Adam Gray

GRAY BACKED FARM BILL PASSES THROUGH FULL HOUSE WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

In a major win for the Central Valley, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) today helped pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 through the full House of Representatives and secured the inclusion of an amendment to further strengthen the bill for Valley farmers, businesses, and rural communities. “Passing a bipartisan Farm Bill gives Valley farmers and ranchers the certainty they need to plan, manage risk, and keep producing,” said Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13). “It strengthens support for American-grown products and invests in the tools needed to stay competitive. This is about keeping agriculture strong in the Central Valley.” A Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Gray has played a central role in moving the bipartisan Farm Bill forward this Congress and secured important priorities for the Valley. Most recently, on the House floor, Congressman Gray was able to unanimously pass an additional amendment to the Farm Bill that will help protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by prohibiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing dangerous cost-sharing or matching requirements. During Committee markup, Congressman Gray was able to unanimously pass two amendments to strengthen the bill. The first would allow states the flexibility to allocate up to 20% of their Emergency Food Assistance Program funding towards the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. This will expand procurement opportunities for the fresh products grown in the Valley. The second requires the USDA to report to Congress how changes to or expiration of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect the agriculture industry. In addition, Congressman Gray led efforts to support specialty crop growers by strengthening research and development, doubling funding for the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) programs. Additionally, he supported the Farm Bills establishment of a specialty crop advisory committee for policy development and expansion, expansion of procurement programs, and improvements to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Congressman Gray also introduced an additional amendment that the House Rules Committee voted not to include. The amendment, if adopted by the full House, would have provided $5 billion dollars in much needed economic assistance to our nation’s Specialty Crop growers. "The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) thanks Reps. Adam Gray (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and the many cosponsors of the bipartisan amendment that prohibits USDA from imposing cost-sharing or matching requirements on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, thereby protecting the program's viability. Their leadership ensures the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will continue to benefit specialty crop producers by providing a flexible program that improves outcomes for the sector,” said Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). “The importance of congressional representatives focused on California agriculture cannot be overstated. The California Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. Adam Gray’s work on the 2026 Farm Bill, particularly his amendment to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. A practical Farm Bill ensures California’s farmers and ranchers remain competitive both at home and in the global market. We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass the Farm Bill,” said Shannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau. “As a specialty crop grower, I appreciate Rep. Gray’s leadership on the amendment to protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Programs like this are most effective when they remain accessible and focused on supporting growers. Rep. Gray helps to ensure resources continue to reach nurseries like mine and support the innovation and resilience our industry depends on. Thank you for standing up for specialty crop growers and voting for the Farm Bill,” said Michael Frantz, President of Frantz Wholesale Nursery (Hickman, CA). "The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends Rep. Adam Gray for his strong support of our industry. Building on his success in adding more fruits and vegetables to government procurement programs during the Agriculture Committee's consideration of the farm bill, he has also secured a crucial amendment on the House floor to protect the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. His bipartisan work in support of a new five-year farm bill is key to enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop growers in California and across the United States, and we thank him,” said Jonathon Cordone, Executive Director of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. "The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds Congressman Adam Gray and his team for their leadership in advancing and passing H.R. 7567 off the House Floor. The Congressman's support of the House's Farm Bill reflects a strong understanding of the challenges facing specialty crop growers, particularly in California. CFFA greatly appreciates his leadership in securing provisions that strengthen the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which delivers flexible, on‑the‑ground resources for fresh fruit producers by supporting research, market development, and competitiveness. The Association commends Congressman Gray for standing with specialty crop agriculture and farmers across the nation. We look forward to continued collaboration with his office, especially as Congress works to get this legislation to the President,” said Casey Creamer, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association. "At a time when fruit and vegetable growers across the nation are facing strong economic headwinds, The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program continues to be one of the most effective tools we have to support specialty crop growers across the country. This strength lies in its flexibility, which allows states to tailor investments to the unique needs of their producers - whether that's research, marketing, or innovation. We appreciate Congressman Gray's leadership in protecting the integrity of this program and ensuring it remains accessible and workable for our fresh produce growers and state partners. Maintaining that flexibility is critical to keeping our industry competitive and continuing to deliver for American agriculture,” said Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association. “The California Association of Winegrape Growers recognizes the importance of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and appreciates Congressman Adam Gray’s leadership in securing this important provision. By removing matching fund requirements, this change will preserve access to critical research funding at a time when growers are facing significant economic pressures, allowing more resources to reach the field and support the innovation and solutions our industry depends on,” said Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “The American Pistachio Growers thank Congressman Adam Gray (D-CA-13) for his continued leadership on issues impacting our farmers and processors, from his decade of service in the State Assembly to his work in Congress. Most recently, his bipartisan amendment—included in the farm bill passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives—prohibits USDA from imposing a new 25% cost-share requirement for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This requirement would have undermined the program’s integrity and accessibility for pistachio growers nationwide,” said Cadee Condit, Vice President of Government Relation of the American Pistachio Growers. “California blueberry growers continue to face rising production costs, labor challenges, market volatility, increasing import pressure, and the need for continued investment in research, pest and disease prevention, market access, and nutrition programs. A strong Farm Bill is critical to ensuring that specialty crop producers have the tools necessary to remain competitive, protect domestic production, and continue providing healthy, high-quality fruit to consumers. The Commission supports Farm Bill provisions that strengthen specialty crop research, expand export market development, protect plant health, improve risk management tools, and ensure specialty crops are meaningfully represented in federal agricultural policy. We appreciate your leadership and attention to the needs of California agriculture and urge continued support for a Farm Bill that delivers meaningful benefits for blueberry growers and the broader specialty crop sector,” said Todd Sanders, Executive Director of the California Blueberry Commission. “Western Growers thanks Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13) for his support of California’s specialty crop agriculture in today’s bipartisan House passage of H.R. 7567—the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, as well as his successful protection of the Specialty Crop Block Grant program during Floor consideration. This is a foundational program for our industry, and your commitment on the House Agriculture Committee to the resilience of our nation’s fresh produce supply is deeply appreciated,” said Western Growers. Read the full text of the amendment that was included in the Farm Bill here. Issues: Agriculture

GRAY PASSES THREE BIPARTISAN BILLS ON HOUSE FLOOR

Last week, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) passed three bipartisan bills on the House floor to deliver for the Central Valley. All three bills, introduced with a Republican co-lead, passed on the House floor with support from both Democrats and Republicans. All three bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration. The Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act, introduced alongside Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), authorizes funding for the Telehealth Network Grant Program through 2030, ensuring families in rural areas like California’s Central Valley will have access to care. The Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act, introduced alongside Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08), will ensure that states are not punished for the smoke and emissions they cannot control, while still maintaining strong environmental protections. The Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act, introduced alongside Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), will streamline geothermal energy development and production and decrease energy costs. “I came to Congress to get things done for the Central Valley,” said Congressman Adam Gray. “This shows that despite partisan gridlock and politics as usual in Washington, it is possible to find common ground on issues and deliver meaningful legislation that will expand access to telehealth in rural communities, address wildfire-related air quality challenges, and lower energy costs. I will work with anyone to deliver results and find solutions to the issues facing the Valley.” Issues: Natural Resources Energy Health

GRAY LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO SPEED UP PERMITTING PROCESS AND CUT THROUGH BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE

Position: Congressman Gray supports streamlining the federal permitting process for infrastructure projects through the CERTAIN Act, which would simplify approval timelines and require federal agencies to review projects with transparency and fairness.

This week, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13), Scott Peters (CA-50), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. The bipartisan legislation would simplify the permitting process for infrastructure development by streamlining approval timelines, and requiring federal agencies to review all projects fairly and with transparency. Previously, Congressman Gray played a key role in a bipartisan group that advanced the SPEED Act through the House Natural Resources Committee. Unfortunately, when the bill reached the House floor, Republicans added a provision that significantly weakened Gray-backed permit certainty language for energy projects. While the bill has advanced to the Senate, progress has since stalled. The CERTAIN Act builds on that language to continue bipartisan, bicameral negotiations on permitting reform. “We need major reforms to our permitting process that ensure transparency, timelines, and certainty for all applicants.” said Congressman Gray. “By working together to fix our permitting processes, we can save taxpayer dollars, strengthen our economy, and once again show that America can build great things.” This effort builds on Congressman Gray’s work in Congress to reform our outdated and dysfunctional permitting process. Ensuring a reliable and efficient permitting process is crucial to build any infrastructure, including much needed water storage. Congressman Gray introduced the End the California Water Crisis Package last year, a suite of bills that would authorize additional California water storage projects, ease permitting restrictions and create enforceable timelines for environmental review. Read the full text of the bill here. Issues: Agriculture Natural Resources

GRAY CELEBRATES CALIFORNIA WATER INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS, CALLS FOR MORE RESOURCES

Position: Congressman Gray supports increased federal funding for California water infrastructure projects, including water storage and conveyance systems in the Central Valley, and advocates for streamlined environmental permitting processes for such projects.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Gray (CA-13) today issued the below statement following the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement of $540 million in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for California water infrastructure projects. “Federal investments in Central Valley water infrastructure are crucial for our region’s agricultural economy. While the funding announced this week is a step in the right direction, additional resources are necessary to ensure a reliable water supply throughout California. That is why when the House was considering the OBBBA last year, I proposed an amendment to fund the projects authorized in my Central Valley Water Solution Act at $8 billion. Unfortunately, the amendment was opposed by both Republicans and Democrats in the House. In the months ahead, I will continue to educate and work with my colleagues to pass my water legislative package and secure higher funding for water projects throughout the state." In his first term in Congress, Congressman Gray has prioritized safeguarding water access for Central Valley farmers and producers. Last year, he introduced the End the California Water Crisis Package, a suite of bills that would authorize additional California water storage projects, ease permitting restrictions, and create enforceable timelines for environmental review processes. Congressman Gray offered an amendment to the House Natural Resources Committee’s reconciliation proposal to increase funding for Western Water to $8 billion. This would have funded 26 water storage and conveyance projects in the Central Valley. Congressman Gray was the sole Democratic vote in favor of sending the Committee’s package to the House Floor for a final vote.

GRAY SECURES MAJOR WINS FOR CENTRAL VALLEY FARMERS, BUSINESSES, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES IN 2026 FARM BILL

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) used his position on the House Committee on Agriculture this week to push for and secure important priorities for Central Valley farmers, businesses, and rural communities in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, this is the major multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs that are essential to Valley growers and producers. “I am proud to represent one of the world’s largest agricultural regions,” said Congressman Gray. “That’s why I am committed to delivering bipartisan results for Valley farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and their families. Committee passage of this Farm Bill is an important first step to ensure that our agricultural communities have the resources, support, and certainty they need to continue to feed families across the country." The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 would expand risk management tools for farmers, protect American-grown commodities, and support precision agriculture and new technology. Specifically, the legislation supports specialty crop growers by strengthening research and development, doubling funding for the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) programs. Additionally, it establishes a specialty crop advisory committee for policy development and expansion, expands procurement programs, and improves the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. During markup of the legislation, the Committee unanimously passed two of Congressman Gray’s amendments offered on behalf of Central Valley farmers that would: Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report to Congress how changes to or expiration of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect the agriculture industry; and Provide states with the flexibility to allocate up to 20% of their Emergency Food Assistance Program funding towards the USDA Department of Defense (DOD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This program allows states to use their resources on locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, Congressman Gray was also able to secure a commitment from Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) to secure billions of dollars in long-overdue economic assistance for specialty crop growers through a future government funding bill. Valley specialty crops have been hit particularly hard over the past year due to trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and weakened market competition. WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass: “Farmers and ranchers have been without certainty of a new farm bill since it first expired in 2023, and have been grappling with low commodity prices, rising supply costs, inflation and uncertain international trade dynamics. California Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Adam Gray for his support on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Passing an updated farm bill is critical to managing risk on the farm, keeping rural communities thriving and feeding our nation and the world.” Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance: “The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance appreciates Rep. Gray for his support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The bill aligns with the Alliance’s priorities, and Representative Gray’s amendment – expanding government procurement to encompass a broader selection of fruits and vegetables – further enhances its impact, benefiting a greater number of growers. We thank him for his work on behalf of specialty crop producers in California and across the United States.” Alexi Rodriguez, CEO of Almond Alliance: “On behalf of the Almond Alliance, I commend Congressman Gray for his vote to advance the Farm Bill, a decision that directly supports thousands of jobs up and down California’s Central Valley. By backing a bill that strengthens export promotion, improves disaster and risk‑management tools for tree crops, invests in research, conservation, and precision agriculture, Congressman Gray is helping safeguard paychecks for farmworkers, growers, processors, and transportation workers who all depend on a competitive, resilient almond industry.” Caitie Diemel, Executive Director, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau: “Stanislaus County Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Adam Gray’s leadership and support on including our farmers and ranchers’ needs in the Farm Bill. These programs lead to a more effective and sustainable agriculture system and ultimately support our local communities.” Dave Puglia, Western Growers President and CEO: “Specialty crop growers in the San Joaquin Valley thank Rep. Gray for his leadership on the Farm Bill, and his acknowledgement that this legislation is necessary to provide long-lasting solutions for the challenges facing American agriculture.” Ian LeMay, California Table Grape Commission President: “The California Table Grape Commission appreciates Congressman Adam Gray’s leadership and engagement in supporting the Farm Bill process and strengthening the competitiveness of specialty crop producers, including California’s table grape growers. As specialty crop producers face significant economic pressures, continued representation of the specialty crop community by Congressman Gray is critical to supporting the long-term vitality of the industry.” Michael M. Delbar, CEO, California Rangeland Trust: “The California Rangeland Trust commends Representative Adam Gray for supporting the House Farm Bill, particularly the strengthened Conservation Title. Conserving working lands protects vital environmental benefits — including water resources, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and natural wildfire buffers — while also strengthening America’s food security and national security. These improvements will help more producers steward the lands that sustain our environment and the nation’s long-term stability.” Todd Sanders, California Apple Commission Executive Director: “As the fifth-largest apple-producing state in the nation, California plays a vital role in American agriculture. The California Apple Commission supports continued progress on the Farm Bill and appreciates Congressman Gray and our Central Valley representatives for their leadership in advancing policies that strengthen California agriculture — particularly the specialty crop industries.” Michelle Borges, California Blueberry Commission Director of Technical Affairs and Operations: “As one of the nation’s leading producers of fresh blueberries, California plays an important role in supplying high-quality fruit to consumers across the country and around the world. The California Blueberry Commission urges Congress to advance and complete a strong, forward-looking Farm Bill. We appreciate Congressman Gray and California’s congressional delegation for their leadership in supporting policies that promote innovation, sustainability, and the long-term success of specialty crop agriculture. Jackie Kennedy, Chair of the Olive Oil Commission of California: As a grower and Chair of the Olive Oil Commission of California, I appreciate the dedication of California’s congressional delegation, including Congressman Gray, in advancing a strong and effective Farm Bill. An improved Farm Bill is essential to supporting the continued growth, competitiveness, and long-term success of California’s expanding extra-virgin olive oil industry. Galen Pfeiffer, Chairman of the Olive Growers Council of California: As a California table olive grower for more than 30 years, I rely on our congressional delegation to represent and support our industry in Washington, D.C. I urge California’s representatives, including Congressman Gray, to advance the next Farm Bill without delay. A strong and improved Farm Bill is critical to the continued success of California’s Black and Green Ripe olive industry and the farming families who sustain it. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., International Dairy Food Association President and CEO: “The House Farm Bill would expand SNAP dairy incentives to include additional nutritious dairy products and provide certainty to core federal dairy programs, ensuring low-income families have greater access to affordable, wholesome dairy foods while giving farmers and processors the certainty they need to continue delivering for America. IDFA is grateful to Representative Gray for working to pass this Farm Bill.” Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President, Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Produce Association: “The International Fresh Produce Association thanks Congressman Gray for voting to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and for supporting provisions that address the unique needs of specialty crop producers. The bill delivers certainty and fairness for growers while taking steps to strengthen America’s nutrition security. We especially appreciate Rep. Gray’s successful amendment to allow states’ food bank networks to reserve up to 20% of their USDA Foods allotment on fresh produce. This common-sense but groundbreaking policy will significantly expand the ability of growers to provide their full bounty of U.S. grown fresh produce to nourish those in need.” Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council: "U.S. dairy farmers and exporters rely on commonsense policies that preserve and expand their global market presence. We thank Congressman Gray for his leadership in supporting a bipartisan Farm Bill this week that invests in critical agricultural export promotions, preserves our right to use common cheese names in global markets, and continues funding for lifesaving international food aid programs that incorporate dairy." American Pistachio Growers: “APG appreciates the support of our congressional members who represent districts with pistachio production—Reps. Costa, Gray, and Vasquez (NM)—all of whom serve on the House Agriculture Committee—for their support of the Farm Bill. Throughout this process, Congressman Adam Gray has been a strong leader for the California pistachio industry, and we appreciate his leadership and commitment to supporting our growers.” The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture with bipartisan support, 34-17, and will now proceed to full consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. ###

GRAY STATEMENT ON IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

Position: Congressman Gray supports the Iran War Powers Resolution, arguing that Congress must approve military action and the President must present a clear strategy and defined objectives before the United States engages in further conflict in the region.

WASHINGTON, DC — Following today’s vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution, Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) released the following statement: “For decades, the regime in Iran has oppressed its own people and funded terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah that have destabilized the Middle East and threatened our allies. The world is safer without leadership that fuels violence and repression. At the same time, the Constitution is clear. Congress carries the solemn responsibility to declare war. The President must present a clear strategy and defined objectives to the American people through Congress before the United States is drawn further into another conflict in the region. We cannot repeat the mistakes of past Middle East interventions by placing American service members in harm’s way without a coherent plan and a defined end state. That is why I voted in support of the War Powers resolution that was brought to the floor today. As events continue to unfold, my focus remains on the safety of our troops and their families, and on protecting American interests at home and abroad.” ###

GRAY, COSTA RESPOND TO 2026 CVP WATER ALLOCATIONS

Position: Gray and Costa oppose the Trump Administration's 2026 Central Valley Project water allocation as insufficient given current snowpack and precipitation levels, and call for higher allocations to agricultural users in the San Joaquin Valley.

MERCED, CA - Following the Bureau of Reclamation’s 2026 water allocation announcement for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors, Adam Gray (CA-13) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement: "We are not happy. With substantial snowpack this winter and multiple recent years of strong precipitation that have helped lift California out of drought, the initial allocation is not justified. The President claimed he could deliver more water and yet that pledge rings hollow today. The Trump Administration’s allocations are offensive to the farmers of the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. This administration needs to move forward immediately with higher allocations and bring more water to the Valley like they promised." ###

REP. GRAY VOTES AGAINST DHS APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Position: Rep. Gray opposes the DHS Appropriations bill because it cuts funding for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services while keeping ICE funding flat, arguing the approach undermines effective immigration enforcement. He advocates for bipartisan immigration reform that combines border security, law enforcement support, and a pathway for long-standing immigrant workers.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Gray voted against the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which passed the House and now heads to the Senate. The legislation keeps funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement flat while cutting funding for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “I strongly support funding law enforcement at the national, state, and local levels,” said Rep. Gray. “But this bill reflects a pattern of reckless leadership from the President that undermines effective immigration enforcement and puts both federal agents and the public at risk. We should be investing in policies that keep communities safe and ensure our immigration system functions responsibly, not doubling down on approaches that create chaos and danger.” “Border security and accountability must go hand in hand,” Rep. Gray continued. “That means securing the border, enforcing the law, and holding federal agencies to clear standards so agents can do their jobs safely and professionally. Political stunts and mixed signals don’t make us safer. They make enforcement harder and communities less secure.” Congressman Gray emphasized that Congress must move beyond partisan brinkmanship and advance serious, bipartisan immigration reform. He is a cosponsor of both the Dignity Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, legislation that strengthens border security, increases accountability, and creates a lawful, reliable workforce for agriculture while offering a practical, earned path forward for long-standing immigrant workers. “Washington does not need more messaging bills,” Rep. Gray said. “We need bipartisan solutions that secure the border, support law enforcement, protect workers, and bring order to a broken system. That’s where my focus remains.”