An historic China trade deal

On Wednesday, President Trump signed an historic Phase One trade agreement with China. This trade deal culminates a three-year-long effort by the Trump administration to rebalance our trade relationship with China. Prior to this deal, the U.S. trade relationship with China suffered from cybertheft of U.S. intellectual property, forced technology transfers, and inadequate market access to U.S. businesses.

With this Phase One trade deal, China has committed to purchasing roughly $200 billion of U.S. goods while promising to implement structural reforms and other changes to their economic and trade regime. In particular, the deal dramatically expands U.S. agriculture and food exports to China. I’m optimistic this Phase One trade deal will usher in free and fair trade with China and bring economic growth to the Central Valley. I look forward to the Trump administration’s continued efforts to deliver strong and enforceable trade deals for all Americans.

Delivering USMCA for American workers and farmers

Today, with my support, the House of Representatives voted to pass the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). I have long believed that trade is vital to the Central Valley’s economic health. With its passage, USMCA will generate over $68 billion in economic activity and produce 176,000 new jobs for American workers. Moreover, agricultural products that had zero tariffs under NAFTA will continue to be tariff free, while American dairy farmers will now have access to previously unopened Canadian markets. Modernized for the 21st century, USMCA will deliver tremendous economic benefits to the Central Valley. You can watch my remarks on the passage of USMCA by clicking here.

Getting the Valley growing again

Water is the San Joaquin Valley’s economic lifeblood. However, radical environmentalists in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento have long coordinated to deprive the Valley of its rightful share of water. Exploiting poorly-written environmental guidances, these extremists manipulated water allocations to serve their economically destructive goals. Billions of gallons of water have been needlessly flushed into the ocean while our farmers and families struggle to get by with the little water that the radicals decree we can have.

Finally, however, we have good news to share. Recently updated environmental opinions will finally allow California’s water infrastructure to work as intended and give Valley families the water they rightfully deserve. These new guidances will produce quick and precise water allocations to give farmers the certainty they need when planting.

This is a great first step. I will continue the fight to ensure that our families have the water we need to get the Valley growing again.

House passes resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide

Last Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted to support a resolution affirming the United States’ recognition of the Armenian Genocide. I was proud to cosponsor this resolution, which passed the House by a vote of 405 – 11.

The continuing denial of the Armenian Genocide, particularly by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, is an act of historical vandalism. We must call genocide for what it is wherever it occurs. Few know this truth better than the San Joaquin Valley’s Armenian population, many of whom descend from genocide survivors. I am proud to represent such a resilient people.

Visiting Armenia's Dzidzernagapert memorial in 2012.

Academy Night 2019

Each year, I have the honor to nominate outstanding young men and women from the Central Valley to our nation’s prestigious military academies. The military academies are some of our nation’s finest schools. Not only do they teach academics, but they instill discipline and leadership qualities in young Americans.

My office will host my annual Academy Night on Thursday, October 3, 2019, to provide more information to students interested in attending a military academy. If you know of any potential applicants, please encourage them to read this flier for further details on Academy Night and fill out this application and return it to my Visalia office.

Remembering 9/11

Eighteen years ago today, our nation was viciously and suddenly attacked by al Qaeda. I will never forget the horror of watching the World Trade Center towers collapsing, the Pentagon aflame, and Flight 93 lying wrecked in a field.

America’s darkest moment since Pearl Harbor revealed the amazing courage and resiliency of everyday Americans. I will always remember the heroes who ran into burning buildings – knowing they would likely not survive the destruction – to save their fellow citizens. To me, their sacrifices will always express the best of America.

Today, I ask that we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. I also ask that we take a moment to thank our everyday heroes – the servicemen and women, first responders, and police officers who go about their jobs, often in dangerous circumstances, with little recognition or reward. Americans will never forget 9/11, nor will we ever be cowed by terrorists.