[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING JOE NEVES ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2026

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague 
Representative Valadao, to honor Joe Neves as he retires from the Kings 
County Board of Supervisors after an honorable 32 years of service. As 
the longest-serving seated board member in California history, Mr. 
Neves has shown a long-standing commitment to service in our community.
  If there is one defining characteristic of Mr. Neves' tenure, it is 
this: true leadership is rooted in common sense, a deep connection to 
the community, and an unwavering commitment to putting hardworking 
families first.
  Throughout his time on the Board, Mr. Neves played a pivotal role in 
advancing energy projects that created new sources of revenue for local 
landowners and schools while helping power regional operations. He was 
also a major force behind the development of solar energy zones on 
fallowed, water deprived farmland, repurposing unused land into 
productive assets that support both the local economy and California's 
energy future.
  Long hailed as a community champion, Mr. Neves has dedicated himself 
to finding middle ground, consistently working to keep administrative 
operations running smoothly. This dedication is evident in the work 
that the Kings County Board of Supervisors has accomplished during Mr. 
Neves' three decades as board member. This includes boosting state and 
federal investment into the County's community and educational hubs, 
such as a $13 million investment in the Hanford and Lemoore public 
library branches.
  His commitment to agriculture and public service has also earned him 
numerous honors throughout his career. Last year, Mr. Neves was 
recognized as Ag Supporter of the Year for his steadfast advocacy on 
behalf of the Kings County agricultural community. He has also been 
named Lemoore Citizen of the Year and received the Tachi Tribe Award, 
reflecting the deep personal relationships and broad respect he has 
earned across the county.
  Mr. Speaker, please join Representative Valadao and me in 
congratulating Joe Neves on 32 years of dedicated service on the Kings 
County Board of Supervisors and wishing him a happy and healthy 
retirement.

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