HONORING JOE NEVES ON HIS RETIREMENT

On 2026-07-30, Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOE NEVES ON HIS RETIREMENT" in the House.

HONORING JOE NEVES ON HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026) [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 ______ 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. ____________________