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.