Fake News reports my fake COVID-19 diagnosis

On Friday, I donated blood plasma to the Central California Blood Center for their trailblazing convalescent plasma program to help patients combat COVID-19. While on The Ray Appleton Show that afternoon, I disclosed that I donated plasma that day because I had tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. Immediately, dozens of national journalists falsely reported that I tested positive for COVID-19, which Twitter then uncritically amplified. This bizarre fake news reporting was captured in an article by The Federalist, which you can read here.

If, like me, you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies and are healthy, please consider donating plasma to the Central California Blood Center. To learn more about donating, click here.

Donate blood plasma to the Central California Blood Center

Today I donated convalescent plasma as part of the Central California Blood Center’s efforts to produce pathogen-reduced plasma for patients battling COVID-19. You can watch a brief video of my visit by clicking here.

I want to thank the Central California Blood Center for their pioneering efforts to produce pathogen-reduced plasma for Central Valley patients. The Central Valley is in short supply of convalescent plasma, which has proved helpful in aiding patients' recovery from COVID-19. If you are healthy and interested in donating plasma, especially if you’ve had COVID-19, please click here to make an appointment.

WATCH: The Plot Against the President director sits for in-depth interview

Amanda Milius, director of the successful documentary The Plot Against the President, was recently interviewed by The Epoch Times for their American Thought Leaders program. The interview provides a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary, which chronicles my investigation into the Russian collusion hoax.

To watch the interview, click here.

ICYMI: My latest interview for American Thought Leaders

 

I was recently interviewed by The Epoch Times for their American Thought Leaders program. In the interview, I discuss my thoughts on the 2020 presidential election and Big Tech’s increasing censorship of Americans’ freedom of speech. To watch the interview, click here.

WATCH: Rep. McClintock on Gov. Newsom’s night of partying

As you likely know, Governor Gavin Newsom was recently caught violating his own COVID-19 edicts. While restaurants and businesses in the Central Valley and throughout California were again ordered to cease indoor services, Governor Newsom was enjoying an indoor dinner party with top lobbyists at The French Laundry in Napa Valley.

My colleague and fellow Valley representative Tom McClintock spoke on the House floor yesterday about Governor Newsom’s rule-breaking evening – it is a speech you don’t want to miss. To watch Rep. McClintock’s speech, click here.

New social media platforms combat Big Tech censorship

In recent weeks, many constituents have voiced concerns about increasing censorship on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. I have long shared these concerns. In addition to considering legislation to curb Big Tech’s ability to silence free speech, I have begun using alternative social media platforms that defend free speech such as Parler and Rumble. Please watch this recent interview with Parler CEO John Matze on Parler’s commitment to providing a platform where all Americans can freely share their views. To watch the interview, click here.

Honoring our Veterans

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. I want to take a moment to recognize our courageous military veterans for their service to our nation. Their sacrifices are a public debt that can never be repaid but will be forever cherished. To all our veterans, thank you.

NOW LIVE: Catch my American Thought Leaders interview

I was recently interviewed by the Epoch Times for their American Thought Leaders program. To watch the interview, click HERE.

U.S. brokers ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan

I have been closely monitoring the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. has brokered a ceasefire between the two nations, effective at 9:00 PM PST tonight. I am hopeful this ceasefire will bring an end to the unacceptable, belligerent actions taken by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Armenia.

WATCH: New documentary on Russian collusion hoax investigation

I was recently featured in a new documentary titled The Plot Against the President. The documentary – directed by Amanda Milius, daughter of Hollywood legend John Milius – is adapted from investigative journalist Lee Smith’s best-selling book of the same name, and provides an in-depth, exclusive look at my investigation into the Russian collusion hoax. If you’re interested in viewing, The Plot Against the President is now available on Amazon Prime and other platforms.

IMPORTANT EVENT: Academy Night 2020

Each year, I have the honor to nominate exceptional 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 Friday, October 30th, 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 flyer for further details on Academy Night and fill out this application and return it to my Visalia office by Monday, November 16th.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (559) 733-3861.

Major Valley infrastructure project coming soon

Today I met with Tulare County Supervisor Pete Vander Poel, members of the International Agri-Center board, and representatives from the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) to discuss the imminent construction of Tulare’s new interchange along State Route 99 between Commercial Avenue and Paige Avenue. For years, I had worked closely with the TCAG and the International Agri-Center to secure federal funding for the SR-99/Commercial Ave Interchange project.

In September, I was able to secure the $16 million federal grant needed to complete this vital local infrastructure project. In fact, this project is the second major infrastructure project to be granted federal funding by the Trump administration, following the City of Fresno’s Veterans Boulevard interchange project that was awarded $10.5 million in 2019.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the TCAG and the International Agri-Center, and the recognition of this project’s importance to the Central Valley’s economic success by the Trump administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, the Valley will soon receive the new infrastructure it deserves.

House Republicans’ guide to protecting Americans with pre-existing conditions

 

As the top Republican on the Health Subcommittee in the House of Representatives, I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions. To that end, I wanted to share with you House Republicans’ Joint Guide to safeguarding American with pre-existing conditions, lowering healthcare costs, and increasing transparency and choice. To read the Joint Guide, click here.

Nunes, McCarthy secure Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Tulare County

Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) added Tulare County to its August 22, 2020 Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. To get this crucial declaration issued, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and I sent a letter to the Trump administration urging aid for Tulare County in response to the devastation wrought by the SQF Complex Fire. Tulare County residents will now have access to FEMA disaster relief programs and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster recovery programs.

DONATE: Upcoming Blood Drive

The Central Valley remains in need of blood. To that end, the Central California Blood Center is hosting the PINC Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 20th. The Blood Drive will be hosted at the following address:

Haron Land Rover

2222 Ventura Street

Fresno, CA 93721

For more information on how to donate, click here or contact Emmanuel Ochoa at (559) 259-3852.

My visit to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center

This morning, Rep. Michael Turner and I visited the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) headquarters at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, just east of Dayton, Ohio. As members of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Turner and I met with NASIC senior leaders to ensure they have the resources needed to assess key military intelligence on foreign air and space forces, weapons, and systems. I want to thank the men and women of NASIC for hosting us and extend my gratitude for their service and the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe.

RECAP: President Trump’s historic efforts on CA water

I want to share with you this article in The San Joaquin Valley Sun outlining President Trump’s historic efforts to restore to the Central Valley its rightful supply of water. President Trump is the first president in decades to focus on streamlining burdensome regulations in order to modernize the science governing water deliveries, build new water storage infrastructure, and provide Valley families and farmers with ample clean water.

WATER WARS: President Trump delivers on crucial water infrastructure projects

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced the completion of all actions directed by President Trump’s 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. Under President Trump’s leadership, environmental reviews slowing improvements to crucial water infrastructure projects, such as the Central Valley Project and California State Water Project, have finally been completed. Additionally, the Trump administration convened water experts to develop advanced technologies that will improve the Central Valley’s water supplies.

I applaud President Trump for working to help end the destructive regulations imposed on the Central Valley by radical environmentalists and deliver to Central Valley families and farmers the water they rightfully deserve.

ATTENTION: Small business owners, Paycheck Protection Program applications are LIVE

Today, the Treasury Department published the Paycheck Protection Program’s borrower application, as well as helpful information sheets on the Paycheck Protection Program and how it impacts borrowers and lenders. The Paycheck Protection Program provides economic relief from the Coronavirus outbreak for small businesses, eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, Tribal businesses, and individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors.

For an overview of the program, click here.

The application for borrowers can be found here.

If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.

If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.

Separately, here’s a story from The San Joaquin Valley Sun providing rolling updates on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

House Republicans launch new Coronavirus resources website

I want to bring your attention to a new Coronavirus resource website launched by House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. The website, which can be found here, contains brief articles detailing the various resources made available to American families and small businesses in Phases One, Two, and Three of Congress’ Coronavirus relief package. Additionally, you will be able to find a link to this website on my Coronavirus Updates page here.

In case you missed it, here is an article from The San Joaquin Valley Sun examining the possibility that local Central Valley schools might not re-open until May.

If you have any questions about how the bill impacts you, please call my office at (559) 733-3861. For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

URGENT: House passes crucial Coronavirus relief bill

Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed the CARES Act, phase three of Congress’ Coronavirus economic relief package. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law so American families and businesses can receive much needed economic relief from the Coronavirus outbreak. I am including the following resources to explain the bill’s key small business, tax, and unemployment provisions.

For more information about how this bill helps small businesses, click here.

For more information about how this bill provides tax relief for American families, click here.

For more information about how this bill provides unemployment relief for American workers, click here.

Additionally, House Ways and Means Committee Republicans have published a Frequently Asked Questions page to help answer any questions you might have about Coronavirus-related legislation.

Separately, here’s a story from The San Joaquin Valley Sun tracking the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley.

If you have any questions about how the bill impacts you, please call my office at (559) 733-3861. For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

More relief coming to taxpayers during Coronavirus outbreak

Yesterday, the IRS announced its new People First Initiative to assist taxpayers facing uncertainty over their taxes due to the Coronavirus outbreak. This initiative will provide relief to taxpayers on a variety of issues ranging from easing payment guidelines to postponing compliance actions. To determine whether this relief applies to your specific situation, review the IRS guidance here.

Additionally, yesterday the Senate passed the CARES Act, phase three of Congress’ Coronavirus economic relief package. As soon as President Trump signs the bill into law, I will provide resources that explain the economic relief the bill makes available to American families and small businesses.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

For Americans abroad, READ THIS.

As the Coronavirus outbreak unfolds, my office is working to help Americans abroad return home. As more information becomes available to help Americans overseas, it is imperative that those looking to return home enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling in STEP, you will receive communications from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to assist you in arranging for your travel home. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact my district office at (559) 733-3861 or send an e-mail through the contact form here.

In case you missed it, here is a story from The San Joaquin Valley Sun providing rolling updates on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

An update on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley

I want to provide you an update on the number of Coronavirus cases in Fresno County and Tulare County. As of 3:30 PM today, Fresno County has conducted between 200 and 300 tests of Fresno County residents and confirmed 6 cases of Coronavirus. Tulare County has conducted 306 tests of Tulare County residents and confirmed 16 cases of Coronavirus. For rolling updates on the number of Coronavirus cases in the Central Valley, check out this story.

Separately, the IRS, Treasury Department, and Department of Labor late last week announced a plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small businesses provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click here for a breakdown of how these provisions will be implemented.

For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

URGENT: Before laying off employees, managers should read about this new law.

I want to bring your attention to stipulations in a recently enacted law that provide tax incentives for businesses to retain their workers during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please click here to read these provisions.

UPDATE: 200+ Coronavirus tests done in Fresno County

I want to update you regarding the spread of Coronavirus in the Central Valley. As of 10:30 AM yesterday, Fresno County Public Health officials have processed between 200 and 300 laboratory tests, with only 6 confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Given this data and the nature of how each confirmed case was acquired, Fresno County Public Health advises that the virus has not engaged in community spread at this point. This is good news. Let’s continue to practice proper hygiene and effective social distancing methods, per the CDC’s recommendations.

To read more about this developing story, click here. For helpful resources regarding Coronavirus, assistance available to American families and businesses, and the steps Congress is taking to keep Americans safe and financially secure, visit the Coronavirus Updates page on my website here.

A one-stop shop for Coronavirus resources

I have updated my website to include a resource page dedicated to keeping you informed on the latest Coronavirus developments. The page, which can be found here, includes the contact information for your local health officials, updates from the CDC, guidelines from the White House Coronavirus task force, and links to resources for financial assistance, legislative updates, and travel assistance. I will continually update this page as more information becomes available.

Additionally, I want to share a story with you from The San Joaquin Valley Sun examining the legal enforceability of the City of Fresno’s recent controversial shelter in place recommendation.

Coronavirus update: The taxman delays his visit

Yesterday, the U.S. Treasury Department postponed the due date for making Federal income tax payments from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Any individual who owes less than $1 million or business that owes less than $10 million can defer their Federal income tax payment until July 15, and no additional forms will be required for these delayed filings.

With this move, the Trump administration has helped American families and small businesses keep their hard-earned money as we combat the spread of Coronavirus. I encourage you to visit the IRS’ Coronavirus tax relief page for more updates as they become available.

Separately, here is an article from The San Joaquin Valley Sun discussing the need for public health officials to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding Coronavirus.

Lastly, I want to ensure you are equipped with the contact information for your local health officials. I've compiled the contact information for the Fresno County Department of Public Health and the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, as well as updates from the CDC, at my website.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Fresno’s controversial shelter in place order

Today, the Trump administration issued an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages for the next 60 days. Under these guidelines, homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages facing hardship due to the Coronavirus can get immediate relief to ensure they are not evicted or foreclosed upon during this uncertain time.

Additionally, the City of Fresno issued a controversial order today recommending that Fresno’s residents voluntarily shelter in place despite opposition to the order from the City of Clovis and Fresno County. No cities in Tulare County are affected by the order. You can get more details on the order in this story from The San Joaquin Valley Sun. Rest assured that I will keep you informed as we move ahead.

Lastly, I want to ensure you are equipped with the contact information for your local health officials. I've compiled the contact information for the Fresno County Department of Public Health and the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, as well as updates from the CDC, at my website.

Coronavirus update: Financial relief for American families

I want to provide you with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s latest update on creating financial breathing room for American families during the Coronavirus pandemic.

To ensure that American families remain financially secure, President Trump is allowing the Treasury Department to “defer tax payments, without interest or penalties, for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.” This means that:

•  Families and small businesses can defer tax payments for 90 days.
• Penalties and interest that would otherwise apply during this nearly three-month period will be waived.
• Additionally, the Treasury Department will deploy $300 billion in targeted relief for those who need it. Taxpayers should continue to file their taxes by April 15 as normal. Many taxpayers will get refunds, providing additional funding to families that need it. However, if an eligible taxpayer owes a tax payment, they have the option to defer.

Lastly, I want to ensure you are equipped with the contact information for your local health officials. It is vital to remember that if you are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus or have come into contact with a person with Coronavirus, please call your doctor or local public health officials before seeking medical attention.

For the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Investigation Program, please call: (559) 600-3332. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Fresno County, click here.

For the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Communicable Disease Reporting, please call: 211 or (559) 685-5720. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Tulare County, click here.

I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available on this rapidly evolving situation. For continued updates and recommendations on how to stay safe and healthy, visit the CDC's website.

Combating Coronavirus in the Central Valley

As local, state, and federal officials continue to develop protocols to combat the spread of Coronavirus, I want to ensure you are equipped with the contact information for your local health officials. It is vital to remember that if you are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus or have come into contact with a person with Coronavirus, please call your doctor or local public health officials before seeking medical attention.

For the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Investigation Program, please call: (559) 600-3332. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Fresno County, click here.

For the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Communicable Disease Reporting, please call: 211 or (559) 685-5720. To receive updates regarding Coronavirus transmission in Tulare County, click here.

I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available on this rapidly evolving situation. For continued updates and recommendations on how to stay safe and healthy, visit the CDC's website.

Straight talk on the Coronavirus

As the federal government continues to respond to the spread of Coronavirus in the United States, I wanted to share this helpful interview between Dan Bongino and Dr. Christopher Centeno of Regenexx. Dr. Centeno provides clear information on how to navigate the spread of Coronavirus and keep Americans safe. Additionally, here are the CDC’s recommendations on how to stay safe and healthy.

2020's Congressional Art Competition is here

Each year, one outstanding high school artist from the 22nd Congressional District has the opportunity to display his or her artwork for a year at a national exhibition in the U.S. Capitol. Members of Congress choose a winner of the contest, known as the Congressional Art Competition, from their district whose art will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point to the Capitol, with Members of Congress and thousands of tourists viewing the artwork daily.

If you are interested in competing for a place in the national exhibition, please review the guidelines. In addition, all participants will need to complete the student release form, which should be included with all art entries. Finally, all art must be delivered by April 17, 2020, to my Visalia office at 113 North Church Street, Suite 208. For more information please call (559) 733-3861 or stop by my Visalia office.

2019's winner: "My Dog Coco" by Andrea Rivera, Buchanan High School

Tide Turns in California's Water Wars

While campaigning in 2016, then-candidate Trump promised that the Central Valley’s water supply would no longer be held captive by radical environmentalists. This week, both President Trump and Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt visited the Valley to make official the Trump administration’s plans to return water to the Valley.

On Wednesday, President Trump signed a second presidential memorandum to formally adopt policies that will deliver more water to the Valley. In addition to implementing new biological opinions that govern how much water flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, President Trump directed the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to develop more water storage infrastructure so that Valley farmers, families, and communities can have a more bountiful and reliable water supply. Since before my election to Congress, I have fought to reclaim the water that California’s radical environmentalists have flushed out to the Pacific Ocean. With this week’s actions, President Trump has turned the tide in California’s decades-long water wars.

Along with other Republican congressmen, I joined President Trump for the signing ceremony. To watch video of the signing, click on the image below.

World Ag Expo, exchange students come to the Valley

Tuesday marked the start of the Central Valley’s 53rd annual World Ag Expo. Hosted by the International Agri-Center in Tulare, the World Ag Expo displays the latest in farm equipment from more than 1,450 exhibitors, drawing over 100,000 visitors. With Congress in session this week, I unfortunately had to miss this year’s World Ag Expo. However, my staff attended and enjoyed celebrating the Valley’s farming expertise.

Back in DC, I was honored to meet with students from the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program on Wednesday. Administered by the State Department, the FLEX program awards scholarships to a select number of high school students from Europe and Asia to spend an academic year in the United States, living with a family and attending an American high school.

These students – from Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine – are enjoying their time at Mt. Whitney High School, Redwood High School, and University Preparatory High School in Visalia. I hope they will develop a lifelong connection to the Central Valley and their host families!

Looking ahead after a successful State of the Union

On Tuesday, President Trump delivered his State of the Union address. As President Trump demonstrated, the United States is thriving. The economy is booming for working Americans of all backgrounds, our nation has been made safer by eliminating terrorists like Qassem Soleimani, and we achieved bipartisan successes on criminal justice reform and the USMCA.

While Tuesday night provided an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s successful last three years, we must continue to pursue reforms that improve Americans’ lives. To that point, I am introducing legislation to increase transparency in our healthcare costs. Titled the Fair and Honest Advanced Cost Estimate for Patients Act, this bill requires healthcare providers and facilities to work with insurers to provide a cost estimate for scheduled services directly to individuals. Thus, both privately insured and uninsured individuals will no longer be blindsided by the cost of their healthcare services. I am hopeful this bill will be another bipartisan triumph for the American people.

Tax reform keeps delivering for Americans

On Tuesday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its Budget and Economic Outlook for 2020-2030, which provides Congress with an unbiased 10-year budget projection and measures the nation’s economic health. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which House Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law in 2017, America’s economy is roaring.

The report affirms that Republican pro-growth policies have created more jobs and increased wages for American workers while reducing the federal deficit by a projected $705 billion over the next decade. I’m eager for Congress and President Trump to build on these successful policies and keep the economy growing for all Americans.

Coming your way: USMCA

Next Wednesday, President Trump will sign the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law. After being needlessly held up by House Democrats for a year, the Senate last week passed USMCA by an overwhelming vote of 89 – 10. Once signed into law, USMCA will generate over $68 billion in economic activity, create 176,000 new jobs for American workers, and, for the first time, open Canadian markets to American dairy products. With this great deal, alongside his recent trade deal with China, President Trump is delivering on his promises to put America first and dismantle unfair trade barriers on U.S. farmers and workers.

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.