url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://fong.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-vince-fongs-statement-hypersonic-flight-test-yesterday,Rep. Vince Fong’s 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,"“Stratolaunch 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’s 20th District. Our region continues to lead the way for America to explore, test, and advance new flight technologies – from Chuck Yeager’s test flight breaking the sound barrier almost 80 years ago to NASA’s 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!”",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’s 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. “It 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’s most pressing challenges.”",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 – 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. “As AI continues its integration into every facet of our lives, its inherent perils and potential become more evident by the day,” said Rep. Issa. “PADRA 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.” This 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. Specifically, PADRA will: For the first time under federal law, target the commercial misuse of digital replicas of individuals’ identifying characteristics, such as their likeness or voice. Protect the public from the deceptive use of digital replicas to confuse consumers about an individual’s endorsement or affiliation with a product, service, or other commercial activity. Adapt 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. Empower 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. PADRA embodies the culmination of Rep. Issa’s 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. “With the rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence, we are witnessing an alarming increase in the use of digital replicas to mislead consumers,” Congressman Ben Cline said. “The use of deepfakes to mislead the public, as seen with figures like Tom Hanks and Lainey Wilson, is completely unacceptable. That’s 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."" “The 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,” said Rep. Obernolte. “PADRA 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.” The bill text can be found here. What Industry Leaders and Other Stakeholders Are Saying About PADRA: Scott Belsky, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, Design & Emerging Products, Adobe “Congressman Issa’s 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’s 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.” Business Software Alliance ""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."" Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of RIAA “We 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.” Motion Picture Association “The Motion Picture Association appreciates Congressman Issa’s 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’s 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.” Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO, A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) “Independent labels invest decades in developing artists’ unique brands and fanbases—assets 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’s 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.” Songwriters of North America “The Songwriters of North America applaud Congressman Issa’s 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.” American Society for Collective Rights Licensing “The 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).” Professional Photographers of America “The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) join in supporting “The Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act” (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’s 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.” Concept Art Association “Concept 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.”",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’s 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 “American Relief Act” was voted on by the House tonight and failed to pass by a vote of 174-235-1. “I 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’s most pressing challenges and, along with the Trump-Vance Administration, Make America Great Again.”",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 – 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’s Republic of China (PRC). The 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’s misuse of courts and technical processes, including by “stacking the deck” at standard-setting organizations (SSOs) and other abusive tactics aimed to undermine U.S. technological leadership in global infrastructure. “Today’s 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,” said Rep. Issa. “For 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’s businesses, markets, and economic leadership, and we must address it head-on to guarantee a level playing field and a fair fight.” Witnesses for today’s hearing included: Walter Copan, PhD, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Colorado School of Mines Kent Baker, Head of IP Strategy, Litigation & Licensing, u-blox America, Inc. Thomas Cotter, Taft Stettinius & Hollister Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School Mark 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 – 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’s desk to be signed into law. “The Jamul Indian Village has sought for years to bring tribal members back onto their ancestral land – so they can raise their families, carry forward their culture, and add to their history,” said Rep. Issa. “This 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’s 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.” The 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’s only road for transportation. “After 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,” said Senator Padilla. “I am honored to have worked alongside the Jamul Indian Village and Congressman Issa to strengthen the Tribe’s community development and permanently safeguard their home for the benefit of their members.” “For 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,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “This bill honors the Jamul Indian Village’s 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.” Read 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 Delivers 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 — 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’s leadership in AI innovation responsibly. “Because 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,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “Thanks 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.” “The 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,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The 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’m encouraged by the completion of the report and hopeful it will be instructive for enlightened legislative action moving forward. I’m 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.” “It 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,” said Chairman Jay Obernolte (R-Ca.). “The report details a roadmap for Congress to follow to both safeguard consumers and foster continued U.S. investment and innovation in AI. I’d 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.” “The 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,” said Co-Chair Ted Lieu (D-Ca.). “Despite 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’t know what we don’t 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.” Read the full report and key findings here. Read what they're saying about the report here. Background In 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. Speaker 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.). Membership ###",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 – 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. “The 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,” said Rep. Issa. “As 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.” Specifically, the JUDGES Act will: Create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035 Add three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma Task GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs Require the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology Authorize 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 – 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’s desk to be signed into law. “For years I’ve seen the significant strain and burden put on our legal system due to the longstanding shortage of judges in California’s Eastern District Court,” said Congressman Valadao. “The 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’m proud that my colleagues in the House of Representatives and Senate came together to pass this crucial, bipartisan effort.” Background: California’s 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’s 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’s 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. The JUDGES Act will: Create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035 Add three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma Task GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs Require the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology Authorize additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access for larger districts Read 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 (281–140) 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. “As 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,” said Rep. Calvert. “The 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.” Joint Safety Council Reforms In 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. “The disclosure requirements included in the FY25 NDAA at my request aim to ensure accountability and implementation of necessary safety reforms to prevent future tragedies,” said Rep. Calvert. “We owe it to our service members and their families to take these important steps to improve safety and transparency.” Defense Innovation Data Repository One of Rep. Calvert’s highest priorities as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee is to leverage America’s 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. “The 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,” said Rep. Calvert. “This 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.” AI Pilot Program to Enhance Operations As 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. “By 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,” said Rep. Calvert. ###",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. – 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. The STOP TRANQ Act was included in the NDAA as the “Strengthening tracking of Tranq” 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 “tranq” trafficking within the country-by-country report. The STAR Act was included in the NDAA as the “Extension of learning period for certain safety regulations relating to space flight participants” provision. This provision would extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s (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. “Today, 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,” said Rep. Fong. “I 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.” Background STOP TRANQ Act The 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. The drugs currently tracked in the INCSR report include synthetic opioids, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, among others. Xylazine (tranq) is currently classified as a “drug cutting agent” in the most recent INCSR report. STAR Act The 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’s 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 – 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). “Water 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.” said Rep. Issa. “This 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.” The 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. Read 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 – Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with Congressman David Valadao’s support. The FY25 NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities – including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development. It also outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense (DoD). “Today 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. “This 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.” Among other provisions, the FY25 NDAA: Boosts 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. Improves housing by authorizing $954 million over the President’s request for housing maintenance accounts and over $569 million to build new family housing units. Ensures access to medical care for servicemembers by expanding the number of doctors and nurses working for the DoD. Increases access to childcare with over $176 million for the construction of new childcare centers. Declares that it is the policy of the United States to ensure Israel has adequate capability to defend itself against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Fully funds deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border. Fully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing reach. Read 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’s 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’s signature. The 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. “Bringing 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,” said Rep. Calvert. “I’m proud to work along with my Inland Empire colleagues to secure this important infrastructure win for our region.” The 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. “The La Quinta Drainage Improvements project will help enhance local stormwater drainage along key corridors in the city,” said Rep. Calvert. “Improving our water infrastructure in the Coachella Valley is critically important to keeping roads safe and accessible during periods of heavy rain.” ###",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. “It is my honor to nominate these distinguished students to the United States Service Academies,” said Rep. Fong. “I 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.” Rep. 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’s 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. Each candidate was interviewed by Rep. Vince Fong’s 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. United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO (USAFA) Principal Nominee: Braeden Hill, 16, of Friant, California. Braeden attends University High School in Fresno and is the son of C. Aaron and Shawna Hill. Competing Alternates: Kade Bravo, United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Colorado Springs, CO Joshua Gault, Clovis North High School, Clovis, CA Sofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA Tyler Kipp, Centennial High School, Bakersfield, CA Joanna Lee, El Diamonte High School, Visalia, CA Lauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Shelbie Porter, Liberty High School, Bakersfield, CA Aidan Vansickle, Desert Junior-Senior High School, Edwards, CA Elijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD (USNA) Principal Nominee: Joanna Lee, 17, of Visalia, California. Joanna attends El Diamante High School in Visalia and is the daughter of Wook Lee and Seonim Yu. Competing Alternates: Joshua Gault, Clovis North High School, Clovis, CA Sofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA Braeden Hill, University High School, Fresno, CA Layla James, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA Madison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Jeremiah Molina, California State University, Fresno, CA Lauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Eli Pugliese, Clovis High School, Clovis, CA Elijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA United States Military Academy, West Point, NY (USMA) Principal Nominee: Shelbie Porter, 16, of Bakersfield, California. Shelbie attends Liberty High School in Bakersfield and is the daughter of Fred II and Kathleen Porter. Competing Alternates: Brinon Gacad, United States Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, NY Reese Galloway, Desert Junior-Senior High School, Edwards, CA Sofia Gonzalez, Hanford West High School, Hanford, CA Braeden Hill, University High School, Fresno, CA Layla James, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA Madison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Augustine Miller, University High School, Fresno, CA Lauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Elijah Zepeda, Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, CA United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY (USMMA) NOTE: 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. Competing Alternates: Madison Lane, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Lauren Phillips, Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, CA Eli 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: “Lawless, Dangerous, and Out of Touch”",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 – 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. “For 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,” said Rep. Issa. “After 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.” The proposal specifically prohibits county law enforcement agencies and officers from responding to ICE inquiries or communicating with ICE regarding individuals’ 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. “The 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,” 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. “I’m honored to have been elected as the next Chairman of RG2 and am grateful for my colleagues’ trust and support,” said Congressman Valadao. “RG2 has consistently stood for effective and commonsense policy solutions, and I’m 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’s laid for RG2’s continued success. I look forward to building on RG2’s legacy in the 119th Congress and delivering results for the American people.” RG2 is a coalition of Republican House Members committed to finding solutions through pragmatic and responsible policy-making. ###",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 – 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. “The House’s 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,” said Rep. Issa. Specifically, the bill amends Title 35: (1) in section 41(j), by inserting “, unless the entity shows that the assertion was made in good faith,” before “be subject”; and (2) in section 123(f), by inserting “, unless the entity shows that the certification was made in good faith,” before “be subject”.",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 – 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). “This 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,” said Rep. Issa. “Our 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.” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’ve heard Cuban-American constituents recount how their families were stripped of hard-earned wealth, expropriated by autocratic regimes. I’m grateful to President Biden for signing our bill into law and demonstrating the United States’ continuing commitment to combating intellectual property theft.” The 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. The 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’s 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,"“We 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’t 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.”",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—Air Force, Naval, Military, and Merchant Marine. ""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."" Rep. 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. The 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. Thirty-Five candidates were selected to receive Congressman Calvert's nomination. They are as follows: Air Force Academy: Gianna Almeda - Temescal Canyon High School Alexander Apotrosoaei - John F. Kennedy High School Aidan Forehand - Xavier College Preparatory (Class of 2024), Air Force Preparatory School Daniel Frumusanu - Norco High School Davin Jensen - Palm Springs High School Carter McLean - Hemet High SchoolVivian Nguyen - Heritage High School Zoe Philson - Palm Desert High School Alessandra Pimentel - Paloma Valley High School Aidan Prado - California Connections Academy (Class of 2024), Riverside City College Yashvi Shah - Eastvale STEM Academy Cash Weyl - Santiago High School Calvin Willis - Corona High School Matthew Woodroof - Murrieta Valley High School Morgyn Young - Liberty High School United States Naval Academy: Keani Aboytes - Martin Luther King High School Carlos Barrientos - Santiago High School (Class of 2024), University of California San Diego Nathanael Burns - Murrieta Mesa High School (Class of 2024), Northwestern Preparatory School Nathaniel De La Cruz - Fountain Valley High School Parker Finnell - Palm Desert High School Moses Garingo - Liberty High School Soren Harris-Pham - John W. North High School Makayla Hudson - Arlington High School (Class of 2024), Naval Academy Preparatory School Evan Jackson - Paloma Valley High School Alexander Krishan - Vista Murrieta High School Jera Likins - Santa Rosa Academy Ryan Ly - Vista Murrieta High School Chase Reynolds - Martin Luther King High School (Class of 2024), Naval Academy Preparatory School Rihanna Tomlinson-Graham - Temecula Valley High School Nicholas Welty - Santa Rosa Academy Military Academy at West Point: Nathaniel De La Cruz - Fountain Valley High School Brooke Desteuben - Norco High School (Class of 2024), Military Preparatory School Kaydence Erickson - Rancho Christian High School Daniel Frumusanu - Norco High School David Madera - Norco High School Zachary Nilsen - Vista Murrieta High School Addison Rodriguez - Linfield Christian School Calvin Willis - Corona High School Merchant Marine Academy: Keani Aboytes - Martin Luther King High School Daniel Frumusanu - Norco High School Kaydence Erickson - Rancho Christian High School Alexander Krishan - Vista Murrieta High School Jera Likins - Santa Rosa Academy Aidan Prado - California Connections Academy (Class of 2024), Riverside City College ###",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’s Statement on the Political Gimmicks of Governor Newsom’s 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,"“Californians 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’s agenda and Americans rejected VP Harris’s policies modeled after Governor Newsom this week, but he apparently didn’t 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.”",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 – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement: “Last 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. ""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. ""We are already hard at work, and that effort will continue through to 2025 and beyond.”",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,"“On 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’s why we’re leading H.R. 2478, the Restore VA Accountability Act, to bring accountability back to VA nationwide, for good. One 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 – including Loma Linda VA employees – to ensure that no veteran encounters barriers when receiving the timely, high-quality care they have earned. Together, 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.”",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 – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) hosted the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health Brett Guthrie (KY-02) for a roundtable discussion with Central Valley healthcare stakeholders in Bakersfield. “From 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “It was helpful to hear directly from local healthcare professionals about some of the biggest challenges they face in providing care for our community. I’ll 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.” “As 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,” said Health Chairman Brett Guthrie. “Our 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’s roundtable with Congressman Valadao and Congressman Guthrie continues the collaboration of our region to better the lives of everyone in the Central Valley,” said Congressman Fong. Attendees 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’s 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. ###",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 – Congressman Issa (CA-48) announced that his new district office in Santee is now open to assist constituents in San Diego’s East County. Constituents 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’s staff. “Our 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,” said Rep. Issa. “Congressman 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’ affairs and other agencies is an added benefit to our residents,” said Santee Mayor John Minto. The 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’s 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 – 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. “I 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’s aviation industry,” said Rep. Obernolte. “This 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.” “With the proper federal regulatory framework, Advanced Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionize how we move people and goods throughout our country,” said Rep. Panetta. “The Federal Aviation Administration’s 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’s 19thCongressional District powering these exciting aircraft.” Due 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. What They’re Saying: “Supernal 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” said Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the FAA and Congress to position the US as a global leader in this exciting new industry.” ""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,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. ""The regulation published will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “Delivering ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication, coordination and hard work of the rulemaking team.” “Advanced air mobility promises to change the very definition of on-demand aviation worldwide,” National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “Given 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.”",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 – 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. “Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation because of our state’s gas tax,” said Congressman Valadao. “It 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.” “Governor Newsom’s 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,” said Congresswoman Steel. “CARB must delay their November 8 vote and study the impact their regulations will have on all Californians.” In 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. “CARB’s 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,” the lawmakers wrote. Read 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 – 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. “Sadly, many Sikhs have been targeted for their religious beliefs throughout history, including during the 1984 genocide,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Central Valley is home to a vibrant Sikh community and I’m 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.” “As 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—it 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 — it’s a time to recognize this horrific time that our Sikh community experienced,” said Congressman Costa. Reps. Valadao and Costa were joined in introduction by Reps. Josh Harder (CA-09), Vince Fong (CA-20), and John Duarte (CA-13). The 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. “This 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,” said Gudev Singh, Acting President, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC). “This 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,” said Dr. Pritpal Singh, Founder, American Sikh Caucus Committee. “This 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,” said Sukhman Dhami, Co-Director, Ensaaf ""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—it’s 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,” said Naindeep Singh, Executive Director, Jakara Movement. “This 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,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) “This 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’s recognition fuels our resolve to continue advocating for justice and accountability,” said Harman Singh, Executive Director, Sikh Coalition. “The 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,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC). “As 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’s 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,” said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs. Background: In 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. Following 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’s 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. “I would like to thank Navy Assistant Secretary Franklin Parker as well as the USDA’s 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’s Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program to develop long-term solutions to support the healthcare needs of NAWS China Lake and the community of Ridgecrest,” 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’s 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’s 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’s space innovation. Read the full letter here or highlights below. I write with grave concerns over the California Coastal Commission’s 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. I understand that the Commission voted last week—against its own staff’s recommendation—to non-concur with a U.S. Space Force proposal to increase the number of SpaceX’s 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’s actions risk the public’s 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 – 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 – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement: “The 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. “This 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 – which has repeatedly and publicly criticized our ally Israel – 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: “I 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.”",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 – 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. “Valley Fever has a huge impact on communities throughout the Central Valley and leaves thousands of people sick every year,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to support Congressman Duarte’s 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’ll continue working toward solutions to keep Central Valley families safe and healthy.” ""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’m 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."" Background: Congressman 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’s 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. “I was honored to get to speak with all of these students and parents who are interested in joining a service academy,” said Rep. Fong. “Seeing 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.” Completed 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. If 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 – 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. “Fundamentally, citizens have the right not to be a victim of crime,” said Congressman Issa. We convened this conversation of law enforcement leaders because public safety is at the forefront of our community’s 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.” The discussion specifically focused on the dimension of the region’s 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. “I’m 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.”",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 – 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’ significant issues with processing and payment of ERTC claims. Congressman Valadao highlighted the lack of communication from the IRS that has frustrated many small business owners: “Businesses 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,” Congressman Valadao wrote. While the IRS has made progress since the Congressman’s 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: “The 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,” Congressman Valadao wrote. Congressman Valadao requested answers from the IRS on the current steps they’re taking to address these claims, including: Will the IRS consider extending the 30-day period for taxpayers who received a disallowance letter to submit a protest? If not, why not? How 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? In August, the IRS announced that 50,000 low-risk claims were moving into processing. Of these claims, how many have been paid? Is the IRS working through ERTC cases that the Taxpayer Advocate Service is sending? Read 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 – as with the last – 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 – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement: ""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’s 9-11. We were redirected back to the United States. ""But we weren’t 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.' ""One year later – and with the support of its strongest friends – 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. ""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’s very right to exist and to live in peace and security with its neighbors. But it will be – to borrow a phrase from Ronald Reagan – peace through strength. ""On this October 7th – just as with the last one – we need to say loud and clear: Israel Must Win."" Please 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 – 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. In hundreds of cases every year, civil litigation is funded by undisclosed third-party interests – 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. “Our 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,” said Rep. Issa. “We 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. “As 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,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “I’m proud to join Congressman Issa in bringing needed transparency to our courtrooms.” Third-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. This bill follows extensive work by Rep. Issa this Congress, including holding a hearing titled “The U.S. Intellectual Property System and the Impact of Litigation Financed by Third Party Investors and Foreign Entities”, introducing the discussion draft of the LTA, and a letter to the Judicial Conference. The following organizations submitted statements in support of Rep. Issa’s bill: National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies “The 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’s behind a lawsuit and ensure that relevant parties have the necessary information in their deliberations.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “This 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.” American Property Casualty Insurance Association “The 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’s 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.” High Tech Inventors Alliance “We 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.” US MADE “This 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’s straightforward bill will finally require the disclosure of outside funding arrangements in civil lawsuits. We are proud to support this bill. Software & Information Industry Association ""For too many years, abusive patent litigation brought by non-practicing entities or ‘patent trolls’ 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."" Reinsurance Association of America “At 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.” American Trucking Associations “Trucking is essential to our economy, delivering the goods Americans need every day and supporting quality jobs. When the plaintiffs’ bar perverts civil litigation into a casino game of ‘jackpot justice,’ the costs are borne by everyone—not 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.”",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’s Statement on Today’s Assembly Vote on Governor Newsom’s 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,"“Californians are struggling to afford to live and work in Gavin Newsom’s California - and the affordability crisis gets worse each day,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20). “Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 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’s 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.”",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 – 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’s supreme court. The letter specifically details Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to ban the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) from Brazil and levy fines against the platform and users. An excerpt from the letter: “As you may know, in 2019, Brazil’s 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 “disinformation.” In 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. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s actions to ban social media platform X in the world’s 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’s preamble states, “human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech” and Article 19 asserts peoples’ “freedom of opinion and expression.” Further, Freedom of Speech is protected in Article 5 of the Brazilian Constitution, “expression of intellectual, artistic, scientific, and communication activity is free, independent of any censorship or license.” The 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). Read 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. – 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. “In collaboration with the Department of Defense, we have been able to work together to secure federal funding for the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital,” said Rep. Fong. “It 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.”",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’ 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. “It is critical that we have Forest Service fire personnel and resources in place during wildfire season,” said Rep. Calvert. “My 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.” “As 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 – that would have come at no additional cost to USFS – to address staff shortages ahead of wildfire season,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Their 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.”",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 – 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. “Natural disasters like drought and flooding have caused devastating losses for Central Valley producers over the last two years,” said Congressman Valadao. “These extreme weather events negatively affect the security of our nation’s 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’ll continue working to ensure they have the resources and support they need to grow the food that feeds the world.” “Our 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,” said Rep. Panetta. “The 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."" Reps. 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). The 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. “Californians have faced a unique and broad range of disasters across the state in recent years—including 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,” said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass. “California 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,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation “It has been nearly two years since California growers suffered major losses due to flooding and related natural disasters, which affected many rural communities,” said Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers. “This 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.” ""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. “The board of Directors at Milk Producers Council appreciates the bipartisan support of well needed assistance due to substantial losses encountered due to climate variability,” said Kevin Abernathy, General Manager, Milk Producers Council. Congressman 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. Background: In 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’s food security and the economic stability of our rural communities. The Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: Appropriates $14 billion to the Office of the Secretary for Agriculture for necessary expenses related to 2023 disasters. Includes 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. Covers quality loss from smoke-tainted wine grapes due to wildfire. Includes 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. Includes a new provision to ensure payments are administered simultaneously for all producers, regardless of type of qualified loss. Read 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’s 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 – 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’s waiver request to implement the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. The letter was first reported by the Washington Examiner. The 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. “While 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,” the members wrote. The lawmakers also warned of price spikes for consumers if this rule was adopted: “The transition to ZEVs would result in higher transportation costs for the food supply chain, ultimately pressuring and increasing prices for consumers,” the lawmakers wrote. The 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). Read 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’s 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’ 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. “Our veterans deserve the best, modern service when they call the VA for assistance,” said Rep. Calvert. “Veterans 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’m 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.” Earlier 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. – 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. “Year 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,” said Rep. Fong. “This 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.” Since 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 – 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’s 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. “As the longest serving mayor in Bakersfield history, Mayor Harvey Hall was a beloved member of our community and a dear friend,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to designate November 12th as CJD Awareness Day to honor Mayor Hall’s memory and help raise awareness for CJD patients and their families across the country.” “Everyone in Bakersfield knows the influence late Mayor Harvey Hall had on our community, and of the lasting impact he left,” said Congressman Vince Fong. “We 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.” “On 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’s resolution, which has the bipartisan support of Rep. Vince Fong and Rep. Jim Costa” said Lavonne C. Hall, widow of Mayor Harvey Hall. Congressman 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). Congressman Valadao spoke in support of the resolution on the House Floor. Watch his remarks here. Download photos of Congressman Valadao signing the resolution here. Remarks as prepared: M. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, or CJD. CJD is a rare brain disease that causes a rapid decline in a person’s cognitive health, and often leads to death within only a few months to one year following the onset of symptoms. There are about 500 new cases in the United States each year. Sadly, one of these cases was a friend of mine and well-known member of the Central Valley community, Bakersfield Mayor Harvey L. Hall. In 2018, Mayor Hall lost his life from CJD just two weeks after his diagnosis. Mr. Hall was a beloved member of our community, and the longest-serving mayor in Bakersfield’s history. His 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. I’m introducing a resolution today to designate November 12th as CJD Awareness Day. I’m proud to honor Mayor Hall’s memory in this way and raise awareness for thousands of CJD patients and the families who have been impacted by this disease. Thank 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 –Today, 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’s 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. “Government shutdowns are unproductive, cost billions of dollars, and hurt our military,” said Congressman Valadao. “Today 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’m 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’ll continue working to rein in wasteful Washington spending.” Background: The 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: Funds the government through December 20, 2024 Provides 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. Extends 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’s 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. – The NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024, H.R. 8958, passed the House and included Rep. Vince Fong’s (CA-20) Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics (MACH) legislation. Rep. Fong’s 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’s Flight Opportunities Program and will continue to nurture developments locally in aerospace technology at NASA Armstrong and in East Kern County. Rep. Fong voted for the NASA Reauthorization Act, which passed overwhelmingly last night by a bipartisan vote of 366-21. “I am honored that my proposal was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act which passed the House this week,” said Rep. Fong. “This 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.”",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 – 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. “The 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,” said Rep. Issa. “Their 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.” “The 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,” said Rep. Phillips. “I 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.” The 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. Specifically, H.R. 9564: Affirms the sense of Congress that the Houthi antisemitic indoctrination is a threat to regional stability Requires 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. Requires a determination on whether Houthis involved in blocking humanitarian aid and human rights abuses should be sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act. Requires 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’s 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 – 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. “With more and more people using online dating services, there are a number of bad actors who use these platforms to commit fraud,” said Congressman Valadao. “These 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.” “Online dating services are being used as a platform for bad actors to target and exploit individuals, yet protections continue to lag behind,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “Notifying 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’m grateful this legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support, and I will keep working to see it signed into law.” “As 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,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Congressman Valadao spoke on the House Floor during debate on the legislation. Watch his remarks here. Remarks as prepared: M. Speaker., I rise to urge support for my bill, the Online Dating Safety Act. Each year, millions of people are deceived, defrauded, or misled by users of online dating apps. While it’s 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. According 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. There are countless horror stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they trusted someone they met online. Individuals 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. This 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. While we can’t 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’re really talking to. These apps have been around for over 10 years, but still there are little safeguards in place to protect users. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to help prevent this widespread fraud. Thank you and I yield back. Background: Over 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. Read 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. “We must act take immediate action to protect our nation’s supply chain,” said Rep. Vince Fong. “This looming strike threatens our economy with shortages in needed goods, parts, and supplies which will lead to higher inflation.” The 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. Read the full letter here or read the highlights below. We 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’s Association (ILA). Given the devastating economic consequences of a potential strike and the Administration’s 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. Now 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 – 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. “We 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,” said Rep. Issa. “This 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.” This story and supporting documentation are featured in a breaking Fox News exclusive from today. Watch Issa’s 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 –The 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. The bill specifies that official acts by a foreign government official against American citizens while they are in the U.S. – that would violate their First Amendment rights had it occurred in this country – can be refused entry into the United States or deported once here. “The 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.”",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 – 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. “Veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our freedom, and it is our responsibility to see that they continue receiving the benefits and services they’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “This 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.” “We must ensure that VA maintains the authority to deliver critical health care services and benefits to veterans,” said Chairman Bost. “I 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’s 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’s desk to be signed into law.” Among other provisions, the VA Extenders Act of 2024 extends VA’s authority to: Operate a grant program that encourages the development of specially adapted house assistive technology that enables more disabled veterans to live independently. Operate the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program, which provides outreach, case management, residential treatment, and community partner coordination and resources to homeless veterans. Operate 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. Provide critical transportation services through its Veterans Transportation Services Program for veterans traveling to and from medical appointments. Carry 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. Read the full text of the bill here. ###",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. “The EMBER Act will improve border security and reduce wildfire risks by restoring the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative,” said Rep. Calvert. “It’s 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.” ""America’s 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."" The EMBER ACT will: Restore 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 Direct 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) Background: On 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. – 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. Below are excerpts from Subcommittee Chairman Calvert's prepared remarks: Secretary Del Toro, I asked you to appear before this subcommittee to have a candid conversation about the failure of the Navy’s shipbuilding programs. This subcommittee is a strong supporter of the Navy, in particular our submarine programs. The Columbia-class submarines will host 70% of our nation’s nuclear deterrent. The Virginia-class submarines are the lynchpin of our strategy to outmatch China. However, submarines and ships only contribute to the fight if they actually exist — not just on paper. In a word, these programs are in crisis. Without exception, they are falling behind. Increasingly, they are over budget. Absent today’s intervention, I have zero confidence that Navy shipbuilding will get back on track. ... Secretary 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’re not discussing Nunn-McCurdy breaches is that the Navy’s system of keeping metrics and reporting facts is murky and flawed at best—misleading at worst. It’s not clear to me that anyone has accurate information about the trajectory of any shipbuilding program other than the Program Executive Officers — and since they switch out every two years, the options for long-term accountability are limited. This subcommittee expects honesty and transparency from the Navy. Not only has the Navy withheld information on costs and delays, but the Navy’s 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. ... We have since learned from the Department’s 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. It’s 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. Absent this CR, I don’t know when Congress would have been made aware of this massive shortfall. ... Tomorrow this committee will hear from the shipbuilders. Today, we will have a frank conversation about the Navy’s 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 — it’s time to pull down the curtain altogether. I 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. I 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. The 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. I am accountable to the taxpayers, and Mr. Secretary, you are accountable to me. Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here. ###",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 – 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’s (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. “This commonsense bill improves the way lawmakers and the public receive information about the budget, annual federal spending, and the deficit,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to reform the CBO’s reporting process and increase transparency.” The 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: The baseline and subsequent updates; The biennial report on options to reduce the deficit; The annual report on fiscal year accuracy; and The report on unauthorized appropriations. Read 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=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 – 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. “Our 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “The JUDGES Act would add desperately needed judgeships to California’s Eastern District Court, alleviating some of the unsustainable workload on current judges and making the justice system more responsive to current needs. It’s past time for Congress to act on this issue and I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort.” “A severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts – and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied,” said Congressman Issa. “The JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again.” Background: California’s 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’s 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’s 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. The JUDGES Act will: Create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035 Add three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma Task GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs Require the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology Authorize 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. “Today, the House upheld its commitment to our veterans by ensuring they continue to receive the benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Calvert. “It’s 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.” The bill is supported by the following veteran advocacy organizations: The American Legion Amvets Veterans of Foreign Wars Jewish War Veterans Concerned Veterans for America The Independence Fund Paralyzed Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Wounded Warrior Project Background: The Department of Veteran Affairs’ (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. The 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’s 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). The 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://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 – 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. “A severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts – and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied,” 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.” The JUDGES Act will: Create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035 Add three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma Task GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs Require the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology Authorize 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 – 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. The 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. – that would violate their First Amendment rights had it occurred in this country – can be refused entry into the United States or deported once here. ""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,” said Rep. Issa. “With 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.” “Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is the vanguard of an international assault on freedom of speech against American citizens like Elon Musk,” said Rep. Salazar. “Freedom 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.” The 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. Read 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 – 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. “Central Valley veterans deserve a VA that’s responsive to their needs, but sadly many of our disabled veterans are getting left behind,” said Congressman Valadao. “This 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’ve earned. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill across the finish line.” Congressman Valadao spoke in support of his bill on the House Floor during debate. Watch his remarks here. Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you to the Gentleman for yielding. I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act. Sadly, many disabled veterans in the Central Valley and across the country are facing barriers in accessing the critical services they need. From struggling with physical infrastructure at VA facilities to navigating the red tape in the benefits process, disabled veterans are too often getting left behind. Doorways that are too narrow, elevators that are constantly out of service, and exam rooms that aren’t big enough to accommodate wheelchairs are just a few of the obstacles veterans face when trying to receive care. Serving disabled veterans is a critical part of the VA’s mission, but they need to do more to ensure the unique needs of disabled veterans are being heard. By 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’ve earned. We cannot leave our disabled veterans behind. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our nation, and they deserve a VA that’s responsive to their needs. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation. Thank you and I yield back. Background: The 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. Read a one page summary of the bill here. Read 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 – 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. “The VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk,” said Congressman Valadao. “This is unacceptable, and we cannot allow our veterans to pay the price for the VA’s mismanagement. This legislation makes good on our nation’s 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’ve earned.” Congressman Valadao spoke in support of his bill on the House Floor during debate. Watch his remarks here. Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you to the Gentleman for yielding. I 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. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and it is our responsibility to guarantee they receive the benefits they’ve earned. We’re debating this legislation today because the VA failed to properly manage their budget this year, putting benefits for millions of veterans at risk. This is unacceptable. Our veterans should not pay the price for the VA’s mismanagement. This legislation makes good on our nation’s commitment to care for the men and women who served our country. It also requires greater oversight on their budget process moving forward to hold the VA accountable so this doesn’t happen again. I look forward to voting yes on this legislation to ensure our veterans can continue to access the benefits they’ve earned. Thank you and I yield back. Background: The Department of Veteran Affairs’ (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. The 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’s 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). The 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,"“I’m 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’s 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.”",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’s 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. – 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. Watch Rep. Fong’s remarks from today here or read them below. Read the full bill text here. “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of work and education, it’s critical that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. H.R. 9402, the NSF AI Education Act would enhance AI education and professional development programs across our communities, without authorizing any new funds. Specifically, this bill would authorize the National Science Foundation to award scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students to study AI—especially in the areas of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and education. This means students at universities in my district—like Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield—and 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. In 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. And 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’s critical that we give K-12 teachers the tools they need to prepare America’s young minds for the future of work. I’d 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’s leadership in AI by cultivating the next generation of innovators, educators, and professionals. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I yield back.” Background This 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 – 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. “I’ve 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “The 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’ve earned. I will continue working across the aisle to do what’s right by my constituents.” Congressman 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. Background: A 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 – a majority of the House – in order to successfully move a bill to the House Floor for a vote. The 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. H.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. “Providing 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,” said Rep. Calvert. “This bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest and maintain their effectiveness. I’m thankful for the support of California water agencies, as well as Senator Padilla, and my House colleagues in this effort.” “As 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,” said Rep. Napolitano. “The 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.” “The 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,” said Senator Padilla. “As ongoing drought continues to threaten the Colorado River’s water resources and project costs increase, allowing the program’s account to accrue interest is a simple, bipartisan solution to ensure that California’s contributions to this program go even further.” “The Colorado River remains a critical natural resource for the West – not only as our water supply but also providing healthy ecosystems for numerous native species,” said Rep. Titus. “As 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.” “As 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,” said Rep. Lee. “I’m championing bipartisan legislation to ensure that these funds earn interest and grow before being used for conservation projects. Smart use of Nevadans’ tax dollars should be the norm.” “The 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,” said Deven Upadhyay, the Interim General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “This 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.” “Senator Padilla’s and Representative Calvert’s 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,” said JB Hamby, Imperial Irrigation District Vice Chairman and Colorado River Commissioner for California. “IID endorses this common-sense approach.” “Coachella Valley Water District is grateful for the forward-thinking leadership of Senator Padilla, Congressman Calvert, and Congresswoman Napolitano,” said Jim Barrett, General Manager Coachella Valley Water District. The establishment of an interest-bearing account for States’ 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.” Background: The 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. The 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 – 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’s food supply chain. Reps. Valadao and Cherfilus-McCormick are joined by Congressmen Fong and Costa in introducing this legislation. “The Central Valley plays a critical role in the security of our nation’s food supply,” said Congressman Valadao. “But 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’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve local infrastructure and support jobs throughout our community.” “Ensuring 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.” Reps. Valadao and Cherfilus-McCormick were joined in introduction by Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Jim Costa (CA-21). “In the Central Valley, we see firsthand the necessity of roads to distribute fresh food throughout our transportation infrastructure,” said Congressman Fong. “These 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’s agriculture can continue to supply food to our nation.” “Farm 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,” said Congressman Costa. The 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. “Congressman Valadao’s 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’s' 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’s desk,” said Tulare County Association of Governments Chairman Rudy Mendoza Background: The 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. Read the full text of the bill here. Read 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’ 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. “This VA supplemental bill is necessary to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Calvert. “If 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.” ““The Biden-Harris Administration's reckless mismanagement of the VA's budget has led to a crisis that puts veterans' benefits at risk,” said Rep. Garcia. “This isn't just about a funding shortfall—it'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.” “Our veterans defended our nation and values,” said Chairman Cole. “They earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won’t 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.”",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. Details for U.S. Service Academy Forums: When: Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11am-12:30pm Where: Kern County Board of Supervisors Chambers (1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301) RSVP for the Bakersfield forum here When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 11:30am-1pm Where: Clovis Unified School District Board Room (1680 David E. Cook Way, Clovis, CA 93611) RSVP for the Clovis forum here If you have questions or would like more information, please call Kati McKeown, Rep. Fong’s 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 “Water Abundance: Opportunities and Challenges in California.” 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). “After 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’s 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.”",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 – 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’s failed border policies on California communities. The 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. “From 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 — even if they committed serious crimes. This has led to an unprecedented surge of illegal immigrant crime, drugs, and trafficking — 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,” said Rep. Issa. The hearing also highlighted Issa’s 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. Issa was joined by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) on the dais at the hearing. Witnesses included: Michael Hestrin, District Attorney, Riverside County, California John Franklin, Mayor, Vista, California Cory Gautereaux, Border Security Advocate and Small Business Owner Don Sharp, Undersheriff, Riverside County, California John 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 – 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’ 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. “Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill addresses the immediate funding need at the VA, while also taking the necessary steps to ensure this kind of budget mismanagement doesn’t happen again. I’m proud to join my colleagues to ensure veterans across the Central Valley can continue to access their benefits. I’ll continue working to hold the VA accountable for our veterans.” “The 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—it's about holding the Administration accountable for its failures,” said Congressman Garcia. “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.” “Our veterans defended our nation and values. They earned care and benefits through their service, and Congress won’t tolerate department mismanagement that threatens resources they rely on,” said Chairman Cole. “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.” “We made a promise to America’s veterans, and this supplemental is Congress’ way of fulfilling that promise by ensuring they receive the benefits they’re owed. While House Republicans are going to do what’s necessary to take care of our heroes, I am gravely disappointed that the VA has irresponsibly put veterans in this position. The veterans’ benefits that are at risk with this shortfall are crucial to veterans’ livelihoods and the mismanagement by the VA is shameful,” Subcommittee Chairman Carter said. Chairman Bost said, “The VA budget is serious business that has a real impact on veterans’ lives. The Biden-Harris Administration has embarrassed themselves with how poorly they have mismanaged and run VA’s 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’s 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.” Background: The Department of Veteran Affairs’ (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. The 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’s 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). The 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’s 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 – This week, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) led the California Republican Delegation in a letter expressing concerns over the Bureau of Reclamation’s (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. The cosigners of the letter argue the draft EIS inappropriately prioritizes environmental goals at the expense of municipal and agricultural water needs: “Unfortunately, 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,” the lawmakers wrote. Congressman Valadao led members in urging Reclamation to reconsider these draft plans to better balance environmental and consumptive water needs in the state: “We 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,” the lawmakers wrote. Congressman 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). Reclamation 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: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Attention Bay-Delta-Office 801 I Street, Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814 Read the full text of the letter here. ###",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 Barragán (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. “I 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,” said Rep. Fong. “This 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.” Blood 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 – 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: “As a dairyman I’ve 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “Thankfully, there is no milk, meat, or dairy product safety concern for consumers. I’ll 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.” Congressman Valadao is a co-sponsor of theAvian Influenza Research and Response Act, which would: Prioritize highly pathogenic avian influenza research under USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Codify in law recent USDA rulemaking that allows for dairy producers to be compensated for loss of milk production due to avian influenza infection. Direct 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 – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) will host the House Judiciary Committee for a hearing titled “The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: California Perspectives” on September 6, 2024, at 9am PT in Santee, CA. WHERE Santee City Hall 10601 Magnolia Ave Santee, CA 92071 WHEN 9:00 am PT WHAT House Judiciary Committee field hearing titled, “The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: California Perspectives.” CONFIRMED WITNESSES Michael Hestrin, District Attorney, Riverside County, California John Franklin, Mayor, Vista, California Cory Gautereaux, Border Security Advocate and Small Business Owner Don Sharp, Undersheriff, Riverside County, California John 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’s 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. – 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 – 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). “Governor Newsom continues to show his lack of understanding in the area of energy production,” said Rep. Fong. “This 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.” “Governor Newsom’s misguided refinery supply mandate would once again raise gas prices for Central Valley families,” said Rep. Valadao. “From 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.” Read the full letter here or see the highlights below. Your 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’s gasoline supply. Forcing 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’s energy availability and is yet another attempt at a thinly veiled gas tax. You 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’s 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 – 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. “Governor Newsom’s misguided refinery supply mandate would once again raise gas prices for Central Valley families,” said Congressman Valadao. “From 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.” “Governor Newsom continues to show his lack of understanding in the area of energy production,” said Congressman Fong. “This 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.” In their letter to Governor Newsom, the lawmakers highlighted that similar attempts in northeastern states were proven to be detrimental to markets and prices: “A 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’s 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,” 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 – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) released the following statement: ""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. ""This includes a repeated pattern of unidentified adults seeking to stop, board, or commandeer school buses. ""I am calling for an immediate investigation by law enforcement and education authorities — which must also include a detailed plan of action to secure East County students. ""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. ""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’s Statement in Response to Governor Newsom’s 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,"“Governor Newsom’s refinery supply mandate represents a lack of understanding of how energy supply works,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20). “We 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’s 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’s clear that Governor Newsom is taking a playbook from Vice President Kamala Harris - pushing terrible policies that make no economic sense.”",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 – 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’s indomitable Western heritage and the unique character of rodeo. Congressman 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. “The 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’t be my last,” said Issa. Congressman 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. “We need all the assistance we can get fighting wildfires in California, so the addition of these C-130 Hercules aircraft is welcome news,” said Rep. Calvert. “These aircraft will make a real impact in the protection of lives and property in Riverside County and throughout our state. I’m 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.” As stated by the Governor’s office, “Governor Gavin Newsom — in partnership with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Representative Ken Calvert — 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’s firefighting capabilities.” Overview video: C-130H overview B-Roll: C-130H first drop Fact 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 – 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). “Today 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,” said Rep. Issa. “I 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.” “I 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.”",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. The NSF AI Education Act was led by Rep. Fong and co-led by Rep. Salinas. “This bill will help future generations learn the advantages of AI and will benefit those in industries like agriculture and manufacturing in the Central Valley,” said Rep. Fong. “These 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.” “Artificial 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,” said Rep. Salinas. “That's why I’m 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."" ""Code.org has been working for more than a decade to expand access to computer science education,” said Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer for Code.org. “Now, 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."" “The 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,” said Morgan Reed, President of ACT | The App Association. “These 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.” Background This 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 – 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 “handgun rosters” that prevent law-abiding citizens from accessing modern, safer handgun models. “Handgun 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,” said Rep. Issa. “I’m proud to join Chairwoman Stefanik in defending our sacred constitutional rights and ending these unjust restrictions.” “I 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,” said Rep. Stefanik. California, 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. The 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. Additional 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). The bill has received support from the following organizations: National Rifle Association (NRA) Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Peace Officer’s Research Association of California (PORAC) National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Firearms 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. – 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’s (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. Federal 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. Based on the HUD Inspector General audit and the subsequent responses by California’s 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 “it was not necessary to create a separate fraud risk management framework or build upon its existing [enterprise risk management] framework,” even given California’s fraught history with fraud. As stated in the audit, “HCD’s overall fraud risk management practices were at the lowest desired state of maturity,” when monitoring over $319.5 million awarded to the State of California through the Emergency Solutions Grants program from the Federal CARES Act. Especially 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 – from you on down to your cabinet secretaries to state agency employees – to safeguard and protect taxpayer dollars from being wasted and to disabuse the nation of the notion that California tolerates waste, fraud, and abuse. ###",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 – 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’s 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. “Ensuring Central Valley communities have access to clean, reliable drinking water is my top priority in Congress,” said Congressman Valadao. “This 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’t 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.” Background: The 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’s Community Project Funding requests are publicly available on his website here. Click 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://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. – 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 “tranq” 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. “Tranq is a growing drug threat to all Americans and must be taken seriously as a deadly drug coming into our country,” said Rep. Fong. “There 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.” “Tranq 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,” said Rep. Spanberger. “As 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.” “Street-level drugs are becoming more potent, and the fatalities associated with drugs like this are becoming all too common,” said Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry. “Having the data this bill would require will provide us with the information to make more informed decisions in our fight against these dangerous drugs.” “As 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,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “To 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.” Background The 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. The drugs currently tracked in the INCSR report include synthetic opioids, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, among others. Xylazine (Tranq) is currently classified as a “drug cutting agent” in the most recent INCSR report. This 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 – 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. “I 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,” said Congressman Valadao. “Once 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.” “We are incredibly grateful for the Congressman’s 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’s east side,” said Hanford Mayor Travis Paden. Background: The 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’s Community Project Funding requests are publicly available on his website here. Click 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 – 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’ 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. “Our 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’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “I 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’ 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’ll continue working to bring resources to Central Valley veterans. “On days like today, we are reminded of the great sacrifices and bravery our men and women in uniform have shown and continue to show,” said Congressman Fong. “It 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.” Veterans are encouraged to contact Rep. Valadao and Fong's offices if they need assistance with the VA. Valadao Hanford Office: (559) 460-6070 Fong Bakersfield Office: (661) 327-3611 Photos of the event can be downloaded for media use here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z