Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I reiterate my thanks to my partner on this bill, Mr. Smith from Nebraska. This is a bill that I have worked on for the last four Congresses. It will make life easier for businesses, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. Armed braces are used to convert assault pistols into short-barreled assault rifles that are more accurate, easier to conceal, and can fire rounds capable of penetrating body armor. Unregistered arm-brace-equipped firearms have been used in a number of high-profile mass shootings: Dayton, Ohio, 9 killed and 17 injured outside of a bar; Boulder, Colorado, 10 killed at a grocery store; Colorado Springs, 5 killed, 19 injured at a club; Nashville, Tennessee, 6 killed, including 3 9-year-old children at an elementary school. The ATF final rule closes the loophole that helps arm-brace-equipped pistols circumvent firearm regulations, including the National Firearms Act, which has regulated short-barreled rifles under heightened scrutiny since 1934. The resolution before us today will take an already menacing and lethal weapon and turn it into a more accurate killing machine. This is misguided and callous, and it will only lead to more death. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lake County Farm Bureau, which is celebrating one hundred years of advocacy for agriculture and providing youth education and career opportunities in Lake County. The Lake County Farm Bureau serves both rural and urban individuals who are interested in the production of a plentiful and safe food supply. They provide continued support for agriculture in Lake County which includes farmers, ranchers, and agriculture-based companies. The Bureau also helps young people pursue agricultural education and careers, as well as community education in local agriculture industry and practices. To best advocate for agricultural interests, the Bureau collaborates with local, state, and federal political leaders, government officials, news media, and other organizations. The Lake County Farm Bureau serves on state and local advisory groups including the Lake County Cannabis Task Force for Ordinance, the Lake County Advisory Committee, the Big Valley GSPAC Committee for Sigma Compliance, the Clear Lake Blue Ribbon Committee, and the FWS Clear Lake Hitch Conservation Strategy Committee. By effectively advocating for our agriculture community and furthering education on agricultural issues, the Lake County Farm Bureau has greatly strengthened our district. The Bureau aids locals by advising on business practices and teaching educational courses, Lake County Farm Bureau has consistently represented an important perspective on matters affecting the agriculture industry at local, regional, state, and federal levels. Mr. Speaker, the Lake County Farm Bureau is deeply appreciated for their 100 years of service and commitment to our agriculture community. Their advocacy has helped California grow by supporting those feeding our communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Angela Baltezore in honor of her retirement and contributions to our arts community. Ms. Baltezore was born in Cedar Falls. Iowa and moved to Woodland, California in 1968. After graduating from Woodland High School in 1975, Ms. Baltezore attended Santa Clara University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre. She then attended San Diego State University where she earned her teaching credential. Following the completion of her education, Ms. Baltezore taught theatre arts at Woodland High School from 1999 until 2001. Ms. Baltezore's participation in the Woodland Opera House began while she was in high school and performed Dames at Sea on the Opera House stage in 1975. Her work with the Opera House continued years later when she became education director, a position she held from 2002 until 2014. Then in 2014, she was promoted to her current position of executive director. In these positions, Ms. Baltezore built a comprehensive theatre and dance program, further developing theatre arts in Woodland. When the Opera House's education program began to flourish, Ms. Baltezore assisted the expansion process of the Theatre by adding an additional location. Subsequently, the education program has grown immensely with Ms. Baltezore's guidance and enrolls approximately 350 students. In addition to her achievements with the Opera House's education program, Ms. Baltezore has made a marked impact on the Theatre itself. When Ms. Baltezore first performed at the Opera House as a high school student, the building was in disrepair with no air conditioning or seating. Now the Theatre has implemented many improvements including a state-of-the-art sound system, two museum rooms, and a new HVAC system to increase production quality and patron comfort. Ms. Baltezore's goal of increasing production quality has encouraged participation of actors stretching several regions in Northern California. Focused on growth, she also expanded the production season to include Rising Stars Youth Theatre, allowing young actors to shine on the Opera House's historic stage. Mr. Speaker, Angela Baltezore is deeply appreciated for her decades of service and commitment to theatre arts. Her efforts have helped the Woodland Opera House grow and improve.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Melinda M. Mendelson for her dedication to serving the community of Napa County. In 2006, Ms. Mendelson organized the Napa County community to address the lack of access to affordable health insurance and healthcare for children. Her enthusiasm for healthcare accessibility led to the establishment of the Community Health Initiative, formerly known as the Children's Health Initiative, which is a coordinated outreach and retention effort designated to improve families' participation in health coverage programs. Eighteen years and 28,000 Californians later. Community Health Initiative continues to navigate affordable health insurance and benefits in Napa, Solano, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles Counties. Ms. Mendelson's advocacy goes beyond healthcare through her support for educational development. She worked for ten years as the Director of Development for private and public universities. Notably, the application of Ms. Mendelson's expertise led to a twenty percent increase in contributions for the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Ms. Mendelson was also a member of the English Center for International Women at Mills College in Oakland, CA. In addition to these persistent advocacy involvements, Ms. Mendelson further participated in the Napa community through the Napa Valley Vintners Auction, Napa Valley Art Council, and Napa Valley Opera House. In 2014, Ms. Mendelson formally retired. However, Ms. Mendelson continues to display her commitment to public service and the local community through advocacy and support. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Melinda M. Mendelson has contributed to the Napa Valley community and beyond.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, we are on the brink of defaulting on our debt, and that would be apocalyptic. Millions of jobs would be lost. Mortgage and credit card rates would skyrocket. Retirement accounts would be devalued. A recession would be triggered. The crazy math being offered by the Republicans isn't adding up. The Speaker says that the defense budget and taxes are off the negotiating table. That is 75 percent of the budget. Cutting the remaining budget would have an even greater devastating impact on every American. What is worse is that the Republicans have left town while the Speaker allows us to be pushed toward a default that hurts everybody, including our veterans. Veterans' VA appointments would be canceled. Veterans looking to buy a home would be hit by higher interest rates. Veterans who have credit card bills will face higher interest rates. If House Republicans cause a default, then more than 7 million veterans and their families will lose essential benefits that they have earned. Stop this madness. Come back to work. Let's address this problem.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor Ebon Richard ``Rick'' Jones as he is presented with the John Shafer Visionary Award, which recognizes his exemplary advocacy work in Napa Valley. Mr. Jones was born in Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and his Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Jones is a treasured member of the Napa community as he advocates for matters of health and youth education. Mr. Jones has been active in the Napa community for decades. In 2013, he joined the operating board of OLE Health, a nonprofit health center serving vulnerable populations in and around Napa County. He then served as treasurer from 2014 to 2015 and board chair from 2017 to 2018. Currently, Mr. Jones has been reappointed treasurer of the OLE Health foundation board and remains a trusted advisor for OLE Health leadership. Beyond his work at OLE Health, Mr. Jones sits on the boards of Napa Valley Education Foundation, St. Helena Hospital Foundation, the Napa Valley Community Foundation, the Napa Valley Vintners, and Napa Valley Firewise Foundation. He has previously served in leadership roles on the boards of the San Francisco Zoo, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Napa Learns, and Raising a Reader. When he is not engaging in community organizations throughout Napa, Mr. Jones is a respected Napa Valley vintner. Having developed a passion for viticulture while living in France in the 1970s, he founded Jones Family Vineyards in 1996, which he now operates together with his two daughters Heather and Stephanie. Their family-run winery is certified by Napa Green, a certification program with an emphasis on climate action and regenerative farming. Mr. Speaker, the John Shafer Visionary Award exists to honor the legacy of vintner John Shafer, who was among Napa Valley's strongest community leaders. There is no doubt that Mr. Jones has been a dedicated advocate for the Napa Valley community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with the members of the California delegation, to honor Mark Ghilarducci, the director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), for his 40 years of public safety service. Born in San Mateo, California, Mr. Ghilarducci received his Bachelor of Science in Physiology from University of California, Davis. Afterwards, he joined Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government as a part of their fellowship program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Mr. Ghilarducci started his career at the federal level working on homeland security, emergency preparedness, and disaster response. Mr. Ghilarducci was an executive member of the Advisory Board for the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System from 1990 to 2003. Here he led federal search and rescue operations after the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City. From 1997 to 2000, he also served as federal coordinating officer with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, Mr. Ghilarducci was a critical advisor to the state of Louisiana and Governor Kathleen Blanco after Hurricane Katrina. In California, Mr. Ghilarducci has occupied several integral public safety positions. He served as deputy state fire chief of special operations for California's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), where he led the development and creation of the state's internationally recognized fire and rescue mutual aid system. In 2014, he was appointed director of Cal OES by Governor Jerry Brown, and again by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019. Over the course of his tenure as director, he guided California through 130 federally declared disasters such as an enduring drought, five of California's largest wildfires, including the tragic Camp fire, and the COVID pandemic. He also serves in Governor Newsom's cabinet as his homeland security adviser, using his experience to advise on matters of terrorism and cybersecurity. Mr. Ghilarducci has also been a member of numerous state bodies that have shaped California's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery approaches. From 2001 to 2003, he co-chaired both the Governor's Strategic Committee on Terrorism and the California Standardized Emergency Management System Technical Committee. Governor Newsom also appointed Mr. Ghilarducci as chair of the California Earthquake Authority Board of Directors and the California Wildfire Catastrophic Response Council, as well as the executive board member of the Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council. Some of Mr. Ghilarducci's most notable policy achievements include the modernization of California's 911 system, his facilitation of the State Threat Intelligence and Assessment System, the design and implementation of the nation's first Earthquake Early Warning System, and the design and operation of the California Cybersecuritv Integration Center. Furthermore, he was a vocal advocate for the California Disaster Assistance Act which authorized over $300 million in funding towards building a more resilient and safer California. Mr. Ghilarducci is known for his motto ``one team, one fight'' as well as his honesty, integrity, and respectful nature. He spends his spare time with his wife Linda Ghilarducci and two children, RJ Ghilarducci and Alexandra Ghilarducci. Mr. Speaker, Mark Ghilarducci has undoubtedly made our Nation and the state of California a safer place for our constituents.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in this policy area. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation. As I said when this legislation originally came to the floor, I share my colleagues' goal of ensuring that our trade laws are fairly enforced, and I certainly share our collective goal of promoting domestic manufacturing and jobs. However, if this bill were to become law, if the President's veto were to be overridden, it would cost, not create, American jobs. In the long run, it would make it harder, not easier, for our country to become energy independent. This bill would make it impossible to deploy solar energy quickly enough throughout the United States. It would undercut the climate change investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest investment in fighting climate change in the history of our country. We all want solar products manufactured right here at home; but in the short run, our domestic industry can't increase production rapidly enough to meet demand or to meet our climate goals. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Herman J. Hernandez for receiving an honorary doctoral degree from Sonoma State University, in recognition of his 50 years of social justice advocacy in Sonoma County. Born to immigrant parents in San Francisco's Mission District. Mr. Hernandez grew up in San Francisco, California and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. He moved to Guerneville, California in 1970, where he earned his real estate license. Here he began working with his father, who had started one of San Francisco's first Latino-owned real estate and insurance businesses in 1953. After his father's passing in 1978. Mr. Hernandez took over Hernandez Realty to continue his legacy from Sonoma County. Mr. Hernandez quickly became an active local volunteer. In 1973, he was invited to join the Russian River Rotary Club. At just 23 years old, he became Guerneville Rotary Club's first Latino member. He became active in the Rotary Club's Government Relations Committee and began to engage in local public policy and community service. He has volunteered with Family Justice Center Sonoma County, Sonoma County Health Action, the Russian River Park and Recreation District, the Sonoma County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and the North Bay Association of Realtors. Mr. Hernandez is well known in our district as the founder of Los Cien, the largest Latino advocacy group in the North Bay. Mr. Hernandez founded Los Cien in 2008 to address the lack of Latino representation in local politics and to give the Latino community a voice in Sonoma County's public policy. Los Cien prioritizes civic engagement and education for its members while working to build bridges between the Latino community and others in Sonoma County. What began as a small group of Latinos talking about civic issues in the back room of pizza shops and cafes, has become a leadership organization with more than 1,500 members. Los Cien provides valuable networking opportunities for Latino professionals to delve into local issues, including education, health care, law enforcement, and immigration. In addition, Los Cien puts on an annual State of the Latino Community Address at the Address at Sonoma State University which highlights the priorities and needs of the Latino community. Los Cien has also expanded their advocacy by connecting with the nonprofit Northern California Latino Leaders to inspire similar movements amongst Latino communities in Marin, Napa, and Mendocino counties. Mr. Hernandez is known for being energetic, passionate, generous, and a good listener. He spends his spare time with his wife Guillermina and two children, who each continue in their father's footsteps. Mr. Hernandez's daughter, Daniella, is a third-generation realtor and his son, Herman, became the new executive director for Los Cien in 2023. Mr. Speaker. I am honored to recognize my friend, Herman J. Hernandez, an exceptional community leader who has fought for Latino representation and participation in Sonoma County for decades. It is therefore fitting that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with with Congressman Jared Huffman, to recognize the work of Dr. Frank Chong, the president and superintendent of Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), upon his retirement. Born in New York City, Dr. Chong received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley before earning his Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration, Leadership and Technology from Dowling College. Dr. Chong has been committed to public service throughout his career. As special assistant to California Speaker Willie Brown, he developed legislation on higher education, mental health, small and minority business affairs, and local government issues. He later served in executive positions in multiple California colleges including president of Laney College in Oakland and Mission College in Santa Clara. Before his tenure at SRJC, he was appointed deputy assistant secretary for community colleges at the United States Department of Education. While there, Dr. Chong was responsible for shaping President Obama's community college agenda, working on the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, and developing policies to support the President's college completion goals. Dr. Chong has secured several key accomplishments at SRJC since the start of his tenure in 2012. He was a prominent leader of the 2014 campaign for Measure H, the largest voter-approved bond in Sonoma County's history. This $410 million investment in the college has fueled renovation efforts and the implementation of new technologies in SRJC's STEM education centers, sustainability projects, and athletic facilities. In 2020, he also helped drive the campaign for Measure O, a quarter-cent sales tax that has expanded mental health support for SRJC students and the greater population of Sonoma County. Now, under Dr. Chong's leadership, SRJC is nearing completion of its first on-campus student housing in decades which will have 352 new beds. Moreover, this project will reduce 7,575 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Currently, SRJC holds the highest acceptance rate among all California community colleges for transfer students applying to University of California campuses. Dr. Chong is a champion for diversity at SRJC. He is the first Asian- American and first person of color to serve as president and superintendent of the college. Dr. Chong has spearheaded numerous diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and accessibility initiatives. In addition, he oversaw the creation of the new Ethnic Studies department, of more inclusive hiring practices and of the SRJC Intercultural Center. In February 2019, SRJC was listed as one of the nation's ``Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics'' in The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine. Dr. Chong is a valuable resource and mentor to many higher education professionals, alumni, and community members. He serves on boards including the North Bay Leadership Council, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber, and the Chief Executive Officers Board of the California Community Colleges. In addition, Dr. Chong supports groups like Sonoma County Resilience Collaborative and the Bay Area Higher Education Leadership Council. Dr. Chong is known for his love of golf, food, and wine, as well as his honest, kind, and gregarious nature. He spends his spare time with his wife Lene Jannes and his 2 daughters Mia and Sophia. Mr. Speaker, it's clear that Dr. Frank Chong has been an excellent steward of the Santa Rosa Junior College and a dedicated community member of Sonoma County. 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 Cindy Pawlcyn and the 40th anniversary of her landmark wine-country restaurant, Mustards Grill. Her success as a restauranteur in wine country has brought great pride to Napa Valley and California's 4th Congressional District. Ms. Pawlcyn was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to an accomplished culinary family, where she fostered an interest in the culinary field from a young age. At 13 years old, she was helping in her mother's kitchen and working at a local cooking and equipment store. She went on to run a catering business throughout high school, and later obtained her degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She then augmented her formal training with courses at Le Cordon Bleu and La Varenne in Paris. After her time in Paris, she worked at multiple esteemed restaurants in Chicago and Minneapolis, including Chicago's great restaurant the Pump Room. After entering Napa Valley's culinary community as the opening chef at Meadowood in St. Helena, California, Ms. Pawlcyn launched her legendary restaurant Mustards Grill in 1983. Named after the mustard flowers that bloom in Napa's vineyards, Mustards Grill is a community favorite for unique dishes and world-class wine. Ms. Pawlcyn installed an organic garden at the restaurant which not only inspires a seasonal menu but also provides 20 percent of the restaurant's produce year- round. Since opening Mustards Grill, Ms. Pawlcyn has been involved in the creation of many heralded restaurants in the greater San Francisco Bay Area including Fog City Diner, Bix, Roti, Betelnut, Buckeye Roadhouse, Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen, Go Fish, Cindy's Waterfront at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Mustards Grill-SFO. She is a three-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Restaurateur Award. Ms. Pawlcyn is also the author of five cookbooks, including Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook, which won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best American Cookbook. Moreover, she is a recipient of the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and the Fine Beverage & Food Federation's Career Achievement Award. Despite a near fatal car accident and a fire that destroyed her home, Ms. Pawlcyn's list of achievements reflects her tenacity, perseverance, and passion for the culinary industry. She shares her success with managing partner Sean Knight, who has brilliant business skills and a love for hospitality, and Executive Chef Michael Forster who works incredibly hard to surpass the expectations of Mustards Grill's guests. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Cindy Pawlcyn and Mustards Grill have made incredible contributions to Napa County's food culture over the past 40 years. It is therefore fitting that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa Valley Education Foundation as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary of providing educational opportunities to support Napa County's students. With the mission of inspiring students to broaden their horizons and deepen their knowledge, the Napa Valley Education Foundation serves all 18,000 students and 1,000 educators in Napa County's public school system. For the past 40 years, the Foundation has championed music education, career readiness, youth mental health, classroom innovation, academic growth, and social development of students. The Napa Valley Education Foundation's Music Connection program ensures equitable access to music education in the Napa Valley, providing thousands of musical instruments, music instruction support, camps, and clinics to more than 6,000 students per year. Additionally, the Foundation promotes the well-being of students by providing support, funding, coordination, and advocacy to ensure all students have access to on-campus behavioral health services. Their work has helped build local capacity and coordination of services for students and families. Since the creation of Napa Valley Education Foundation in 1983, teachers, students, and the community have benefitted from their mission to foster and support innovation within public schools. Their work with career readiness, teacher classroom grants, project-based learning, and STEM initiatives have led to improved educational outcomes for students. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that the Napa County Education Foundation has contributed to Napa County's educational system over the past 40 years. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, every day 30 people are killed by someone using a gun. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States. When will you be bringing a bill to the floor to help put an end to this carnage? Mr. Speaker, our country is averaging 1.5 mass shootings every day. There are over 70 suicides and accidental shootings every day. When will you bring a bill to the floor to help put an end to this? Mr. Speaker, every day our cops are on the street protecting Americans, and they are confronted by criminals who have access, easy access, to guns that they shouldn't have. When will the Republicans be bringing a bill to the floor to help put an end to this, Mr. Speaker? It is sad. It is sad that there is not even no word but there is no action on this. When will the Republicans work with us Democrats to help put an end to gun violence?

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the economies of every country around the world, resulting in great economic shutdown. However, our country, the United States, came out of the pandemic ahead of other nations because we expanded programs such as unemployment insurance. Sadly, this bill seeks to target Americans who received overpayment from the government at no fault of their own instead of going after those who committed fraud. During the bill's markup and later in the Rules Committee, I offered an amendment that would amend the criminal code to extend the statute of limitations to 10 years, as recommended by the Department of Labor Inspector General and legal experts so we could get the crooks. However, the Republicans decided to go after public servants and retirees instead of the criminals. One of the other members said that criminals and cheats need to be brought to justice. They do. Extend the statute of limitations and we can do it. We can catch the bad guys. We can catch the crooks. We can get the taxpayer money back.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, since we were last together on the floor, gun violence has been unending. There were eight dead, seven injured at a shopping mall in Allen, Texas; one dead, four injured at a medical office in Atlanta, Georgia; six dead in Henryetta, Oklahoma; and five dead in Cleveland, Texas. These are just the high- visibility mass shootings. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers and is costing our country $280 billion a year. Kids shouldn't worry about being shot if their basketball rolls into a neighbor's yard or if they knock on a door. Teenagers shouldn't worry about being shot if they pull into the wrong driveway. Families shouldn't worry about being shot if they go shopping. Republican leadership must listen to the majority of Americans, including Republicans and gun owners who support gun violence prevention laws. Mr. Speaker, I am calling on my Republican colleagues in the majority to bring lifesaving gun violence prevention legislation to this House floor for a vote as soon as we can.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Garrett Buckland, the Napa Valley Grape Growers 2023 Grower of the Year, and recognize his incredible commitment to sustainable agriculture and viticulture in California's Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Buckland was born in Napa Valley and grew up raising cattle, growing grapes, and eventually working for his father's vineyard management business. Mr. Buckland received a bachelor of science in viticulture and enology from the University of California, Davis. After graduating, Mr. Buckland became a partner of Premiere Viticultural Services where he has spent the last 20 years working with landowners all through the valley to develop their properties, advance their farming practices, and elevate their wine quality. Mr. Buckland has a long and successful history of advocacy leadership within the Napa Valley community. He is a current board member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and has served in leadership positions on the board for the last 10 years. He has been the longtime chair of Vit Fair, the Napa Wine and Grape Expo, and Rootstock, all events that the NVG uses to spread awareness about science-based approaches to grape growing and agricultural stewardship in Napa Valley. As someone with deep roots in Napa County, Mr. Buckland takes pride in sharing his expertise with others in the local and State wine community. Mr. Buckland is a founding member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, which helps farm workers develop skills in adult literacy, vineyard operations and safety, leadership and management, mentorship, and family life. He also serves on the Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee, which advises the county on sustainable management of Napa's groundwater. In the past, he has frequently represented Napa Valley and other grape growers on various local and State boards, including the Clean Plant Material Advisory Board. In addition, Mr. Buckland often writes articles for the Napa Valley Register as a representative of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and has made several appearances on TV, online, and radio platforms to discuss best practices in the wine and agricultural industry. Mr. Speaker, Garrett Buckland has had a remarkable career as a business leader and a dedicated sustainability advocate in our community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Congregation Beth Shalom as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary. Congregation Beth Shalom was founded in 1951 by The Napa Jewish Group and was established as a synagogue in 1953. Over the years, Congregation Beth Shalom has grown and expanded, and today it is a thriving center of Jewish life in the Napa Valley area. The Congregation consists of over 200 households at present with a full- time Rabbi, Synagogue Director, and Educator and Music Director. Members of Congregation Beth Shalom hold elected positions on the Napa City Council. The Congregation continues to serve not only the Jewish people of Napa, but also the larger Napa community. Congregation Beth Shalom has played an integral role in aiding others, including their participation with the Table, the Refugee Resettlement Fund, and Citizen's Legal Services. Notably, the Congregation's Rabbi actively participates in the Interfaith Council, which contributes towards the formation of a more inclusive community embracing all faiths, cultures, and orientations. Congregation Beth Shalom provides Jewish educational programs to the youth community of Napa. A non-sectarian summer program, Camp Chaverim, is led by the Congregation and serves children from the community annually. This camping program brings together children of all faiths and backgrounds to create a meaningful and inclusive environment and experience. Congregation Beth Shalom also provides reading assistance at many primary schools. The Congregation maintains crucial involvement with and support for the young people of Napa Valley. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Congregation Beth Shalom has contributed to the community of Napa Valley over the past 70 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Janelle Sellick, whom I have named the 2023 Climate Crisis Champion for Napa County because of the important work she has done to address the threat and impacts of the climate crisis on California's Fourth Congressional District. Ms. Sellick was born in Westlake, California, and attended California State University, Chico, and California State University, Sacramento, where she obtained her master's degree in recreational administration. Ms. Sellick has been an extremely active and devoted community member. She began her service in 2013 on the City of American Canyon Parks and Community Services Commission, on which she served until 2020. In 2015, she founded the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation. In addition to holding these positions, Ms. Sellick has made many major environmental contributions such as leading the development of the Napa River Ecology Center Project which created an environmental legacy for Napa County. The Napa River Ecology Center at the American Canyon Wetlands will provide a home for important conversations on climate change and environmental action while developing the next generation of environmental stewards. Ms, Sellick worked with the City of American Canyon, partners, and donors to design, fund, and manage the capital project for the ecology center. Ms. Sellick has raised over $500,000 in seed funding for project development through the capital campaign for the ecology center. Additionally, Ms. Sellick has led the development of the Watershed Explorers Environmental Education program, which now serves every fourth grader in American Canyon. As a result of this development, 305 students spend over 2,000 hours annually in environmental and watershed education. When Ms. Sellick is not fighting for climate justice, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family, gardening, reading, and traveling to national parks. Mr. Speaker, Janelle Sellick is a dedicated leader in energy and environmental advocacy.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Karenina ``Karen'' Relucio for receiving the Napa Solano Medical Society's (NSMS) Professor Emeritus Award and for her service to the residents of Napa County and California's Fourth Congressional District. The Napa Solano Medical Society's Professor Emeritus Award is not granted every year. This high recognition is reserved to a few individuals who have shown exemplary commitment to healing and teaching medicine to colleagues and other young physicians in the community. In her role as Napa County public health officer, Dr. Relucio was a member of the Napa County Health and Human Services Executive Leadership Team. She led the department's public health and policy work by engaging and supporting a staff of 75 employees. Dr. Relucio was also essential to Napa County's response to the COVID pandemic. She served as the incident commander for local pandemic response, where her community-centered, strategic approach to crisis management made her a vital resource to the district. During the pandemic, Dr. Relucio was also director-at-large of the NSMS Board of Directors and often hosted weekly meetings with NSMS members to dispense critical information pertaining to the pandemic. She further coordinated medical volunteers to deliver essential COVID testing kits and personal protective equipment to Napa County. Her ability to assess and address operational issues from a management and a physician's perspective was integral as part of ``Live Healthy Napa County,'' a multisector effort centered on generating collective improvements to health and wellness, the social determinants of health, and health equity. Dr. Relucio's outstanding dedication to public health has been recognized with many other recent awards. In 2020, she was named the Napa Solano Medical Society Physician of the Year. She was also previously selected by Senator Bill Dodd to be honored by the Legislative Women's Caucus as a Woman of the Year in 2021. Similarly, Dr. Relucio was the Napa Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2022. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Karen Relucio has dedicated her life to ensuring the health and wellness of those in our Napa community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Napa County Historical Society as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Napa County Historical Society was founded in May 1948 as an outgrowth of Napa County's Centennial Commission. The Historical Society has remained committed to discovering, preserving, and displaying the heritage and people of Napa County. The Historical Society's role in recognizing Napa Valley's place in California history and global platforms remains unchallenged. The Goodman Library was secured by then Executive Director Jess Doud in the late 1970s. Over the years, the Historical Society has partnered with the City of Napa to maintain the historical Goodman Library. The building now serves as a location for the ever- growing research library. By hosting exhibitions, presentations, and tours, as well as research and other educational activities, the library focuses on the local history of Napa County. Napa County Historical Society keeps its doors open to the public as a local exhibition space for exploration and education. At present, the Historical Society welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. As a non-profit organization, Napa County Historical Society's team includes the board of directors, an executive director, and a research librarian to maintain the logistical and operational aspects. Napa County Historical Society also continues to advocate for the recognition and education of Napa Valley's history by the younger generations. The Historical Society provides internships for both secondary and collegiate students, along with volunteer opportunities. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Napa County Historical Society has contributed to the preservation and recognition of Napa Valley's history over the past 75 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Eugene Eisenburg for receiving the Napa Solano Medical Society's Lifetime Achievement Award and for his 72 years working as a physician in Napa County. The Napa Solano Medical Society's Lifetime Achievement Award is not granted every year. This high recognition is awarded to a few individuals with extraordinary compassion for their patients and who have been a notable mentor and role model for other physicians. Dr. Eisenburg has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the study of medicine and to quality medical care. He earned his bachelor of arts in medical science from the University of California (UC), Berkeley and his master of science in pharmacology from the UC School of Medicine in San Francisco. He has been employed at numerous hospitals throughout California over the past seven decades, most recently at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa County, where he served as medical director of the Diabetic Wellness Program. Dr. Eisenburg also served his country in the Air Force Medical Corps, earning the rank of major. In addition, Dr. Eisenburg has offered his endocrinology services via private practices and consulting. Throughout his career, he has treated thousands of people and even delivered 105 babies. Dr. Eisenburg has been an exemplary model and mentor for others in the medical field. From 1957 through 1990, he worked as an instructor and professor of clinical medicine for the UC School of Medicine. He spent 18 years as a clinical professor at UC Berkeley as well. Among other honorary groups, he is an emeritus member of the Endocrine Society and has been a member of the California Medical Association for the last 69 years. Our district is grateful that Dr. Eisenburg dedicated the last 27 years to serving the people of Napa County. When he first began working in Napa in 1995, the city and county had very few endocrinologists. Between his research, clinical work, and professional treatment, Dr. Eisenburg has helped advance endocrinology and made it more accessible for the residents of California's Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Eugene Eisenburg has dedicated his life to ensuring the health and wellness of those in our community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership and yielding me the extra time to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I share my colleagues' goal of ensuring that our trade laws are fairly enforced. I certainly share our collective goal promoting domestic manufacturing and jobs. Let's be honest. The idea that our President wants to ship jobs to China and make us dependent on China for our energy, this may sound good, this political hyperbole may sound good, but it is flatout nonsense. If this legislation were to become law, it would cost, not create, American jobs. In the long run, it would make it harder, not easier, for our country to become energy independent. This bill would make it impossible to deploy solar energy quickly enough here in our country, here in the United States of America. It would undercut the climate change investments in the Inflation Reduction Act; the biggest investment in fighting climate change and creating green jobs in our history. This is an investment that we need. We have already heard from numerous speakers on the impact that we have felt from climate change: fires, floods, drought, and an increase in agricultural pests. This is at a point where we need to deploy everything we can to make sure we address the issue of climate change. We all want solar products manufactured right here at home. That will happen. But in the short run, our domestic industry can't increase production fast enough to meet our demand or meet our climate goals. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nicole Braddock, whom I have named the 2023 Climate Crisis Champion for Solano County because of the important work she has done to promote conservation and address the impacts of climate change on California's 4th Congressional District. Nicole Braddock was born in Cedarville, California. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, and she holds an MBA from Capella University. In addition to these impressive educational achievements, Ms. Braddock has a strong commitment to bringing communities together and building common ground in conversations around climate change. Through her role as the Executive Director of Solano Land Trust, Ms. Braddock has championed the protection of more than 8,000 acres of working farms and natural areas as well as the restoration of miles of creeks and streams. Solano Land Trust goes beyond land conservation to ensure the establishment of strong relationships between community members and the land. Ms. Braddock has also advocated for the development of accessible trails and picnic areas to promote public resources available to all members of our community. Ms. Braddock's strong desire to give back to the community is exemplified through her development of partnerships, which allow for every individual in Solano County to benefit from protected natural areas. Additionally, Ms. Braddock supports land conservation efforts through her work on the National Land Trust Alliance Leadership Council. The Land Trust Alliance works with local land trusts to expand land conservation locally and nationally. Outside of her participation with the Land Trust, Ms. Braddock volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations and provides pro bono coaching to local leaders working in land conservation. Ms. Braddock also serves on the board of the Solano Economic Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to growing Solano County's economy through the creation of new jobs and competition among businesses. Mr. Speaker, it is evident that Nicole Braddock is a leader dedicated to land conservation and environmental advocacy. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her here today as Solano County's 2023 Climate Crisis Champion.