David Valadao: “I thank the chairman, my friend from California, for the opportunity to have this time. Representing the Central Valley…”

“I thank the chairman, my friend from California, for the opportunity to have this time. Representing the Central Valley in Congress has been an honor of a lifetime. There are truly no words to express how grateful I am to my supporters, neighbors, and all those who make the Central Valley such an amazing place. If you would have told me or my parents 10 years ago that I would be here standing on the House floor, none of us would have believed you. I have so many people to thank. First off, most importantly, my wife, Terra, she has been an amazing supporter and, from the day I met her, she has always just found ways to make my life better and make me a better person. My children--Conner, who is 16; Madeline, who is 12; and Lucas, who is 8--have weathered the storm and been a part of this life for the last 8 years, 2 years in the State Legislature and 6 years here, traveling back and forth, many times away from home, not able to attend soccer games. So it has been tough on them, and I think they are looking forward to things being a little bit better with me having the opportunity to be there for them more than I have had the opportunity in the past. I am grateful for that. I am also grateful for my team, the staff in my office, back home in Hanford and Bakersfield, and especially here in Washington, D.C. I have had an amazing team around me that has helped me be successful here in Washington and at home, and I am very proud to have had them as part of my team.…”