David Valadao

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with Representative Vince Fong, to recognize Hall Ambulance on its 55th anniversary and to commend them for their significant contributions to the Central Valley. Hall Ambulance was founded on February 10, 1971, when Mr. Harvey L. Hall began responding to medical aid calls from his home in Bakersfield using a single Cadillac ambulance. From these humble beginnings, Mr. Hall built a trusted emergency medical service by forging strong relationships with patients, emergency room nurses, physicians, and public safety personnel throughout Kern County. Guided by compassion and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care, he established a new standard of care--one defined by innovation, professionalism, and attention to detail. His leadership helped transform emergency medical services in the region, from requiring attendants to accompany patients during transport to introducing paramedic services to Bakersfield in 1975, placing the community among the first in California to benefit from pre-hospital advanced life support care. Since its founding, Hall Ambulance expanded its reach across Kern County, serving communities from Wasco to Frazier Park, Taft to Boron, and many regions in between. Under the continued leadership of Mr. Hall's wife, Lavonne C. Hall, the company expanded into Delano and grew to provide paramedic services to ninety-four percent of Kern County's population. Hall Ambulance has played a defining role in the evolution of modern emergency medical services and has earned national recognition for elevating standards of care within the ambulance industry. In 2020, on the 50th anniversary of the Wedworth-Townsend Paramedic Act, the California Ambulance Association and the National EMS Museum honored Hall Ambulance for its foundational leadership, recognizing the organization among seventeen native Californians who helped shape emergency medical services nationwide. Today, more than 500 dedicated employees continue Mr. Hall's legacy, upholding a mission rooted in care, compassion, and service. Mr. Speaker, Representative Vince Fong and I invite our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in congratulating Hall Ambulance on 55 years of service to the Central Valley. Their steadfast commitment ensures that families across the region receive lifesaving emergency medical care when they need it most.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Joseph Campbell, a hardworking and successful farmer, as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Joe was a respected leader in agriculture, admired by many for his ambition, work ethic, and humble spirit. After graduating from Delano High School in 1960, he attended the College of the Sequoias before proudly serving two years in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he married his wife, Jana, and together they raised three sons as Joe began his career in farming. He started with cotton and wheat, later moved into almonds, and ultimately found his passion in table grapes-- leasing his first vineyard in 1986. Colleagues remember Joe as an ambitious and visionary leader who helped shape the Central Valley's table grape industry. Early in his career he worked at a box company, and his strong work ethic quickly earned him a promotion to general manager. Under his leadership, the company expanded from packaging into to growing table grapes--an ambitious step that became a turning point for both Joe's career and the industry itself. Joe's willingness to take risks opened the door to great success, and his legacy lives on through his work with Delano Farms, Four Star Fruit, and the California table grape industry as a whole. Joe is survived by his wife, three sons, and many grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Joseph Campbell, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the table grape industry, the Central Valley, and the state of California.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Maddy Institute on its 25th anniversary and to thank them for their significant contributions to the Central Valley. Established in 1999 by the California Legislature, the Maddy Institute honors the life and service of Senator Kenneth L. ``Ken'' Maddy. Senator Maddy's integrity, legislative expertise, and commitment to bipartisanship left a lasting legacy--one that the Maddy Institute continues to uphold. Since its founding, the Maddy Institute has inspired citizens of all ages to learn about the democratic process and engage in civil dialogue. Through partnerships with four universities, it has offered young adults hands-on opportunities to participate in civic engagement, serve their communities, and develop strong leadership skills. Nearly 600 alumni now serve in business, government, and the nonprofit sector, which is a testament to the Maddy Institute's impact. My District and Washington, D.C. offices have welcomed interns from the Maddy Institute throughout my time in Congress. Their local expertise and interest in government make the interns invaluable members of my team. I'm proud to support a program that promotes the next generation of public servants. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Maddy Institute on 25 years of service. By educating, engaging, and empowering young people, the Maddy Institute is helping shape the next generation of leaders in the Central Valley and across our Nation.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Martha Elias for her well-earned retirement from Nueva High School and for her decades of dedicated service to the Lamont community. Shortly after completing her education in Mexico, Ms. Elias immigrated to the United States and began her professional career as a bilingual secretary at a printing company. Determined to further her education, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish Teaching and Latin American Studies. In 1991, Ms. Elias continued her commitment to education by earning a teaching credential in Bakersfield, going on to serve students at both Arvin High School and Highland High School. Since 2010, Ms. Elias has been a trusted counselor and dedicated English Language Development Coordinator at Nueva High School. Through her compassion, professionalism, and deep cultural roots, she built meaningful relationships with students and families alike. She made it her mission to ensure every student felt supported, confident, and prepared with the skills needed to succeed beyond graduation. Ms. Elias' impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a mentor to colleagues, a trusted partner to parents, and a pillar of the greater Kern County community. As the Master of Ceremonies for academic award assemblies, she brought families together to celebrate student achievement, often receiving heartfelt thanks from parents whose children's lives she helped shape. Under her leadership and guidance, Nueva High School achieved significant milestones, including the highest graduation rate in alternative education, increased scholarship attainment, and record participation in ROTC programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Martha Elias for her extraordinaly career, her lasting impact on generations of students, and her unwavering dedication to the Lamont community. Her service exemplifies the difference one committed educator can make, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, fellow farmer, and colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. I have known Doug for about 16 years, going back to our time together in the State legislature. From day one, his commitment to the people of northern California, especially those in agricultural communities, was clear. In Congress, Doug was one of the fiercest advocates for wildfire mitigation, disaster recovery, California water issues, and farmers and ranchers who keep this country fed. As chairman of the Western Caucus, he fought tirelessly for domestic energy production, public land access, and rural communities that way too often get overlooked. Beyond his lasting legacy as a public official, Doug was my friend. We served together in the State legislature, and one year, on my birthday, he stopped by my office, not with a card but with a bag of rice and just a little Post-it Note that said: Happy birthday. I brought that bag home, gave it to my mom, and she made Portuguese rice pudding for him, and I brought it back. The next week, he brought me another bag of rice, and still to this day brought up that he wanted more. Doug just had one of those senses of humor that you loved. Doug was a friend to all and someone you could always count on for leadership, loyalty, and just a good laugh. He will be deeply missed in the Halls of Congress. My prayers are with his wife, Jill, his children, and all of his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Atsma Family, who have been named the 2025 Dairy Family of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. The Atsma family's story is a remarkable example of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to agriculture. George Atsma's father initially immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in 1953 at just 20 years old. After meeting his wife and welcoming their first child, they moved his young family to Southern California. There, he worked for local dairymen and eventually entered the dairy business himself-- continuing the family tradition dating back to the 1600s. In 1994, George Atsma began his own dairy legacy when he started building his own herd in Tipton, California. A few years later, he purchased property just east of Tulare, and by 2007 had completed renovations and moved his herd to the new site. Today, he operates both a successful dairy and a calf ranch with his wife, Tina, and their six children: Joshua, Danielle, Tavis, Annika, Georgiana, and Roman. In 2005, Mr. Atsma launched a custom calf raising business--another example of the family's commitment to innovation in dairy production. What began with 450 milking cows has grown to a herd of 1,550, including 1,400 milking cows. That kind of growth doesn't happen without a deep respect and knowledge of the land and livestock. This June, during the Annual Salute to Dairy and Dairy Princess Coronation hosted by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, the Atsma Family was recognized for their leadership, stewardship, and contributions to both the dairy industry and our local community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Atsma Family on this well-deserved honor. Their work represents the very best of the Central Valley's agricultural heritage, and their impact will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Nuckols for being named the 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year by the Tulare County Cattlewoman's Association. Michelle moved to Visalia, California in 1975 with her parents at the age of six. She discovered her love for agriculture in high school through Mt. Whitney High School's FFA program, where she quickly immersed herself. Her involvement in FFA inspired her to pursue a career in agricultural education, leading her to attend the College of the Sequoias and later Fresno State University. While at Fresno State, Michelle met her husband, Justin Nuckols, who came from a farming family in Porterville. The two married in 1995 and made their home near Justin's family farm. Following graduation, Michelle began teaching at Tipton Elementary, where she has now served for over 29 years. In addition to teaching English, she offers an agriculture elective that introduces students to FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Her class includes hands-on lessons about dairy and beef cattle, visits to local farming operations, and a variety of experiences designed to connect students to agriculture. Michelle also has a deep passion for photography, which has inspired her to preserve the farming traditions of Justin's family farm through the lens of her camera. She captures branding events, assists in tagging calves, and most importantly, ensures that donuts and cold drinks are available for all who attend. Since Justin's unexpected passing in 2022, Michelle has taken on a more active role in the family's cattle operation alongside her sons, Tanner and Carson. She also joined Tulare County Cattlewomen, continuing her lifelong support for agricultural education and honoring Justin's legacy through advocacy and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Michelle Nuckols on being awarded Tulare County's 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Delano, California as it celebrates its 110th anniversary. Incorporated in 1915, Delano was originally established as a railroad town, serving as a hub for hundreds of workers building the southern terminus of the Southern Pacific railroad. Over the years, Delano has been the site of several historically significant events, particularly during World War II. The Voice of America Delano even operated as a vital broadcasting facility, relaying news and information to VOA stations across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Okinawa, and the Philippines. In more recent history, the Delano Municipal Airport gained distinction as the home of a squadron of Northrop P-61 Black Widow aircraft--twin-engine fighters that played a key role in defending the Pacific Coast during the war. Today, Delano is best known for its thriving agricultural industry. The city is a major producer of grapes, oranges, almonds, pistachios, and cotton. Alongside its agricultural success, Delano has experienced steady commercial growth, attracting major businesses such as Wonderful Citrus, the company behind the widely popular Halos brand. Delano is also a culturally rich and diverse community, shaped by generations of residents from around the world. Since the arrival of early settlers under the Homestead Act, Delano has welcomed people from Latin America, Asia, and Europe, each contributing to the city's distinct character and traditions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in celebrating Delano on its 110th anniversary, and to honor its rich history, diverse community, and the spirit of those who call it home.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hanford Civic Auditorium on their 100th anniversary. For the past century, this iconic building has stood as a symbol of Hanford, California's rich history, architectural heritage, and cultural identity. Since opening its doors in 1925, the Hanford Civic Auditorium has served as the cornerstone of community life--a vibrant hub for artistic performances, civic engagement, and social events. From city council meetings and public forums to receptions, family reunions, and community celebrations, it has hosted countless gatherings that reflect the heart and spirit of Hanford. More than just a venue, the auditorium plays a vital role in fostering civic pride, cultural expression, and a shared appreciation for the city's rich local history--ensuring its legacy will endure. The original vision for the Hanford Civic Auditorium was not only to meet the needs of a growing community, but also to honor the brave members of our military who answered the call to arms during WWI--and to memorialize those who never returned. Today, the City of Hanford proudly designates the auditorium as a local historical and cultural landmark. This recognition is made possible by the dedicated staff and team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the auditorium's continued success. I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have contributed to preserving and promoting the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Their commitment ensures it will continue to serve the people of Kings County and stand as a living testament to the community's values and history. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Hanford Civic Auditorium on their 100th anniversary. Its contributions to the cultural and civic life of Hanford will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hanford Christian School on their 80-year anniversary and to thank them for their significant contributions to the Kings County community. Since its founding in 1944, Hanford Christian School has provided students with the tools they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Hanford Christian School pushes students in and out of the classroom to reach their academic potential, through a challenging curriculum, Christ-centered teaching, and hands-on learning experiences. The students, faculty, and families at Hanford Christian are dedicated to serving their community. Every year, they contribute to food drives and volunteer with the Salvation Army and Gleanings for the Hungry. Their community service impacts the community all year long, including during the holiday season when families donate blankets to the homeless and sing at retirement homes. These experiences at Hanford Christian and within the community empower students to become thoughtful leaders inside and outside the classroom. The dedication of the teachers and staff at Hanford Christian School plays a vital role in helping students across the Central Valley thrive. I want to thank the entire faculty for fostering a learning environment that helps our youth become the best they can be. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Hanford Christian School on their 80-year anniversary. Their work to enrich the lives of students in the Central Valley will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Tulare County Court Appointed Special Advocates on their 40-year anniversary. The Tulare Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides support to the juvenile court and its dependent children, who are innocent victims of abuse and neglect. CASA was established in 1977 to combat misrepresentation of these victims and Tulare County CASA was created in 1984 by concerned members of the community. These strong advocates step into the court room on behalf of victimized children to help ensure their cases go smoothly and they can get on track for a better life. To date, 15,000 children have been served by the Tulare County CASA volunteers who have worked over 300,000 volunteer hours. CASA volunteers come from every walk of life and share a commitment to improving children's lives and protecting the welfare of our community's youth. Organizations like the Tulare County CASA help create a safe community for our children and I want to thank every volunteer for their commitment to our youth. Thanks to their work, the children in our region have an advocate to help protect them from further violence, abuse, and neglect. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Tulare County Court Appointed Special Advocates on their 40th anniversary for their hard work, which will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Vincent Sola, as he is awarded the title of Farmer of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Tulare. Mr. Sola was born in Porterville, California and developed his love of farming at two years old from his father, John Sola. As a high school student, he rented his first twenty acres of land as part of a Future Farmers of America (FFA) project, and Dave Linder from Linder Equipment financed his first tractor and disc. He later served as FFA president during his senior year and earned his FFA State Farmer Degree. Mr. Sola graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1978 and from the College of the Sequoias with a degree in agriculture in 1981. Mr. Sola is a fourth-generation farmer who has devoted his life to nurturing the land his family has tended since it was homesteaded in 1903. Mr. Sola has extensive experience growing products including cotton, corn, wheat, tomatoes, sugar beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and watermelons, all of which are important crops to Central Valley. He also uses these skills to help his neighbors, members of the community, and landowners in the area with their commercial farming. Mr. Sola is committed to fostering the Central Valley's next generation of farmers. He spends his time teaching his son, Vin, about the family business, emphasizing the hard work and dedication needed to run a successful farm. It is because of farmers like Mr. Sola that the Central Valley thrives, and I want to thank him for his commitment to our agricultural community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mr. Vincent Sola, as he is awarded the Farmer of the Year Award by the Kiwanis Club of Tulare. His contributions to the Central Valley will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague Congressman Vince Fong to recognize Ms. April Woody on being awarded the 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year by the Kern County Cattlewomen's Association. Nearly sixty years ago, April Woody joined her husband, Ron Woody, in continuing his family's cattle ranching operation. Though new to ranching, she quickly learned the ropes and became an essential part of the operation, helping to carry forward a legacy rooted in hard work and dedication to the family business. Ms. Woody joined the Kern County Cattlewomen in 1969 and became deeply involved in the organization's community work. She organized the fair booth, served on the Cattle Princess Selection Committee, and brought humor to the High Fever Follies fundraiser by wearing the group's famous ``beef cut suit.'' Following her early involvement with the Kern County Cattlewomen, Ms. Woody began a distinguished career in education. She taught both junior high and high school English before earning two master's degrees in Pupil Personnel Services and Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. For the final sixteen years of her career, she served as a counselor at Centennial High School in Bakersfield, where she dedicated herself to the academic and personal development of all students. Since her retirement, Ms. Woody has reconnected with the cattle community and remains involved with the Kern County Cattlewomen. Over the past nine years, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President and President. Currently she serves as Secretary and on the Board of Directors, chairs the organization's annual Clay Shoot, and has chaired the Scholarship Committee for seven years. Beyond her service to Kern County Cattlewomen, Ms. Woody also remains active in her church and throughout the community. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in congratulating Ms. April Woody on being named Kern County's 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year. Her dedication to agriculture, education, and service to the community embodies the values that define the Central Valley.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge support for my bill, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend this country. When they come home, they shouldn't have to fight another battle just to get the benefits that they deserve. Unfortunately, outdated systems at the VA are causing unnecessary delays that create real hardships for both veterans and their families. To speed up disability claims, the VA has used automation tools, like AI, to draft letters and gather documents. That same technology has not been applied to other types of claims, such as pensions or survivor benefits. This has led to a growing backlog and, in some cases, missed benefits altogether. My bill takes steps to fix this. It requires the VA to expand the use of automation tools, ensure that documents are properly labeled in the system, and improve coordination between offices. It also directs the VA to use the tools for pensions and survivors' benefits, so families aren't left behind. By improving coordination across the VA and other Federal agencies, we can reduce overpayments and prevent families from being hit with unexpected debt notices. This is a commonsense bill that would help to ensure that our veterans and survivors receive the benefits that they deserve in a timely and efficient manner. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I also thank Chairman Bost and his staff at the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their work on this very important issue.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge support for my bill, H.R. 1044, which authorizes seven permit renewals for the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project in Tulare County, California. Southern California Edison has operated the Kaweah Hydroelectric Project since 1899, marking well over a century of reliable, clean power. For decades, Congress has allowed for the continued use of the Federal lands for this purpose, but unless we act now, the authorization will expire in 2026. Without authorization, Southern California Edison would be forced to dismantle critical infrastructure, costing ratepayers in the region tens of millions of dollars and eliminating a clean, reliable, and affordable source of energy. This bill ensures that Kaweah can keep operating without disruption or unnecessary costs for families across California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman and his staff at the Committee on Natural Resources for their work on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and protect the Central Valley's clean energy future.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Nuckols for being named the 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year by the Tulare County Cattlewomen's Association. Michelle moved to Visalia, California in 1975 with her parents at the age of six. She discovered her love for agriculture in high school through Mt. Whitney High School's FFA program, where she quickly immersed herself. Her involvement in FFA inspired her to pursue a career in agricultural education, leading her to attend the College of the Sequoias and later Fresno State University. While at Fresno State, Michelle met her husband, Justin Nuckols, who came from a farming family in Porterville. The two married in 1995 and made their home near Justin's family farm. Following graduation, Michelle began teaching at Tipton Elementary, where she has now served for over 29 years. In addition to teaching English, she offers an agriculture elective that introduces students to FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. Her class includes hands-on lessons about dairy and beef cattle, visits to local farming operations, and a variety of experiences designed to connect students to agriculture. Michelle also has a deep passion for photography, which has inspired her to preserve the farming traditions of Justin's family farm through the lens of her camera. She captures branding events, assists in tagging calves, and most importantly, ensures that donuts and cold drinks are available for all who attend. Since Justin's unexpected passing in 2022, Michelle has taken on a more active role in the family's cattle operation alongside her sons, Tanner and Carson. She also joined Tulare County Cattlewomen, continuing her lifelong support for agricultural education and honoring Justin's legacy through advocacy and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Michelle Nuckols on being awarded Tulare County's 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge support for my bill, the Romance Scam Prevention Act. Every year, millions of Americans from all ages and backgrounds use dating apps and websites to make connections. For many, online dating has made it easier to build relationships. Unfortunately, there are countless stories of criminals using these sites for fraudulent activity. While it is sadly common to see users lie about things like their age and occupation, romance scammers use fake profiles to develop connections and emotionally or financially exploit unsuspecting users. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $1.1 billion in 2023 alone, with senior citizens being the age group most at risk. There have been countless stories of people being conned out of their entire life savings, all because they believed they had found love online. People who meet online often take their conversations to other communication platforms and might not know that they are talking to someone who has been removed from the original dating app. This bill requires dating platforms to issue fraud ban notifications to users who have interacted with an account who has been removed for fraudulent activity. As criminals are becoming more sophisticated when it comes to exploiting victims online, it is time to put safeguards in place to protect users from financial fraud. I thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff at the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-leads, Representatives Brittany Pettersen, Tom Suozzi, and Craig Goldman.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Delano, California as it celebrates its 110th anniversary. Incorporated in 1915, Delano was originally established as a railroad town, serving as a hub for hundreds of workers building the southern terminus of the Southern Pacific railroad. Over the years, Delano has been the site of several historically significant events, particularly during World War II. The Voice of America Delano even operated as a vital broadcasting facility, relaying news and information to VOA stations across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Okinawa, and the Philippines. In more recent history, the Delano Municipal Airport gained distinction as the home of a squadron of Northrop P-61 Black Widow aircraft--twin-engine fighters that played a key role in defending the Pacific Coast during the war. Today, Delano is best known for its thriving agricultural industry. The city is a major producer of grapes, oranges, almonds, pistachios, and cotton. Alongside its agricultural success, Delano has experienced steady commercial growth, attracting major businesses such as Wonderful Citrus, the company behind the widely popular Halos brand. Delano is also a culturally rich and diverse community, shaped by generations of residents from around the world. Since the arrival of early settlers under the Homestead Act, Delano has welcomed people from Latin America, Asia, and Europe, each contributing to the city's distinct character and traditions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in celebrating Delano on its 110th anniversary, and to honor its rich history, diverse community, and the spirit of those who call it home.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 157.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act, which would make the Department of Veterans Affairs more accessible for our disabled veterans. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits and services they have earned. Sadly, too many disabled veterans face unnecessary obstacles in accessing care because of avoidable barriers at the VA. This bipartisan bill would create a permanent advisory committee within the VA, made up of disabled veterans, experts, and advocates who understand these challenges firsthand. This committee will give our veterans a direct line to the Secretary of the VA, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized. This is a commonsense, bipartisan step to improve oversight, enhance accessibility, and uphold our Nation's commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed so much defending our freedoms. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and his staff at the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their work on this important bill which makes the VA more accessible for our disabled veterans that it serves.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, due to a personal family matter, I was not able to make the voting series today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 100, NAY on Roll Call No. 101, and YEA on Roll Call No. 102. personal explanation

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Sierra Pacific girls' basketball team for their incredible 2025 season. Last month, the Lady Bears won the CIF Central Section Division II championship. This was the highest CIF Central Division a team has won in Sierra Pacific High School history and the highest division a team has ever competed in. These athletes showed grit, heart, and determination all season long. Their championship win isn't just a testament to their talent but also their discipline. Wins like this don't just happen. They are earned through constant practice, tough losses, and in never giving up on one another. They worked hard and trained all year for this, and I am honored to stand here today to celebrate them. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the players, coaches, and families. They have made us all in the Central Valley very proud.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding. I also thank Leader Scalise for his time today. We have a historic opportunity to advance the key priorities of this administration with a one-bill solution, and I fully agree we need to move forward in a way that reflects the needs of the American people. This budget resolution unlocks the next step in the reconciliation process to deliver on our priorities. That includes extending key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, like doubling the standard deduction, expanding the child tax credit, and maintaining the death tax exemption. These policies make a real difference for working families, farmers, and small business owners, and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money. We also need to fulfill our commitment of securing our border, strengthening our economy, and rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse. It is my understanding that after this resolution passes, House leadership will be working with the Senate to come to an agreement on reconciliation language so that the committees can begin drafting specific policies to achieve the administration's agenda. There has been a lot of political rhetoric about what this upcoming budget resolution does and does not do, and I want to be clear about where I stand. As a Representative of one of the most agriculturally rich districts in the country, it is my constituents who are responsible for putting food on everyone's table. My district also has one of the highest Medicaid populations in the Nation. I have heard from countless constituents who tell me the only way they can afford healthcare is through programs like Medicaid, and I will not support a final reconciliation bill that risks leaving them behind. Medicaid cuts are deeply unpopular with the American families who sent us here to deliver on President Trump's agenda. I understand Medicaid is not explicitly named in this bill, but achieving $880 billion in budget cuts within E&C's jurisdiction is not an easy task. I also ask that leadership remain committed to working with my colleagues and me to produce a final product that strengthens critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP and ensures our constituents are not left behind.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2025, which would dramatically increase the number of airlift assets available for wildfire emergencies. Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems, or CAFFS, are airdrop- capable disposable containers for water or fire retardant, which can be dropped from much higher altitudes and with less visibility than current aerial firefighting operations. Current operations depend on single-mission aircraft, but CAFFS can be used by any standard cargo plane. The use of CAFFS provides for more coverage for firefighters on the ground and allows teams to quickly respond to prevent smaller fires from raging out of control. These systems are used by other countries, but the United States has not utilized them. We have the technology that we can deploy to stop or minimize the devastation these fires cause, and we should be using it. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Westerman and his staff at the Committee on Natural Resources for their work on this important bill to combat and contain wildfires in a quicker and more efficient way.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act is a critical piece of legislation that will restore forest health and increase our resiliency to catastrophic wildfires. The fires burning across southern California devastated entire communities and will have lasting impacts on our State for years. Beyond the terrible loss of life and property, wildfires cause hazardous air conditions that lead to significant health concerns. Smoke and particulate matter from these fires can travel hundreds of miles, and geographic conditions trap these air pollutants in the Central Valley, which creates dangerous conditions for our families, farmworkers, crops, and those already battling respiratory diseases. In 2023, over 1 million acres burned across California. While fires are inevitable, decades of forest mismanagement have directly contributed to the severity of the wildfires that we are witnessing. While there needs to be serious conversation at the State level about the management of California's natural resources, the Fix Our Forests Act will help address the root causes by providing Federal agencies with the tools necessary to help States practice proactive forest management and mitigate risk. Mr. Chair, I thank the House Natural Resources Committee chair, Bruce Westerman, for his leadership on this issue.