CONGRESSMAN DAVID VALADAO | Representing the 21st Congressional District of California

Washington – U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) is currently traveling with a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, including Afghanistan and other nations.

In addition to Congressman Valadao, Congressmen Mike Coffman (CO-06), David Cicilline (RI-01), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) are also travelling with the bipartisan delegation.

Congressman Valadao stated, “Having the opportunity to thank our service members abroad first hand, especially during the holiday season, is a tremendous honor. It is the sacrifice of these brave men and women, and their entire families, that allows the United States to remain a pillar of democracy and freedom.” He continued, “As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, it is important to see firsthand how our defense dollar are being spent abroad and meeting with top officials leading the fight against ISIS and other terrorirst organizations are an important part of that oversight.”

Thus far, Congressman Valadao has had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul, General John W. Nicholson, Jr., who is overseeing the Operation Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and Major General John C. Thomson III, commanding general for the 1st Calvary Division.

In December 2015, Congressmen Valadao, Cicilline, and Zeldin travelled to the Middle East on a CODEL, making this Congressman Valadao’s second consecutive holiday spent with troops in the Middle East during the holiday season.

Below, are photos of Congressman Valadao during his trip abroad.