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.

A visit to San Joaquin Valley College

I toured San Joaquin Valley College’s Visalia campus yesterday. The campus offers young Valley residents high-quality career training in numerous fields, such as nursing, respiratory therapy, dental assisting, and technical and industrial programs. These programs are vital pipelines that provide the Valley with the skilled career professionals we need to thrive.

Following my visit to SJVC, I met with the Tulare Chamber of Commerce and accepted the Spirit of Enterprise award. I’d like to thank the Chamber for this honor – I have fought hard to ensure that Congress make it as easy as possible for American entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Chipping away at Obamacare taxes

Last Wednesday, with my support, Congress voted in favor of H.R. 748, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019. There was strong bipartisan support for the bill, which passed the House of Representatives on a 419 – 6 vote. The bill repeals Obamacare’s burdensome Cadillac tax, thus saving employers from paying a 40 percent tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage. The bill will lower deductibles and make coverage more affordable for millions of hardworking Americans.

Still, this bill could have done more to remove unnecessary tax burdens on Americans, such as the medical device tax and the health insurance tax. We must continue to undo the damage Obamacare has done to our nation’s healthcare system. I remain committed to removing Obamacare's mandates, penalties, taxes, and regulations in favor of an affordable and efficient free-market healthcare system for everyone. You can watch my remarks on H.R. 748 by clicking on the above image.

My proposal to modernize our outdated prescription drug payment system

I recently authored a brief proposal to modernize our outdated prescription drug payment system to ensure Americas have access to affordable drugs. To read my proposal, click on this link.

Tribute to the Greatest Generation — Reedley Museum

On Friday, I toured the Reedley Museum’s new exhibit, Tribute to The Greatest Generation. In addition to an impressive service memorabilia collection, the Reedley Historical Society Board has assembled examples of Reedley-area life during the war years. They highlight the heroic sacrifices our local WWII veterans made to defend the United States.

Viewing one of the museum’s many exhibits.

Additionally, I welcomed the Livestock Marketing Association to my district for their Annual Convention and the World Livestock Auctioneering Championship.

Speaking to the Livestock Marketing Association.

Discussing intelligence abuses with Byron York

I was recently a guest on Byron York's new podcast. To listen to our discussion of abuses by leaders of intelligence agencies during their investigation of President Trump's team, click on this link.