Agriculture

Agriculture drives the American economy and is the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy. California’s diverse agricultural economy provides food for the world, producing nearly $45 billion in agricultural products annually. Our friends and neighbors drive our well-deserved reputation as America’s breadbasket with a little bit of help from nature, and a whole lot of hard work and skill.

As a dairy farmer, I understand the unique and challenging obstacles the agriculture industry faces. Burdensome regulations, environmental conditions, and federal agriculture programs are just a few of the issues that have serious impacts on the agriculture industry in California and across the nation.

Like many Valley farmers, I fully understand the consequences of devastating, senseless, and burdensome federal regulations. The negative impacts of over regulation are especially pronounced when bureaucrats in Washington who create these regulations lack a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by everyday business owners. As your Representative in Congress, I will continue to fight unnecessary government regulations that have negative impacts on the lives of hard working Americans.

Representing the nation’s largest dairy district, I feel it is of utmost importance to voice the needs of dairy producers in Washington. That’s why I introduced the California Federal Milk Marketing Order Act. This bill will allow producers in California to petition to join the federal order and enter a more level playing field for their milk prices. 

In June 2017, the Appropriations Subcommittee released the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture Appropriations bill which provides funding for important agricultural and food programs and services, including food and medical product safety, animal and plant health programs, rural development and farm services, agricultural trade, financial marketplace oversight, and nutrition programs. In total, the legislation provides $20 billion in discretionary funding, prioritizing funding for rural communities, farmers, ranchers, food and drug safety, and nutrition for those in need while reducing unnecessary and burdensome regulations that harm our farmers and ranchers.  

To ensure Central Valley communities qualify for rural assistance through federal programs, I introduced H.R. 3890, the Making Rural America Count Act. The legislation excludes incarcerated prison populations from overall population eligibility requirements as they pertain to Rural Development Programs administered by the USDA, ensuring small communities have access to critical federal funding. 

I will continue working to promote legislation to strengthen agricultural programs, increase job opportunities, lower food cost, and ensure our farmers have the essential security needed to protect their businesses and provide food for the nation. 
In order to foster a healthy and hospitable climate for agricultural production, it is important we proactively combat current and future threats facing agriculture. For too long, heavy-handed federal regulations have severely reduced water deliveries to the Central Valley’s farmland by requiring billions of gallons of water to be flushed into the ocean. While legislation cannot make it rain, it can provide relief by addressing complex and contradictory laws, court decisions, and regulations at the state and federal level that have made this drought increasingly detrimental.

While we were able to implement temporary drought relief provisions during the 114th Congress, a complete and long-term agreement is still needed. In order to achieve a comprehensive solution, I introduced H.R. 23, the Gaining Responsibility on Water (GROW) Act on the first day of the 115th Congress. My bill, the GROW Act, will enact policies to expand our water infrastructure and allow for more water conveyance while protecting the water rights of users across the state.

Appropriations

Project Requests

Community Project Funding Request(s)
*Projects will appear in alphabetical order

Fiscal Year 2023 Requests: 

Project Name: Adventist Health 3D Mammogram Project
Proposed Recipient: Adventist Health Central Valley Network
Address of Recipient: 115 Mall Drive, Hanford, CA 93230
Requested Amount: $1,250,000
Explanation of Request: This project will allow for the recipient to acquire and install three pieces of important equipment for their facilities in Hanford and Selma. The equipment includes two Hologic 3Dimensions Systems, one for each Hanford and Selma, and one GE Discovery Nuclear Gamma Camera to form a nuclear medicine suite at the Selma medical center. These rural, underserved communities would benefit from having access to additional health care resources that would aid in the prevention and detection of breast cancer.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Caruthers Education and Community Activity Center
Proposed Recipient: Caruthers Unified School District
Address of Recipient: 1 Tiller Avenue in Caruthers, CA 93609
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will feature new and improved grounds and public service facilities with sufficient parking providing improved health and education programs for students, and access for Caruthers families and children to attend town and community events such as the Caruthers State Fair. Currently, the low-income, rural communities surrounding Caruthers have no local parks or dedicated community activity centers. The only publicly maintained green spaces accessible to the public are those on Caruthers school grounds, which currently are not equipped with lighting for evening use and have no restrooms or common facilities for public use outside school hours. The Caruthers Education and Community Activity Center will give the rural agricultural community of Caruthers critically needed infrastructure to provide children, students, and families a safe and secure location for outdoor recreation and social activities, and provide Caruthers a modern, secure facility for official events and programs.
Member Certification Form

Project name: City of Parlier Police Station Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Parlier
Address of Recipient: 1100 East Parlier Ave, Parlier, CA 93648
Requested Amount: $875,000
Explanation of Request: The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it would provide funding support for full facility modernization and equipment upgrades for the city’s police station, as well as construction of an attached first responder dispatch center and the necessary dispatch equipment. This project will strengthen public safety and emergency response for the City of Parlier, a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in Fresno County. At 65 years old, the current police station in Parlier is far past its functional life and is in desperate need for rehabilitation so that the residents of Parlier can have a modernized first responder facility. Additionally, the current police station is not well secured or equipped to provide safety to those who work in the building. These critical updates will tangibly improve the safety of Parlier residents and the peace officers that seek to protect them.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: City of Wasco Emergency Operations Center
Proposed Recipient: City of Wasco
Address of Recipient: 746 8th Street, Wasco, CA 93280
Requested Amount: $5,250,000
Explanation of Request: This project will demolish an old adobe brick courthouse and construct a new Emergency Operating Center (EOC), approximately 8000-10000sf, to provide emergency preparedness services and community outreach to the City of Wasco, a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in Kern County. This project will address an urgent need in the community as there are currently no cooling centers or indoor community facilities available to the public within the City of Wasco. The center will provide shelter during a disaster and provide a safe public space for other community needs. This project is in line with the FEMA adopted and approved Kern County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Clinical Research and Diagnostic Center: Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical
Proposed Recipient: Kern County Hospital Authority
Address of Recipient: 1700 Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Requested Amount: $10,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will continue the Valley Fever Institute’s mission to improve treatment and increase education and awareness for the public, patients, and health care providers. The Valley Fever Institute has the largest population of patients with Valley Fever, and they treat patients from not only the region, but from across the United States and even internationally. The project would fund research capacity and development that includes a clinical research lab. This funding is the critical next step toward a vaccine for Valley Fever. If left untreated or mistreated, an infection from Valley Fever can quickly spread from the lungs to the bloodstream, leading to meningitis, inflammation to the skin, and brain swelling, sometimes resulting in a requirement of lifelong treatments.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Corazón del Valle Commons Housing Project
Proposed Recipient: Housing Authority of Fresno County
Address of Recipient: 1331 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will provide affordable housing featuring onsite management, resident services, a community building and a community garden in the underserved community of Huron. Of the 61 affordable housing units included in the project, 10 will be reserved for farmworker residents, a greatly needed housing type in a low-income, agriculture-focused city like Huron. In addition, a new City Hall will be built as part of the development of Corazón del Valle Commons. The City has been expanding its staffing capacity and is currently operating out of a small, dilapidated building. The new City Hall building will offer more space for staff and will act as an extension of the current City Council chambers, directly adjacent to the new City Hall site.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Fowler New Well and System Interconnection for Drought Resiliency Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Fowler
Address of Recipient: 128 South 5th Street, Fowler, CA 93625
Requested Amount: $3,005,200
Explanation of Request: The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the project would provide the residents of the disadvantaged community of Fowler with greater reliability for safe drinking water supplies through adding a well on the west side of State Route 99, providing an interconnection of the well to the City’s water system for better fire protection, pressure, redundancy, and to provide a more reliable water supply.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Hanford Veterans and Seniors Building
Proposed Recipient: City of Hanford
Address of Recipient: 315 North Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230
Requested Amount: $561,000
Explanation of Request: This project will fund renovations to the building which serves four different veteran organizations and Senior Inc. These groups use the building extensively, and its functionality is vital for the social, mental, and physical well-being of veterans and seniors in the community. Built in 1925, the building is in dire need of several renovations including replacement of the roof, flooring, two air conditioning units, windows, and the ADA ramp. In addition, outdoor lighting and a security camera system will enhance the safety of all building users, especially during the evening hours. The proposed renovation and improvements to the Veterans and Senior Building are vitally needed to improve safety, accessibility, and comfort while enhancing the energy efficiency of the building.
 Member Certification Form

Project Name: Kings County Regional Multi-Modal Transit Center
Proposed Recipient: Kings County Area Public Transit Agency
Address of Recipient: 610 West 7th Street, Hanford, CA 93230
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will provide community members with efficient, accessible, and affordable transportation options, including access to high-quality jobs located throughout the region. Not only will the future service expansions increase transit ridership and reduce automobile travel, but the introduction of electric transit vehicles will also result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, thus improving air quality and positively impacting community health. The Kings County Regional Multi-Modal Transit Center will serve as the backbone of a public transportation network that will provide Kings County and the surrounding region with a multitude of important mobility, economic and public health-related benefits.
 Member Certification Form

Project Name: Kings County Sheriff’s Office Response and Rescue Vehicle
Proposed Recipient: Kings County Sheriff’s Office
Address of Recipient: 1444 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230
Requested Amount: $233,572
Explanation of Request: This project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the procurement of these patrol vehicles will assist the Sheriff’s Office in responding to critical call outs that occur within the county and its surrounding communities. Kings County Sheriff’s Office lacks an adequate number of patrol vehicles to meet the needs for responding to calls for service throughout the county, which spans 1,390 square miles and is home to over 150,000 residents. These vehicles’ capabilities and modifications make them an invaluable response tool for our rural community and enhances the Sheriff’s critical capabilities to protect and serve Central Valley residents.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project
Proposed Recipient: City of McFarland
Address of Recipient: 401 W Kern Avenue, McFarland, CA 93250
Requested Amount: $14,548,000
Explanation of Request: The project would be a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it would provide a safer and more sanitary wastewater system for the disadvantaged, rural community of McFarland. It will also help the City get closer to their goal of recycling wastewater. The expansion will allow for the City to be compliant with the state permitting for the facility and allow for the City to grow. McFarland is in dire need of this expansion in order to sustain the wastewater capacity for the existing population.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Mobile Health for Rural and Medically Underserved Areas of Kern County
Proposed Recipient: Kern County Hospital Authority
Address of Recipient: 1700 Mount Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Explanation of Request: This project will modify the Kern Medical Mobile Vaccination program into a comprehensive mobile health care program that would address both primary and specialty care in the rural and medically underserved areas of Kern County. The clinics would focus on the rural part of Kern County to increase affordability of health care and increase access to America’s most vulnerable populations. Due to the large geographic and rural nature of the county, as well as the large agriculturally based economic activities and workforce, many of the county’s 900,000 residents do not have appropriate access to care. The Central Valley is America’s breadbasket, and it is important that our farmers and ranchers living in rural areas have the healthcare they need to stay healthy and continue producing food for the nation.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Mt. Vernon Avenue and Potomac Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Kern County Public Works Department
Address of Recipient: 2700 M Street, Suite 400, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will fill in pedestrian infrastructure gaps along two busy corridors frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists heading to and from nearby homes, schools, markets, restaurants, and bus stops. Currently, these corridors lack the proper pedestrian infrastructure to support the number and types of users that use the existing facilities. This project will close the active transportation gaps in this area by constructing approximately 2 miles of continuous sidewalk to fill in existing gaps, improving visibility of crosswalks, and improving ADA-accessible ramps in order to provide a safe, accessible route for all non-motorized users. The project will provide the nearby disadvantaged communities with a continuous pathway to reach public transit stops, school bus stops, restaurants and markets, a laundromat, two parks, and the Mercado Latino, which boasts more than 100 stores and services, including immigration, tax, and legal assistance.
 Member Certification Form
 

Project Name: Santa Fe Way Resurfacing and Shoulder Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Shafter
Address of Recipient: 336 Pacific Avenue Shafter, CA 93263
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Explanation of Request: This project will provide new pavement resurfacing for existing travel lanes and paved shoulders at Santa Fe Way between Los Angeles Avenue and Galpin Street. The roadway currently lacks paved shoulders, and travel lane deterioration is impacting the commute between Shafter and a major industrial park south of the city. Resurfacing this regional traffic corridor will improve road safety and support future development along this critical link between Northwest Bakersfield and the rural and underserved communities of Shafter and Wasco.  
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Tulare Emergency Homeless Shelter
Proposed Recipient: City of Tulare
Address of Recipient: 411 East Kern Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Explanation of Request: This project will include a safe and secure shelter providing food, lodging, bathroom and shower facilities, medical care, electricity, and supportive services to hundreds of homeless individuals and families. In addition, residents of Tulare will have access to cleaner and safer areas where homeless encampments previously would have been. Once completed, the Tulare Emergency Homeless Shelter will operate a 200-bed facility, scalable to 400 beds if necessary, accepting all homeless individuals and families on a 24-hour, 365-day basis.
Member Certification Form

Fiscal Year 2022 Requests:

Project Name: Avenal Community Center
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Avenal
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204
Explanation of the request: The funding will be used to continue construction on Phase II of the Avenal Community Center which will address an urgent need in the community as there are currently no fitness gyms or indoor recreational facilities available to the public within the City of Avenal.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Avenue 95/96 Farm to Market Corridor Repairs
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Intended Recipient: Tulare County Association of Governments
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 210 N. Church Street Suite B, Visalia, CA 93291
Explanation of the request: The funding will be used to rehabilitate 10 miles of the Avenue 95 and Avenue 96 farm to market corridor between Pixley and Terra Bella within Tulare County, CA. This corridor links State Route 65 to the east and State Route 99 to the west. Repairing the road will improve goods movement, shorten travel times, and improve air quality.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Bakersfield National Guard Gateway Readiness Center project
Requested Amount: $24,000,000
Intended Recipient: State of California, California Military Department
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2800 Gateway Ave, Bakersfield Ave
Explanation of the request: The Bakersfield National Guard Gateway Readiness Center project will ensure long-term viability of the unit, better readiness, improved living and working conditions for service members, and significant cost savings in perpetuity.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: City of Lemoore Police and Volunteer Fire Department Dispatch Center
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Lemoore
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: City of Lemoore, 711 W. Cinnamon Drive, Lemoore, CA 93245
Explanation of the request: This funding request on behalf of the City of Lemoore Police and Volunteer Fire Department Dispatch Center will complete the final stage of the new police dispatching facility by providing the necessary 911 dispatching equipment needed to make the facility fully operational. This completed dispatch center will improve response times to emergency calls and increase overall safety and security.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank Expansion
Requested Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: Community Action Partnership of Kern
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 5005 Business Park North, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Explanation of the request: The funding will be used to expand CAPK’s Food Bank. CAPK is the central hub for Kern County’s food distribution network and the expansion of the food bank will allow CAPK to better respond to food insecurity and provide increased support and assistance to some of the poorest communities in Kern County.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Earlimart Public Utility District Sewer Relief Project
Requested Amount: $1,284,696
Intended Recipient: Earlimart Public Utility District 
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 396 N Church Rd # 6, Earlimart, CA 93219
Explanation of the request: The funding would be used for the installation of a new sanitary sewer line that would increase wastewater collection capacity to address the existing waiting list and the capability to address the acute need for housing. Housing starts are at a halt due to the impacts of the sewer connection moratorium.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Earlimart Public Utility District Well Project
Requested Amount: $1,756,416
Intended Recipient: Earlimart Public Utility District 
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 396 N Church Rd # 6, Earlimart, CA 93219
Explanation of the request: The funding would be used for well treatment improvement of the Front Street well, which has the highest levels of Trichloropropane (TPC) amongst all of the active Earlimart Public Utility District wells. The project would provide safer and improved drinking water to Earlimart, which is a low-income, disadvantaged, and unincorporated community.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Kings County Deputy Sheriffs’ Body-Worn Camera Project
Request Amount: $412,580
Intended Recipient: Kings County
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230
Explanation of the request: This project would help Kings County fund the purchase and deployment of body-worn cameras for 200 officers. This technology presents a number of key opportunities and potential benefits, chief among them is increased public confidence in policing. Expanded use of BWCs will also help foster a shared sense of security for both the community and the officers.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Mt. Whitney Avenue Complete Streets
Requested Amount: $1,926,679
Intended Recipient: Fresno County (unincorporated Riverdale, CA)
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 2220 Tulare St. Suite 600, Fresno, CA 93721
Explanation of the request: This 1.5 mile stretch of Mount Whitney Avenue in the unincorporated community of Riverdale, California has a Pavement Condition Index of less than 20 (out of 100). This project will provide safe, walkable infrastructure by reconstructing the road and repairing curbs, gutters, sidewalks and storm drains.
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Sanger Veterans Memorial Park
Requested Amount: $962,188
Intended Recipient: City of Sanger
Full Street Address of the Intended Recipient: 1700 7th Street, Sanger, CA 93657
Explanation of the request: The funding would complete Phase II of the Veterans Memorial Park in Sanger, CA. This community park will feature walking paths, lighted sports fields, a pavilion, and a Veterans Memorial Monument. The park will provide a multigenerational gathering place and recreational facility for socioeconomically disadvantaged households and provide athletic opportunities for youth.
Member Certification Form

Surface Transportation Request(s)

Project Sponsor: Fresno Council of Governments/Fresno County Transportation Authority
Project Name: State Route 41 Excelsior Corridor Project
Project Location: Fresno County, CA- from the Kings County Line north to Elkhorn Avenue
Requested Amount: $20,000,000
Member Certification Form  

Water

Over the past few years, California has experienced its worst drought in recorded history. As a life-long Central Valley resident and farmer, I know firsthand the challenges faced by Valley families and farmers when water becomes scarce. Access to safe, clean, and reliable water is the lifeblood of the Central Valley’s booming agricultural economy, and ensuring access to water is imperative to the everyday lives of all Valley families.

Legislation cannot provide California with the steady rain it so desperately needs to support population and agricultural demands, but it can deliver relief by fixing complex and contradictory laws, court decisions, and regulations at the state and federal levels, and improving water storage infrastructure.

Since coming to Washington, I have engaged local water districts, water-users, and other stakeholders from across the valley to hear their concerns and gather their input on how we can work together to bring more water to the Valley in the short-term, and address the long term-water management problems facing our region. As a result of this collaborative work, during my time in Congress, I have introduced several pieces of legislation to reform California water policies.

I introduced H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act, which passed the House of Representatives on July 16, 2015. The legislation required federal and state agencies to consider the water needs of Central Valley communities when making regulatory decisions regarding the pumping of water south of the Delta. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act upon my legislation during the 114th Congress. However, the House and Senate were able to agree on temporary provisions prior to the conclusion of the 114th Congress. S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, included provisions similar to those in my bill that allowed for increased water deliveries to the Central Valley, and expedited storage projects to ensure we have adequate infrastructure to capture much needed water during the rainy season for use during the summer months. S. 612 was signed into law on December 16, 2016. While this agreement does not solve California’s water crisis, it will provide interim relief, especially during the winter rainy season.

While we were able to implement temporary provisions in the 114th Congress, a complete and permanent agreement is still needed. In order to achieve a long-term solution, I introduced H.R. 23, the Gaining Responsibility on Water (GROW) Act on the first day of the 115th Congress. My bill, the GROW Act, will enact policies to expand our water infrastructure and allow for more water conveyance while protecting the water rights of users across the state.

The Central Valley needs water to grow its prosperity and economic vitality and it is past time for House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle to enact a long-term, bipartisan and bicameral solution. 

Military

The primary role of the United States government is providing for our national defense. September 11, 2001, reminded us that our military must have the resources it needs to defend our nation’s interests abroad and protect us from those who would attack us at home. Even in these times of fiscal austerity, we must ensure our men and women in uniform receive the training and equipment they need to defend the freedoms we as Americans enjoy every day.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore currently hosts more than 40 aviation tenants, including the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific. I have been working with the Navy to ensure that NAS Lemoore continues to play a significant role in our national defense by supporting the Navy’s decision to homebase the Pacific Fleet’s F-35C Joint Strike Fighters at NAS Lemoore. In addition to strengthening our national defense, NAS Lemoore plays a critical role in the economy of the Central Valley. The arrival of the new F-35C aircraft at NAS Lemoore, while continuing to support the existing fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, will inject much needed economic stimulus into a suffering region. I look forward to working with the U.S. Navy as they continue to update their NAS Lemoore based aircraft.

America owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to those veterans who served before them. America’s veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices in defense of our liberty. We have a responsibility to honor their sacrifices by providing the highest level of care possible for our veterans and military retirees. As Congress works to get our nation’s fiscal house in order, we must ensure we minimize the impacts of our fiscal realities on those who have worn, and continue to wear, the uniform of the United States of America.

Immigration

As the son of immigrants, immigration is a topic close to my heart. Immigration is a complex issue and it is time for a comprehensive approach to reform. Our current immigration system is broken, and it must be fixed. For too long, extremes on either side of the aisle have discouraged real and meaningful discussion regarding immigration. I believe it is time to act on this pressing issue.  It is the responsibility of those in Congress to implement fair and balanced legal immigration policies while continuing to combat illegal immigration.

It is important to create a fair process to give immigrants the opportunity to obtain earned citizenship, thus avoiding the creation of a second-class society. Comprehensive immigration reform begins with ensuring a realistic and responsible path to earned legal status for those who are already here. This will allow millions of immigrants to come out of the shadows, get involved in their children’s education, find employment, and raise their families without the constant fear of deportation. 

When reforming immigration policy, we must take into account those individuals who were brought to the United States as children. These young people, known as Dreamers, make significant contributions to our communities each and every day and have lived with the uncertainty about their future for far too long. Congress must provide a legislative solution so these individuals may continue to live in America - the only home they know. That is why, I cosponsored H.R. 3440, the Dream Act of 2017, and H.R. 1468, the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, which provides a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Another important aspect of immigration is developing a proposal that includes meaningful reform for the agriculture industry and agricultural workers alike. As you know, many industries in the Central Valley rely heavily on immigrant labor. Developing a guest worker program that will enable access to a reliable agricultural workforce is crucial to the stability of our local economy.

Reforming our nation’s immigration system is a massive undertaking, one that should be examined carefully on every level. Comprehensive immigration reform will remain my top priority until a solution is reached.

Economy and Jobs

This sluggish economic recovery, caused by burdensome regulatory policies at the state and federal levels, and man-made water shortages in the Valley cannot continue. Unemployment coupled with a stagnant economy and climbing taxes hurt our nation’s competitiveness and make jobs for hardworking Americans difficult to find. Reforming our tax code, expanding domestic oil production, and rolling back excessive regulations on our financial institutions would let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money and free up capital that job creators could use to hire more workers. As long as entrepreneurs remain skeptical about the future business environment, job creation will remain low and unemployment high.

We must focus on the viability of small businesses in the Central Valley through pro-growth policies that reduce the burdens placed on small businesses by the federal government. This means lowering taxes for small businesses, decreasing intrusive federal regulation that stymies innovation, and limiting government spending that distorts the marketplace.

I will work to keep jobs in California and lay the groundwork for economic growth by bringing water back to the Central Valley and by combating onerous regulations that make it difficult to own and operate small businesses.

Transportation

Transportation and Infrastructure Project Priority Request Forms can be filed here.
This process allows members of Congress to provide policy feedback to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and allows the Members to highlight specific surface transportation project priorities for inclusion in the final bill. 

The Central Valley is a hub for rail, highway, and air transportation. Rail transportation carries agriculture products across the country as well as ports where it travels across the world. Our network of state, local, and federal highways connects both people and ideas from many different towns and cities. Our airports keep our businesses connected to their clients and allow families to visit each other.  

California High Speed Rail (HSR) has demonstrated itself to be a waste of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. The proposed $98 billion-dollar business plan is financially irresponsible and reckless. I strongly opposed its construction from the beginning. As your Member of Congress, I will continue to fight wasteful government spending and oppose federal funding for the HSR project. 

To repair our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges and rail lines, with my support, Congress passed H.R. 22, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015. The legislation was the largest transportation package in more than a decade. The five-year package was signed into law and put an end to the long-established pattern of short-term funding bills.

Through my position on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am tasked with evaluating our nation’s spending priorities and investment in our transportation system and infrastructure to sustain middle-class jobs and continue to grow our economy into the next decade.

While many transportation projects are important, we must carefully examine how every taxpayer dollar is spent and ensure that each project is positively contributing to our local and state economy.

Tax Reform

Today, the United States faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis. The solution to this crisis lies in reining in and better prioritizing of government spending, not raising taxes. 

Our tax code has not been reformed in over thirty years and, as a result, middle class Americans throughout the nation are struggling. This is especially evident in the Central Valley, where, unemployment levels are double the national average and far too many families live paycheck to paycheck. By creating a simpler and fairer tax code, we will create jobs, grow our economy, and increase the amount of money Central Valley workers take home.

Over the years, Republicans in the House of Representatives have proposed numerous ideas on how to improve our nation’s tax code. On November 2, 2017, Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) combined those ideas in a comprehensive tax reform plan, H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation simplifies our tax code, lowers rates for individuals and families, eliminates loopholes for the wealthy, and encourages small businesses to grow and create jobs. While both the House and Senate passed tax reform bills, the bills passed were not identical and, thus, could not be signed into law by the President. When this happens, the House and Senate create a Conference Committee to reconcile differences between the two bills. The bill that results from this process is voted on by the House and Senate and, if passed, is sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
 
As Congress continues to advance tax reform legislation through the House and Senate, please know I will work to ensure any additional proposals will facilitate economic growth while also promoting the fiscal wellbeing of my constituents.

Health Care

I believe high quality, affordable health care should be available to Americans of every income level. It is important to enact reforms that lower the cost of health care for all Americans and ensure we are able to maintain access to health care for America’s most vulnerable populations. 

Congress must provide robust support for our social safety-net programs, like Medicare and Medicaid so they can continue to ensure access to health care for all Americans. While we must reform Medicare to ensure the program remains solvent for generations to come, I do not support any changes to benefits for current beneficiaries and those nearing retirement. 

Every American, including myself, knows someone who has been diagnosed and treated for a disease or has lost a loved one as a result of a disease. In the United States, non-communicable diseases are responsible for more than two million deaths each year. It is important for us to invest in medical research that will revolutionize our health care industry to better treat, and ultimately discover cures for these diseases. That’s why Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act which makes it possible for American scientists and researchers to find better, more effective treatments and, ultimately, cures for the devastating illnesses that affect our family members, friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans.

As you may know, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly referred to as Obamacare, was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. Since implementation of the law, both Republicans and Democrats have expressed concerns regarding its effectiveness in strengthening our nation’s failing health care system. For years, I have heard firsthand accounts from my constituents about Obamacare’s negative impacts on their health care. Obamacare has demonstrated that possession of an insurance card does not equate to health care services and medical treatment. The failed law restricts health care professionals’ ability to provide care, increases premiums for families and individuals, eliminates patient choice, and severely reduces access to health care within California’s Central Valley. 

There is no doubt we have a health care crisis on our hands, however, I am confident we can fix our health care problems by weeding out waste, fraud, and abuse to bring down costs while still offering affordable health care. It is my priority to ensure your health care remains in the hands of you and your doctor, not the government.

Education

I believe education is the pathway to success and everyone should have access to the tools they need to accomplish their goals. Quality education is a key to solving many of our nation’s problems, ranging from high unemployment rates to out of control government spending.

One of my priorities in Congress is ensuring our nation’s youth receive a quality education. Regardless of race, religion, income level, age, or learning ability - everyone should have access to a strong education. For this reason, I will support legislation to make education more affordable and comprehensive at all levels. 

The “one-size-fits-all” approach to education often favored by Washington, D.C. bureaucrats only interferes with our local schools. The United States must cut the red-tape tying the hands of local educators. Parents and educators should have the resources and flexibility available to implement individualized K-12 educational strategies that meet the needs of their community and ensure a high-quality educational experience for every student.  

In 2015, with my support, Congress passed and the President signed into law, S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the reauthorization of the ESEA. The legislation reauthorizes and amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to address accountability as well as testing and grant requirements. It also increases flexibility and reinstates local control for our nation’s schools and educators. 

Congress has an important role in ensuring students have the opportunity to achieve their higher education goals. As you may know, the Higher Education Act, which was originally passed in 1965, authorizes the federal government to administer federal student aid programs. It is important that Congress works together to ensure these programs are reauthorized and adequately funded.

H.R. 3594, the Higher Education Extension Act of 2015, passed the House of Representatives, with my support, and was signed into law. The bill provides a two-year extension of higher education programs, such as the Perkins Loan Program. While it is important for Congress to ensure the timely reauthorization of these vital programs, this extension allows the committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate to continue to develop higher education reforms that will benefit students long-term.

Education is the pathway to success and I believe everyone should have access to the tools they need to accomplish their goals.

Financial Services

It is important that our financial sector is regulated responsibly to improve transparency and accountability, while providing the market the flexibility it needs to thrive. Americans need to be able to rely on a sound financial sector that allows them to manage their money, make investments, and see a stable market that allows for their own prosperity and financial growth. I believe in consumer choice and sound regulation of our financial markets. The economic crisis our country faced nearly a decade ago cost Americans jobs and created uncertainty for many families.
 
People need to have access to institutions that provide the services they need at a low cost. Local banks and credit unions should be able to provide a variety of services that benefit everyone, regardless of economic background. Additionally, our markets should be open for investment. The government cannot politicize the market and overregulate it to the point that it does not help folks reach economic stability and success. 
 
We need to make sure the housing market is sound and gives consumers the choice to determine what mortgages best suit their needs. Lending is a big component of our economy in the Central Valley. As a farmer, I know the importance of banking and lending when it comes to starting a business or building a home. This is why it is important that folks should feel comfortable and reassured that America’s financial sector is sound.
 
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to cut the red tape and make sure that every American has access to markets and banks. We need to learn from the mistakes that were made in the last recession and make sure that the problems of Wall Street don’t affect those on Main Street.

Veterans

We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who fight to preserve our freedom. Our men and women in uniform deserve the highest quality care when they return home. From access to high quality health care, to education opportunities and other readjustment assistance, I am committed to working hard for the veterans in the 21st Congressional District.

Constituent service for veterans is a priority for my district office staff.  I make every effort possible to educate and provide assistance to veterans regarding their well-deserved federal benefits.

While Congress works through this difficult budget environment it is important to minimize the impact on programs that our service members, retirees, and veterans rely on. As a country, it is our duty to respect the memory of those lost and honor those who have fought for our freedom.

Our budget should not be balanced on the backs of our nation’s veterans, which is why I introduced legislation, H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which awards the presumption of service connection for diseases association with the herbicide Agent Orange to Vietnam veterans who served in the territorial seas of the Republic of Vietnam. This presumption of service connection existed prior to 2002, and it is important for Congress to restore this presumption no matter the cost. 

I will work to make certain we never forget or take for granted the sacrifices our veterans and their families made to preserve the freedoms you and I enjoy.

Energy

I am committed to pursuing common sense approaches to protect the environment while working to achieve energy independence. I believe that it is important to develop technologies that enable us to reduce pollution, ensure clean air and water, and protect our environment for future generations. However, our nation’s energy policies should also serve the American people. In order to foster economic growth, it is imperative that we continue to utilize our natural resources, allowing American business to remain competitive while protecting domestic jobs.

I firmly believe we must increase our supply of safe, clean energy to provide power for our electrical grid. To achieve that, we need a diverse, “all of the above” energy plan that includes nuclear and clean coal power plants as well as oil and natural gas exploration, wind, solar, and hydro energy. These proven technologies have minimal impact on the environment and create jobs right here in the United States. In the short term, we must reduce red tape and end frivolous litigation that blocks the development of America’s energy resources.

California plays an instrumental role in domestic energy production. In addition to renewable energy sources, our state has the potential to produce substantial amounts of oil and natural gas, solar energy, and hydro-power. By developing California’s energy resources, we can create well paying, high quality jobs in our communities while lowering our national demand for energy by supporting innovation to improve our economy’s energy efficiency.

Energy security is a major challenge, but it will be surmounted through American ingenuity, innovation, and natural resources. I will continue to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to promote fiscally sound and environmentally sustainable policies.

Government Spending

Just like every family in America, the United States government must learn to spend no more than they take in.

Our national debt has skyrocketed over the past decade to become a $20 trillion-dollar black hole. If the United States is to escape this economic disaster, we must reduce government spending and learn to live within our means. I believe we can get America’s fiscal house in order while keeping the promises we have made to Americans and ensuring safety-net programs remain available to those who need it most.

Congress will have to make tough decisions now in order to secure our future. Removing burdensome regulations on small businesses will stimulate economic growth and put Americans back to work. Implementing a fairer tax code with strong incentives to work and invest will broaden our tax base, lower the tax burden for all Americans, and provide increased support for necessary federal programs.

It is time to get serious about our nation’s spending problem and come together to do what is best for the American people.

Defense and Military

The primary role of the United States government is providing for our national defense. September 11, 2001, reminded us that our military must have the resources it needs to defend our nation’s interests abroad and protect us from those who would attack us at home. Even in these times of fiscal austerity, we must ensure our men and women in uniform receive the training and equipment they need to defend the freedoms we as Americans enjoy every day.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore currently hosts more than 40 aviation tenants, including the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific. I have been working with the Navy to ensure that NAS Lemoore continues to play a significant role in our national defense by supporting the Navy’s decision to homebase the Pacific Fleet’s F-35C Joint Strike Fighters at NAS Lemoore. In addition to strengthening our national defense, NAS Lemoore plays a critical role in the economy of the Central Valley. The arrival of the new F-35C aircraft at NAS Lemoore, while continuing to support the existing fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, will inject much needed economic stimulus into a suffering region. I look forward to working with the U.S. Navy as they continue to update their NAS Lemoore based aircraft.

America owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to those veterans who served before them. America’s veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices in defense of our liberty. We have a responsibility to honor their sacrifices by providing the highest level of care possible for our veterans and military retirees. As Congress works to get our nation’s fiscal house in order, we must ensure we minimize the impacts of our fiscal realities on those who have worn, and continue to wear, the uniform of the United States of America.

Social Security and Medicare

I believe that in order to save these important programs for future generations, they must be reformed. However, I do not support eliminating them and I do not support making any changes that would affect current retirees or anyone nearing retirement.

Today, Social Security, in combination with Medicare, makes up over one-third of all spending by the federal government and will continue to be one of the fastest growing areas in the federal budget. Without improvements, both Social Security and Medicare will be unable to fully meet the promises made to the next generation of retirees and will burden future generations with reduction in services and crushing tax increases. Even worse, without change, both programs risk complete collapse before our children and grandchildren ever receive a single benefit.

Our nation’s financial situation requires that we carefully examine the future of Medicare and Social Security. If we are to continue providing these safety nets for Americans, we must ensure the program's long-term sustainability.

As you know, any change will have consequences and should only be made after extensive research and deliberation. Congress must act in order to strengthen and preserve these vital programs.

In the meantime, it is a priority to me that government agencies such as the Social Security Administration are acting as good stewards of American’s personal information. After hearing of negligent actions by the Social Security Administration I introduced H.R. 624, the Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act, which protects senior citizens, veterans, and children from identity theft by prohibiting government agencies from sending a document by mail containing and individual’s full social security number. H.R. 624 was signed into law on September 15, 2017.

Foreign Affairs

For most of the last century, the United States has been the world leader in economic, military, and humanitarian terms. America has been, and must continue to be, the greatest force for good in the world. 

American foreign policy has had many incredible triumphs in past decades. The end of the Cold War was a victory achieved through the unabated efforts of nine presidents from both parties. While the nature of the threats we face has changed and we no longer fight against a monolithic enemy, the necessity of a unified long-term commitment to our policy and principles has not diminished. 

I believe that America needs a long-term foreign policy strategy to navigate the twenty-first century world. Today, we face an ever-changing world that provides many opportunities and challenges. It is necessary to work with our partners and allies around the globe to combat the growing threat of the Islamic State and to prevent terrorist attacks on our homeland. Russia has reemerged and has become a relevant player in the Middle East and Europe, and we must counteract them and prevent them from becoming more powerful. Countries such as Iran and North Korea continue to develop nuclear capabilities and I will work with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to ensure oversight over any deals made regarding nuclear weapons.

While the United States faces complicated challenges in the world today, Congress is responsible in part for crafting foreign policy that is effective and fiscally accountable in maintaining and furthering America's interests abroad.