Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out to the gentleman from Arizona that 10,000 of his constituents will face nutrition cuts and 26,000 will lose their healthcare. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, $4.2 trillion will be added to the national debt in part because of his vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Brooklyn, New York, (Mr. Jeffries), who is the distinguished Democratic leader of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out for the gentleman from Pennsylvania that 15,000 people in his district will face nutrition cuts because of this bill, 18,000 will lose their healthcare, and his constituents are going to be on the hook for part of that $4.2 trillion that this bill added to the national debt. I thank him for reminding us that this bill is regressive. I don't think anybody on our side has mentioned that, so I thank him very much for the reminder that this is, in fact, a regressive bill. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just take a second to talk a little bit about the horrific cuts to healthcare that are in this big, beautiful, big, ugly, H.R. 1, whatever you want to call it. This bill cut $1 trillion from the Medicaid budget. You can't take a trillion dollars out of healthcare without seeing that ripple across, in a negative way, every community across our country, every congressional district across our great country. Hospitals will close. Clinics will close. Skilled nursing facilities will close. The ones that are able to stay open are going to have to make big cuts. They are going to have to lay people off. They are going to have to forgo everything from remodeling and improvements in equipment to seismic retrofits. All of this is truncating people's access to quality healthcare in their district. It is going to be for everybody, not just people who are on Medicaid. If you have all the money in the world, or if you have the best insurance policy in the world, if you become ill or injured and go to the hospital to get help, to get your life saved, and that hospital is still open or that clinic is still open, it means they made drastic cuts to keep it open. You better hope that the person you need to save your life isn't the person they fired to keep the doors open. Rural America, districts such as mine, is really going to be hurt. We were told that we did a $50 billion rural slush fund to help those areas, but they cut $136 billion from rural healthcare funding. I may be from a rural area, but they taught math good enough that I know that $50 billion doesn't make up for a $136 billion loss. Yes, every Democrat voted against it. How could they not? This devastates healthcare in all of our districts and all of your districts. I want to remind you that it also adds $4.2 trillion to the national debt. Future generations will be saddled with this debt, saddled with a debt that right now I think is $37 trillion, saddled with a debt that was grown by $4.2 trillion just to be able to give a tax cut to the richest people and corporations across this country, people who did not need a tax cut in this fiscal environment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will point out that in the gentlewoman's district in New York 30,000 of her constituents will face nutrition cuts. Mr. Speaker, 40,000 will lose their healthcare. Mr. Speaker, 123 jobs will be lost due to canceling clean energy tax cuts, and, again, $4.2 trillion will be added to the national debt because of that vote. Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues say this Republican tax law has winners and losers, and they are right. The winners are millionaires taking home over $90,000 a year in tax breaks. That must be nice. However, for everyone else, working families, seniors, the so-called nongilded class, this bill is a loss. Any meager tax relief they might see is wiped out by the reality of this economy: $4.2 trillion added to our national debt, $1,700 a year in tariff tax hitting every American household, rising grocery prices that families feel every single week, skyrocketing healthcare premiums, hundreds of billions spent on a cruel immigration crackdown, and another endless war in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear: This isn't a tax cut for working families. It is a windfall for the wealthy paid for by everyone else. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will point out that in that New York congressional district we just heard about, 19,000 of her constituents will face nutrition cuts. Mr. Speaker, 27,000 will lose health insurance. Mr. Speaker, 4,263 jobs will be lost due to the canceling of the clean energy tax credits, and her constituents will share in that liability-- $4.2 trillion added to our national debt. I will just circle back to the child tax credit issue that the chairman, my friend, referenced. I think it is important to point out that in 2021 in the Democrats' American Rescue Plan, we provided greater child tax credit benefits to folks across the country than was pointed out in this bill: $3,000 for kids aged 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under the age of 6. It was fully refundable. I think it is also important to point out that the beauty of writing tax law, and that is what we do in the Ways and Means Committee, the most significant committee in the United States Congress established by the Constitution of the United States of America, it is that important, the beauty of our responsibility for writing tax law is that we can actually target communities, populations that need it the most. We can do a child tax credit without having to do a huge windfall for the richest people in the country, and that is what we should be doing. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, talk about driving off of the cliff. That Florida district where my friend represents is going to drive off of the cliff. Mr. Speaker, 22,000 people in his district will face nutrition cuts, 91,000 people will lose their health coverage, and 486 jobs are going to be lost due to canceling clean energy credits. If that is not a steep enough cliff to drive off of, try this one: $4.2 trillion added to our national debt. Those constituents in Florida have some responsibility for that debt, just like the rest of our constituents do. As far as the tax credit for the children that my friend talked about, it is permanent. It is permanent for rich kids. Poor kids won't get the whole credit because it isn't fully refundable. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, this debate comes down to a simple question: Who is this resolution really for? It is not for the families in my district and not for the workingmen and -women who are paying more at the pump, more at the grocery store, and more for healthcare. It is not for the workers who were promised relief and got far less than what was advertised. It is not for the folks across all of our districts who are going to pay $1,700 more in tariff taxes this year. It is for those at the very top, and it adds $4.2 trillion to our national debt. That is $4.2 trillion to our national debt. Democrats believe that the tax code should work for working people, not just the wealthy or the well-connected. This resolution fails that test. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Robert ``Bob'' Mulholland to our community. Bob Mulholland was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in December 1946. Shortly after graduating from high school, he responded to his draft notice and served in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Brigade. Mr. Mulholland was severely wounded during his service in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and was awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Mulholland returned to California to study at Los Angeles City College for three years, later moving to Chico to study engineering at California State University, Chico. At Chico State, Mr. Mulholland sought out a community of Vietnam War veterans and attended student meetings led by then-Student Body President, Jane Dolan. Mr. Mulholland later helped Jane with her campaign for a seat on the Butte County Board of Supervisors, and, along the way, they fell in love and married. Mr. Mulholland's passion for advocacy led to him becoming part of the formation of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He joined countless veterans in fighting to end the war, which led to his lifetime mission of fighting injustice everywhere. He honored and helped countless Vietnam Veterans, participated in the U.S. reconciliation with Vietnam, supported the construction of the Vietnam Wall and brought replicas to communities across America. Mr. Mulholland was also a powerful political advocate, displaying a deep commitment to working-class people and veterans in our community. He served as political director for the California Democratic Party and was a member of the Democratic National Committee, helping to elect good people to local, state, and national offices. While working with the state Democratic Party, Mr. Mulholland saw Bill Clinton become the first Democrat to win California since 1964, and two Democrats, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, win their Senate seats. Mr. Mulholland's work was critical in making California a Democratic stronghold. Bob Mulholland is survived by his sisters, Sandy, Jackie, and Candace, as well as his brother Andrew, all sharing the last name Mulholland, as well as his beloved wife, Jane Dolan. Mr. Speaker, we thank Bob Mulholland for his dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Robert ``Bob'' Steinhauer in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Napa Valley viticulture and our greater wine community. Bob Steinhauer was widely regarded as one of the most influential viticulturists of his generation. Intellectually rigorous and deeply curious, he challenged conventional thinking and helped shape the direction of viticultural research statewide, often being the first to apply new science in the field. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science in Viticulture in 1965 and his Masters in Plant Science in 1969 from California State University, Fresno, He was among the first students to complete the newly created viticulture degree, developed by Professor Vince Petrucci. Bob was instrumental in raising funds for the establishment of Fresno State's Vincent E. Petrucci Library. A gifted storyteller and ``force of nature,'' Bob possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of Napa Valley vineyards and elevated viticulture into the modern profession of winegrowing. Bob served as Vice President of Viticulture and Grower Relations at Beringer Vineyards, where he worked for 25 years. His decades of leadership, mentorship. and service to organizations in our wine community left a lasting impact on generations of growers and winemakers including the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, the Napa County Farm Bureau, the Winegrowers of Napa County, the Napa Valley Vintners, and the American Vineyard Foundation. Statewide. he was engaged with American Society for Enology and Viticulture, California Association of Winegrape Growers, and the Wine Institute. Nicknamed ``Tasmanian Devil'' for his energetic style, he paired intensity with genuine respect for people, advocating for fair wages, health insurance, and pension benefits for vineyard workers he viewed as essential partners in crafting great wines. Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Verna Grimm Steinhauer, his children, Erik John Steinhauer (Audrey) and Anne Christine Steinhauer: his granddaughter, Parker Gayle Steinhauer; and his cousin, Leonard Hoskins. Mr. Speaker, we thank Bob Steinhauer for his dedicated service to our community, Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Sando, a local agricultural leader, on the 25th anniversary of his company, Rancho Gordo. Mr. Sando began his journey in the San Francisco Bay Area. He attended Tamalpais High School and later continued his education at the College of Marin and at San Francisco State University. As a California native born in Los Angeles, Mr. Sando had always been interested in California agriculture, especially beans. He started his own home garden 26 years ago, where he discovered and cultivated a treasure trove of heirloom beans, leading to the foundation of Rancho Gordo. Steve Sando founded Rancho Gordo in 2001 in the Napa Valley. Recognizing the culinary potential of his heirloom bean varietals, Mr. Sando set out to share these ``superstar'' beans with the world. Today, Rancho Gordo grows more than 25 varieties on the West Coast and partners with small-scale indigenous farmers in Mexico to bring rare, traditional beans to the U.S. Mr. Sando's work has caught the attention of renowned chefs and home cooks eager to elevate their meals with quality ingredients. Rancho Gordo's products, which include beans, corn, chiles, and other staples, have become key components in New American cuisine. Rancho Gordo sells about 2.5 million pounds of beans a year and supports 38 permanent full-time employees in our community. Mr. Sando's efforts at the forefront of the seed-saving revolution have been widely recognized. Saveur named Rancho Gordo number two on its ``Saveur 100'' list in 2008, Bon Appetit included Steve in its ``Hot 10'' for 2009, and Food & Wine praised him as a leader in the seed- saving movement. His most recent cookbook, The Bean Book, is a New York Times Bestseller. Mr. Sando has also done incredible work for our community by supporting small farmers both locally and in Mexico, preserving heirloom crop varieties. He also actively contributes to nonprofit fundraising efforts for organizations including Ag for Youth in Napa, as well as elementary schools across the country. Mr. Sando serves as the founder of the Rancho Gordo Foundation, a new nonprofit focused on agriculture and youth. Mr. Sando shares this honor with his two sons, Robert and Nicholas. He remains dedicated to his mission: preserving the agricultural heritage of the Americas and sharing its incredible flavors with the world. Mr. Speaker, we thank Steve Sando for his dedicated service to our community as we celebrate Rancho Gordo's 25th anniversary. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of California Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) for their 50 years of dedication to making education more accessible to first-generation, socio-economically disadvantaged, and English- language learning students. The organization celebrated their anniversary on February 28, 2026 on the campus of the University of California, Davis. The Early Academic Outreach Program was established in 1976 by the University of California in response to the California State Legislature's recommendation to expand post-secondary opportunities to every student. EAOP is the University of California's largest academic preparedness program. The program partners with middle and high schools to guide students through academic preparation, college admission requirements, and financial aid processes. EAOP focuses on increasing college preparatory course completion, college application submissions, and enrollment rates among underrepresented students. The Early Academic Outreach Program is celebrated for its decades of dedication to serving our community by expanding access to education. This program ensures college readiness for underrepresented students by serving over 40,000 students at over 250 K-12 public schools throughout the state each year. Seventy-nine percent of EAOP 12th-grade participants are completing college preparatory coursework compared to forty-nine percent of all California public high school seniors. Sixty- seven percent of EAOP 12th-grade participants complete the SAT or ACT, compared to sixty percent of non-participants at the same California public high schools. The Early Academic Outreach Program has supported more than 450,000 students throughout its existence and, as a result, has diversified and strengthened enrollment in both California's higher education institutions, and in the workforce. Today we recognize the EAOP for being one of the University of California's largest and most successful Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnership programs. Mr. Speaker, we thank the Early Academic Outreach program for their dedicated service to our underrepresented student community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margi Stern. I have named Mrs. Stern as the California 4th District's Woman of the Year for Solano County. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mrs. Stern was born in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science in speech and language pathology from Whittier College, as well as a master's degree in communication disorders from St. Louis University. She is the grandniece of Arthur Garfield Hayes, a lawyer, civil rights champion, and the co-founder of the ACLU. She is also the niece of Robert L. Stern, a well-known authority in California Campaign finance, the President of Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles, and a recipient of the Democracy Hero award by Common Cause. Mrs. Stern has devoted her career to the betterment of her community. She worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for 37 years, 25 of which were in the Early Intervention Program, for the Solano County Office of Education. After retirement, she volunteered to lead support groups for the parents of children with special needs and worked to teach Parent Communication Skills at the Adult School. Throughout her life, Mrs. Stern has advocated tirelessly for our special needs community. At Vacaville High School, she created the Anya Elizabeth Janoski Special Education Scholarship, to provide funds to seniors interested in pursuing a career in Special Education. She also participated in the creation, fundraising, and promotion of the Play 4 All Park in Vacaville, and volunteers for Together Everyone Always Matters (TEAM) Vacaville, an organization that provides monthly activities for children with special needs. In addition to being an incredible advocate for our special needs community, Mrs. Stern is also passionate about eradicating injustice and promoting political participation. She is honored for her work uplifting the women in her community. As a member of the Women's Action Network, she promotes women's participation in city council meetings, campaigns, and local political events. She also serves on the Committee to Establish the Solano Commission for Women and Girls. Through her participation in local government, Mrs. Stern established the Backyard Hens of Vacaville Group, rewrote the Vacaville city policy to allow hens in the city limits, hosted ``meet and greets'' for local candidates in Solano County government, and strengthened the Northern Solano Democratic Club. Mrs. Stern consistently shows up for her neighborhood, serving as the Chair of Neighborhood Watch and organizing Neighborhood Night Out among other neighborhood functions. She also speaks every year at the Ernest Kimme Charter School Graduation Ceremony and participates in their Ernest Kimme Service Day. Mrs. Stern was married to her late husband, Ernest Kimme, a teacher, city council member, and community philanthropist who passed away in 2015. Her son, Stefan Janoski, is bronze sculptor, short film director, and a world-famous skateboarder with a signature Nike shoe that has ``Vacaville, California,'' inscribed on the tongue. Her late daughter, Anya Janoski, was a powerful mentor who contributed to Mrs. Stern's understanding of how to make a difference in the world. Anaya passed in 2017 at age 32; she was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome which affected her physical size and her developmental growth. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Margi Stern's passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Solano County community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize her invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pence Gallery for their 50 years of dedicated service to the arts and commitment to fostering creativity in our Davis community. The Pence Gallery's story began in 1968 when Joe and Hazel Pence gifted their former dental office and the surrounding property to the City of Davis. A consortium of arts patrons successfully secured the building from the city to use as a gallery, leading to the establishment of a nonprofit arts organization named in the Pences' honor. The Pence Gallery Association was formed in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 by a small group of community leaders, UC Davis professors, and artists. The Pence Gallery has occupied the D Street location in downtown Davis since its inception, and is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, a Director-Curator, and an Assistant Director. While the Pence Gallery remains on city-owned property, it operates as an independent nonprofit and receives no city funding for building or operational expenses. The Pence Gallery's commitment to our community is clear from their facility and programming. In 2005, the gallery unveiled its current facility through a capital campaign. The modern building, designed by San Francisco architects Wayne Barcelon and Darlene Jang, features over 4,500 square feet and stands on the original site. The facility includes three distinct gallery spaces including the Andresen Learning Center Gallery, the Dowling Community Gallery, and the Coldwell Banker Main Gallery. Each area is designed to showcase diverse contemporary artworks throughout the year. Approximately 20,000 people visit annually, enjoying exhibits, programs, artist talks and lectures, and events, including the monthly 2nd Friday ArtAbout. Since 2011, the Pence Gallery has been voted the best art gallery in Yolo County. The Pence Gallery has rightfully been recognized for supporting the development of local and regional artists. The gallery offers several calls for artists each year, including the Emerging Artist Award, Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art, Exhibit It!, and the Night Market for young people ages 16 to 25. Throughout its history, many regional artists now recognized nationally exhibited at the Pence Gallery early in their careers. The Pence Gallery's dedication also extends to arts education and community engagement. The gallery evolved into an educational resource for elementary, high school, and university students through its internship program and ArtSmart program. The Pence Gallery brings adults of all abilities artistic stimulation and an opportunity to experiment, discover, and create under the guidance of talented local and regional artists. Since 2006, the Pence Gallery has hosted the Pence Gallery Garden Tour annually on the first Sunday in May, a Davis- wide self-guided tour of gardens celebrating innovation, beauty, and creativity in the outdoors. The gallery has also contributed to the scholarly documentation of Northern California art and culture through research and catalogue publication. Mr. Speaker, we thank the Pence Gallery for their 50 years of dedication to the arts and our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today as they celebrate this milestone anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Edwards, the City of Sonoma's 2026 Honorary Alcalde, honoring more than two decades of service and leadership in support of the Sonoma community. The Honorary Alcalde program, established in 1975, recognizes a Sonoma resident whose long-term volunteer service, leadership, and quiet dedication have made a meaningful difference in the community. The title ``Alcalde,'' the Spanish word for mayor, reflects Sonoma's early civic history and remains a ceremonial honor today. Mr. Edwards has a background working in cheese marketing, a career path he pursued since he graduated from Analy High School in 1977. He is currently the owner of Sage Marketing LLC, a company he founded in 1991 to connect cheese and dairy producers with re-sellers and consumers. Gary Edwards brings out the best in our community with his work in civic positions. He served on the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission (SVCAC) and the Planning Commission. From 2014 to 2018, Edwards served on the Sonoma City Council. Also, he served two terms on the Board of the Redwood Empire Food Bank and is newly serving on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Mr. Edwards is widely known for his hands-on approach to service, including improving and cleaning up our parks, organizing Sonoma's annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner for more than 20 years, and his efforts to rebuild the City of Paradise after it was destroyed by wildfires in 2017. His service also includes leadership roles with local Rotary clubs, support for youth and education programs, and assisting our community through food insecurity. Mr. Edwards celebrates this honor alongside his wife, Ruth, his daughter, Madeline, and his son, Sullivan. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Edwards' passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Sonoma community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Voris Brumfield Reed. I have named Mrs. Brumfield Reed as the California 4th District's Woman of the Year for Lake County. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Mrs. Brumfield Reed was born in San Angelo, Texas. After graduating from Chapel Hill School for Girls in Waltham, Massachusetts, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Denver. She completed her post graduate studies at the Arizona State University, Flagstaff and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Mrs. Brumfield Reed served as a lay pastor at both Middletown Community United Church and Kelseyville United Methodist Church. She worked to establish a weekly meal program and served as the president of Lake County Church Women's United. Mrs. Brumfield Reed also served as a past member of the Lake County Board of Supervisors and a past Trustee of the Middletown Unified School District. Through her position as the Lake County Geothermal Coordinator, she promoted underground utilities in Middletown and Lower Lake, wastewater collection in Middletown and Anderson Springs, and wrote the grants for the creation of the Anderson Springs Water System. Mrs. Brumfield Reed's community involvement goes beyond her participation in government. She is a co-creator and co-founder of both the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center, and the Anderson Springs Community Service District, as well as the past President of the Anderson Springs Community Alliance and the Lake County Historical Society. She has also been involved in several community organizations including the Ladies of the Lake, Sistas of Lake County, Oro Fino Rebekah Lodge, and Middletown Lioness. Mrs. Brumfield Reed is married to Stanley H. Reed, and has four children with her late husband, Richard Brumfield: Rick, Randy, Khristan, and Star Brumfield. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Brumfield Reed's passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Lake County community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize her invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of St. Helena on the sesquicentennial anniversary of its official establishment as a municipality, and to recognize its rich history, community spirit, and enduring role as the heart of the Napa Valley. This celebration honors the generations of residents, civic leaders, and organizations that have shaped the city's unique character, agricultural heritage, vibrant cultural identity, and forward-looking community values. The City of St. Helena was officially incorporated on March 24, 1876, though its roots trace back to 1854, four years after California attained statehood. The city grew from an agricultural settlement to a lively hub for wine production and hospitality, centered around a strong and vibrant community. Before Euro-American settlement in the 1840s, the area was inhabited by the Wappo and indigenous people. A local Callajomanes triblet village called Annakotanoma or Anakonoma was also located nearby. St. Helena is renown as a hospitality destination and was centered around the location on its western edge of the first hot springs resort in California. The wine industry in Napa Valley as we know it today was originally centered around the two major wineries that were established in St. Helena and thrive today--Beringer and Krug--whose founders were instrumental in the incorporation of the City. Like many municipalities in California, what began as a Board of Trustees elected annually evolved to a modern city council with a separately elected mayor and the compliment of staffing that enables a small municipality to serve its populace. For 150 years now, city managers, mayors, and councilmembers have paved the way for volunteerism and community-driven projects through the city that reflect the values of stewardship and collaboration within our local community. The City of St. Helena is home to a strong public education system with its own St. Helena Unified School District and values education as a cornerstone of community success with a long-standing tradition of supporting lifelong learning through its public library. Our public library was originally established with the help of Andrew Carnegie after he--like many others before and since--visited and were impressed by both the natural beauty of the Napa Valley and the energy found in the local community of St. Helena. Mr. Speaker, the City of St. Helena has had a profound impact on our community and our community on the city. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the city's sesquicentennial anniversary here today as they celebrate this milestone.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marisa Alcorta. I have named Mrs. Alcorta as the California 4th Congressional District's Woman of the Year for Yolo County. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Services. Mrs. Alcorta was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences, with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture and International Development from Cornell University. Mrs. Alcorta went on to receive her Master of Science in Horticulture and Agronomy. Marisa is also a Fellow of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, a highly selective statewide program that brings together agricultural leaders to deepen their understanding of public policy, leadership, and the challenges and opportunities shaping California agriculture. Marisa Alcorta has played a leading role in strengthening agricultural education and workforce development in Yolo County. At the Center for Land-Based Learning, she developed and expanded programs that prepare agricultural employees for leadership and management roles on farms and ranches. She designed the AgHiRE workforce development program, which equips experienced Spanish-speaking agricultural employees with the communication and supervisory skills needed to advance in their careers. She also founded California's first registered agricultural apprenticeship program, creating a structured pathway for aspiring farm managers to gain hands-on training and formal recognition of their skills. Through these initiatives, she has helped build stronger career pathways while supporting the long-term succession of farms and agricultural businesses in the region. Within our community, Marisa actively contributes to broader efforts that support farmers and agricultural communities throughout California. She serves on the Board of Directors of California FarmLink and has previously served as Chair of the Board, helping guide the organization's strategic direction and expansion of programs that support family farmers and improve access to land and capital. She also serves on the Farm Advisory Council for the California Climate and Agriculture Network, contributing agricultural practitioner perspectives to statewide policy conversations on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. Today, Mrs. Alcorta and her husband, Paul Underhill, live and farm in Yolo County. They maintain a close connection to the agricultural community as co-owners of an organic farming operation in the Winters area. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Alcorta's passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Yolo County community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize her invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leslie Lew. I have named Ms. Lew as the California 4th Congressional District's Woman of the Year for Napa County. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Services. Ms. Lew was born in Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis. Ms. Lew is a Planned Parenthood champion with years of advocacy experience across multiple roles in our community. She has served as Chair of the Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, Vice Chair of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), Co- Chair of the PPAC Legislative Workgroup, and Chair of the Planned Parenthood Northern California Audit Committee. Ms. Lew has been a long-time defender of justice and quality of life for everyone in our community. Ms. Lew also works with political organizations and candidates to advocate for positive outcomes in our community. She is a member of the Napa County Democratic Central Committee and an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party. She has worked tirelessly to knock doors, make calls, and send texts for democratic candidates across the country. Ms. Lew organized Napa's first postcarding group with RiseUpNapa in 2018. She has also hosted and volunteered at numerous fundraisers for various causes and candidates. Ms. Lew has helped our community with wildfire recovery by creating a shaded fuel break for fire resilience along a key ridgeline between Napa and Sonoma Counties. She is on the steering committee for the Napa County Prescribed Burn Association, and a member of the Good Fire Alliance and the Lake County Ecocultural Fire Crew. Beyond her incredible work, Ms. Lew is a lifelong naturalist and outdoor adventurist. She lives with her husband, Tom Farella, and her children, Daisy and Gabe Farella. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Lew's passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Napa County community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize her invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maricarmen Reyes Larios. I have named Ms. Reyes Larios as the California 4th Congressional District's Woman of the Year for Sonoma County. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Services. Ms. Reyes Larios was born in Sonoma, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Francisco Reyes Torres and Maria Larios Abrica. She earned her bachelor's degree in Chicano and Latino Studies from Sonoma State University in 2005. Later, Maricarmen completed a Community Health Worker Certificate at City College of San Francisco in 2025. Ms. Reyes Larios has dedicated her life to suicide prevention following the tragic passing of her nephew in 2021 and currently serves as a mentor and tutor to further assist the youth of our valley. She is a member of the Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Coalition and works as the Outreach and Event Coordinator at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center. She also serves in several community leadership roles, including Board Member for KSVY Sonoma TV, Board Member for RISK Sonoma, and Board Member for the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. She also chairs Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, contributes to the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund Grants Committee, and is an active member of the Lideres Campesinas Sonoma Chapter, and the Sonoma County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Within our community, Ms. Reyes Larios is known for her empathy, integrity, and deep commitment to community well-being. She leads with compassion and cultural humility, creating spaces where people feel seen, respected, and supported. Rooted in her heritage and driven by service, she is a collaborative leader who uplifts others, builds strong relationships, and inspires collective action across Sonoma Valley. Ms. Reyes Larios was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2022 Sonoma 4th of July Parade by the Sonoma Valley Fire Department. In 2023, she received the Puente y Ganas Award from Los Cien for her leadership and community impact. She was honored with the Louis Petreka Legacy Award in 2026 by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, and in that same year was named Woman of the Year for Assembly District 4 by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Reyes Larios' passion, leadership, and determination have profoundly impacted our Sonoma County community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize her invaluable contributions here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate March 16th through March 20th as Brain Awareness Week. The Brain Awareness Campaign is a worldwide celebration of the brain that brings together scientists, families, schools, and communities. Brain Awareness Week is the culmination of these efforts and is celebrated throughout the United States and in many parts of the world. This global celebration, launched by The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives in 1996, and supported by partners like the Society for Neuroscience, presents an opportunity to bring attention to the significant advances in brain science and advocate for science funding. Brain Awareness Week provides opportunities to learn more about the brain and educate the public on the importance of continued research. As co-chair of the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, I am proud of the crucial neuroscience work being conducted in the United States, including in my district at the University of California, Davis. Last year, scientists at U.C. Davis harnessed the power of machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, to track anxiety-related behaviors. Their findings suggest a strong connection between early- life nervousness and the eventual development of anxiety and depressive disorders. Anxiety disorders, the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States, impact nearly 20 percent of the population, and disproportionately affect women. Researchers believe this research could pave the way for preventing these disorders before they fully develop. I am also proud to have authored the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act, which promotes public private partnerships to invest in further mental health research. The bill provides $10 billion in allocable tax credits over a six-year period, which are available to nonprofits, state and local agencies, and private companies who collaborate on neurological research. It is essential that we keep supporting neuroscience research to enable world-class researchers to continue their vital work on a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and addiction. Events like Brain Awareness Week help every American understand how important this research is. Please join me in recognizing Brain Awareness Week and the crucial work of neuroscientists across the globe.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lawrence Arthur Nadeau upon his retirement from an exemplary career in the North Bay restaurant community. Mr. Nadeau was born in Hanford, Connecticut. In college, he studied Art, with an emphasis in Pen and Ink, before finding a passion for working in hospitality. At 18 years old he moved to California, where he has become a widely respected leader in the North Bay restaurant community. Mr. Nadeau started his culinary career at just 16 years old, preparing sandwiches and salads at Avon Country Kitchen in Avon, Connecticut, before moving to California. In 1995, Mr. Nadeau was hired as the Maitre d' at The French Laundry, a three Michelin star restaurant, shortly after it was acquired by renowned chef Thomas Keller. In 2015, Mr. Nadeau was hired by Stone Edge Farm in Sonoma to oversee the hospitality operation for their new culinary experience ``Edge,'' which was later renovated and reenvisioned as ``Enclos.'' In June of 2025, Enclos was awarded two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability, an incredibly rare achievement for a restaurant so recently launched. Mr. Nadeau served as the Dining Room Manager and ran private events at Enclos prior to his retirement. Mr. Nadeau's ability to blend traditional, Michelin-caliber service with his warm and friendly demeanor truly set him apart. He has created a service style that balances the elegant and upscale standards required of a fine dining restaurant with an approachable tenor that makes guests feel comfortable, welcomed, and greatly valued. Although he did not pursue a career in Art, Mr. Nadeau continued incorporating creativity in his work long after college. At Enclos, as an added personal touch, Larry creates hand drawn pieces of art for every guest as a welcome card. With a central and indispensable role in two North Bay restaurants receiving the highest honors in their industry, the impact of Larry's outstanding hospitality cannot be overstated. Mr. Nadeau is married to Mary Argon and has five children, Rebecca Nadeau, Lexie Nadeau, Sierra Nadeau, Dianna Agron, and Jason Agron. Mr. Speaker, I thank Lawrence Nadeau for his dedicated service to our community. Therefore it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Frederic ``Fritz'' A. Reid, a new California Waterfowlers Hall of Fame Inductee, who is being recognized for more than 45 years of extraordinary contributions to the preservation of waterfowl and their habitats. Dr. Reid grew up in Edina, Minnesota, where he developed a lifelong passion for waterfowl hunting alongside his grandfather. In 1978, he earned an A.B. in Biology from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. He later attended the University of Missouri--Columbia, where he received a Master of Science in 1983 and a Doctorate in 1989, both in Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology. For decades, Dr. Reid has played a central leadership role in wetland conservation efforts at the local, state, national, and international levels. He joined Ducks Unlimited in 1990, where he served in multiple roles, including analyst, biologist, and ultimately Director of Boreal and Arctic Conservation. In these roles, Dr. Reid worked closely with public agency conservation partners, private land managers, and nonprofit organizations, conducting more than 100 workshops and co- authoring over 90 peer-reviewed conservation manuscripts. Dr. Reid is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research and leadership within Ducks Unlimited, helping to establish and strengthen wetland complexes throughout California's Central Valley and San Francisco Bay. He also helped map more than 150 million acres of wetlands across Alaska and played a key role in raising more than $200 million for conservation efforts through the Boreal Conservation Program. Additionally, he has provided leadership to the Central Valley Joint Venture, San Francisco Bay Joint Venture, International Sea Duck Joint Venture, and Arctic Goose Joint Venture, and has served as Chair of the Central Valley Joint Venture. Dr. Reid's contributions have earned him prestigious awards, including the J. Martin Winton Conservation Award, the Holly Andre Award, and the International Canvasback Award. Dr. Reid is beloved by volunteers, respected by colleagues, and widely regarded as a national treasure in the field of conservation. Dr. Reid's induction into the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame is a well- deserved honor. Established in 2006, the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to enhancing waterfowl populations and their habitats in California. Inductees have played a critical role in conserving waterfowl by preserving, restoring, and enhancing natural habitats; managing agricultural lands with wildlife in mind; advocating for conservation-focused policies; and implementing land-use practices designed to benefit nesting and wintering waterfowl populations. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Reid enjoys traveling and spending time with his partner, Kim Forrest; her son, Forrest Hansen; and his Labrador retriever, Taiga. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Frederic ``Fritz'' Reid is most deserving of recognition and appreciation for his decades of dedication to conservation and stewardship of our natural resources. His work has left an enduring legacy that will benefit waterfowl and wetlands for generations to come. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Fritz here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Micheal A. Passaglia, a new California Waterfowlers Hall of Fame Inductee, who is being recognized for his lifelong commitment to the preservation of waterfowl and their habitats throughout California. Dr. Passaglia and his wife, Coral, reside in Yuba City and are the proud parents of four children: Michael, Jr.; Teal; Patricia; and Nicholas. He honorabjy served in the United States Navy before pursuing higher education, earning an associate degree from Chabot Junior College, followed by a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He later attended the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Throughout his life, Dr. Passaglia has been a steadfast leader in wetland conservation and a respected advocate within the waterfowler community. He co-founded the C and P Duck Company, which at its height managed more than 3,500 acres of wetlands, provided individuals with access to responsibly managed hunting lands, and helped promote long- term participation in waterfowling. Dr. Passaglia has been recognized by the California Fish and Game Commission for his leadership and experience with the Live Oak Gun Club, where he implemented forward-looking wetland habitat management practices that significantly increased local waterfowl populations. He has also been recognized for multiple years by the Butte Sink Landowners Association for his contributions to improving waterfowl habitat in the region. In addition, he has served as a Board Director of the California Waterfowl Association, remains an active member, and is also a member of Ducks Unlimited. His philanthropic support includes donating more than $100,000 to the California Waterfowl Association. Dr. Passaglia's induction into the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor. Established in 2006, the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to enhancing waterfowl populations and habitats in California. Inductees have played a critical role in conserving waterfowl by preserving, restoring, and enhancing natural habitats; managing agricultural lands with wildlife in mind; advocating for sound conservation policy; and implementing land-use practices specifically designed to benefit nesting and wintering waterfowl populations. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Michael Passaglia for his persistence, generosity, and decades of service to conservation, our environment, and the broader community. His legacy will benefit California's wetlands and waterfowl for generations to come. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.