively to strengthen our national security. This 7th failure of the Department of Defense to achieve a clean audit undermines this commitment. I don\u2019t want to hear about progress, I want a clean audit as soon as possible. I will continue to push the Department and military services to take seriously the responsibility to achieve a clean Pentagon audit. I appreciate the hard work of the Marine Corps, who remain the only military service to achieve a clean audit opinion.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-announces-military-academy-nominations-7", "Rep. Calvert Announces Military Academy Nominations", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) announced his nominations for the U.S. Service Academies from the 41st Congressional District. As a Member of Congress, Rep. Calvert has the privilege of nominating a select group of highly qualified young men and women from the 41st District for an appointment to one or more U.S. Service Academies\u2014Air Force, Naval, Military, and Merchant Marine.\n\n\"I am proud to nominate these outstanding young men and women from the 41st Congressional District for a potential appointment to attend one of our extraordinary U.S. Service Academies,\" said Rep. Calvert. \"Answering the call to serve our nation is a truly honorable act. These students are extraordinary representatives of our region and, if accepted, will undoubtedly excel at our Service Academies.\"\n\nRep. Calvert's Academy Nominations Selection Committee recently evaluated each candidate from the 41st Congressional District seeking a nomination to the Service Academies. The Service Academies will now evaluate the nominees based on their academic, athletic, and physical qualifications and extend an appointment to the best-qualified students that Rep. Calvert has nominated.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 has made a significant change, increasing the number of nominations that can be submitted per vacancy to 15, up from 10. This change will allow more deserving candidates to be considered for the U.S. Service Academies.\n\nThirty-Five candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert's nomination. They are as follows:\n\nAir Force Academy:\n\nGianna Almeda - Temescal Canyon High School\n\nAlexander Apotrosoaei - John F. Kennedy High School\n\nAidan Forehand - Xavier College Preparatory (Class of 2024), Air Force Preparatory School\n\nDaniel Frumusanu - Norco High School\n\nDavin Jensen - Palm Springs High School\n\nCarter McLean - Hemet High SchoolVivian Nguyen - Heritage High School\n\nZoe Philson - Palm Desert High School\n\nAlessandra Pimentel - Paloma Valley High School\n\nAidan Prado - California Connections Academy (Class of 2024), Riverside City College\n\nYashvi Shah - Eastvale STEM Academy\n\nCash Weyl - Santiago High School\n\nCalvin Willis - Corona High School\n\nMatthew Woodroof - Murrieta Valley High School\n\nMorgyn Young - Liberty High School\n\nUnited States Naval Academy:\n\nKeani Aboytes - Martin Luther King High School\n\nCarlos Barrientos - Santiago High School (Class of 2024), University of California San Diego\n\nNathanael Burns - Murrieta Mesa High School (Class of 2024), Northwestern Preparatory School\n\nNathaniel De La Cruz - Fountain Valley High School\n\nParker Finnell - Palm Desert High School\n\nMoses Garingo - Liberty High School\n\nSoren Harris-Pham - John W. North High School\n\nMakayla Hudson - Arlington High School (Class of 2024), Naval Academy Preparatory School\n\nEvan Jackson - Paloma Valley High School\n\nAlexander Krishan - Vista Murrieta High School\n\nJera Likins - Santa Rosa Academy\n\nRyan Ly - Vista Murrieta High School\n\nChase Reynolds - Martin Luther King High School (Class of 2024), Naval Academy Preparatory School\n\nRihanna Tomlinson-Graham - Temecula Valley High School\n\nNicholas Welty - Santa Rosa Academy\n\nMilitary Academy at West Point:\n\nNathaniel De La Cruz - Fountain Valley High School\n\nBrooke Desteuben - Norco High School (Class of 2024), Military Preparatory School\n\nKaydence Erickson - Rancho Christian High School\n\nDaniel Frumusanu - Norco High School\n\nDavid Madera - Norco High School\n\nZachary Nilsen - Vista Murrieta High School\n\nAddison Rodriguez - Linfield Christian School\n\nCalvin Willis - Corona High School\n\nMerchant Marine Academy:\n\nKeani Aboytes - Martin Luther King High School\n\nDaniel Frumusanu - Norco High School\n\nKaydence Erickson - Rancho Christian High School\n\nAlexander Krishan - Vista Murrieta High School\n\nJera Likins - Santa Rosa Academy\n\nAidan Prado - California Connections Academy (Class of 2024), Riverside City College\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-political-gimmicks-governor-newsoms-call-special", "Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Statement on the Political Gimmicks of Governor Newsom\u2019s Call for a Special Session", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cCalifornians continue to express serious concerns with the direction of the state and instead of collaborating with the incoming Trump Administration to help advance the needs of our state, this special session further shows that the Newsom Administration only cares about political gimmicks. Californians rejected Governor Newsom\u2019s agenda and Americans rejected VP Harris\u2019s policies modeled after Governor Newsom this week, but he apparently didn\u2019t get the message. To call a special session for the California Legislature in December to authorize diverting even more precious taxpayer dollars from Californians to sue the Trump Administration before it has even taken office is more political theater. At a time when our state is struggling financially, Governor Newsom is focused on his own presidential ambitions - using taxpayers as his piggy bank.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-american-people-voted-fresh-start-new-direction-and-nation-great-ever", "Issa: The American people voted for a fresh start, a new direction, and a nation as great as ever", "2024-11-06", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cLast night, with clear intent, bright hope, and in numbers too large and too widespread to dismiss, the American people voted for a fresh start, a new direction, and a nation as great as ever. One of the signature reasons why President Trump was re-elected was a vote of confidence by more than 70 million fellow citizens that he will steer the nation away from four years of failure and chart a new and better course of opportunity for all Americans.\n\n\"In that mission, he will need partners as determined as he is, and I believe Republican majorities in the House and Senate will be ready to work, lead, and succeed. America has been through a lot over the last four years, and we have the chance to show our best and deliver a rebuilt economy, a restored national defense, and a real border that protects the homeland.\n\n\"We are already hard at work, and that effort will continue through to 2025 and beyond.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-and-house-va-committee-chairman-mike-bost-issue-joint-statement", "Rep. Calvert and House VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost Issue Joint Statement on Veterans Issues", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cOn October 16, we met with local veterans and Veteran Service Organizations at the Palm Springs Air Museum to address critical issues in veterans' health care. Listening to veterans share their struggles with referral delays and inefficiencies at the Loma Linda VA, and the lack of accountability among senior VA leaders underscored the urgent need for veteran-centered reforms to hold failing leaders accountable. That\u2019s why we\u2019re leading H.R. 2478, the Restore VA Accountability Act, to bring accountability back to VA nationwide, for good.\n\nOne key concern raised was the lack of reliable transportation in the region, which forces many veterans to face unnecessary logistical barriers when it comes to receiving essential healthcare. This is unacceptable. We are committed to advancing legislation that holds the entire VA accountable \u2013 including Loma Linda VA employees \u2013 to ensure that no veteran encounters barriers when receiving the timely, high-quality care they have earned.\n\nTogether, we are fighting to create a health care system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and respect for those who have served our country. Veterans gave their all for this nation, and it is our duty to honor that sacrifice by building a system that meets their needs no matter what.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1613", "Congressman Valadao Hosts Healthcare Roundtable with Chair of Health Subcommittee", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "BAKERSFIELD, CA \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Health Brett Guthrie (KY-02) for a roundtable discussion with Central Valley healthcare stakeholders in Bakersfield.\n\n\u201cFrom workforce shortages to telehealth to Valley Fever, we face unique obstacles here in the Central Valley that impact the health and well-being of our residents,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cIt was helpful to hear directly from local healthcare professionals about some of the biggest challenges they face in providing care for our community. I\u2019ll continue working alongside local partners to ensure Central Valley families have access to reliable, affordable healthcare options. Thank you to Chairman Guthrie for making the trip out to the Central Valley for this important conversation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee I am committed to ensuring Americans across our nation have access to the highest-quality, most affordable health care they need. This is especially important for Americans living in rural communities, which is why I have championed policies to maintain and expand access to telehealth services for our seniors. The Energy & Commerce Committee recently passed legislation extending current telehealth flexibilities and providing greater access to tele-behavioral health services for vulnerable seniors. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues in Washington, including Congressman Valadao, to ensure these policies become law before the end of the 118th Congress. I thank Congressman Valadeo for inviting me today for a frank conversation about the challenges facing our health care system,\u201d said Health Chairman Brett Guthrie.\n\n\u201cOur health care needs will continue to grow as the Central Valley grows. In partnership with our health care professionals, we are working to develop more health care career pathways as well as residency programs to train more doctors. We also are investing in telemedicine and rural health infrastructure to deliver care. Today\u2019s roundtable with Congressman Valadao and Congressman Guthrie continues the collaboration of our region to better the lives of everyone in the Central Valley,\u201d said Congressman Fong.\n\nAttendees included representatives from Hall Ambulance Services, Centric Health California, Adventist Health, California Rural Indian Health Board, Sierra View Medical Center, Anthem Blue Cross, Kern County Public Health, Valley Children\u2019s Healthcare, Kern Health Systems, Clinica Sierra Vista, Psychiatric Wellness, North Kern South Tulare Hospital District, Valley Fever Institute, Kern County Hospital Authority, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-opens-new-district-office-santee", "Issa Opens New District Office in Santee", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SANTEE \u2013 Congressman Issa (CA-48) announced that his new district office in Santee is now open to assist constituents in San Diego\u2019s East County.\n\nConstituents in the area needing assistance with federal agencies including Social Security, Medicare, or the Veterans Administration are encouraged to contact the Santee Issa field office at 760-304-7575 to schedule an appointment with a member of the Congressman\u2019s staff.\n\n\u201cOur new Santee office is dedicated to serving residents of East County, and it is equipped and ready to represent constituents needing help with a federal agency. My team is standing by,\u201d said Rep. Issa.\n\n\u201cCongressman Issa and I are dedicated to delivering top-notch services to Santee and the surrounding region. Opening an office in Santee highlights our commitment to this community. Additionally, having staff focused on veterans\u2019 affairs and other agencies is an added benefit to our residents,\u201d said Santee Mayor John Minto.\n\nThe Santee field office is located at Santee City Hall 10601 Magnolia Ave, Bldg 6 Santee, CA 92071. In-person meetings are by appointment only.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://obernolte.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-obernolte-rep-panetta-laud-faas-approval-powered-lift-aircraft", "Rep. Obernolte, Rep. Panetta laud FAA\u2019s approval of powered lift aircraft", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Jay Obernolte", "O000019", "obernolte.house.gov", "obernolte", "https://obernolte.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), who together co-chair the bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Caucus, applaud the decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a final rule for powered lift operations. The Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots, a major step forward for the growing AAM industry.\n\n\u201cI commend the decision by the FAA to approve powered lift as a new category of civil aircraft, the first in over 80 years, and their continued efforts to promote innovation in America\u2019s aviation industry,\u201d said Rep. Obernolte. \u201cThis rule will allow these aircraft to provide services such as air taxi, cargo delivery, and an array of other operations within the United States. The possibilities of powered lift operations are transformative, and this rule allows industry to provide these services by creating an operational system for advanced air mobility.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the proper federal regulatory framework, Advanced Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionize how we move people and goods throughout our country,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cThe Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s final rule is a significant step forward in allowing powered lift aircraft to be integrated into our airspace and allow these operations to take flight. I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work to advocate for the future of aviation and the innovation in California\u2019s 19thCongressional District powering these exciting aircraft.\u201d\n\nDue to the concerted efforts of Rep. Obernolte, Rep. Panetta, members of theAAM Caucus, and FAA Administrator Whitaker, powered lift will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. The rule makes changes to existing regulations, establishes an SFAR for instructor and pilot certification and training, applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight, adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules, and allows powered-lift pilot training with a single set of flight controls instead of two.\n\nWhat They\u2019re Saying:\n\n\u201cSupernal is pleased to see the FAA finalize the rulemaking for pilot training and operations for the AAM industry, while adopting a more flexible approach to requirements such as dual controls\u201d said Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal. \u201cWe look forward to continued collaboration with the FAA and Congress to position the US as a global leader in this exciting new industry.\u201d\n\n\"We applaud the FAA on the release of the SFAR ahead of schedule as it represents a tremendous milestone for our country and the eVTOL industry. Now, Archer has a clear roadmap to pioneer eVTOL here in the U.S. Our team is full speed ahead in our ongoing partnership with the FAA as we work towards commercialization as soon as possible,\u201d said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.\n\n\"The regulation published will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight,\u201d said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. \u201cDelivering ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication, coordination and hard work of the rulemaking team.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdvanced air mobility promises to change the very definition of on-demand aviation worldwide,\u201d National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen said. \u201cGiven the speed at which the technology is developing, it is critical that all stakeholders have clear, official guidance for AAM operations. We commend the FAA for providing that guidance with the publication of this new rule.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1606", "Valadao, Steel Lead Call to Delay Vote to Raise California Gas Prices", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Michelle Steel (CA-45) led the entire California Republican Congressional delegation in a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requesting they delay their upcoming November 8th vote on amendments to the Lower Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) until the public is provided with transparency on how these changes will impact gas prices. In September 2023, CARB reported that these changes could raise prices by 47 cents per gallon in 2025. CARB has since walked back this analysis and refused to provide an updated cost analysis.\n\n\u201cCalifornians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation because of our state\u2019s gas tax,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cIt is unacceptable that unelected bureaucrats at CARB are attempting to quietly pass new rules that will raise gas prices even more for Central Valley families. I strongly urge CARB to delay this vote until they provide a full and complete analysis of how their actions will impact gas prices for consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cGovernor Newsom\u2019s bureaucracy in Sacramento continues to make life unaffordable for Californians without considering input from affected citizens. State agencies should not be enacting new regulations raising our cost of living by dramatically increasing already-high gas prices,\u201d said Congresswoman Steel. \u201cCARB must delay their November 8 vote and study the impact their regulations will have on all Californians.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers noted that Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation. Rep. Valadao led a letter to Governor Newsom earlier this year citing his concerns over the LCFS amendments and the annual gas tax increase.\n\n\u201cCARB\u2019s new and deceitful approach comes as Californians continue to weather gas prices $1.50 per gallon above national averages, as well as a July hike in the gas excise tax to 59.6 cents per gallon. CARB has misleadingly billed these amendments as a regulatory burden limited to fossil fuel producers and importers. Unfortunately, there is no doubt that Californians will continue to pay the price,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1607", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Resolution to Recognize Sikh Genocide", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22), co-chair of the Sikh American Congressional Caucus, introduced a resolution to formally recognize and commemorate the Sikh Genocide of 1984. California is home to the largest Sikh population in the U.S., with the majority residing in the Central Valley.\n\n\u201cSadly, many Sikhs have been targeted for their religious beliefs throughout history, including during the 1984 genocide,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThe Central Valley is home to a vibrant Sikh community and I\u2019m proud to stand with them in demanding recognition and accountability for this horrific event in their history. This resolution is a small but important step to commemorate this tragedy and honor the innocent victims who lost their lives while practicing their faith.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we mark the 40th anniversary of the Sikh Genocide, we remember a dark chapter in history that inflicted pain on Sikh families and communities. This is not just a distant tragedy\u2014it hits home for us here in the San Joaquin Valley, where so many of our Sikh neighbors have shared their stories of loss, survival, and resilience. This resolution is more than a symbol \u2014 it\u2019s a time to recognize this horrific time that our Sikh community experienced,\u201d said Congressman Costa.\n\nReps. Valadao and Costa were joined in introduction by Reps. Josh Harder (CA-09), Vince Fong (CA-20), and John Duarte (CA-13).\n\nThe resolution is supported by American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, American Sikh Caucus Committee, Ensaaf, Jakara Movement, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Sikh Coalition, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC), and the United Sikhs.\n\n\u201cThis resolution marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing quest for justice and truth. The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, representing Sikh religious institutions across the nation, has long advocated for the recognition of the atrocities committed during the 1984 Sikh Genocide. We thank Congressman Valadao for his courageous leadership and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the stories of our martyrs are preserved, and that justice is pursued relentlessly,\u201d said Gudev Singh, Acting President, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).\n\n\u201cThis resolution is a turning point in our community's decades-long pursuit of justice and recognition. For too long, the horrors of 1984 have been hidden from the global stage. Today, we honor the memory of those who suffered and ensure their voices will never be silenced. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman David Valadao for his leadership of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, and in championing this cause, marking a momentous step toward accountability and healing for Sikh Americans and Sikhs worldwide,\u201d said Dr. Pritpal Singh, Founder, American Sikh Caucus Committee.\n\n\u201cThis resolution marks a crucial victory in the battle for truth and justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide. It stands as a testament to the resilience of our community, which has sought justice for decades. While we still have a long road ahead in terms of accountability, this first step of recognition in the U.S. House of Representatives gives us hope that justice one day will prevail,\u201d said Sukhman Dhami, Co-Director, Ensaaf\n\n\"The introduction of this resolution is not just about acknowledging the past but ensuring that future generations understand the truth about the 1984 Sikh Genocide. For Sikh youth and activists, this is more than a political milestone\u2014it\u2019s a validation of the pain our elders endured and a commitment to never allow history to forget. The Jakara Movement looks forward to working alongside Congressman Valadao to continue shining a light on this dark chapter and to ensure that justice for the victims remains a priority for all,\u201d said Naindeep Singh, Executive Director, Jakara Movement.\n\n\u201cThis resolution is a historic acknowledgment of the deep scars the Sikh genocide of 1984 has left on our community. It not only honors the memory of those we lost but also empowers Sikh Americans and allies who have been fighting for decades to ensure that these atrocities are not forgotten. We are especially grateful to Congressman David Valadao for his unwavering support and for bringing this issue to the forefront of American consciousness. Today, we see a step toward justice and the validation of our truth,\u201d said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)\n\n\u201cThis is the first time a federal resolution has been introduced to recognize the 1984 Sikh Genocide, and it sends a powerful message: the world is watching, and the atrocities committed against Sikhs will not go unnoticed. We are deeply thankful to Congressman David Valadao for his leadership in this effort, and we look forward to building a broad coalition of support to ensure its ultimate passage. Today\u2019s recognition fuels our resolve to continue advocating for justice and accountability,\u201d said Harman Singh, Executive Director, Sikh Coalition.\n\n\u201cThe introduction of this resolution is a significant step forward for Sikhs worldwide, especially for those of us who have been tirelessly advocating for the truth to be recognized. The Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast stands united with our brothers and sisters in the continued pursuit of justice for the victims of 1984. This resolution acknowledges not only our pain but our perseverance, and we are grateful to Congressman Valadao for standing with us in this cause,\u201d said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC).\n\n\u201cAs a global humanitarian organization, United Sikhs has long championed the cause of justice and human rights for the Sikh community. The introduction of this resolution in the U.S. Congress is a watershed moment for our community\u2019s struggle for truth and justice. It is an acknowledgment that the international community is listening, and it reinforces our collective resolve to ensure that the horrors of 1984 are neither ignored nor repeated. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Valadao for his leadership and solidarity,\u201d said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault on Sri Darbar Sahib, a sacred place of worship more commonly known as The Golden Temple. During Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army used heavy artillery and tanks to lay siege on The Golden Temple complex, murdering thousands of civilians as an attempt to suppress Sikh religious rights and freedoms. This tragedy is considered by many as the beginning of the Sikh Genocide.\n\nFollowing the death of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, the Indian government launched a multi-day campaign of state-sponsored violence and repression against Sikhs that included disappearances, targeted killings, and coordinated mass violence. Political unrest in India throughout 1984 resulted in the loss of thousands of Sikh lives. Today, transnational repression is still a widespread issue impacting the Sikh community.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-welcomes-navy-assistant-secretary-and-usda-deputy-under", "Rep. Vince Fong Welcomes Navy Assistant Secretary and USDA Deputy Under Secretary to NAWS China Lake and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital -  Working Together to Support Community Healthcare Needs", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Yesterday, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) joined the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Franklin Parker, on a tour of NAWS China Lake and the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital (RRH). The visit also included a roundtable with Assistant Secretary Parker, leaders from NAWS China Lake, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, Lillian Salerno, to discuss long-term solutions in healthcare for the area. This visit comes less than a month after Rep. Fong helped secure federal funding for RRH in collaboration with the Department of Defense to keep critical health services at the hospital.\n\n\u201cI would like to thank Navy Assistant Secretary Franklin Parker as well as the USDA\u2019s Acting Deputy Undersecretary, Lillian Salerno, for joining me. Our tour of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital and NAWS China Lake highlighted the important work underway, and collaboration centered on strengthening healthcare within our community. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Defense and USDA\u2019s Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program to develop long-term solutions to support the healthcare needs of NAWS China Lake and the community of Ridgecrest,\u201d said Rep. Fong.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-calls-out-california-coastal-commission-political-bias", "Rep. Vince Fong Calls Out California Coastal Commission for Political Bias - Short Sighted Actions Recklessly Halts Vital Growth in America\u2019s Space Innovation", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) calls out the California Coastal Commission\u2019s recent decision to prevent additional SpaceX rocket launches in California, apparently due to political views held by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. In a letter sent to the Commission, Rep. Fong discusses its potential use of political bias to punish a specific company. Rep. Fong also defends his belief that government decisions affecting the future of the commercial space industry should be made fairly and without regard to political views, stating these actions will halt vital growth in America\u2019s space innovation. Read the full letter here or highlights below.\n\nI write with grave concerns over the California Coastal Commission\u2019s recent decision to prevent additional SpaceX rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), with commissioners citing political animus to justify what should have been a non-political decision. As a Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I believe that government entities should encourage the spirit of innovation, especially in my home state of California, and reduce regulatory burdens on industry to enable the United States to compete with China and win the 21st century space race. As a Member of Congress, I believe that government decisions should be made in a fair and impartial manner, without regard to political views.\n\nI understand that the Commission voted last week\u2014against its own staff\u2019s recommendation\u2014to non-concur with a U.S. Space Force proposal to increase the number of SpaceX\u2019s Falcon 9 launches at VSFB from 36 to 50 per year. Commissioners publicly stated that they want to prevent additional launches and cited concerns with the alleged political views of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. In all my years in public service, I have never heard of a commission discussing politics as the basis for official action. This seems to be an egregious use of political discrimination to punish a specific company. I am most concerned that the Commission\u2019s actions risk the public\u2019s trust in our democratic institutions and their ability to rely on the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing the free exercise of speech and due process.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-terrorist-sinwar-dead-israel-alive-and-strong", "Issa: The Terrorist Sinwar is Dead \u2013 Israel is Alive and Strong", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe elimination of Yahya Sinwar is both overdue and richly deserved. He was not only the architect of October 7th, but also a lifelong unapologetic terror master completely committed to the destruction of Israel. He was also responsible for untold deaths and had American blood on his hands. The Middle East is a better place without him, and the prospect for an enduring peace with security for Israel and the region is more possible today than yesterday.\n\n\u201cThis also validates the strategic approach of the Netanyahu government that terror can be targeted, its most brutal practitioners taken out, and free people safer as a result. It also proves that the Biden Administration \u2013 which has repeatedly and publicly criticized our ally Israel \u2013 was consistently wrong to do so. Today we say once again: Terror must lose. Israel must win.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-elimination-yahya-sinwar", "Rep. Calvert Statement on the Elimination of Yahya Sinwar", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement regarding the elimination of the leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, by the Israeli Defense Force:\n\n\u201cI welcome the news that Israel Defense Forces served justice to Yahya Sinwar, who was responsible for the death, murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of Israelis and Americans. His elimination is another reminder that there is no bunker deep enough, tunnel long enough, or safehouse remote enough to protect the enemies of a free and civilized world. The U.S. will continue to stand with Israel to hold those accountable who perpetuate violence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1586", "Congressman Valadao Supports Legislation to Prioritize Valley Fever Vaccine Development", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) recently joined Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) to introduce the Valley Fever Awareness and Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Act. The legislation aims to address the pressing need for a human vaccine for Valley Fever by supporting the development, approval, licensing, and initial manufacturing of a vaccine.\n\n\u201cValley Fever has a huge impact on communities throughout the Central Valley and leaves thousands of people sick every year,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support Congressman Duarte\u2019s legislation to prioritize the development of a Valley Fever vaccine to combat the spread of this disease and save lives. As a member of the Valley Fever Task Force, I\u2019ll continue working toward solutions to keep Central Valley families safe and healthy.\u201d\n\n\"Valley Fever is a growing public health threat in our communities, and this bill is a critical step toward developing the first human vaccine to protect those most at risk,\" said Congressman Duarte. \"I\u2019m proud to lead this effort and work with local and national partners to tackle this disease head-on and bring much-needed relief to the Central Valley and other affected regions.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressman Valadao is a member of the Valley Fever Task Force, which was founded in 2013. The Task Force is committed to raising awareness and advancing policies to combat Valley Fever. Congressman Valadao has been a member since its founding. Last year, Congressman Valadao participated in a Valley Fever Roundtable hosted by the Task Force to discuss ongoing treatment and vaccine developments. The roundtable included medical experts, researchers, and advocates focused on combatting Valley Fever. He\u2019s also a co-sponsor of the FORWARD Act, which supports various research and development programs with the goal of developing new drugs, treatments, and vaccines to combat Valley Fever.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-hosted-us-service-academy-forum-and-encourages-applications", "Rep. Vince Fong Hosted U.S. Service Academy Forum and Encourages Applications", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Last weekend, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted a U.S. Service Academy Forum in Clovis. The forum was held on Saturday and encouraged students from 7th to 12th grade to attend to learn more about receiving a Congressional nomination and the application process.\n\n\u201cI was honored to get to speak with all of these students and parents who are interested in joining a service academy,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cSeeing all of the students who want to serve our country and are so dedicated to their studies was inspiring. I invite all students who are interested in receiving a Congressional nomination to apply by the deadline.\u201d\n\nCompleted application packets must be physically received in the Bakersfield District Office by 5pm PT on Friday, October 18, 2024 (postmarks are not sufficient). NOTE: While the traditional deadline is October 20, 2024, when this date falls on a weekend, the applications must be in the Bakersfield District Office the Friday prior to the deadline, October 18, 2024.\n\nIf you have any questions please contact Kati McKeown, U.S. Service Academy Coordinator, in the Bakersfield District Office at (661) 327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-calvert-lead-southern-california-law-enforcement-roundtable", "Issa, Calvert Lead Southern California Law Enforcement Roundtable", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "MURRIETA \u2013 This week, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) joined Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Riverside County Assistant District Attorney John Aki for a Southern California Law Enforcement Roundtable. The event took place in Murrieta, CA.\n\n\u201cFundamentally, citizens have the right not to be a victim of crime,\u201d said Congressman Issa. We convened this conversation of law enforcement leaders because public safety is at the forefront of our community\u2019s concerns, and Riverside County is to be congratulated for holding the line against crime and pushing back to make our neighborhoods as safe as they can be.\u201d\n\nThe discussion specifically focused on the dimension of the region\u2019s law enforcement priorities and the continuing challenges that police, sheriffs, and all public safety face to protect residents and keep the peace. Congressman Issa fielded questions related to his legislative efforts to target retail crime, Sexually Violent Predators, and the deadly fentanyl epidemic. He also addressed the open borders policies of the Biden-Harris Administration and the official Judiciary Committee Field Hearing he chaired last month in Santee, CA.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m especially grateful to my friend and colleague Rep. Calvert as well as Assistant DA Aki for their continuing commitment to combat crime and strengthen support for all of our law enforcement priorities and personnel.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1573", "Congressman Valadao Requests Answers for Central Valley Small Businesses", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) sent a follow-up letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel regarding delays in processing Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims, a program created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses keep people employed. In January of this year, Congressman Valadao wrote to Commissioner Werfel requesting answers and expressing concerns over the IRS\u2019 significant issues with processing and payment of ERTC claims.\n\nCongressman Valadao highlighted the lack of communication from the IRS that has frustrated many small business owners:\n\n\u201cBusinesses with legitimate ERTC claims deserve prompt processing and payment of their claims. Unfortunately, the IRS has not yet communicated the status of these claims or outlined the process for the analysis needed to complete their processing and payment,\u201d Congressman Valadao wrote.\n\nWhile the IRS has made progress since the Congressman\u2019s initial letter to investigate fraud and pay eligible claims, there are still thousands of small businesses waiting for their claim to be processed and paid:\n\n\u201cThe ERTC program was designed to provide crucial relief to businesses during the pandemic. While the steps the IRS has taken in recent months are essential for addressing these claims, I am concerned that the IRS response has been inadequate,\u201d Congressman Valadao wrote.\n\nCongressman Valadao requested answers from the IRS on the current steps they\u2019re taking to address these claims, including:\n\nWill the IRS consider extending the 30-day period for taxpayers who received a disallowance letter to submit a protest? If not, why not?\n\nHow is the IRS reviewing the 60 to 70 percent of claims that have moderate level of risk? How is the IRS communicating the status of these claims with taxpayers?\n\nIn August, the IRS announced that 50,000 low-risk claims were moving into processing. Of these claims, how many have been paid?\n\nIs the IRS working through ERTC cases that the Taxpayer Advocate Service is sending?\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-tulare-ridgecrest-and-kern", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Tulare, Ridgecrest, and Kern River Valley This Week", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "This week, staff members from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Tulare, Ridgecrest, and Kern River Valley to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours in Tulare will be held on Monday, October 7 from 10am-11:30am at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce (220 E Tulare Ave). The mobile office hours in Ridgecrest will be held on Tuesday, October 8 from 10am-11:30am at the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce (128 E California Ave). The mobile office hours in Kern River Valley will be held on Wednesday, October 9 from 1:30pm-2:30pm at the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce (6416 Lake Isabella Blvd, #D). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-issa-october-7-last-we-say-loud-and-clear-israel-must-win", "Congressman Issa: On this October 7 \u2013 as with the last \u2013 we say loud and clear: Israel must win", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement:\n\n\"On October 7th, 2023, I was getting ready to board a flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel along with several of my colleagues on a Congressional delegation. Then came the first reports and the continuing confirmations of the brutal and deadly attacks by Hamas that killed more than a thousand Israelis and saw hundreds more dragged into Gaza to be held as hostages. Our hearts sank with the realization that this was Israel\u2019s 9-11. We were redirected back to the United States.\n\n\"But we weren\u2019t there long. I returned to Israel alongside my friend Sen. Joni Ernst and once there we immediately visited the kibbutzim ravaged by the terrorists who carried out an unprovoked slaughter of civilians. We saw the blood stains and bullet holes on the walls of homes, while others were completely burned to the ground. We saw the ransacked possessions of the residents and the scattered toys of children. We were shown residences and told 'there were no survivors.'\n\n\"One year later \u2013 and with the support of its strongest friends \u2013 Israel has rallied and rebuilt, answered anguish with action, and turned the tide against terror. It is a remarkable achievement that may indeed be the hinge of history turning.\n\n\"This is the time to not only stand with Israel but also offer more than the repeated rhetoric of supporting its right to defend itself. We must defend Israel\u2019s very right to exist and to live in peace and security with its neighbors. But it will be \u2013 to borrow a phrase from Ronald Reagan \u2013 peace through strength.\n\n\"On this October 7th \u2013 just as with the last one \u2013 we need to say loud and clear: Israel Must Win.\"\n\nPlease see Congressman Issa's Op-Ed in the Washington Reporter today.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-introduces-legislation-reforming-third-party-financed-civil-litigation", "Issa Introduces Legislation Reforming Third-Party Financed Civil Litigation", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced H.R. 9922, the Litigation Transparency Act of 2024, which requires the disclosure of parties receiving payment in civil lawsuits.\n\nIn hundreds of cases every year, civil litigation is funded by undisclosed third-party interests \u2013 including hedge funds, commercial lenders, and sovereign wealth funds operating through shell companies. In response, the bill would require disclosure of investors who have a right to receive payment based on the outcome of a case, as well as the disclosure of the financing agreement between investors and parties to the civil action. Third-party litigation funding also poses unique challenges in patent litigation cases, where investor-backed entities seek large settlements against American companies.\n\n\u201cOur legislation targets serious and continuing abuses in our litigation system and achieves a level of transparency that people deserve, and our standard of law requires,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cWe believe that if a third-party investor is financing a lawsuit in federal court, it should be disclosed rather than hidden from the world and left absent from the facts of a case. When we achieve a lasting measure of awareness by all parties, it will advance fair and equal treatment by the justice system and deter bad actors from exploiting our courts.\n\n\u201cAs a former state legislator, I helped usher in laws to mandate disclosure of TPLF in Wisconsin courts. This ensured parties were aware of all stakeholders who had a financial interest in the outcome of litigation. These commonsense disclosure laws should similarly be required in federal courts, where the stakes can be higher,\u201d said Rep. Fitzgerald. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Congressman Issa in bringing needed transparency to our courtrooms.\u201d\n\nThird-party litigation financing also raises national security concerns. A series of recent cases revealed that China-backed funders fueled IP litigation against U.S. companies. National security concerns have also been echoed by 14 state attorneys general, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Senator Marco Rubio, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Senator John Kennedy.\n\nThis bill follows extensive work by Rep. Issa this Congress, including holding a hearing titled \u201cThe U.S. Intellectual Property System and the Impact of Litigation Financed by Third Party Investors and Foreign Entities\u201d, introducing the discussion draft of the LTA, and a letter to the Judicial Conference.\n\nThe following organizations submitted statements in support of Rep. Issa\u2019s bill:\n\nNational Association of Mutual Insurance Companies\n\n\u201cThe court system was never meant to be exploited and abused in this manner. Frivolous and excessive litigation driven by third-party investors has inherently raised costs for Americans across the country. This legislation will help shine a light on who\u2019s behind a lawsuit and ensure that relevant parties have the necessary information in their deliberations.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce\n\n\u201cThis legislation will help protect the integrity of our judicial system by ensuring that outside financiers are not secretly directing or profiting from litigation they are funding. It is common sense that defendants, plaintiffs, and judges should know who is seeking to profit off litigation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce thanks Rep. Issa for his leadership and strong work on this important issue.\u201d\n\nAmerican Property Casualty Insurance Association\n\n\u201cThe misuse of the legal system fueled by third-party litigation funding has formed a litigious culture, ultimately burdening every consumer and business through increased costs, including the cost of insurance throughout the country. APCIA appreciates Chairman Issa\u2019s leadership for introducing legislation that would require disclosure of third-party litigation funding in civil litigation. APCIA encourages members of Congress to support this legislation.\u201d\n\nHigh Tech Inventors Alliance\n\n\u201cWe commend Chairman Issa and Representative Fitzgerald for their leadership in defending U.S. companies by exposing the predatory tactics of hedge funds, private equity, and foreign countries employed for the sole purpose of exploiting our courts for financial gain. For too long, a lack of transparency has empowered shell companies to leech off American businesses, while hiding their exploitative practices and, oftentimes, their foreign investors and owners. We urge Congress to choose sunlight over secrecy and stand with American innovators.\u201d\n\nUS MADE\n\n\u201cThis bill is an important step forward in taking on the growing influence of TPLF. No one should be able to manipulate the courts in secrecy to benefit themselves and harm American manufacturers. Chairman Issa\u2019s straightforward bill will finally require the disclosure of outside funding arrangements in civil lawsuits. We are proud to support this bill.\n\nSoftware & Information Industry Association\n\n\"For too many years, abusive patent litigation brought by non-practicing entities or \u2018patent trolls\u2019 has hurt the U.S. economy by raising costs on consumers, driving small and medium sized enterprises out of business, and depressing innovation in the information and technology industries. It is estimated that more than 80% of all patent suits are brought by patent trolls, often funded by undisclosed third-party beneficiaries. We applaud Chairman Issa and Representative Fitzgerald for seeking to bring pressure to bear on this shadowy industry through the Litigation Transparency Act of 2024. We encourage Congress to join in supporting this legislation.\"\n\nReinsurance Association of America\n\n\u201cAt the expense of small businesses, manufacturers, and American families, foreign and domestic investors are partnering with law firms to profit from U.S. litigation. The Reinsurance Association of America commends Chairman Issa for his leadership and introducing this legislation to fully expose this abuse and restore integrity to the U.S. legal system. The RAA supports this commonsense legislation and urges Congress to quickly pass it.\u201d\n\nAmerican Trucking Associations\n\n\u201cTrucking is essential to our economy, delivering the goods Americans need every day and supporting quality jobs. When the plaintiffs\u2019 bar perverts civil litigation into a casino game of \u2018jackpot justice,\u2019 the costs are borne by everyone\u2014not just trucking companies, but consumers too in the form of higher insurance rates and higher prices for everyday goods. The secretive nature of these predatory loans can even catch plaintiffs off guard when they must pay back the lenders at usurious rates. We commend Congressman Issa for leading this effort to shine a light on third-party financiers seeking to exploit the judicial system to make a quick buck. This reasonable reform would protect hardworking truck drivers and ensure justice and fairness drive accident litigation outcomes, not profits.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-fongs-statement-todays-assembly-vote-governor-newsoms-unworkable", "Congressman Fong\u2019s Statement on Today\u2019s Assembly Vote on Governor Newsom\u2019s Unworkable and Flawed Refinery Mandate", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cCalifornians are struggling to afford to live and work in Gavin Newsom\u2019s California - and the affordability crisis gets worse each day,\u201d said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20).\n\n\u201cGov. Gavin Newsom\u2019s poor energy policies have reduced refinery capacity, increased gas taxes, and limited California oil production - the impact to every Californian is sky high gas prices. Instead of undoing these terrible policies to actually reduce gas prices - Governor Newsom and Democrats in the Assembly - have made things worse. Newsom\u2019s unworkable refinery mandate is going to intentionally increase gas prices and create artificial shortages of gasoline supplies in California, Arizona and Nevada. Newsom is exporting his terrible energy policies to other states which have empirically failed - we as Californians know the result which is higher prices and more economic pain.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-taft-0", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Taft", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Tomorrow, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Taft to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours will be held Wednesday, October 2 from 10-11am at the Taft Chamber of Commerce (400 Kern Street). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-scott-probe-state-department-free-speech-violations-brazilian-government", "Issa, Scott Probe State Department on Free Speech Violations by Brazilian Government", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a bicameral letter to Secretary of State Blinken to demand the State Department take action on the censorship of free speech in Brazil by the country\u2019s supreme court.\n\nThe letter specifically details Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes\u2019 decision to ban the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) from Brazil and levy fines against the platform and users.\n\nAn excerpt from the letter:\n\n\u201cAs you may know, in 2019, Brazil\u2019s Supreme Court granted itself new powers to investigate speech. Justice Moraes then used these powers to compel social media companies operating within Brazil to censor dissent and deplatform opposition under the auspices of combatting \u201cdisinformation.\u201d\n\nIn doing so, Moraes has acted concurrently as judge, investigator, and prosecutor. In July 2019, he went so far as to authorize a raid of the homes and even imprison opposition activists and allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro.\n\nThe Brazilian Supreme Court\u2019s actions to ban social media platform X in the world\u2019s seventh most populous nation is a grave breach of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, of which Brazil is a Member State. In fact, the Declaration\u2019s preamble states, \u201chuman beings shall enjoy freedom of speech\u201d and Article 19 asserts peoples\u2019 \u201cfreedom of opinion and expression.\u201d Further, Freedom of Speech is protected in Article 5 of the Brazilian Constitution, \u201cexpression of intellectual, artistic, scientific, and communication activity is free, independent of any censorship or license.\u201d\n\nThe letter was additionally signed by Reps. Maria Salazar (FL-27), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Christopher Smith (NJ-04), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Ben Cline (VA-06), and Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-helps-secure-federal-funding-ridgecrest-regional-hospital", "Rep. Vince Fong Helps Secure Federal Funding For Ridgecrest Regional Hospital", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Working in collaboration with the Department of Defense, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) announces federal funding from the Pentagon to support Ridgecrest Regional Hospital (RRH). RRH has experienced some financial challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a loss in necessary health services at the hospital affecting patient care access. The Department of the Navy will make available funds from its Emergency and Extraordinary Expense funds to help keep critical services available at RRH.\n\n\u201cIn collaboration with the Department of Defense, we have been able to work together to secure federal funding for the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cIt is critical that this hospital have necessary funding to ensure healthcare access to the residents of Ridgecrest, China Lake, and surrounding areas, so that patients and military personnel can receive critical health services. I want to thank the Secretary of Defense and the Department of the Navy for their help on attaining the funds to support RRH.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-calvert-and-kim-lead-letter-questioning-cleveland-national-forest", "Reps. Calvert and Kim Lead Letter Questioning Cleveland National Forest Staffing Shortfall", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Young Kim (CA-40) led a bipartisan letter along with Reps. Darrell Issa (CA-48), Mike Levin (CA-49) and Lou Correa (CA-46) to the Supervisor of the Cleveland National Forest (CNF) about staffing shortfalls. The letter expresses serious concerns about the CNF managements\u2019 decision not to accept staffing assistance offered by the Orange County Fire Authority earlier this year. On September 9, 2024, the Airport Fire started on the Orange County side of the CNF before burning 23,526 acres, including 160 structures destroyed and 24 structures damaged.\n\n\u201cIt is critical that we have Forest Service fire personnel and resources in place during wildfire season,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cMy colleagues and I need a better understanding of the extent of the staffing shortfall at the CNF and why offers of assistance were not accepted. There are a number of factors that have led to a drop in hiring federal wildland firefighters, including pay disparities with state and local firefighters. By getting answers to these questions we can work together to ensure the necessary firefighting personnel is available to protect our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs first responders work around the clock to contain the Airport Fire that spread over tens of thousands of acres, I was concerned to learn that U.S. Forest Service refused additional support staff from OCFA \u2013 that would have come at no additional cost to USFS \u2013 to address staff shortages ahead of wildfire season,\u201d said Rep. Young Kim. \u201cTheir decision makes no sense and looks even more reckless given the deadly wildfires spreading across our communities. We need transparency, which is why Rep. Ken Calvert and I are leading the bipartisan charge for answers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1547", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Supplemental Appropriations Bill to Assist Ag Producers Impacted by Natural Disasters", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill provides an additional $14 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist agriculture producers impacted by losses caused by natural disasters in 2023.\n\n\u201cNatural disasters like drought and flooding have caused devastating losses for Central Valley producers over the last two years,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThese extreme weather events negatively affect the security of our nation\u2019s food supply, prices for consumers, and jobs throughout our community. My legislation provides USDA with the funding necessary to assist farmers in California and across the country who have been impacted by natural disasters. Producers in the Central Valley have had a difficult and uncertain couple of years, and I\u2019ll continue working to ensure they have the resources and support they need to grow the food that feeds the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur farmers and ranchers have been getting hammered with severe weather, significant flooding, smoke damage, and steep prices, which have all led to serious setbacks this season,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cThe bipartisan Agriculture Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act would allow the federal government to provide reasonable assistance as necessary for those in our agricultural industry to recover and continue moving forward. This bill is the least that Congress can do to ensure that the federal government plays its part to help those who help put food on our tables.\"\n\nReps. Valadao and Panetta were joined in introduction by Reps. John Duarte (R-CA), Jim Costa, (D-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Mike Thompson, and Josh Harder (D-CA).\n\nThe legislation is supported by American Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau, Western Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Milk Producers Council, California Dairies, Inc., Napa Valley Vinters, California Tomato Growers Association, Almond Alliance, and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.\n\n\u201cCalifornians have faced a unique and broad range of disasters across the state in recent years\u2014including floods, drought and wildfires. Unfortunately, only a quarter of the roughly 400 commodities grown in California are covered by a direct crop insurance program, meaning thousands of farmers are unable to access critical risk management tools to recover from disasters. This has led to our reliance on resources such as the Emergency Relief Program, which is currently oversubscribed and underfunded. We are appreciative of the attention and leadership Rep. Valadao, Rep. Panetta and others have shown in addressing this shortfall by introducing this supplemental appropriations bill,\u201d said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass.\n\n\u201cCalifornia dairy farm families suffered last year from major storms and flooding that displaced families and their cows while also damaging feed supplies farmers had worked hard to store. We are grateful to Rep. Valadao for consistently championing the needs of California's dairy farmers. His bipartisan agricultural disaster supplemental funding package, cosponsored by Reps. Panetta, Fong, and Costa, will ensure that Central Valley dairy families finally recover what they lost well over a year ago,\u201d said Gregg Doud, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation\n\n\u201cIt has been nearly two years since California growers suffered major losses due to flooding and related natural disasters, which affected many rural communities,\u201d said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers. \u201cThis bipartisan bill ensures sufficient funding and a strong delivery program to finally address all those impacted in 2023. Western Growers supports the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and we urge Congress to pass this bill to deliver relief to our farmers and their communities as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n\"On behalf of California's almond industry, the Almond Alliance strongly supports the bipartisan Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act introduced by Congressman David G. Valadao and Congressman Jimmy Panetta. Farmers across the nation, including our almond growers, faced significant losses in 2023 due to floods, droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters that threaten the agricultural sector and the economic stability of rural communities, and our nation's food security. This bill provides $14 billion in disaster relief, ensuring farmers can recover and continue feeding domestic and global markets. We urge swift passage of this legislation to protect American agriculture and the communities that depend on it,\" said Blake Vann, Chairman, Almond Alliance.\n\n\u201cThe board of Directors at Milk Producers Council appreciates the bipartisan support of well needed assistance due to substantial losses encountered due to climate variability,\u201d said Kevin Abernathy, General Manager, Milk Producers Council.\n\nCongressman Valadao has worked to ensure producers impacted by the 2023 atmospheric rivers and flooding in California have the resources they need to recoup losses. Last year, he introduced the Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act to make Commodity Credit Corporation emergency assistance funds available for dairy producers. He also questioned Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack on disaster relief for Central Valley dairy producers during a House Appropriations Committee hearing this year to raise concerns over the distribution of disaster assistance for dairy producers.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2023, farmers and producers across the United States experienced significant agricultural losses due to natural disasters including floods, hurricanes, droughts, tornadoes, wildfires, and weather-related pest damages. These disasters have severely affected crop and livestock production and continue to jeopardize our nation\u2019s food security and the economic stability of our rural communities.\n\nThe Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act:\n\nAppropriates $14 billion to the Office of the Secretary for Agriculture for necessary expenses related to 2023 disasters.\n\nIncludes a $1.5 billion carveout for livestock losses and provides expanded assistance to livestock producers, including relocation of livestock, feed crop losses, and shelter-in-place procedures.\n\nCovers quality loss from smoke-tainted wine grapes due to wildfire.\n\nIncludes additional provisions modeled after the 2021 Emergency Relief Program and the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 covering the definition of drought, direct payments to producers, payment limitations, crop insurance requirements, etc.\n\nIncludes a new provision to ensure payments are administered simultaneously for all producers, regardless of type of qualified loss.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1544", "Congressman Valadao Leads Request for EPA to Deny California\u2019s Advanced Clean Fleets Waiver Request", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) led the entire California Republican delegation in urging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to deny California\u2019s waiver request to implement the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. The letter was first reported by the Washington Examiner.\n\nThe rule would impose the strictest emission requirements in the country, with the goal to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet in California by the mid-2040s. Currently, 17 states are suing the California Air Resources Board over this rule.\n\n\u201cWhile we support efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality, we believe this waiver is unjustified and could have significant negative impacts on our economy and the livelihoods of many Californians,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers also warned of price spikes for consumers if this rule was adopted:\n\n\u201cThe transition to ZEVs would result in higher transportation costs for the food supply chain, ultimately pressuring and increasing prices for consumers,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe entire California Republican Congressional delegation joined Rep. Valadao in the letter to EPA Administrator Regan, including Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Young Kim (CA-40), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Michelle Steel (CA-45), John Duarte (CA-13), Mike Garcia (CA-27), Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Vince Fong (CA-20).\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-calverts-stuck-hold-act", "House Passes Rep. Calvert\u2019s Stuck On Hold Act", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the Stuck On Hold Act, H.R. 6656, which was introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41). The bill would require the Veterans\u2019 Administration (VA) to implement a new and improved customer service telephone system that informs callers of their estimated wait times and, if the wait is estimated to be longer than 10 minutes, to give the caller the option of receiving an automated call back when it is their turn in line.\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve the best, modern service when they call the VA for assistance,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cVeterans calling about their health care or other benefits they have earned by serving our country should not be stuck waiting endlessly on hold hoping someone answers. I\u2019m thankful for the overwhelming support of my House colleagues for the Stuck On Hold Act and urge the Senate to take action on it quickly.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a legislative hearing on the Stuck On Hold Act. At the hearing, a number of veteran service organizations voiced their support for the bill, including Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-supports-fix-our-forests-act-help-prevent-wildfires", "Rep. Vince Fong Supports Fix Our Forests Act to Help Prevent Wildfires", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) supports the Fix Our Forests Act, H.R. 8790, to help prioritize forest management and prevent further wildfires. The bill, introduced by House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), will incentivize managing the over 117 million acres of overgrown forest by streamlining environmental reviews, promoting collaboration within communities, giving agencies new tools, and developing and utilizing technologies to help address threats. H.R. 8790 passed the House with a 268-151 bipartisan vote.\n\n\u201cYear after year, we continue to see wildfires in California be a growing problem largely due to mismanagement of our forests. Currently the Coffee Pot fire, and earlier in the summer the Borel fire, have burnt tens of thousands of acres in my district,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThis bill will ensure that we are helping our rural communities fight the wildfires by committing to preventative clean-up and actively engaging in proactive forest management. I know this bill will not only benefit the nation, but also positively impact my district during wildfire season to help keep our firefighters and communities safe.\u201d\n\nSince coming to Congress in June, Rep. Fong has worked towards other forest management bills. Most notably, Rep. Fong became the first sponsor of the Save Our Sequoias Act, H.R. 2989, which enhances the resiliency of Sequoias through management and collaboration with agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1541", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Resolution to Raise Awareness on Rare Brain Disease", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 12th as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Awareness Day. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare brain disease that causes a rapid decline in a person\u2019s cognitive health, and often leads to death within only a few months to one year following the onset of symptoms. Longtime Bakersfield Mayor Harvey L. Hall passed away from CJD in 2018.\n\n\u201cAs the longest serving mayor in Bakersfield history, Mayor Harvey Hall was a beloved member of our community and a dear friend,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to designate November 12th as CJD Awareness Day to honor Mayor Hall\u2019s memory and help raise awareness for CJD patients and their families across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cEveryone in Bakersfield knows the influence late Mayor Harvey Hall had on our community, and of the lasting impact he left,\u201d said Congressman Vince Fong. \u201cWe lost Mayor Hall too soon to CJD, which is why I am cosponsoring the CJD Awareness Day resolution, to honor a tremendous community leader, raise needed awareness for CJD, and show support for those living with the disease and friends and family who have lost loved ones to CJD.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the many families across the United States who have been affected by this horrendous disease, I am honored that our great Central Valley Representatives, who knew and worked with my husband Harvey, are once again leading the way to bring awareness to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Great strides have been made in the past year legislatively, which I believe can be attributed to the attention generated by the inaugural resolution. By combining this legislative support with the groundbreaking medical research taking place on prion disease, I am confident in our collective potential to find a treatment or cure for CJD. I sincerely thank Rep. Valadao for again introducing this year\u2019s resolution, which has the bipartisan support of Rep. Vince Fong and Rep. Jim Costa\u201d said Lavonne C. Hall, widow of Mayor Harvey Hall.\n\nCongressman Valadao was joined in introduction by Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), David Joyce (OH-14), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), John Rose (TN-06), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Ben Cline (VA-06), Jim Costa (CA-21), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Don Davis (NC-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (PR).\n\nCongressman Valadao spoke in support of the resolution on the House Floor. Watch his remarks here. Download photos of Congressman Valadao signing the resolution here.\n\nRemarks as prepared:\n\nM. Speaker,\n\nI rise today to raise awareness about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or CJD.\n\nCJD is a rare brain disease that causes a rapid decline in a person\u2019s cognitive health, and often leads to death within only a few months to one year following the onset of symptoms.\n\nThere are about 500 new cases in the United States each year.\n\nSadly, one of these cases was a friend of mine and well-known member of the Central Valley community, Bakersfield Mayor Harvey L. Hall.\n\nIn 2018, Mayor Hall lost his life from CJD just two weeks after his diagnosis.\n\nMr. Hall was a beloved member of our community, and the longest-serving mayor in Bakersfield\u2019s history.\n\nHis sudden death was a shock to our community and devastating for all who knew him, including his wife of 28 years who is here with us today, Lavonne Hall.\n\nI\u2019m introducing a resolution today to designate November 12th as CJD Awareness Day.\n\nI\u2019m proud to honor Mayor Hall\u2019s memory in this way and raise awareness for thousands of CJD patients and the families who have been impacted by this disease.\n\nThank you, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1542", "Congressman Valadao Votes to Keep Government Open, Extend Expiring Veterans Programs", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after voting in support of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open while the House and Senate continue their work on Appropriations Bills. The CR included Congressman Valadao\u2019s legislation to extend critical veterans resources and programs that were set to expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Continuing Resolution passed with widespread bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cGovernment shutdowns are unproductive, cost billions of dollars, and hurt our military,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cToday I voted in support of a bipartisan, short-term Continuing Resolution to avoid a costly shutdown while we continue our work to pass fiscally responsible government funding bills. I\u2019m glad that my legislation to extend veterans programs was included in the bill so the VA can continue providing services our veterans and their families rely on. As a member of the Appropriations Committee I\u2019ll continue working to rein in wasteful Washington spending.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe House and the Senate each must pass 12 appropriations bills before September 30th or a Continuing Resolution (CR) to buy more time to find agreement between the House, Senate, and White House on various funding levels in order to keep the government open. The House Appropriations Committee has marked up all 12 appropriations bills in Committee, and passed five off the House Floor. The Senate has passed none of its 12 appropriations bills. Congress now has until December 20, 2024 to find agreement on full-year appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2025. The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2025:\n\nFunds the government through December 20, 2024\n\nProvides an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for protective operations for Presidential and Vice-Presidential nominees in the 2024 Campaign and activities related to National Special Security Events and provides the agency with flexibility to quickly obligate funds for protective operations.\n\nExtends programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they have earned.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/nasa-reauthorization-passes-house-including-rep-vince-fongs-hypersonic-program", "NASA Reauthorization Passes House including Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Hypersonic Program", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, H.R. 8958, passed the House and included Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s (CA-20) Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics (MACH) legislation. Rep. Fong\u2019s legislation, which he inserted during a committee markup in July, authorizes the creation of the MACH Program which will improve scientific research by supporting high-speed flights. The MACH Program is modeled after NASA\u2019s Flight Opportunities Program and will continue to nurture developments locally in aerospace technology at NASA Armstrong and in East Kern County.\n\nRep. Fong voted for the NASA Reauthorization Act, which passed overwhelmingly last night by a bipartisan vote of 366-21.\n\n\u201cI am honored that my proposal was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act which passed the House this week,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThis will ensure that the aerospace industry will continue testing and developing new technology, and advance America as a leader in hypersonics. Our region has been a trailblazer for this innovative technology, and I am excited for what the future holds with the passage of this important legislation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-phillips-introduce-legislation-counter-houthi-human-rights-abuses", "Issa, Phillips Introduce Legislation to Counter Houthi Human Rights Abuses, Anticipate Markup", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, introduced the Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act (H.R. 9564). The legislation will address human rights abuses, student indoctrination, and attempted aid diversion by the Houthis in Yemen. The legislation has been noticed for markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, September 24.\n\n\u201cThe Houthis campaign of terror has expanded from a serious regional concern to a daily crisis in a part of the world that is increasingly unstable with armed conflict across multiple nations,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cTheir blatant human rights abuses, teaching of antisemitic hate, and outright theft of international aid are happening every day, and the Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act puts a spotlight where it belongs, tells the truth about these terrorists, and will put our national interest on a better course to deal with it.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Houthis, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization, wreak havoc not only across the region through its relentless attacks in the Red Sea, but also on the Yemeni people,\u201d said Rep. Phillips. \u201cI am appalled by the Houthis' continued human rights abuses against Yemeni civilians, especially children, as well as the continued detention of international aid workers. This brutal behavior must be held to account, which is why I am pleased to introduce the Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act with Rep. Issa.\u201d\n\nThe Houthi movement, officially known as Ansarallah, is a longtime terrorist group based in Yemen. It has also received material and monetary support from Iran for the express purpose of committing terrorism within Yemen as well as regionally. Additionally, since October 7th of last year, the Houthis have carried out a daily campaign of firing drones, rockets, and missiles to significantly disrupt international shipping in and around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden while frequently attacking U.S. Navy vessels.\n\nSpecifically, H.R. 9564:\n\nAffirms the sense of Congress that the Houthi antisemitic indoctrination is a threat to regional stability\n\nRequires the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to inform Congress on Houthi indoctrination, on gross violations of human rights abuses by the Houthis, and how the Houthis have attempted to interfere with humanitarian aid delivery in Yemen.\n\nRequires a determination on whether Houthis involved in blocking humanitarian aid and human rights abuses should be sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act.\n\nRequires a determination on whether Houthis should be sanctioned for hostage-taking under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1538", "House Passes Congressman Valadao\u2019s Online Dating Safety Act", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today the House unanimously passed H.R. 6125, the Online Dating Safety Act. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced the bipartisan bill last year, which would require dating apps and services to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with a person removed from the app. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.3 billion in 2022 alone.\n\n\u201cWith more and more people using online dating services, there are a number of bad actors who use these platforms to commit fraud,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThese apps have been around for over 10 years, but still there are little safeguards in place to protect users. The Online Dating Safety Act is an important step to enhance online safety, combat fraud, and help people make more informed decisions. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnline dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,\u201d said Congresswoman Pettersen. \u201cNotifying users if they have been in contact with a potential scammer is a basic security feature that every online dating service should provide. This bipartisan bill will help reduce online crime and keep people safe from online scammers. I\u2019m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Americans increasingly use online dating services, con artists are attempting to prey on people searching for companionship, particularly seniors. I commend Rep. Valadao for his leadership on this bill to give adults of every age the information they need to protect themselves from romance scams online,\u201d said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers.\n\nCongressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here.\n\nRemarks as prepared:\n\nM. Speaker.,\n\nI rise to urge support for my bill, the Online Dating Safety Act.\n\nEach year, millions of people are deceived, defrauded, or misled by users of online dating apps.\n\nWhile it\u2019s sadly common to see people lie about things like their age or occupation, this bill takes aim at the more sinister fraudsters who make their livelihoods preying on vulnerable individuals.\n\nAccording to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.3 billion in 2022 alone, with senior citizens being the most at-risk age group.\n\nThere are countless horror stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they trusted someone they met online.\n\nIndividuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, someone might not know they are talking to someone who has been removed from the platform.\n\nThis bill requires the dating platform to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have ever interacted with a person who has been removed from the app for fraudulent activity.\n\nWhile we can\u2019t stop all criminals, this is a simple and important step to fill a communication gap and help people make more informed decisions about who they\u2019re really talking to.\n\nThese apps have been around for over 10 years, but still there are little safeguards in place to protect users.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this bill to help prevent this widespread fraud.\n\nThank you and I yield back.\n\nBackground:\n\nOver 55 million Americans reported using an online dating service in 2022. As Americans continue to go online to find meaningful relationships, scammers are following suit. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. When an online dating service provider becomes aware of a user committing fraudulent activity, such as illegally obtaining money, the online dating service provider immediately deactivates the fraudulent user's account. However, individuals who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms, so even when a fraudulent account is removed, an individual might not know they are still communicating with someone who has been removed from the dating platform. The Online Dating Safety Act seeks to fill this communication gap by requiring these platforms to send a fraud ban notification to anyone who has communicated with someone with a fraudulent account.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/gulf-and-east-coast-strike-threatens-cripple-us-supply-chain-rep-vince-fong", "Gulf and East Coast Strike Threatens to Cripple U.S. Supply Chain - Rep. Vince Fong Calls on Biden-Harris Administration to Act to Protect Economy", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) joined 68 members of Congress to urge the Biden-Harris Administration to prevent a strike at the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.\n\n\u201cWe must act take immediate action to protect our nation\u2019s supply chain,\u201d said Rep. Vince Fong. \u201cThis looming strike threatens our economy with shortages in needed goods, parts, and supplies which will lead to higher inflation.\u201d\n\nThe letter, by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, cites the economic challenges and supply chain issues a port strike would cause to consumers and small businesses across the nation. This potential crisis could start as soon as October 1, leading to delays in goods and to even more increases in prices hitting the pocketbooks of all Americans. Should this strike occur, it is projected to significantly delay shipments prior to the busy holiday season, costing the American economy billions of dollars a day.\n\nRead the full letter here or read the highlights below.\n\nWe write to express our serious concern with the state of the labor contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen\u2019s Association (ILA). Given the devastating economic consequences of a potential strike and the Administration\u2019s lack of engagement to date, we urge you to give immediate attention to this matter, to aid in these negotiations, and find a reasonable resolution to these contract disputes.\n\nNow with the potential for further disruption of service at East and Gulf Coast ports, carriers and importers are once again being forced to adjust shipments in anticipation of future delays. Retailers are reportedly accelerating shipments into East and Gulf Coast ports to get ahead of the potential work stoppages beginning in October. Moreover, cargo volumes are once again being diverted back to the West Coast to avoid the impending situation, further straining port capacity. If a work stoppage occurred at East and Gulf Coast ports in October, estimates suggest that a one-week strike would take until mid-November to recover from and clear the backlog of cargo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-visalia-next-week", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Visalia Next Week", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Next week, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Visalia to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours will be held Thursday, September 26 from 10am-12pm at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce (220 S. Mooney Blvd., Suite B). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-issa-reveals-state-department-scandal", "BREAKING: Issa Reveals State Department Scandal", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, this week revealed the Biden-Harris State Department financed a workshop where migrants were coached to lie to U.S. immigration officials so they could enter the country illegally.\n\n\u201cWe have brought to light how the State Department financed a program that taught illegal migrants to lie their way into America. They then covered up so as not to be discovered, and then lied to the Foreign Affairs Committee when we found out about it,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cThis scandal is just the latest reveal of a State Department that is out of control and desperately in need of wholesale reform and completely new management.\u201d\n\nThis story and supporting documentation are featured in a breaking Fox News exclusive from today.\n\nWatch Issa\u2019s questioning here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-bill-ban-and-deport-foreign-officials-who-violate-first-amendment-rights", "Issa Bill to Ban and Deport Foreign Officials Who Violate First Amendment Rights of Americans Passes Judiciary Committee", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013The No Censors on Our Shores Act, sponsored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27), was passed out of the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 16-9.\n\nThe bill specifies that official acts by a foreign government official against American citizens while they are in the U.S. \u2013 that would violate their First Amendment rights had it occurred in this country \u2013 can be refused entry into the United States or deported once here.\n\n\u201cThe free speech rights of Americans are being threatened in practically every corner of the globe. With the No Sensors on Our Shores Act, foreign government officials are now on notice: deny our citizens their first amendment rights, and this country will deny you entry to America or show you the door if you are here.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1529", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Extend Critical Veterans Services and Programs", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced the VA Extenders Act of 2024. The bill extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) authorities that are set to expire at the end of the fiscal year.\n\n\u201cVeterans have made incredible sacrifices for our freedom, and it is our responsibility to see that they continue receiving the benefits and services they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis legislation ensures the VA can continue providing services our veterans and their families rely on, like resources for homeless veterans, new treatment options for PTSD, transportation services for medical appointments, and more. Making sure our veterans can continue accessing these critical services is the least we can do for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. I look forward to working alongside Chairman Bost and my colleagues in the House and the Senate to get this bill signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that VA maintains the authority to deliver critical health care services and benefits to veterans,\u201d said Chairman Bost. \u201cI want to thank my friend and colleague, Rep. Valadao, for leading the VA Extenders Act of 2024 on behalf of veterans and their families. This year\u2019s extenders bill includes important provisions guaranteeing that VA will continue to provide crucial services like inpatient nursing home care, mental health care access for rural veterans, alternative therapy options for treating PTSD, vitally important homelessness prevention services, and more. As Chairman, I am proud to work with Rep. Valadao, as well as my colleagues in the House and Senate, on this important legislation and I look forward to sending it to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nAmong other provisions, the VA Extenders Act of 2024 extends VA\u2019s authority to:\n\nOperate a grant program that encourages the development of specially adapted house assistive technology that enables more disabled veterans to live independently.\n\nOperate the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program, which provides outreach, case management, residential treatment, and community partner coordination and resources to homeless veterans.\n\nOperate a grant program to assist community organizations that serve homeless veterans with special needs, including women veterans, veterans who are elderly, terminally ill, mentally ill, or care for children.\n\nProvide critical transportation services through its Veterans Transportation Services Program for veterans traveling to and from medical appointments.\n\nCarry out a pilot program under the Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (P.L. 116-171) to provide veterans with access to alternative mental health therapies, including animal and equine therapy, agritherapy, sports, recreation, art, and more.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-introduces-ember-act", "Rep. Calvert Introduces the EMBER Act", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Ending Major Borderland Environmental Ruin from Wildfires (EMBER) Act, H.R. 9682, legislation to reduce the threat of wildfires along the southern border and protect the safety and mission of our Border Patrol officers.\n\n\u201cThe EMBER Act will improve border security and reduce wildfire risks by restoring the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cIt\u2019s astounding to me that a program to remove dry brush and vegetation that lessens the chance of deadly wildfires along our southern border were abruptly ended when Biden and Harris first took office. Restarting this initiative by passing the EMBER Act is a common-sense approach that will create a safer wildland interface with our southern border.\u201d\n\n\"America\u2019s southern border has been ravaged by the effects of Border Czar Kamala Harris's failed policies,\" said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. \"Today, we're pushing back against this failing administration and introducing legislation to enhance border security, reduce the trash pile forming along the border and ensure not a single tax dollar is spent housing migrants on federal lands.\"\n\nThe EMBER ACT will:\n\nRestore and codify the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative ended under the Biden-Harris administration to conduct hazardous fuels activities along the southern border to improve sightlines for Border Patrol officers and reduce the risk of wildfires\n\nDirect the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to work in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security to put policies into place to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires started by illegal immigration (i.e. illegal campfires)\n\nBackground:\n\nOn January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, which rescinded Executive Order 13855 (\"Promoting Active Management of America's Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk\") aimed to address forest management practices to reduce wildfire risks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-opening-statement-shipbuilding-program-briefing", "Rep. Calvert Opening Statement from Shipbuilding Program Briefing", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of a classified oversight briefing with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) released the following prepared remarks, calling attention to the Navy's persistent delays and cost overruns in the Service's shipbuilding program.\n\nBelow are excerpts from Subcommittee Chairman Calvert's prepared remarks:\n\nSecretary Del Toro, I asked you to appear before this subcommittee to have a candid conversation about the failure of the Navy\u2019s shipbuilding programs.\n\nThis subcommittee is a strong supporter of the Navy, in particular our submarine programs. The Columbia-class submarines will host 70% of our nation\u2019s nuclear deterrent. The Virginia-class submarines are the lynchpin of our strategy to outmatch China.\n\nHowever, submarines and ships only contribute to the fight if they actually exist \u2014 not just on paper.\n\nIn a word, these programs are in crisis. Without exception, they are falling behind. Increasingly, they are over budget. Absent today\u2019s intervention, I have zero confidence that Navy shipbuilding will get back on track.\n\n...\n\nSecretary Del Toro, your 45-day shipbuilding review found a litany of problems related to design maturity, first-of-class transitions, production, design workforce, acquisition and contract strategy, supply chain, skilled workforce, and government workforce. Frankly, the only reason we\u2019re not discussing Nunn-McCurdy breaches is that the Navy\u2019s system of keeping metrics and reporting facts is murky and flawed at best\u2014misleading at worst.\n\nIt\u2019s not clear to me that anyone has accurate information about the trajectory of any shipbuilding program other than the Program Executive Officers \u2014 and since they switch out every two years, the options for long-term accountability are limited.\n\nThis subcommittee expects honesty and transparency from the Navy. Not only has the Navy withheld information on costs and delays, but the Navy\u2019s plans to address this crisis are primarily aspirational. We need plans with metrics to see whether you are actually fixing problems, or just putting Band-Aids on the issues.\n\n...\n\nWe have since learned from the Department\u2019s anomaly request that this funding was still somehow at least $1.95 billion short. We have also learned that there is a projected $17 billion shortfall in the Virginia-class program alone over the next six years.\n\nIt\u2019s clear that the Navy and shipbuilders have known about this shortfall for at least 18 months, when discussions on the Shipbuilding Accountability and Workforce Support, or SAWS, proposal began. Assurances of how long these discussions have been going on do not reassure me, when Congress was notified just two weeks ago.\n\nAbsent this CR, I don\u2019t know when Congress would have been made aware of this massive shortfall.\n\n...\n\nTomorrow this committee will hear from the shipbuilders.\n\nToday, we will have a frank conversation about the Navy\u2019s program management failures, flawed use of metrics, and lack of transparency. For too long, this committee has been put in a position of asking what the Navy is hiding behind the curtain \u2014 it\u2019s time to pull down the curtain altogether.\n\nI am fully committed to increasing the size of the Navy and improving shipbuilding, as reflected in the defense appropriations bills that have been put forward by this committee during my chairmanship. My support for Navy shipbuilding is unwavering, but I no longer trust that this committee is being given sufficient information required for meaningful oversight.\n\nI hold both the Navy and the shipbuilders responsible. However, the Navy is the customer and the program manager. It is your responsibility to conduct oversight and to come up with innovative solutions to get these programs back on track and stop the outrageous cost increases. It is also your responsibility to communicate with Congress.\n\nThe lack of transparency from the Navy, the failure of shipbuilders to urgently resolve issues, and the resulting inability of Congress to conduct informed analysis is a toxic cycle that we must break.\n\nI am accountable to the taxpayers, and Mr. Secretary, you are accountable to me.\n\nFull remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1525", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Reform Congressional Budget Process", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22), member of the House Budget Committee, introduced the CBO Scheduling Reform Act. The legislation aims to improve transparency in the Congressional Budget Office\u2019s (CBO) report release schedule. CBO reports are often used by members of Congress and their staff to inform decisions on how legislation impacts the federal budget and deficit.\n\n\u201cThis commonsense bill improves the way lawmakers and the public receive information about the budget, annual federal spending, and the deficit,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation to reform the CBO\u2019s reporting process and increase transparency.\u201d\n\nThe CBO Scheduling Reform Act would require CBO to publish a formalized schedule of major recurring reports on its website no later than December 31 of the current calendar year; reports include, but are not limited to:\n\nThe baseline and subsequent updates;\n\nThe biennial report on options to reduce the deficit;\n\nThe annual report on fiscal year accuracy; and\n\nThe report on unauthorized appropriations.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1523", "Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Effort to Address Court Backlog in California", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act. Currently, federal district courts across the country are suffering from multi-year backlogs due to judicial staffing shortages. The JUDGES Act seeks to reduce this backlog by creating 63 new permanent district court judgeships throughout the country.\n\n\u201cOur federal courts have an unsustainable, multi-year case backlog because of judicial staffing shortages, which has become a huge source of frustration for law enforcement throughout the Central Valley,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThe JUDGES Act would add desperately needed judgeships to California\u2019s Eastern District Court, alleviating some of the unsustainable workload on current judges and making the justice system more responsive to current needs. It\u2019s past time for Congress to act on this issue and I\u2019m proud to support this bipartisan effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cA severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts \u2013 and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied,\u201d said Congressman Issa. \u201cThe JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCalifornia\u2019s Eastern District Court, which encompasses the entire Central Valley, would receive an additional four judgeships if the JUDGES Act became law. As of June 30, 2024, America\u2019s federal district courts currently have 724,209 pending cases, 554 weighted filings per judgeship. Congress last authorized new district court judgeships more than two decades ago, despite the increase in our country\u2019s population and a corresponding rise in federal case filings. In 2023, the Judicial Conference of the United States, a nonpartisan policy-making body for federal courts headed by Chief Justice John Roberts, recommended that Congress create 66 new district court judgeships. The JUDGES Act of 2024 seeks to implement these recommendations during multiple future presidential administrations while adding new transparency and best practice requirements.\n\nThe JUDGES Act will:\n\nCreate 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035\n\nAdd three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma\n\nTask GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs\n\nRequire the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology\n\nAuthorize additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access for larger districts", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-calvert-cosponsored-bill-protect-veterans-benefits", "House Passes Calvert Cosponsored Bill to Protect Veterans Benefits", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, H.R. 9468, to ensure veterans benefits remain uninterrupted and hold the Biden Administration accountable for its egregious budgeting errors. Rep. Calvert was an original cosponsor of the legislation.\n\n\u201cToday, the House upheld its commitment to our veterans by ensuring they continue to receive the benefits they have earned,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cIt\u2019s critical the VA take the necessary steps to avoid this situation in the future. I hope this legislation is quickly approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President to relieve any concerns our veterans may have about receiving their benefits.\u201d\n\nThe bill is supported by the following veteran advocacy organizations:\n\nThe American Legion\n\nAmvets\n\nVeterans of Foreign Wars\n\nJewish War Veterans\n\nConcerned Veterans for America\n\nThe Independence Fund\n\nParalyzed Veterans of America\n\nVietnam Veterans of America\n\nWounded Warrior Project\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Veteran Affairs\u2019 (VA) failure to properly budget and account for enrollment growth and staffing costs in its budgetary process resulted in an unprecedented funding shortfall in veteran benefits for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024 and into Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee was notified of the potential shortfall in July - four months after the Biden-Harris Administration submitted its Budget Request and following the markup of FY25 legislation in both chambers of Congress. The VA\u2019s updated projections indicated a need of approximately $15 billion above what was originally requested, including an additional $3 billion for the remainder of FY24 for Compensation and Pensions and Readjustment Benefits (mandatory funding) and an additional $12 billion for FY25 for VA medical care (discretionary funding).\n\nThe Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act addresses the $3 billion shortfall in mandatory funding, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would have no net budget effects. The bill also includes language that holds the Administration accountable, requiring a report to be submitted to Congress no later than 30 days after enactment as to why these budgetary errors took place and ways the VA is addressing its failure to accurately project needs and recurring reports on the status of funds of these accounts moving forward.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-leads-legislation-solve-backlogged-courts", "Issa Leads Legislation to Solve Backlogged Courts", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, introduced the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act), which will add critically needed federal judgeships to resolve currently understaffed and backlogged courts.\n\n\u201cA severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts \u2013 and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \"The JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again.\u201d\n\nThe JUDGES Act will:\n\nCreate 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035\n\nAdd three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma\n\nTask GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs\n\nRequire the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology\n\nAuthorize additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access for larger districts", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-salazar-lead-crackdown-foreign-officials-who-violate-americans-first", "Issa, Salazar Lead Crackdown on Foreign Officials Who Violate Americans' First Amendment Rights", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Foreign officials that violate the First Amendment Rights of Americans will face significantly enhanced measures in new legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), senior member of both the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees, and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27), Chair of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere.\n\nThe No Censors on our Shores Act specifies that official acts by a foreign government official against American citizens while they are in the U.S. \u2013 that would violate their First Amendment rights had it occurred in this country \u2013 can be refused entry into the United States or deported once here.\n\n\"We are all aware of the abuse of power by the Supreme Court in Brazil that is targeting Elon Musk and blocking access to X, a privately held American company. But the free speech rights of Americans are also under attack all over the world, and in many nations that we might not expect,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cWith the No Censors on Our Shores Act, foreign government officials will be put on notice: Deny our citizens their First Amendment rights, and this country will deny you entry to America or show you the door.\u201d\n\n\u201cBrazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is the vanguard of an international assault on freedom of speech against American citizens like Elon Musk,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cFreedom of Speech is a natural and inalienable right that knows no borders. The enforcers of censorship are not welcome in the land of the free, the United States.\u201d\n\nThe bill specifically amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deem any foreign official who violates the First Amendment rights of Americans on U.S. soil as inadmissible and subject to deportation from the United States.\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1521", "House Passes Valadao Bill to Make VA More Accessible for Disabled Veterans", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House unanimously passed H.R. 7342, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act. The bill, introduced by Congressman Valadao earlier this year, aims to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) more accessible for disabled veterans by establishing a permanent advisory committee within the VA to allow for direct and regular communication with the Secretary on behalf of disabled veterans.\n\n\u201cCentral Valley veterans deserve a VA that\u2019s responsive to their needs, but sadly many of our disabled veterans are getting left behind,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis bill ensures disabled veterans have a seat at the table in providing feedback directly to the Secretary of the VA so they can easily access the benefits, services, and facilities they\u2019ve earned. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\nCongressman Valadao spoke in support of his bill on the House Floor during debate. Watch his remarks here.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nThank you to the Gentleman for yielding.\n\nI rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act.\n\nSadly, many disabled veterans in the Central Valley and across the country are facing barriers in accessing the critical services they need.\n\nFrom struggling with physical infrastructure at VA facilities to navigating the red tape in the benefits process, disabled veterans are too often getting left behind.\n\nDoorways that are too narrow, elevators that are constantly out of service, and exam rooms that aren\u2019t big enough to accommodate wheelchairs are just a few of the obstacles veterans face when trying to receive care.\n\nServing disabled veterans is a critical part of the VA\u2019s mission, but they need to do more to ensure the unique needs of disabled veterans are being heard.\n\nBy establishing a permanent advisory committee within the VA, my bill ensures disabled veterans have a seat at the table in providing feedback so they can easily access the benefits, services, and facilities they\u2019ve earned.\n\nWe cannot leave our disabled veterans behind.\n\nOur veterans have sacrificed so much for our nation, and they deserve a VA that\u2019s responsive to their needs.\n\nI urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation. Thank you and I yield back.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has responsibilities to disabled veterans under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, and other laws that require equal access to benefits, services, information, and facilities for individuals with disabilities. VA serves or employs thousands of veterans with disabilities and has a special obligation to support them. While VA has made some progress in recent years improving accessibility as a result of the VA Website Accessibility Act of 2019, [P.L. 116-213], much more needs to be done. The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2024 would require the VA Secretary to create an advisory committee on issues relating to the accessibility of VA benefits, services, and facilities for veterans and employees with mobility impairments, hearing, visual, cognitive, or other disabilities. The advisory committee would be composed of 15 disabled veterans, experts, employees, and veteran service organization representatives.\n\nRead a one page summary of the bill here.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522", "House Passes Supplemental Bill to Address VA Shortfall", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the House passed H.R. 9468, Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill addresses the $3 billion mandatory shortfall for disability and education benefits the VA expects to face by October. Congressman Valadao joined fellow House Appropriations Committee members in introducing the legislation to ensure veterans benefits remain uninterrupted.\n\n\u201cThe VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis is unacceptable, and we cannot allow our veterans to pay the price for the VA\u2019s mismanagement. This legislation makes good on our nation\u2019s commitment to care for the men and women who served our country, while taking critical steps to ensure the VA is held accountable. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the benefits they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\nCongressman Valadao spoke in support of his bill on the House Floor during debate. Watch his remarks here.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nThank you to the Gentleman for yielding.\n\nI rise today in support of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, which addresses the $3 billion mandatory shortfall for disability and education benefits the VA expects to face by October.\n\nOur veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and it is our responsibility to guarantee they receive the benefits they\u2019ve earned.\n\nWe\u2019re debating this legislation today because the VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk.\n\nThis is unacceptable.\n\nOur veterans should not pay the price for the VA\u2019s mismanagement.\n\nThis legislation makes good on our nation\u2019s commitment to care for the men and women who served our country.\n\nIt also requires greater oversight on their budget process moving forward to hold the VA accountable so this doesn\u2019t happen again.\n\nI look forward to voting yes on this legislation to ensure our veterans can continue to access the benefits they\u2019ve earned.\n\nThank you and I yield back.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Veteran Affairs\u2019 (VA) failure to properly budget and account for enrollment growth and staffing costs in its budgetary process resulted in an unprecedented funding shortfall in veteran benefits for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024 and into Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee was notified of the potential shortfall in July - four months after the Biden-Harris Administration submitted its Budget Request and following the markup of FY25 legislation in both chambers of Congress. The VA\u2019s updated projections indicated a need of approximately $15 billion above what was originally requested, including an additional $3 billion for the remainder of FY24 for Compensation and Pensions and Readjustment Benefits (mandatory funding) and an additional $12 billion for FY25 for VA medical care (discretionary funding).\n\nThe Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act addresses the $3 billion shortfall in mandatory funding, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would have no net budget effects. The bill also includes language that holds the Administration accountable, requiring a report to be submitted to Congress no later than 30 days after enactment as to why these budgetary errors took place and ways the VA is addressing its failure to accurately project needs and recurring reports on the status of funds of these accounts moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-calvert-statement-second-trump-assassination-attempt", "Rep. Calvert Statement on Second Trump Assassination Attempt", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cI\u2019m thankful President Trump was unharmed and the Secret Service and local law enforcement were able to apprehend the would-be assassin. Any kind of political violence has no place in America. After yet another attempt on the life of the Republican presidential candidate, it\u2019s clear that we need more than sentiments, we need actions. We must actually tone down the political rhetoric in this election, stop suggesting the election of any one person is an existential threat to the country, and spreading conspiracy theories. President Trump must also receive the same level of protection President Biden is receiving. I will be working with my colleagues to urge the Secret Service to take this necessary step.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-tehachapi-next-week", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Tehachapi Next Week", "2024-09-13", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Next week, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Tehachapi to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours will be held Tuesday, September 17 from 1:30-3pm at the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce (209 E Tehachapi Blvd). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-science-space-and-technology-committee-unanimously-approves-rep-vince", "House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Unanimously Approves Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s AI Education Bill", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the NSF AI Education Act of 2024, H.R. 9402, was passed by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The NSF AI Education Act was introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) on August 23, 2024. If enacted, the bill would benefit students and professionals pursuing continued education in artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the fields of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and education.\n\nWatch Rep. Fong\u2019s remarks from today here or read them below.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of work and education, it\u2019s critical that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.\n\nH.R. 9402, the NSF AI Education Act would enhance AI education and professional development programs across our communities, without authorizing any new funds.\n\nSpecifically, this bill would authorize the National Science Foundation to award scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students to study AI\u2014especially in the areas of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and education. This means students at universities in my district\u2014like Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield\u2014and throughout the nation could have their tuitions and stipends paid for. This is especially important for rural and underserved communities, which must be engaged and involved as AI develops.\n\nIn addition, this bill would establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and technical schools to develop best practices for AI education and research. These Centers of Excellence would provide educators with actionable strategies to include AI in their curricula, provide hands-on research opportunities, and identify paths for students to do AI-related jobs.\n\nAnd lastly, this bill would authorize NSF to make awards to institutions of higher education and nonprofits to develop frameworks for K-12 teachers to integrate AI into their classrooms. It\u2019s critical that we give K-12 teachers the tools they need to prepare America\u2019s young minds for the future of work.\n\nI\u2019d like to thank Congresswoman Salinas for co-leading this bill. Her support underscores the bipartisan importance of AI education. Together, we recognize that this bill would enhance America\u2019s leadership in AI by cultivating the next generation of innovators, educators, and professionals.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. And I yield back.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThis bill amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9451) to bolster educational skills in AI through new learning initiatives and workforce training programs. Specifically, this bill would authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award undergraduate and graduate scholarships in AI with a focus on applications in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. It would also establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and area career and technical educational schools to ensure widespread dissemination of best practices.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1507", "Congressman Valadao Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote on Social Security Fairness Act", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) signed the discharge petition to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the House Floor for a vote. The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act. Currently, public service employees are unable to receive their full Social Security benefits if they are also receiving other forms of retirement benefits, such as a pension.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve heard from countless teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public service employees in the Central Valley about their frustration with having their social security benefits unfairly reduced,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThe Social Security Fairness Act will ensure these folks who dedicated their careers to public service and paid into the system receive the full Social Security benefits they\u2019ve earned. I will continue working across the aisle to do what\u2019s right by my constituents.\u201d\n\nCongressman Valadao has been a co-sponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act in both the 117th and 118th Congress. Earlier this year, he led the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsement of H.R. 82.\n\nBackground:\n\nA discharge petition is a procedural tool that allows Members of Congress to bring a bill or resolution to the House Floor for consideration even if the measure has not been reported by committee or is not supported by the majority party leadership. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures \u2013 a majority of the House \u2013 in order to successfully move a bill to the House Floor for a vote.\n\nThe WEP reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security, while the GPO reduces benefits for surviving spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. Between them, the WEP and GPO reduce benefits for roughly three million active and retired government employees.\n\nH.R. 82 is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Firefighters, the American Postal Workers Union, the American Federation of Government Employees, and various other organizations representing public sector employees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-calvert-and-napolitano-introduce-bill-support-lower-colorado-river-multi", "Reps. Calvert and Napolitano Introduce Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) along with Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31) introduced legislation to support Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) activities. The bill would establish an interest-bearing account at the Department of Treasury to hold the funds contributed by the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada for the LCR MSCP. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1) and Rep. Susie Lee (NV-3) are original cosponsors of the bill.\n\n\u201cProviding additional resources for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program at no cost to taxpayers will support one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cThis bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest and maintain their effectiveness. I\u2019m thankful for the support of California water agencies, as well as Senator Padilla, and my House colleagues in this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we continue to face unpredictable drought cycles in Southern California and across the Lower Colorado Region, every dollar invested into protecting our precious habitats and resources is critical,\u201d said Rep. Napolitano. \u201cThe successes of the LCR MSCP will be multiplied by allowing its funds to earn interest, as many funds within the Bureau of Reclamation already do, further benefiting our taxpayers, agencies, and the environment. I am proud to join Congressman Calvert and Senator Padilla in introducing this important bill for the well-being of our communities, ecosystem, and economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program is critical to balancing our water needs and hydropower production with the conservation of native species in the Lower Colorado River,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cAs ongoing drought continues to threaten the Colorado River\u2019s water resources and project costs increase, allowing the program\u2019s account to accrue interest is a simple, bipartisan solution to ensure that California\u2019s contributions to this program go even further.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Colorado River remains a critical natural resource for the West \u2013 not only as our water supply but also providing healthy ecosystems for numerous native species,\u201d said Rep. Titus. \u201cAs a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Colorado River Caucus, I am proud to help introduce this legislation which will ensure more long-term funding for habitat restoration in the Basin that sustains thousands of native fish and migratory birds.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs one of the most biodiverse places in the country, Nevada helps lead state and federal investments to protect endangered species and keep wildlife off the endangered list. But government red tape is getting in the way of maximizing Nevada taxpayer dollars that invest in wildlife conservation in the Lower Colorado River Basin,\u201d said Rep. Lee. \u201cI\u2019m championing bipartisan legislation to ensure that these funds earn interest and grow before being used for conservation projects. Smart use of Nevadans\u2019 tax dollars should be the norm.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is proud to participate in the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP), an incredibly successful collaboration between the federal government, states, and other stakeholders to create habitat for 28 native species,\u201d said Deven Upadhyay, the Interim General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. \u201cThis bill will enable the funds provided by the States for LCR MSCP projects to be held in an interest-bearing account. The interest collected on this non-federal funding will be reinvested in MSCP projects. Metropolitan appreciates Representatives Calvert and Napolitano for introducing this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to its passage.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Padilla\u2019s and Representative Calvert\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral bill will strengthen collaborative efforts between water and power users, state and federal governments to protect species and expand their habitats along the Lower Colorado River,\u201d said JB Hamby, Imperial Irrigation District Vice Chairman and Colorado River Commissioner for California. \u201cIID endorses this common-sense approach.\u201d\n\n\u201cCoachella Valley Water District is grateful for the forward-thinking leadership of Senator Padilla, Congressman Calvert, and Congresswoman Napolitano,\u201d said Jim Barrett, General Manager Coachella Valley Water District. The establishment of an interest-bearing account for States\u2019 contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) will provide expanded opportunities for investment in LCR MSCP projects. The multi-decade investment to advance species conservation, and future investments by the federal and state partners, will be enhanced by this legislation.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lower Colorado River provides critical water and power supplies across the Southwest. The LCR MSCP was authorized by Congress in 2009 and is supported by agencies within the federal government, as well as State, Tribal, and local water, power, and wildlife agencies. Within the geographic scope of the LCR MSCP from Lake Mead to the Mexican border, the program will establish over 8,000 acres of native riparian and aquatic habitat. It includes additional science-based research and management efforts focused on expanding knowledge of the local wildlife and the quality of the habitat restoration efforts. The program has already achieved success in stocking thousands of native fish and increasing numbers of breeding migratory birds within 5,000 acres of new riparian habitat.\n\nThe LCR MSCP has a budget of $626 million for its 50-year term. The funding is shared among the program participants on the basis of 50% Federal, 25% California, and 12.5% each from Arizona and Nevada. Through the LCR MSCP agreements, the Lower Basin States committed to make quarterly payments to cover the program costs based on the initial budget estimates established in 2005. For Fiscal Year 2024, the program budget calls for funding of $38.8 million, with the State participants paying $19.4 million. Over time the pace of funding has exceeded the work expenditures and Reclamation has accumulated over $60 million in contributed funds for future costs. However, the accounts in which the Bureau of Reclamation holds the contributed funds do not earn interest or any investment return. There are multiple examples of funds established by congressional action in the U.S. Treasury that are directed to be invested or to earn interest. This legislation simply allows the LCR MSCP to also earn interest.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1505", "Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Fix Central Valley Roads", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) introduced the Farm to Market Road Improvement Act. Roads in dense agricultural areas are traveled often by heavy trucks carrying up to 80,000 pounds of agricultural freight. This type of use has a disproportionate impact on local road and bridge infrastructure in these areas, which leads to costly repairs for local governments. This legislation aims to make additional federal resources available to fix the roads that play a critical role in America\u2019s food supply chain. Reps. Valadao and Cherfilus-McCormick are joined by Congressmen Fong and Costa in introducing this legislation.\n\n\u201cThe Central Valley plays a critical role in the security of our nation\u2019s food supply,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cBut after years of wear and tear from heavy trucks transporting the food that feeds the world through our roads, many are in desperate need of repair. This bill would make counties throughout the Central Valley eligible for additional federal resources to fix roads that are critical to our food supply chain. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve local infrastructure and support jobs throughout our community.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring the integrity of our roads is crucial for the economy and well-being of communities in the Glades, where agriculture remains a vital industry,\" said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. \"By investing in the infrastructure that supports our local farmers, we are not only securing the safe transport of their goods but also strengthening the supply chain that feeds our nation. This bill exemplifies the kind of bipartisan effort needed to protect our agricultural backbone and create sustainable growth in our communities.\u201d\n\nReps. Valadao and Cherfilus-McCormick were joined in introduction by Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Jim Costa (CA-21).\n\n\u201cIn the Central Valley, we see firsthand the necessity of roads to distribute fresh food throughout our transportation infrastructure,\u201d said Congressman Fong. \u201cThese vital roads must be prioritized for constant upkeep to not only move farming and ranching goods, but also to help our neighbors trying to get to work and their children to school safely every day. This act will ensure that our roads are maintained, and our agriculture industry is supported so Central Valley\u2019s agriculture can continue to supply food to our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cFarm to market roads are critical for our rural communities as they are able to effectively and efficiently transport our agricultural goods to market. The Farm to Market Road Improvement Act will unlock additional federal resources to ensure agricultural goods grown locally in the San Joaquin Valley can go from farm to market so our Valley can continue to feed the nation and world,\u201d said Congressman Costa.\n\nThe Farm to Market Road Improvement Act is supported by Tulare County Association of Governments, Kings County, California Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, and Palm Beach County.\n\n\u201cCongressman Valadao\u2019s bill will significantly increase federal funding availability to rural counties, like Tulare County, which are home to an exceptionally diverse and productive agricultural region. This proposal will improve traffic safety and help deliver Tulare County\u2019s' agricultural products to markets across the world. We are grateful to Congressman Valadao for always keeping the Valley at the forefront of his efforts in Congress, and look forward to working with him to get this bill to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Tulare County Association of Governments Chairman Rudy Mendoza\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Farm to Market Road Improvement Act would create a 10 percent set aside in the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program for farm to market roads. Farm to market roads would be defined by this legislation as roads within a county that have an annual gross ag production value of at least $1 billion and ag production of at least $500,000 per square mile. Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties all qualify under these criteria. The DOT and USDA would be required to create, and annually update, a list of covered counties.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\nRead a one page summary of the bill here", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-calvert-garcia-cole-bost-valadao-and-carter-introduce-va-supplemental", "Reps. Calvert, Garcia, Cole, Bost, Valadao and Carter Introduce VA Supplemental Bill", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) joined Rep. Mike Garcia (CA-27), House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep. David Valadao (CA-22), and Rep. Judge Carter (TX-31), in introducing the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act to ensure veteran benefits remain uninterrupted and hold the Administration accountable for its egregious budgeting errors.\n\n\u201cThis VA supplemental bill is necessary to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they have earned,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cIf Congress fails to act, veterans benefit funding could lapse and cause hardship to those who defended our nation. I am proud to work together with Rep. Garcia, Chairman Cole, and Chairman Bost to protect our veterans and the benefits they rely on.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration's reckless mismanagement of the VA's budget has led to a crisis that puts veterans' benefits at risk,\u201d said Rep. Garcia. \u201cThis isn't just about a funding shortfall\u2014it's about holding the Administration accountable for its failures. We cannot simply throw more money at a broken system and enable further waste and mismanagement. My bill is focused on both ensuring our veterans receive the care they've earned and demanding accountability from those in charge. We need to fix what's broken, not just fund it, and make sure our heroes are never left behind by the failures of this Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans defended our nation and values,\u201d said Chairman Cole. \u201cThey earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won\u2019t tolerate department mismanagement that threatens resources they rely on. This shortfall is a glaring failure by the Biden-Harris Administration and its VA, marking one of the largest financial discrepancies in recent history. It also reflects a grave departure from their budget submission provided mere months ago. Our heroes deserve more than this incompetence. Through this bill, we ensure that promised benefits remain secure and enact needed oversight to guarantee full accountability and transparency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-announces-us-service-academy-forums-bakersfield-and-clovis", "Rep. Vince Fong Announces U.S. Service Academy Forums in Bakersfield and Clovis", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) will host two forums for students who are interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy. The first forum will take place in Bakersfield on Saturday, September 28 and the second forum in Clovis on Saturday, October 5. Rep. Fong and local academy liaison officers will discuss the process for applying and receiving a Congressional nomination. Students from 7th grade to 12th grade are encouraged to attend. See details for each of the forums below.\n\nDetails for U.S. Service Academy Forums:\n\nWhen: Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11am-12:30pm\n\nWhere: Kern County Board of Supervisors Chambers (1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301)\n\nRSVP for the Bakersfield forum here\n\nWhen: Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 11:30am-1pm\n\nWhere: Clovis Unified School District Board Room (1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis, CA 93611)\n\nRSVP for the Clovis forum here\n\nIf you have questions or would like more information, please call Kati McKeown, Rep. Fong\u2019s Service Academy Coordinator, in the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-joins-house-republicans-continued-push-more-stable-california", "Rep. Vince Fong Joins House Republicans in Continued Push for More Stable California Water Supplies", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) joined a field hearing in Santa Nella, California titled \u201cWater Abundance: Opportunities and Challenges in California.\u201d The field hearing was hosted by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) and Rep. John Duarte (CA-13). Rep. Fong was also joined by colleagues Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05), and Rep. David Valadao (CA-22).\n\n\u201cAfter speaking with local experts today, it is imperative that we continue to build more water storage and undo the restrictions being pushed by the Biden-Harris Administration that threaten our region\u2019s water supplies. Critical water supplies are already being artificially restricted due to the harmful state and federal policies that are driven by unsound science. My colleagues and I continue to work to stop unnecessary regulations that make water availability even worse in our state. We also continue to push to build more water storage and conveyance infrastructure to move more water throughout the Central Valley. Water is life and stable water supplies are vital for our economic well-being as well as for our national food supply.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-hosts-judiciary-committee-field-hearing-examining-biden-harris-border", "Issa Hosts Judiciary Committee Field Hearing Examining Biden-Harris Border Crisis", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SANTEE \u2013 Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) hosted the House Judiciary Committee for a field hearing in Santee, CA, examining the impact of the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s failed border policies on California communities.\n\nThe hearing, \"The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: California Perspectives,\" featured local Southern California leaders on the front lines of this crisis. These witnesses detailed the surge in drug trafficking, public safety threats, and the strain on local resources caused by the administration's open border policies, which have allowed millions of illegal immigrants to enter the country.\n\n\u201cFrom day one, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris opened our borders, invited millions of illegal immigrants to walk through them, and ensured they would not have to leave \u2014 even if they committed serious crimes. This has led to an unprecedented surge of illegal immigrant crime, drugs, and trafficking \u2014 and our community knows that enough is enough. I want to thank the committee for coming to San Diego to witness the severity of this crisis firsthand,\u201d said Rep. Issa.\n\nThe hearing also highlighted Issa\u2019s new bill, the Sanctuary City Accountability Act which will hold sanctuary cities accountable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants they harbored and released into communities.\n\nIssa was joined by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) on the dais at the hearing.\n\nWitnesses included:\n\nMichael Hestrin, District Attorney, Riverside County, California\n\nJohn Franklin, Mayor, Vista, California\n\nCory Gautereaux, Border Security Advocate and Small Business Owner\n\nDon Sharp, Undersheriff, Riverside County, California\n\nJohn Minto, Mayor, Santee, California", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1498", "Valadao Joins House Appropriators to Ensure Veterans can Continue Accessing Benefits", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Member Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27), Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Judge Carter (TX-31), Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04), and House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) to introduce the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. The bill addresses the $3 billion mandatory shortfall for disability and education benefits the VA expects to face by October.\n\n\u201cOur veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the benefits they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis bill addresses the immediate funding need at the VA, while also taking the necessary steps to ensure this kind of budget mismanagement doesn\u2019t happen again. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to ensure veterans across the Central Valley can continue to access their benefits. I\u2019ll continue working to hold the VA accountable for our veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration's reckless mismanagement of the VA's budget has led to a crisis that puts veterans' benefits at risk. This isn't just about a funding shortfall\u2014it's about holding the Administration accountable for its failures,\u201d said Congressman Garcia. \u201cWe cannot simply throw more money at a broken system and enable further waste and mismanagement. My bill is focused on both ensuring our veterans receive the care they've earned and demanding accountability from those in charge. We need to fix what's broken, not just fund it, and make sure our heroes are never left behind by the failures of this Administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans defended our nation and values. They earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won\u2019t tolerate department mismanagement that threatens resources they rely on,\u201d said Chairman Cole. \u201cThis shortfall is a glaring failure by the Biden-Harris Administration and its VA, marking one of the largest financial discrepancies in recent history. It also reflects a grave departure from their budget submission provided mere months ago. Our heroes deserve more than this incompetence. Through this bill, we ensure that promised benefits remain secure and enact needed oversight to guarantee full accountability and transparency.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe made a promise to America\u2019s veterans, and this supplemental is Congress\u2019 way of fulfilling that promise by ensuring they receive the benefits they\u2019re owed. While House Republicans are going to do what\u2019s necessary to take care of our heroes, I am gravely disappointed that the VA has irresponsibly put veterans in this position. The veterans\u2019 benefits that are at risk with this shortfall are crucial to veterans\u2019 livelihoods and the mismanagement by the VA is shameful,\u201d Subcommittee Chairman Carter said.\n\nChairman Bost said, \u201cThe VA budget is serious business that has a real impact on veterans\u2019 lives. The Biden-Harris Administration has embarrassed themselves with how poorly they have mismanaged and run VA\u2019s budget into the ground, resulting in a $15 billion dollar shortfall. That should have never happened, and the Biden-Harris VA must be held accountable. But time and time again, especially when it comes to the men and women who have served, House Republicans will always be there to clean up this Administration\u2019s mess. I want to thank my friend and fellow veteran, Rep. Mike Garcia, for his leadership on this vitally important legislation to right the ship and ensure that veterans can continue to receive the benefits and services they have earned.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Veteran Affairs\u2019 (VA) failure to properly budget and account for enrollment growth and staffing costs in its budgetary process resulted in an unprecedented funding shortfall in veteran benefits for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024 and into Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee was notified of the potential shortfall in July - four months after the Biden-Harris Administration submitted its Budget Request and following the markup of FY25 legislation in both chambers of Congress. The VA\u2019s updated projections indicated a need of approximately $15 billion above what was originally requested, including an additional $3 billion for the remainder of FY24 for Compensation and Pensions and Readjustment Benefits (mandatory funding) and an additional $12 billion for FY25 for VA medical care (discretionary funding).\n\nThe Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act addresses the $3 billion shortfall in mandatory funding, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would have no net budget effects. The bill also includes language that holds the Administration accountable, requiring a report to be submitted to Congress no later than 30 days after enactment as to why these budgetary errors took place and ways the VA is addressing its failure to accurately project needs and recurring reports on the status of funds of these accounts moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-tulare-next-week", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Tulare Next Week", "2024-09-05", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Next week, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Tulare to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours in Tulare will be held on Monday, September 9 from 11am-12pm at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce (220 E Tulare Avenue). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1488", "Congressman Valadao Raises Concern Over Reclamation\u2019s Proposed Changes to Central Valley Project and State Water Project Operations", "2024-09-05", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This week, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) led the California Republican Delegation in a letter expressing concerns over the Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s (Reclamation) draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the long-term operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). The EIS is a federal document prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act, and considers revised operations of dams, powerplants, and related facilities of the CVP and SWP.\n\nThe cosigners of the letter argue the draft EIS inappropriately prioritizes environmental goals at the expense of municipal and agricultural water needs:\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, the current proposed operational approach makes delivering water for consumptive uses, including irrigation, subordinate to the use of water for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of protected fish species in the Delta,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nCongressman Valadao led members in urging Reclamation to reconsider these draft plans to better balance environmental and consumptive water needs in the state:\n\n\u201cWe urge the Bureau of Reclamation, FWS, and NMFS to reconsider the proposed operations and associated Biological Opinions to ensure that the regulatory framework balances the needs of all stakeholders, including municipal and agricultural water users,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nCongressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), John Duarte (CA-13), Darrell Issa (CA-48) Mike Garcia (CA-27), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Michelle Steel (CA-45), Young Kim (CA-40), Vince Fong (CA-20), and Kevin Kiley (CA-03).\n\nReclamation is taking comments from the public on the proposed plan, which are due by September 9th. Comments can be submitted via email: sha-MPR-BDO@usbr.gov, or by mail to:\n\nU.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Attention Bay-Delta-Office\n\n801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-introduces-house-resolution-recognition-blood-cancer-awareness", "Rep. Vince Fong Introduces House Resolution in Recognition of Blood Cancer Awareness Month", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Earlier this week, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced a House resolution in support of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Fong with cosponsors Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), and Rep. Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), recognizes the need for continued education on blood cancer and identifies the opportunities Congress has to support research for early diagnosis and treatment.\n\n\u201cI am humbled to introduce this resolution in support of Blood Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to remember the continued work that must be done to fight all types of blood cancer through continued research and development to find cures and new treatments,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThis issue is very near to my heart, as childhood leukemia took my little sister way too soon and I know other families who have been impacted. I want to encourage everyone to take this month to help raise awareness and offer support to those who continue to battle these diseases and their families.\u201d\n\nBlood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized annually in the United States in September. Blood cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms, affects over 1.6 million people in the nation, which means every 3 minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with a form of blood cancer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1486", "Congressman Valadao Statement on Confirmed Avian Flu Cases in California Dairies", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found at three dairy farms in the Central Valley. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs a dairyman I\u2019ve been closely following this situation since the first avian influenza case was detected in U.S. dairy cattle, and have remained in contact with dairy producers, USDA, CDC, and CDFA to ensure the dairy industry is equipped to keep dairy cattle and the workers who interact with these animals healthy,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThankfully, there is no milk, meat, or dairy product safety concern for consumers. I\u2019ll continue working with local, state, and federal partners to bring avian influenza research to the forefront and better equip the industry to deal with these kinds of diseases.\u201d\n\nCongressman Valadao is a co-sponsor of theAvian Influenza Research and Response Act, which would:\n\nPrioritize highly pathogenic avian influenza research under USDA\u2019s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.\n\nCodify in law recent USDA rulemaking that allows for dairy producers to be compensated for loss of milk production due to avian influenza infection.\n\nDirect the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Dairy Biosecurity Education and Training program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/media-advisory-issa-house-judiciary-committee-examine-biden-harris-border", "Media Advisory: Issa, House Judiciary Committee to Examine Biden-Harris Border Crisis in San Diego", "2024-09-03", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "SANTEE \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) will host the House Judiciary Committee for a hearing titled \u201cThe Biden-Harris Border Crisis: California Perspectives\u201d on September 6, 2024, at 9am PT in Santee, CA.\n\nWHERE\n\nSantee City Hall\n\n10601 Magnolia Ave\n\nSantee, CA 92071\n\nWHEN\n\n9:00 am PT\n\nWHAT\n\nHouse Judiciary Committee field hearing titled, \u201cThe Biden-Harris Border Crisis: California Perspectives.\u201d\n\nCONFIRMED WITNESSES\n\nMichael Hestrin, District Attorney, Riverside County, California\n\nJohn Franklin, Mayor, Vista, California\n\nCory Gautereaux, Border Security Advocate and Small Business Owner\n\nDon Sharp, Undersheriff, Riverside County, California\n\nJohn Minto, Mayor, Santee, California", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-condemns-governor-gavin-newsoms-refinery-supply-mandate", "Rep. Vince Fong Condemns Governor Gavin Newsom\u2019s Refinery Supply Mandate", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizing his unworkable refinery supply mandate that will intentionally raise gas prices and create artificial gasoline shortages. The letter states the effects this mandate will have on California and surrounding states \u2013 like Arizona and Nevada. Also signed on to the letter include the following members of Congress: Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05), Rep. John Duarte (CA-13), Rep. David Valadao (CA-22), Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Rep. Mike Garcia (CA-27), Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45), Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48), Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08).\n\n\u201cGovernor Newsom continues to show his lack of understanding in the area of energy production,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThis unworkable mandate will not only affect Californians, but also our neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada who rely on our gasoline supply. Newsom is intentionally increasing gas prices when Californians are already struggling to afford to live and work in the state. For Californians and the rest of the country, Governor Newsom must stop this irresponsible refinery mandate.\u201d\n\n\u201cGovernor Newsom\u2019s misguided refinery supply mandate would once again raise gas prices for Central Valley families,\u201d said Rep. Valadao. \u201cFrom consistently raising the gas tax to restricting permits, this administration has demonstrated time and again that they care more about appeasing the environmental lobby than helping middle-class Californians struggling with rising energy prices. I will continue urging the Governor to abandon his regulatory assault on oil and gas production in California.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here or see the highlights below.\n\nYour recent proposal to force refineries to withhold supply from the market shows that you and your Administration are more interested in political gimmicks than solving real-world issues. Your proposal will negatively impact the ability of Californians to drive their children to school, purchase groceries, and get to work. By forcing refineries to withhold gasoline from the market, your refinery proposal will require California, Arizona, and Nevada residents to pay more at the pump. Your own Energy Commission states that this proposal threatens to shutter small, local refineries and limit the state\u2019s gasoline supply.\n\nForcing refineries to withhold gasoline from the market and possibly pushing remaining refineries to shut down production threatens our gasoline supply and our way of life. This punitive mandate will have untold consequences on California\u2019s energy availability and is yet another attempt at a thinly veiled gas tax.\n\nYou have a responsibility to enact proposals that rely on facts and data to address cost of living issues. We are concerned with the course that has been set by this irresponsible policy decision, which will further pinch the pocketbooks of families across California, Nevada, and Arizona.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1480", "Congressman Valadao Opposes  Governor Newsom\u2019s Misguided Refinery Mandate", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) in a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to reconsider his proposal to force refineries to withhold supply from the market. This proposal threatens to shutter California refineries, putting gasoline availability at risk for California, Nevada, and Arizona residents.\n\n\u201cGovernor Newsom\u2019s misguided refinery supply mandate would once again raise gas prices for Central Valley families,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cFrom consistently raising the gas tax to restricting permits, this administration has repeatedly demonstrated that they care more about appeasing the environmental lobby than helping middle-class Californians struggling with rising energy prices. I will continue to urge the Governor to abandon his regulatory assault on oil and gas production in California.\u201d\n\n\u201cGovernor Newsom continues to show his lack of understanding in the area of energy production,\u201d said Congressman Fong. \u201cThis unworkable mandate will not only affect Californians, but also our neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada who rely on our gasoline supply. Newsom is intentionally increasing gas prices when Californians are already struggling to afford to live and work in the state. For Californians and the rest of the country, Governor Newsom must stop this irresponsible refinery mandate.\u201d\n\nIn their letter to Governor Newsom, the lawmakers highlighted that similar attempts in northeastern states were proven to be detrimental to markets and prices:\n\n\u201cA similar stockpile effort attempted in the northeastern states failed miserably, proving that your proposal will have detrimental effects on gasoline prices across the states that depend on California\u2019s gasoline. While you claim that withholding supply will lower gas prices, your own Energy Commission recently stated that this will likely artificially constrict gasoline supply and increase prices,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-taft", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Taft", "2024-08-29", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Next week, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Taft to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours will be held Wednesday, September 4 from 10-11am at the Taft Chamber of Commerce (400 Kern Street). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-urges-action-after-reports-illegals-targeting-schoolbuses-east-county", "Issa Urges Action After Reports of Illegals Targeting Schoolbuses in East County", "2024-08-29", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JAMUL \u2013 Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement:\n\n\"I am deeply troubled by multiple news reports and eyewitness accounts of illegal migrants attempting to stop and board school buses carrying students in rural East County San Diego.\n\n\"This includes a repeated pattern of unidentified adults seeking to stop, board, or commandeer school buses.\n\n\"I am calling for an immediate investigation by law enforcement and education authorities \u2014 which must also include a detailed plan of action to secure East County students.\n\n\"I appreciate the Jamul School District's swift action thus far and will work with authorities at the federal and local levels to see this through.\n\n\"Finally, the truth is that this new threat to the safety of school children is the direct result of the intentional Biden-Harris open borders and all of the terrible consequences they have delivered upon the nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-response-governor-newsoms-refinery-supply-mandate", "Rep. Vince Fong\u2019s Statement in Response to Governor Newsom\u2019s Refinery Supply Mandate", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cGovernor Newsom\u2019s refinery supply mandate represents a lack of understanding of how energy supply works,\u201d said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20). \u201cWe cannot allow for the Newsom Administration to continue to interfere with the energy market and cost Californians at the pump. It is clear from his unworkable mandates that he cares more about political headlines than actually implementing policies that will provide Californians with reliable and affordable energy. With this mandate, not only is Governor Newsom intentionally disrupting needed energy production and raising costs in California, but it will create ripple effects in neighboring states as Arizona and Nevada will also see rising prices and limited availability of supply as western states rely on our production. There are real world consequences to Governor Newsom\u2019s poor energy polices and this impractical proposal will only intensify the affordability crisis in our state at a time when Californians are struggling to pay for essentials and create energy shortages across the western United States. It\u2019s clear that Governor Newsom is taking a playbook from Vice President Kamala Harris - pushing terrible policies that make no economic sense.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-participates-ramona-rodeo", "Issa Participates in Ramona Rodeo", "2024-08-27", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Ramona \u2013 On August 24, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) joined a community-wide celebration like no other: the Ramona Rodeo. This annual gathering is a celebration of the city\u2019s indomitable Western heritage and the unique character of rodeo.\n\nCongressman Issa toured the festival grounds and participated in festivities with event vendors, while also sharing with attendees his ongoing efforts to protect and honor rodeo.\n\n\u201cThe Ramona Rodeo has an energy and excitement all its own, and Chris Anderson and the entire Ramona team demonstrated once again their uncommon ability to bring our community together and put on a great show. I am grateful to be their partner as we work to preserve this beloved tradition. This was not my first visit, and it won\u2019t be my last,\u201d said Issa.\n\nCongressman Issa has long been a champion of rodeo, founding and chairing the Congressional Rodeo Caucus and introducing legislation acknowledging the contributions rodeo makes to communities, local economies, and the preservation of Western culture.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases/c-130-hercules-aircraft-now-fighting-wildfires-california", "C-130 Hercules Aircraft Now Fighting Wildfires in California", "2024-08-26", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Ken Calvert", "C000059", "calvert.house.gov", "calvert", "https://calvert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) celebrated the announcement by CAL FIRE that the first of the seven C-130 Hercules aircraft transferred from the federal government to CAL FIRE will begin flying missions today. Rep. Calvert played a lead role in the bipartisan effort to transfer the aircraft and use them to fly critical firefighting missions.\n\n\u201cWe need all the assistance we can get fighting wildfires in California, so the addition of these C-130 Hercules aircraft is welcome news,\u201d said Rep. Calvert. \u201cThese aircraft will make a real impact in the protection of lives and property in Riverside County and throughout our state. I\u2019m proud that my bipartisan efforts along with Senator Alex Padilla, and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, will be making a difference in our ability to confront life-threatening disasters in California.\u201d\n\nAs stated by the Governor\u2019s office, \u201cGovernor Gavin Newsom \u2014 in partnership with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Representative Ken Calvert \u2014 spearheaded this initiative for California to take on ownership of these aircraft, speed up the time to have them flying firefighting operations in California, and expand CAL FIRE\u2019s firefighting capabilities.\u201d\n\nOverview video: C-130H overview\n\nB-Roll: C-130H first drop\n\nFact Sheet: C-130H fact sheet", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-joins-president-trump-house-colleagues-arlington-cemetery-commemorate", "Issa Joins President Trump, House Colleagues at Arlington Cemetery to Commemorate Fallen 13 Servicemembers at Abbey Gate", "2024-08-26", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ARLINGTON \u2013 On the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of 13 American servicemembers, Congressman Darell Issa (CA-48) participated in wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery at the invitation of the Gold Star families of the fallen. Attending the ceremony alongside Issa were President Donald Trump and House colleagues (as well as fellow veterans) Brian Mast (FL-21), Cory Mills (FL-07), and Mike Waltz (FL-06).\n\n\u201cToday marks three years since that terrible afternoon in Afghanistan when 13 of our very best made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, their calling, and their comrades in arms,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cI was proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Mast, Mills, and Waltz, in guaranteeing that we will never forget the sacrifice of these 13, their families, and the other servicemembers injured in the tragic bombing at Abbey Gate.\u201d\n\n\u201cI especially want to thank President Trump for being at Arlington today. In private as in public, he gives these Gold Star families a human touch, a heartfelt understanding, and always the respect for their grief and loss. What a contrast to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who to this day refuse to host these families at the White House, meet in person, or even say in public the names of their loved ones. I believe when the failures of this administration are dutifully written, the catastrophe of the Afghanistan withdrawal and the callousness with which Biden and Harris cast aside these families will be chapter one.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-and-rep-andrea-salinas-introduce-bill-further-ai-education", "Rep. Vince Fong and Rep. Andrea Salinas Introduce Bill to Further AI Education", "2024-08-23", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Education Act of 2024 (NSF AI Education Act). This bill would allow NSF to award AI scholarships, especially when applied to agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. In addition, the bill would establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges to promote AI education and research.\n\nThe NSF AI Education Act was led by Rep. Fong and co-led by Rep. Salinas.\n\n\u201cThis bill will help future generations learn the advantages of AI and will benefit those in industries like agriculture and manufacturing in the Central Valley,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThese resources will be for college students, both in their undergraduate and graduate programs, but the bill will also encourage AI learning in K-12 students and will keep America at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. America is in a global competition, and we must prepare our local students to understand and develop the latest technologies to keep our nation strong and prosperous.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence is much more than just chatbots and robots. In reality, AI technology has the potential to drive economic growth and transform our society for good,\u201d said Rep. Salinas. \u201cThat's why I\u2019m proud to introduce a bipartisan bill to help more Americans participate in this technological revolution. Our legislation would expand research on responsible AI education and focus on community and technical colleges as training centers for our emerging AI workforce. I thank Rep. Fong for his partnership on this bill, and I will keep working to ensure more Americans can benefit from the opportunities made available by artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies.\"\n\n\"Code.org has been working for more than a decade to expand access to computer science education,\u201d said Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer for Code.org. \u201cNow, the organization and many others are working to make sure that AI education is used safely, responsibly, and effectively by educators and taught to students. The NSF AI Education Act is a significant step towards ensuring that every student has access to quality computer science and AI education, empowering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.\"\n\n\u201cThe App Association supports the NSF AI Education Act and the Small Business AI Advancement Act for their crucial roles in advancing AI education and empowering small businesses. The NSF AI Education Act will enhance AI research and education through scholarships, Centers of Excellence, and collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and NSF,\u201d said Morgan Reed, President of ACT | The App Association. \u201cThese bills will help ensure that AI education and resources are available to all businesses and innovators, regardless of size. We urge Congress to pass these essential pieces of legislation, reinforcing the role of education and small business empowerment in the broader AI ecosystem.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThis bill amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9451) to bolster educational skills in AI through new learning initiatives and workforce training programs. Specifically, this bill would authorize NSF to award undergraduate and graduate scholarships in AI with a focus on applications in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. It would also establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and area career and technical educational schools to ensure widespread dissemination of best practices.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-rep-vince-fong-hosts-mobile-office-hours-tehachapi-today", "Office of Rep. Vince Fong Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Tehachapi Today", "2024-08-20", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, a staff member from the office of Rep. Vince Fong will be in Tehachapi to host mobile office hours. The staff can help you with issues with federal agencies or general questions you may have with casework. The mobile office hours will be held today, August 20 from 1:30-3pm at the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce (209 E Tehachapi Blvd). For any questions regarding mobile office hours, please reach out to the Bakersfield office at 661-327-3611.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-stefanik-introduce-legislation-prohibit-unconstitutional-handgun-rosters", "Issa, Stefanik Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Unconstitutional Handgun Rosters", "2024-08-20", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and House Republican Conference Chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) introduced the Modern Firearm Safety Act which will stop states from enacting unconstitutional \u201chandgun rosters\u201d that prevent law-abiding citizens from accessing modern, safer handgun models.\n\n\u201cHandgun rosters are a tactic that serves only a single purpose: to undermine the Second Amendment under the cynical pretense of firearm safety. These rosters impose excessive and unnecessary requirements that only restrict access to modern firearms equipped with the most up-to-date safety features,\u201d said Rep. Issa. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Chairwoman Stefanik in defending our sacred constitutional rights and ending these unjust restrictions.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce the Modern Firearm Safety Act to put a stop to the unconstitutional gun-grabbing agenda pushed on law-abiding American citizens by Far-Left Democrats like Kathy Hochul. My legislation would ban Albany Democrats from imposing illegal handgun roster requirements meant to deter gun ownership. I will always stand up for our Second Amendment rights and provide a critical check to any entity attempting to encroach on their liberties,\u201d said Rep. Stefanik.\n\nCalifornia, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia have already enacted restrictive handgun rosters, with others considering similar measures. These rosters currently mandate that firearms include costly and unnecessary features including loaded chamber indicators, magazine disconnect mechanisms, and microstamping technology. This makes it nearly impossible for manufacturers to introduce new handgun models.\n\nThe Modern Firearm Safety Act prohibits states from enforcing these restrictive requirements, ensuring that citizens have access to the most up-to-date and safe firearms available. Additionally, the legislation aligns with a recent 2024 federal court ruling that found California's handgun roster requirements to be unconstitutional.\n\nAdditional cosponsors of the Modern Firearm Safety Act include Reps. Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Mike Collins (GA-10), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Andy Harris (MD-01), and Andy Biggs (AZ-05).\n\nThe bill has received support from the following organizations:\n\nNational Rifle Association (NRA)\n\nCongressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation (CSF)\n\nPeace Officer\u2019s Research Association of California (PORAC)\n\nNational Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)\n\nFirearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-demands-answers-and-transparency-newsom-administration-stemming", "Rep. Vince Fong Demands Answers and Transparency from Newsom Administration Stemming from HUD Audit", "2024-08-15", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom calling for answers and transparency stemming from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) recent audit showing lack of fraud control during COVID-19. The audit indicates the failure to properly ensure California taxpayers were getting the emergency relief they needed during a vulnerable time for many people and outlines recommendations for anti-fraud measures. Read the full letter here or see the highlights below.\n\nFederal and California taxpayers expect that when emergency relief is provided to help vulnerable Californians, government stewards of these precious taxpayer dollars will deploy aggressive anti-fraud risk measures. At the very least, these government agencies should follow Federal guidelines regarding fraud countermeasures. The Federal government even provides state agencies with the Antifraud Playbook and the Greek Book, which provides detailed guidance on scaling up fraud detection and risk management when there is an influx of funds. In fact, state agencies receiving Federal dollars are required to establish internal fraud controls in line with the Green Book recommendations, which clearly means that California is out of compliance given the outcome of this audit.\n\nBased on the HUD Inspector General audit and the subsequent responses by California\u2019s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the HUD Community and Planning Development office in San Francisco, it is clear that sufficient taxpayer fraud protection measures were not implemented, nor did HCD even attempt to fortify their fraud detection as they felt that \u201cit was not necessary to create a separate fraud risk management framework or build upon its existing [enterprise risk management] framework,\u201d even given California\u2019s fraught history with fraud. As stated in the audit, \u201cHCD\u2019s overall fraud risk management practices were at the lowest desired state of maturity,\u201d when monitoring over $319.5 million awarded to the State of California through the Emergency Solutions Grants program from the Federal CARES Act.\n\nEspecially as our nation faces a $35 trillion national debt and California recently faced a $68 billion annual shortfall, the buck must stop somewhere; leadership is needed \u2013 from you on down to your cabinet secretaries to state agency employees \u2013 to safeguard and protect taxpayer dollars from being wasted and to disabuse the nation of the notion that California tolerates waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1430", "Congressman Valadao Helps Secure Federal Funding for Clean Water Project in Delano", "2024-08-15", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "DELANO, CA \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Delano Public Works Director Roman Dowling and other city officials to tour an existing water treatment plant and preview the city\u2019s plans for the Well 42 Project. Congressman Valadao worked with city officials to help them secure a $6 million federal grant to fund the project through the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act.\n\n\u201cEnsuring Central Valley communities have access to clean, reliable drinking water is my top priority in Congress,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cThis new facility will not only provide clean water for Delano families, but it will also help relieve some of the pressure on housing prices since new homes can\u2019t be built in the area without a stable water supply. I was proud to play a small role in helping the city secure these funds and look forward to working with them on future projects to improve the community.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe funding was secured through a Community Project Funding request submitted by Rep. Valadao in the FY24 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Community Project Funding is a tool used by members of Congress to help direct available federal grant money to important projects in their community. Rep. Valadao\u2019s Community Project Funding requests are publicly available on his website here.\n\nClick here for an interactive map of the Community Project Funding requests Rep. Valadao secured for the 22nd Congressional District in Fiscal Year 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fong-and-rep-abigail-spanberger-introduce-stop-tranq-act", "Rep. Vince Fong and Rep. Abigail Spanberger introduce the STOP TRANQ Act", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Vince Fong", "F000480", "fong.house.gov", "fong", "https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) introduced the Strengthening Tracking of Poisonous Tranq Requiring Analyzed National Quantification Act of 2024 (STOP TRANQ Act). This bill will require the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report to include an analysis of xylazine or \u201ctranq\u201d trafficking within the country-by-country report. Other prevalent drugs like fentanyl are already being tracked in this report and obtaining trafficking and production data on tranq can help curb the worsening drug problem in America.\n\n\u201cTranq is a growing drug threat to all Americans and must be taken seriously as a deadly drug coming into our country,\u201d said Rep. Fong. \u201cThere are drugs on the streets that are killing people in our local communities especially fentanyl and the growing rise of xylazine, and we should know the trafficking patterns from other countries so that we can stop the flow of these drugs from further harming Americans. It is critical that we combat this lethal drug crisis head on and support our law enforcement and prosecutors in going after those who wish us harm.\u201d\n\n\u201cTranq is killing Virginians in our communities and Americans across our country. But right now, our country is ill-equipped to counter the influx of xylazine and fentanyl in our communities,\u201d said Rep. Spanberger. \u201cAs a former federal agent and CIA case officer who worked narcotics cases and tracked cartels, I believe that Congress must provide our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers with every tool available to combat the deadly drugs flowing into our communities. As drug overdose deaths are increasingly involving xylazine, this bipartisan legislation would help law enforcement crack down on its proliferation in our communities and stop the predators who are killing our neighbors.\u201d\n\n\u201cStreet-level drugs are becoming more potent, and the fatalities associated with drugs like this are becoming all too common,\u201d said Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry. \u201cHaving the data this bill would require will provide us with the information to make more informed decisions in our fight against these dangerous drugs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the war on drugs continues, fentanyl still runs rampant in our communities, and we are now facing a new enemy with the addition of xylazine, or tranq,\u201d said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. \u201cTo better address the growing usage of tranq and understand the associated risks, this legislation will require the State Department to include tranq in their Annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. This change is imperative as we work to combat this emerging threat--the more information and data we gather, the more tools we will have to tackle this crisis effectively.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) is released on March 1st annually, in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This report provides a country-by-country analysis of drug trafficking, money laundering, and financial crimes in an effort to effectively combat all aspects of these illegal activities.\n\nThe drugs currently tracked in the INCSR report include synthetic opioids, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, among others. Xylazine (Tranq) is currently classified as a \u201cdrug cutting agent\u201d in the most recent INCSR report.\n\nThis bill serves as the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) STOP TRANQ Act, which was introduced in March.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1427", "Congressman Valadao joins Hanford Small Businesses, City Leaders to Preview East Lacey Corridor Project", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "HANFORD, CA \u2013 Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Hanford small businesses and city leaders to highlight the $7.3 million in federal funding he helped secure in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Appropriations Bill for the East Lacey Corridor Improvement Project.\n\n\u201cI came to Congress to deliver results for the Central Valley, and I was glad to work with city leaders in Hanford to help them bring taxpayer dollars back to our community,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cOnce completed, the East Lacey Boulevard Project will improve safety along the corridor, help with the flow of traffic, and invest in nearby businesses. As a lifelong resident of Hanford I understand the need for this project and was glad to help play a small role in moving this forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for the Congressman\u2019s diligent efforts to secure federal funding for the East Lacey Boulevard Improvement Project. This large-scale infrastructure project will be transformational for the City, its residents, and the businesses that border the busy street. When construction is completed in a couple of years, we know the boulevard will not only be a safer and more efficient road, but also a more visually appealing corridor for anyone coming to downtown Hanford from the City\u2019s east side,\u201d said Hanford Mayor Travis Paden.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe funding was secured through a Community Project Funding request submitted by Rep. Valadao in the FY24 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Community Project Funding is a tool used by members of Congress to help direct available federal grant money to important projects in their community. Rep. Valadao\u2019s Community Project Funding requests are publicly available on his website here.\n\nClick here for an interactive map of the Community Project Funding requests Rep. Valadao secured for the 22nd Congressional District in Fiscal Year 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1424", "Valadao, Fong Host Veterans Town Hall in Bakersfield with Veterans' Affairs Committee", "2024-08-12", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "House", "CA", "David G. Valadao", "V000129", "valadao.house.gov", "valadao", "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "BAKERSFIELD, CA \u2013 Today, Representatives David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted a Veterans Resource Fair and Town Hall in Bakersfield in partnership with staff from the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. The event, held at the Mechanics Bank Arena, featured tables from local veteran service organizations and provided an opportunity for Kern County veterans to ask questions about the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and pending veteran-related legislation in Congress.\n\n\u201cOur veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our freedom, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the resources and benefits they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI was glad to hear directly from our veterans today about some of their biggest concerns, including the status of the Bakersfield VA clinic, unacceptable wait times at the board of appeals, and veterans\u2019 access to mental health care and housing. Thank you to the organizations who contributed their time today and for the VA Committee staff for making the trip from Washington to Bakersfield. I\u2019ll continue working to bring resources to Central Valley veterans.\n\n\u201cOn days like today, we are reminded of the great sacrifices and bravery our men and women in uniform have shown and continue to show,\u201d said Congressman Fong. \u201cIt was an honor to get to listen to many of our exemplary veterans and answer the questions they have about federal legislation, casework, and the resources available to them. These veterans have served our country honorably so in turn it is our duty to serve them with the same level of dedication and commitment.\u201d\n\nVeterans are encouraged to contact Rep. Valadao and Fong's offices if they need assistance with the VA.\n\nValadao Hanford Office: (559) 460-6070\n\nFong Bakersfield Office: (661) 327-3611\n\nPhotos of the event can be downloaded for media use here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 279, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "CA", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 279, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CA&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 279, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "CA", "label": "CA", "count": 279, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 279, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-08-12,https~3A~2F~2Fvaladao~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1424", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CA&year=2024&_next=2024-08-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fvaladao~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1424&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 771.1294870823622, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}