Congressman Jay Obernolte

10/22/2026

A gallon of gas costs an average of $4.88 in Idaho, compared to $6.28 in California. That's an additional $1.40 per gallon California drivers are paying just to fill their tanks! While families across our country are facing higher energy costs, California's excessive fuel taxes and regulations are making matters even worse. That is why I have asked the Governor to temporarily halt the California gas tax to give our families and businesses some relief. Californians deserve policies that prioritize affordability and provide relief at the pump!

10/21/2026

Medi-Cal provides critical care to millions of Californians. Troublingly, the California State Auditor recently found that more than 26,000 Medi-Cal providers identified as high risk for potentially inappropriate billing have not been referred for further review or investigation. Those providers accounted for at least $12 billion in Medi-Cal services. Every dollar of fraud is a dollar that is not available to help our most vulnerable citizens access the care they need. Now, CMS is deferring another $1.2 billion in federal Medicaid payments while it reviews unusual growth in California’s personal care services. California taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being used wisely and appropriately. Stronger oversight is necessary to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse while protecting the vulnerable patients who depend on this critical program.

A new state audit, two federal inspector general reports and the health department's own figures show how Medi-Cal's fraud defenses have not kept pace with a program that now costs about $220 billion a year, and why the fight over them will land on the next governor's desk.

10/21/2026

I’m pleased that the Kern Council of Governments has been awarded a $1.37 million federal BUILD grant to study potential improvements to State Route 58 between Interstate 5 and Barstow. SR 58 is a critical transportation corridor connecting the High Desert to the Central Valley and supporting the movement of goods throughout California and across the country. As freight traffic continues to increase, this study will help identify opportunities to improve roadway safety, efficiency, and capacity while supporting future economic growth.

10/19/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize those affected by breast cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection and access to quality care. For patients facing metastatic breast cancer, delays in accessing critical benefits can create additional challenges. That's why I cosponsored the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, which would eliminate certain waiting periods for Social Security disability benefits and Medicare coverage. We must continue working to ensure patients and their families have access to the care and support they need.
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-castor-fitzpatrick-chu-introduce-bipartisan-bill-end-health-benefits

10/19/2026

Access to specialized medical care can be challenging for patients who live far from their health care providers. Virtual health can help bridge that gap, allowing patients to receive certain medical services remotely without unnecessary travel. That's why I've supported expanding access to virtual health, including cosponsoring legislation such as the CONNECT for Health Act. With Congress having extended key Medicare virtual health flexibilities through 2027, we must continue working to ensure patients have access to the quality care they need. Learn more about Medicare virtual health coverage here:

Use telehealth insurance coverage through Medicare to get consultation & medical health services from care providers who aren't at your location.

10/17/2026

Wildfires and other natural disasters can threaten critical roads and evacuation routes, putting lives at risk and making emergency response more difficult. That's why I was proud to partner with Congressman Whitesides to introduce the bipartisan Disaster Ready Infrastructure Act, which would help states identify vulnerable transportation infrastructure and prioritize improvements before disasters strike. By strengthening critical infrastructure and planning ahead, we can better protect Californians and keep essential transportation routes accessible during emergencies.

Tuesday, Rep. George Whitesides (D-CA-27) and Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduced the Disaster Ready Infrastructure Act, legislation which requires state Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to identify roads, bridges, and other transportation assets that are par...

10/16/2026

New data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows that veteran su***des declined in 2024 for the second consecutive year. While this is an encouraging development, far too many of our nation's veterans continue to struggle. We must build on this progress by ensuring our veterans have access to the mental health care, resources, and support they have earned through their service to our country. Veterans and their loved ones can access free, confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net Please share this with any veterans you know who might be struggling!
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2026/10/05/veteran-su***des-declined-in-2024-for-second-straight-year/?utm_campaign=dfn-ebb&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru

According to a new VA report, 17.7 veterans die by su***de each day.

10/15/2026

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an important reminder of the steps we should all take to protect our personal information and stay safe online. Using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and recognizing phishing attempts are simple ways to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers free resources to help individuals and families better protect themselves from online threats.
https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world

10/14/2026

Real estate agents and direct sellers have long operated as independent contractors under the tax code, but federal labor law does not provide the same clarity. That’s why I’ve cosponsored the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act to align these federal standards and provide greater certainty for workers and businesses that rely on these independent contractor arrangements. Clear and consistent rules will help preserve flexibility while reducing unnecessary regulatory uncertainty.

WASHINGTON – The Committee on Education & the Workforce advanced Rep. Kevin Kiley’s (R-CA) Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act. The bill aligns federal labor law with long-standing tax rules. It clarifies that direct sellers and real estate agents are considered independent con...

10/13/2026

Drivers in Utah are currently paying $4.92 per gallon for gas, while Californians are paying nearly $1.50 more per gallon and more than $2 above the national average. California’s onerous fuel regulations and taxes continue to raise costs for families across our state. We need commonsense energy policies that expand supply, lower prices, and give California consumers more affordable choices.