Fongress Follow Up: Starting the New Year with Momentum

Posted Monday, January 26, 2026 11:24 am

Office of Rep. Vince Fong

Welcome to 2026! We are just a few weeks into the year, but my team and I have hit the ground running - we've convened healthcare discussions with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Oz, brought Administration officials to Pine Flat Dam to highlight the water needs of our community, and discussed the importance of our local military ranges and bases with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. I also secured millions of federal dollars to invest in critical projects across the Central Valley while at the same time eliminating billions of dollars in waste, fraud and abuse from the federal budget. The 20th District is where I was born and raised; I am honored to work each and every day to ensure you have an effective voice in Congress. Check out what I have been up to these past few weeks below!

Advocating for Water Priorities

Securing Critical Investments for CA-20

Over the past month, I voted for multiple appropriations bills (H.R. 6938, H.R. 7006, H.R. 7148, H.R. 7147) which means the House has now passed all of the 12 annual spending bills required to fully fund the government. I'm pleased to report that one of these bills, which has already passed the Senate and is on its way to becoming law, included responsible investments in our community, while still cutting the waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the country. In addition, I secured $39.5 million for defense and infrastructure here in the Central Valley. These investments I secured put Central Valley families, farmers, and communities first, and improve the defense and public safety:

City of Visalia – $2,000,000 for the Groundwater Recharge Basin F Project to expand stormwater capture, improve groundwater quality in the Kaweah Subbasin, and support a future 248-acre regional park.
Tule River Tribe – $1,250,000 for Intake Structure and Pipeline Improvements to replace aging water transmission infrastructure and ensure reliable, safe water access for the Tribe.
City of Ridgecrest – $1,000,000 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement to modernize a 70-year-old facility serving Ridgecrest and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Cerro Coso Community College – $1,112,250 for its Cybersecurity Program to establish a new cybersecurity education program supporting workforce development in Kern County.
City of Lemoore – $1,000,000 for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Water Meters to improve water conservation, detect leaks, and protect groundwater resources vital to the community and Naval Air Station Lemoore.
City of Tulare – $579,150 for its Police Dispatch Expansion Project to expand the Tulare Police Department’s dispatch center, improving emergency response times and officer safety.
Tulare County – $14,600,000 for the Success Reservoir Enlargement Project to finalize operational requirements for the expanded reservoir, improving flood protection and water reliability.
Kings County - $3,000,000 for the development of a new headquarters for the Kings County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services, strengthening emergency response and coordination.
Kern County - $3,000,000 for the Kern Council of Governments to advance the Centennial Corridor connector ramp linking southbound SR 99 to westbound SR 58, improving safety, mobility, and freight movement.
Kern County - $7,000,000 to recapitalize layered tanks at the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Lab at Edwards Air Force Base, supporting critical rocket testing infrastructure.
Kern County - $5,000,000 to pilot AI-enabled software upgrades within the Department of War’s Insider Threat Program, strengthening protections against internal and foreign security threats.
Kern County - $4,000,000 for the Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office to support advanced work at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, ensuring continued progress in naval aviation and electronic warfare systems.
Kern County - $15,000,000 to enhance a reusable hypersonic test bed, expanding America’s hypersonic testing capabilities.
Naval Air Station Lemoore - $2,500,000 to support testing of technology that reduces the risk of foreign object debris, improving aircraft safety and operational readiness.

In addition, I was able to secure language that will allow up to $15 million for NASA’s Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonic (MACH) Program.

You can read more about the appropriations bills here: H.R. 6938, H.R. 7006, H.R. 7148, and H.R. 7147.

Healthcare Roundtable with CMS Administrator Dr. Oz

Last week, I convened a healthcare roundtable with Rep. David Valadao and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz. We gathered representatives from hospital networks across the Central Valley to discuss the new Rural Health Transformation Program, and upcoming CMS regulations and federal policies affecting both patients and providers. Prior to the roundtable, I joined Dr. Oz and Rep. Valadao for a tour of Kern Medical's new mobile health clinics and the medical student union building, where we spoke with the hospital's doctors and nurses about the lifesaving care they provide.

It was an honor to welcome CMS Administrator Dr. Oz to the Central Valley to hear directly from healthcare leaders in our community. This visit underscored the federal government’s commitment to rural regions like ours. I look forward to continuing to work with local healthcare providers to strengthen affordable healthcare access across the Central Valley.

Arsenal of Freedom Tour with Secretary Hegseth

Earlier this month, I joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth when he brought his "Arsenal of Freedom" tour to California. Secretary Hegseth and I got to see the cutting-edge technologies being developed right here in California to advance our national security and meet with the workers supporting America’s space-based defense capabilities. During our visit, it was clear that the Secretary understood how critical the bases and test ranges in California’s 20th District are to our national security as he works to empower the defense innovation ecosystem and enable more collaboration between the military and commercial industry.

From NAWS China Lake to Edwards Air Force Base to the Mojave Air and Space Port, our community here in the Central Valley is a cornerstone of America’s arsenal of freedom. In Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure we have the tools and resources to advance peace through strength, deter our adversaries, and keep our country safe.

Meeting with Fresno County Sheriff's Office

Recently, while in D.C., I was able to meet with Fresno County Sheriff Zanoni, Assistant Sheriff Esmay, and Captain Pursell. We spoke about the policies we need to implement in Congress to further support their efforts to continue to keep our community safe. Sheriff Zanoni and his team work to keep us safe and secure, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the Fresno County Sheriff's Office in their efforts. Thank you to Sheriff Zanoni for his vital role in protecting our community, and the entire team for working so tirelessly each and every day.

Saying Goodbye to Scams this New Year

As your representative in Congress, my office has seen a troubling rise in constituents affected by scams, from fraudulent phone calls to sophisticated online schemes. To help you stay informed and protected, I am releasing a four-part newsletter series highlighting common scams, practical prevention tips, and resources to safeguard your personal information.

In our last newsletter we explored the dangers of phishing scams, outlining how to spot suspicious emails and protect your personal information. In this second edition, we focus on investment and cryptocurrency scams, which prey on your financial aspirations with promises of quick wealth. Below we share some of their tactics, provide warning signs, and include actionable steps to keep your money safe.

Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

Investment and cryptocurrency scams work by tricking people into sending money or digital currency to fraudsters who pretend to offer legitimate opportunities. They build trust, promise high returns with little or no risk, and create a sense of urgency that pushes victims into making quick, irrational decisions.

Because cryptocurrency operates on partially anonymous systems, these transactions are difficult to trace or undo. Even though blockchains record every transaction, linking a digital wallet to a real person often requires sophisticated tools and expertise, making recovery unlikely.

These scams can play out over weeks or months. The scammer slowly gains the victim’s confidence through emotional manipulation and fabricated success stories. When the victim can no longer send money, the scammer disappears. The fake investment site is taken down, contact cut off, and the losses are typically permanent.

Examples of Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

Phishing scams: Scammers send fraudulent emails, messages, or create fake websites that mimic legitimate platforms to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords and private keys.
Fake exchanges and wallets: These are fraudulent platforms that look like real cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets but are designed to steal deposited funds.
Ponzi and pyramid schemes: These scams promise high returns by using new investors' money to pay off earlier investors, creating an illusion of profitability that eventually collapses.
Long Con ("rug pulls" or “pig butchering”): Scammers build a relationship with the victim, often over an extended period of time, before persuading them to invest in a fake project, then disappear with funds.
Malware: Malicious software can infect a user's device to steal log-in credentials or digital wallet information.

Pump-and-Dump Schemes: Scammers artificially inflate a stock’s price by spreading false or misleading information, then sell their shares at the peak, leaving others with worthless cryptocurrency.
Fake Investment Platforms: Bogus apps or websites mimic legitimate brokers, stealing funds or personal data.
High-Yield Investment Programs (HYIPs): Operations offering unsustainable returns that eventually vanish with investors’ money.
Advance Fee Scams: Fraudsters require upfront payments for access to exclusive investments or to unlock promised returns, which never materialize.

Common Red Flags

Guaranteed high returns: Be skeptical of any claim of high returns with little to no risk as. All investments carry risk, especially volatile cryptocurrencies.
Missing or poor-quality whitepaper: Legitimate crypto projects publish a "whitepaper" that details the technology and purpose of the project. A poorly written, vague, or non-existent “whitepaper” suggests a scam.
Anonymous or vague team: Reputable projects have a transparent team whose backgrounds are verifiable. If the team members are unnamed, hidden, or non-existent, be very cautious.
Aggressive marketing and hype: Scammers often use aggressive, high-pressure tactics and heavy marketing to create a "fear of missing out" and lure in investors quickly.
Unregistered platforms: Legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges and advisors must register with financial regulators. Unregistered entities should be avoided.
Fake websites and apps: Look for URL variations, spelling errors, or poor design. Scammers create fake trading platforms, websites, and mobile apps that mimic legitimate ones to steal login credentials and private keys.
Unsolicited contact: A stranger reaches out to you on a social media or dating app and quickly tries to move the conversation to a messaging app.
Inability to withdraw money: Scams often allow you to deposit money and see seemingly lucrative returns but prevent you from withdrawing your investment. They may demand additional fees or "taxes" to unlock your funds.
Requests for private keys: No legitimate service will ever ask for your private wallet keys or seed phrase. Sharing this information gives scammers direct access to your funds.
Overemphasis on crypto and "expert" advice: The new acquaintance constantly talks about their success with crypto and offers to "coach" you on how to invest.

How to Protect Yourself

Be wary of unsolicited offers: Claims of high returns with little to no risk as are too good to be true. All investments carry risk, especially volatile cryptocurrencies.
Guard your personal information: Do not share your private keys, passwords, or other sensitive information with anyone.
Be cautious of fake websites: Instead of clicking a link in an email, type the website address directly into your browser and verify any investment opportunity through a trusted and independent source before investing.
Avoid sending cryptocurrency to anyone you don't know.

Stop sending money immediately. Do not send any more funds to the scammer.
Do not pay any further fees or taxes: These are often scams themselves.
Gather all documentation: including how the scammer initially contacted you, any identifying information they used (names, emails, phone numbers), and all financial transaction details (date, amount, wallet addresses, transaction hashes).
Do not notify the scammer: Notifying the scammer may compromise any future investigation

How to Report

Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): For any type of fraud, including investment and cryptocurrency scams, you can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your reports help law enforcement investigate and pursue scammers.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Submit a report at ic3.gov.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Report suspected securities fraud at SEC.gov | Report Suspected Securities Fraud or Wrongdoing.

Local law enforcement: File a report with your local police department.

Cryptocurrency Exchange: Inform the exchange you used to send the money. They may have procedures for handling fraud.
Chainabuse.com: This is a platform for reporting scams to help law enforcement.

For more information on what cryptocurrency is, please use the following link from the FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-scams.

If you have been affected by a cryptocurrency or investment scam and would like to share your story or are looking to receive additional information, please contact my Bakersfield office at (661) 327-3611 or the Clovis Office at (559) 701-2530.

Next Edition Preview

In our next newsletter, we’ll take a closer look at romance scams, which are among the most common types of fraud my office is seeing affect my constituents.

Thank you for being part of our community. It is an honor to represent California's 20th Congressional District. If you’d like to stay up to date with what I’m working on, check out my website and follow my Facebook, X, and Instagram pages (linked below) to stay up to date!

Sincerely,