Posts

Posted on

Valadao, Costa Host Bipartisan Immigration Roundtable

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

FRESNO – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) hosted a bipartisan immigration roundtable in Fresno in partnership with Nisei Farmers League. The conversation brought together farmers, advocates, and local business owners to discuss the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform and explore common-sense solutions to deliver for the San Joaquin Valley.

During the roundtable, Congressmen Valadao and Costa highlighted key legislation reintroduced in the 119th Congress, like the DIGNITY Act and Farm Workforce Modernization Act, as positive steps forward. Congressman Valadao co-led the reintroduction of both bills.

  • The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would allow undocumented farmworkers to earn legal status while modernizing the H-2A guest worker program our farmers and producers rely on.
  • The DIGNITY Act combines stronger border security with an earned process for longtime undocumented residents, including Dreamers, to obtain legal status and work permits.

Together, these proposals represent tangible pathways to stability for immigrant families, certainty for farmers and agribusinesses, and long-overdue reforms to strengthen both the workforce and the economy.

“Decades of inaction have left us with an immigration system that fails to meet today’s challenges, creating uncertainty for our farmers and for the many undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked peacefully in the Central Valley for years,” said Congressman Valadao. “Bipartisan immigration reform remains one of my top priorities, and hearing directly from those impacted helps me fight for policies that bring fairness and stability to our communities.”

“Farmers need certainty, workers deserve dignity, and our communities need real solutions,” said Congressman Costa. “That’s what this conversation is about, bringing people together to have the hard conversations and push for solutions that can finally move immigration reform forward.”

 “The Nisei Farmers League supports H.R. 4393 in giving workers and families, including DACA recipients, protection from the fear of deportation and the separation of families. The hardworking people that work in these industries are not felons or criminals. This legislation will allow these workers to apply for Dignity Status while not leaving the country. They are essential and frontline workers who feed and care for the United States of America and the world. Let’s give dignity and respect to the hardworking people and their families that they deserve by supporting H.R. 4393,” said Manuel Cunha Jr., Nisei Farmers League President.  

“This moment is a call to action on behalf of families in the Central Valley, and although this bill may not include all immigrant families, it is a significant start. These are families who have contributed to the fabric of America by paying their taxes, opening new business, and sending their children to college, among other things. The Dignity Act is a crucial step for all of us who believe in upholding the dignity and humanity of our communities. We stand in solidarity with these families and hope this bill can be the beginning of something great for them,” said Margarita A. Rocha, Executive Director at Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc. 

Background:

California is home to an estimated 2.3 million undocumented immigrants, the largest population in the country, and their work is central to keeping our economy running. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, roughly half of all farmworkers in California are undocumented, making them essential to putting food on America’s tables. In the Central Valley alone, immigrant labor sustains the region’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural economy.

During the roundtable, Congressmen Valadao and Costa underscored that real progress on immigration will only come when lawmakers are willing to work across the aisle. As members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, both Representatives are helping to drive solutions that can gain traction in a Republican-majority Congress. 

###

Posted on

Larsen, Jayapal Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Seattle Sounders

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced a resolution recognizing Seattle Sounders FC for becoming the first Major League Soccer (MLS) team to win all five major North American soccer trophies.

“I’ve known the Sounders are the best men’s professional soccer team since my days as a ball boy for the team when they were in the NASL,” said Rep. Larsen. “Congratulations to the team on this major accomplishment, and go Sounders!”

“I want to congratulate the Seattle Sounders for an incredible season so far, and for reaching the major milestone of becoming the first MLS team to win all five major North American soccer trophies,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This is a huge victory for Seattle sports, and we are so lucky to have such a phenomenal team representing our city!”

Since the Seattle Sounders’ inaugural season as an MLS team in 2009, they have won nine major North American soccer trophies: the Lamar Hunt United States Open Cup in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014; the Supporters’ Shield in 2014; MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019; the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2022; and Leagues Cup in 2025.

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

###

Posted on

Costa, Valadao Convene Roundtable to Push Bipartisan Immigration Fix

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa and David Valadao, in partnership with Nisei Farmers League, convened a bipartisan immigration roundtable with local leaders and stakeholders. The conversation brought together farmers, advocates, and business owners to confront the urgent need for immigration reform and explore common-sense solutions that can deliver for the San Joaquin Valley. “Farmers need certainty, workers deserve dignity, and our communities need real solutions,” Congressman Costa said. “That’s what this conversation is about, bringing people together to have the hard conversations and push for solutions that can finally move bipartisan, comprehensgive immigration reform forward.”“Decades of inaction have left us with an immigration system that fails to meet today’s challenges, creating uncertainty for our farmers and for the many undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked peacefully in the Central Valley for years,” said Congressman Valadao. “Bipartisan immigration reform remains one of my top priorities, and hearing directly from those impacted helps me fight for policies that bring fairness and stability to our communities.” “The Nisei Farmers League supports H.R. 4393 in giving workers and families, including DACA recipients, protection from the fear of deportation and the separation of families. The hardworking people that work in these industries are not felons or criminals. This legislation will allow these workers to apply for Dignity Status while not leaving the country. They are essential and frontline workers who feed and care for the United States of America and the world. Let’s give dignity and respect to the hardworking people and their families that they deserve by supporting H.R. 4393.” said Manuel Cunha Jr., Nisei Farmers League President. “This moment is a call to action on behalf of families in the Central Valley, and although this bill may not include all immigrant families, it is a significant start. These are families who have contributed to the fabric of America by paying their taxes, opening new business, and sending their children to college, among other things. The Dignity Act is a crucial step for all of us who believe in upholding the dignity and humanity of our communities. We stand in solidarity with these families and hope this bill can be the beginning of something great for them,” Margarita A. Rocha- Executive Director at Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, Inc.BACKGROUNDCalifornia is home to an estimated 2.3 million undocumented immigrants, the largest population in the country, and their work is central to running our economy. Roughly half of all farmworkers in California are undocumented, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, making them essential to putting food on America’s tables. In the Central Valley alone, immigrant labor sustains the region’s multi-billion-dollar agricultural economy. Representatives Costa and Valadao underscored that real progress on immigration will only come when lawmakers are willing to work across the aisle. As members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, both Representatives are helping to drive solutions that can gain traction in a divided Congress. They pointed to key legislation already before Congress as part of the path forward.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would allow undocumented farmworkers to earn legal status while modernizing the H-2A guest worker program that growers rely on. 
The DIGNITY Act combines stronger border security with an earned process for longtime undocumented residents to obtain legal status and work permits. 
The American Dream and Promise Act would finally provide permanent protections for Dreamers and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Together, these proposals represent tangible pathways to stability for immigrant families, certainty for farmers and agribusinesses, and long-overdue reforms to strengthen both the workforce and economy.
Photos from the event are available HERE. 

Posted on

Castro Statement on Shooting at Dallas ICE Facility

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

September 24, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement:

“My office is monitoring the ongoing investigation regarding the tragic killing of two immigrants detained at Dallas’ ICE facility and the injury of one other.

“This is a heartbreaking act of violence. All of us need to reject extremism in our politics and come together to prevent tragedies like this.”

Posted on

Jayapal, Larsen Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Seattle Sounders

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced a resolution recognizing Seattle Sounders FC for becoming the first Major League Soccer (MLS) team to win all five major North American soccer trophies.

“I want to congratulate the Seattle Sounders for an incredible season so far, and for reaching the major milestone of becoming thefirstMLS team to win all five major North American soccer trophies,” said Jayapal. “This is a huge victory for Seattle sports, and we are so lucky to have such a phenomenal team representing our city!”

“I’ve known the Sounders are the best men’s professional soccer team since my days as a ball boy for the team when they were in the NASL,” said Rep. Larsen. “Congratulations to the team on this major accomplishment, and go Sounders!”

Since the Seattle Sounders’ inaugural season as an MLS team in 2009, they have won nine major North American soccer trophies: the Lamar Hunt United States Open Cup in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014; the Supporters’ Shield in 2014; MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019; the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2022; and Leagues Cup in 2025.

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

Posted on

Reps. Mike Levin & Sean Casten Unveil the Cheap Energy Agenda: A Roadmap to Lower Energy Costs for American Families

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

September 24, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Sean Casten (IL-06), Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force, today unveiled the Cheap Energy Agenda, a consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to cheap, reliable, and clean energy.

To fulfill this agenda, Reps. Levin and Casten released a draft of their legislation, the Cheap Energy Act, which is a comprehensive approach to addressing the wide array of different factors that are raising energy bills.

“Energy prices are way too high and millions of Americans are struggling to pay their energy bills because we’re caught in a cycle of favoring dirty energy producers over consumers. The path to lower energy costs must include consumer-first policies that prioritize clean, cheap energy,” said Rep. Levin. “Our Cheap Energy Agenda outlines forward-thinking solutions that modernize the grid, reorient electricity markets to better serve the American people, and build a future that lowers the cost of energy for homes and businesses throughout the country. I’m proud to work with Rep. Casten on this foundation that will kickstart conversations on how to solve our energy crisis.”

“For too long, United States energy policy has prioritized the wants of energy producers over the needs of American consumers,” said Rep. Casten. “It’s past time things change. The Cheap Energy Act is a consumer-focused approach to energy policy that is rooted in American values like choice and competition. It will lower the cost of energy for American consumers by ensuring they have access to cheap, reliable, and efficient energy.”

A summary of the draft legislation can be found here.

A section-by-section of the draft legislation can be found here.

Text of the draft legislation can be found here.

Background

At a time when electricity rates are soaring across the country and millions of families are struggling to pay their rising energy bills, the single most impactful thing we can do to lower energy costs for Americans is to expand access to cheap energy. The cheapest, most reliable forms of energy are also the cleanest. We have the tools to power America with abundant, affordable, American-made clean energy.

The missing link between those tools and expanded access to cheap, reliable, and clean energy is a consumer-first energy policy. For too long, U.S. energy policy has boosted the profits of energy producers at the expense of energy consumers. We must shift our focus to lowering costs and increasing reliability for American homes and businesses by deploying more clean energy.

The Cheap Energy Agenda prioritizes consumers and ensures access to cheap energy for our homes, businesses, and economy by:

  • Providing energy assistance to millions of households, protecting families from utility shutoffs.
  • Deploying more cheap energy – which is also the cleanest energy – by unblocking the bottlenecks that prevent new energy sources from reaching Americans.
  • Protecting domestic natural gas prices from the higher-priced international market.
  • Incentivizing electric utilities to save consumers’ money.
  • Restoring the historic tax credits for cheap energy that Congress enacted in 2022 and revoked in 2025.
  • Modernizing the electric grid to connect the cheapest forms of energy from the sometimes distant places where it is generated to where people live and work.
  • Providing incentives to work with communities and ensure our federal agencies are adequately staffed and resourced to review and process permits expeditiously.

###

Posted on

Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for Ongoing Recovery Efforts Related to the January 2023 Winter Storms

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for Ongoing Recovery Efforts Related to the January 2023 Winter Storms

Washington, September 24, 2025

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced significant federal funding to reimburse local governments in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties for their disaster recovery costs and bolster some ongoing recovery efforts following the intense January 2023 winter storms. 

“After the January 2023 winter storm, communities in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties showed incredible resilience,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to announce this critical federal funding that will not only reimburse local governments for their recovery costs, but also strengthen ongoing efforts to rebuild key infrastructure smarter and safer. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’ll keep fighting to ensure our region gets the support it needs to build resilient infrastructure.”

“By strengthening our natural infrastructure, we’re not just repairing — we’re preparing,” said Santa Barbara County Board Chair Laura Capps. This federal funding will help safeguard our communities against the growing threat of extreme weather in the face of the climate crisis. I am grateful to Congressman Carbajal for being such a champion for Santa Barbara County.”

“SLO County suffered a hard hit in the 2023 storms, and we are incredible grateful for Congressman Carbajal’s focus on delivering the necessary funding for our damaged roads and bridges. These important dollars will make a difference for a safer and resilient community. We say “thank you! Congressman Carbajal!” said Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Chairperson of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

“After the Congressman visited Ventura Harbor in January 2023, he took the initiative to seek the Biden Administration’s inclusion of Ventura County in the major disaster declaration. This provided the Ventura Port District the opportunity to seek reimbursement for over $1.1 million in damages out of the nearly $1.5 million that has been paid by the District. With an operating budget of just $13.5 million, such an expense comes at a significant cost to other public services and amenities. Through the support of Congressman Carbajal, 75% these expenses will be recouped and our agency continues to provide the same level of service with significantly reduced financial impact from the storm,” said Todd Mitchell, Deputy General Manager of Ventura Port District. 

In early January 2023, a historic storm brought torrential rain, mudflows, and flooding to the Central Coast. The funding announced today was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will go to the following recovery projects:

  • $7,970,542.03 in federal reimbursements to Santa Barbara County for debris removal activities throughout the county immediately following the winter storm.
  • $7,681,725.00 to San Luis Obispo County for permanent repairs to Chimney Rock Road. During the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides resulted in severe damages, including severe washout, material loss, and erosion of road base, asphalt surface, embankment, and culvert corrugated metal pipes. The announced funding will go toward restoring the road back to its pre-disaster function, utilizing applicable codes and standards. Work to be completed includes the removal and replacement of two culverts, embankment native soil, road surface, base, subbase, and fill.
  • $4,450,819.89 in federal reimbursements to San Luis Obispo County for debris removal activities throughout the county immediately following the winter storm.
  • $3,010,327.23 to California Department of Transportation for permanent repairs. The heavy rainfall resulted in San Luis Obispo Creek overflowing, which inundated several buildings in the Caltrans District 5 complex. Damages consist of drywall, insulation, studs, finish flooring, molding, fire rated doors, fuel storage tanks, and painted surfaces. Also, contents that include but are not limited to desks, chairs, computers, monitors, routers and IT equipment, printers, cabinets, landscape equipment (blowers, trimmers, lawn mowers), and televisions. The announced funding will be used for repairs to restore the facilities back to pre-disaster design, capacity, and function within the existing footprint.
  • $2,461,128.38 to Santa Barbara County for debris removal operations in the Carpinteria Salt Marsh channels. The debris removal took place upstream of Santa Monica Creek, upstream of Franklin Creek, and downstream at the mouth between 2/27/2023 and 1/4/2024.
  • $2,318,666.62 in federal reimbursements to Ventura County for debris removal activities throughout the county immediately following the winter storm.
  • $1,184,997.77 in federal funding to the Ojai Valley Sanitary District for permanent repairs. During the incident period, severe storms caused catastrophic flooding along the Ojai Valley Trail damaging eighty (80) linear feet of sewer line, armoring, and supporting embankment. In response to the event, Ojai Valley Sanitary District utilized contract services for repairs to restore this facility back to pre-disaster design, function, and capacity within the existing footprint.
  • $1,122,592.00 in federal reimbursements to Santa Barbara County for emergency road repairs. During the incident period, the Santa Maria River overflowed and washed away roads, which created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public and required emergency response and protective measures. In response, the County provided emergency road repairs, which included crack sealing, blading, dig outs, patching, washout temporary fill, asphalt and base replacement, embankment K-rail for temporary culvert system, striping, and supervision and inspection of the work completed.
  • $1,106,364.75 to the Ventura Port District for debris removal operations. During the incident period, severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides deposited silt and sand debris in the Inner Harbor Waterway, Ventura, California. In response, the Ventura Port District utilized contract services to conduct debris removal and debris monitoring operations and hydrographic survey. The Ventura Port District removed approximately 48,000 cubic yards of silt and sand from the inner harbor to the outflow location of the harbor via sealed pipe to the final disposition site, and performed hydrographic pre removal and post removal survey work. All work and validated cost in this project fall between 7/1/2023 through 4/4/2024.

Immediately following the winter storms, Carbajal spearheaded efforts to secure the initial federal disaster aid packages.

###

Posted on

Bergman Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge for First District Students

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Rep. Jack Bergman announced that middle and high school students in Michigan’s First Congressional District are invited to participate in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide competition designed to inspire students to explore coding, computer science, and app development.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for students across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to showcase their creativity and technical talent on a national stage,” said Rep. Bergman. “Innovation and technology will continue to shape our future, and I encourage students of all skill levels to take part in this competition.”

Winning students will have their apps displayed in the U.S. Capitol, featured on the official House of Representatives website, and recognized nationally for their achievement.

The deadline to submit entries is October 30, 2025. Students can find additional information, including rules and registration details, at www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

For questions, please contact Lauren Pauly in Rep. Bergman’s office at Lauren.Pauly@mail.house.gov.

Posted on

Bergman Calls on USPS to Improve Service for Americans, Protect Postal Employees

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Last week, Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a press conference to call on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to improve service for Americans and protect postal employees.

Budzinski, Bergman, and Pappas, along with Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus. The new, bipartisan group focuses on improving on-time delivery rates, protecting postal employees, and stopping harmful facility consolidations and threats of privatization that reduce access in rural and underserved areas.

“In Kingsford, Michigan, our community came together to protect the Processing and Distribution Center, preserving essential services for Veterans, families, and small businesses. As co-chair of the Postal Service Caucus, I will bring that same determination to the national stage, working to modernize the Postal Service while protecting rural facilities and delivery standards. This effort is about more than mail – it’s about keeping communities connected and ensuring rural America is not left behind,” said Rep. Bergman.

“The Postal Service is a lifeline, especially for our rural communities. But in recent years, service reliability has declined and employees are being asked to do more with less. That’s why I’ve joined Representatives Bergman, Pappas, and Garbarino to create the bipartisan Congressional Postal Service Caucus and finally tackle these issues head-on in Congress,” said Rep. Budzinski. “We stood together today to demand better for our constituents and to stand up for a public Postal Service for all Americans.”

“The U.S. Postal Service provides an essential public service that seniors, families, and businesses rely on for their medications, mail, and packages,” said Rep. Pappas. “I’m joining my colleagues in launching the Congressional Postal Service Caucus so that we can continue working to strengthen mail service for communities in New Hampshire and across the country. I remain committed to improving access to prompt and reliable mail and package deliveries, especially for our rural communities.”

“The United States Postal Service plays a vital role in communities across the country. We must remain committed to ensuring reliable service, protecting postal workers, and preserving the Postal Service’s mission to serve every American household,” said Rep. Garbarino.

Posted on

Bergman, Budzinski, Pappas to Hold Press Conference Launching Congressional Postal Service Caucus, Demand Improved Service for Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

On Friday, September 19, Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), 

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) will hold a press conference to launch the new Congressional Postal Service Caucus and demand improved service for Americans. Budzinski, Bergman, and Pappas along with Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan group.

The Congressional Postal Service Caucus will focus on improving on-time delivery rates, protecting postal employees, and stopping harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas.

WHAT: Budzinski, Bergman, Pappas to Hold Press Conference Launching Congressional Postal Service Caucus, Demand Improved Service for Americans 

WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District

U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, Michigan’s 1st District

U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, New Hampshire’s 1st District

WHEN: Friday, September 19

9:30am ET – 10:00am ET

WHERE: House Triangle