Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson, in recognition of his twenty-nine years of extraordinary service for our Rohnert Park law enforcement community. Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson was born in San Mateo, California and grew up in Forestville. He earned all associate's degree from Coastline Community College, a bachelor's degree from Union Institute and University, and a master's degree from the University of San Diego. Deputy Chief Johnson was certified by the Robert Pressley Institute of Criminal investigation, and he received certification as a Fire Chief by the California State Fire Marshall. In addition, he is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and the California Peace Officers Standard of Training Command College. Deputy Chief Johnson has received many recognitions from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for leading the agency for multiple years in arresting impaired drivers. Also, in 2014 when he was a Sergeant, he was awarded the state Traffic Safety Excellence Award by the Office of Traffic Safety for securing almost $750,000 in grant funding for his team where they reduced injury collisions in Rohnert Park to an all- time low. Currently, Deputy Chief Johnson serves as the State Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chair of the Santa Rosa Junior College Fire Technology Advisory Committee, member of California Police Chiefs Association, member of the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association, member of the international Association of Chiefs of Police, and the current instructor for the Windsor Public Safety Training Center. Deputy Chief Johnson is on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Northern California and the Executive Committee Member For Special Olympics Northern California. He also served as the past Vice President of Rohnert Park Cal Ripken Baseball and the past Vice President of Rancho Cotate Lacrosse Club. Deputy Chief Johnson has also served our community as a member of Calvary Chapel Petaluma where he serves on ministry teams. He volunteered with Baja Vision Ministries to build houses in Mexico, and with Greater Vision Uganda Ministry to help fund a school in a Ugandan village. Johnson volunteers with Cotati Rohnert Park Education Foundation, local Rohnert Park Rotary Clubs, Rancho Cotate High School Athletic Boosters, and Lawrence Jones Middle School Expeditionary Learning Program. Deputy Chief Johnson also coached soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse in Rohnert Park. Deputy Chief Johnson married his wife of twenty-six years, Brenda, in 1999. They are blessed with three children named Austin, Abigail, and Avery, along with their dog, Lucky. Mr. Speaker, Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson has dedicated his career to protecting Rohnert Park, California, and our community. He has transformed the lives of those around him through his service and mentorship to others, 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 Oscar Robles for his contributions to the Community Health Initiative and to our community. For the last nine years, Oscar has served on the Community Health Initiative (CHI) board. He had dedicated his time and efforts to CHI as part of an extraordinary team that breaks down barriers, making sure our most vulnerable neighbors, from children and families to older adults, have access to health coverage, and to the care that they need to live a healthy life. Oscar has played an important role in keeping our community healthy by providing financial guidance and business advice that has enabled CHI to assist more than 27,000 people across Napa and Solano counties to access affordable health coverage through Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Covered California. Oscar serves as the Senior Financial Advisor and Resident Director of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Born in Juarez, Mexico, Oscar moved to Hollister, California with his mother when he was a child. When his dad joined them, he opened a truck repair shop where Oscar learned the value of building financial skills as he worked alongside his dad. Later, Oscar was the first in his family to attend college and graduated from San Francisco State University with bachelor's degrees in cinema and anthropology. His passion for finance was ignited by one of his first managers after college. Oscar used his knowledge and experience to teach our community members about financial literacy, helping individuals who may not have had other resources learn how to understand taxes, grow a business, or create a financial safety net. Oscar also has a place in his heart for serving others as demonstrated through his volunteer efforts. This includes having served on the board of the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement, the oldest and largest Bank of America Employee Network, welcoming incoming Latino transfer students at Santa Clara State University, and his service with the Hispanic Bar Association, and the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association. As a board member and past president of CHI, Oscar has been instrumental in guiding the organization in its growth and financial stability. Mr. Speaker, Oscar Robles has done incredible work for the Community Health Initiative and for our 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 the contributions of Munselle Vineyards and the Munselle family on their 150th anniversary of farming in Sonoma County, California. Since 1876, the Munselle family has farmed the Alexander Valley in North Sonoma County, California. Over six generations, they grew high quality crops in our community's rich soil and ideal climate. The famijy's first ventures were in wine under the labels Lone Pine Cellars and Red Winery. Over time they expanded their business into other crops and livestock. These included grapes, hops, prunes, and dairy cattle. In 1972, the family returned to their roots and began growing wine grapes again. For the last five decades, the Munselle family has focused on producing premium wine grapes, which have in turn been made into many award-winning wines by wineries throughout our Sonoma County community. In 2006, Bret and Kristen Munselle partnered with Bret's parents, Bill and Reta Munselle, to launch the limited-production wine label, Munselle Vineyards. Today, Munselle Vineyards produces up to 1,000 cases of hand-crafted wine annually which are enjoyed by their customers throughout the seasons. In addition to the family's personal achievements, they are helping pioneer the future of farming in our community. Munselle Vineyards is a pilot farm in the Sonoma County Winegrowers' Farm ofthe Future initiative, an initiative connecting local farmers with cutting-edge agriculture technologies from John Deere, Agrology, and Wilbur-Ellis. Munselle Vineyards is a living laboratory for next-generation agriculture and is pioneering farming practices that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and long-term viability of family farms. In addition to this innovative spirit, the Munselle family are leaders beyond their own vineyards. They have stepped up as officers for both the Alexander Valley American Viticulture Area and Sonoma County Winegrowers, helping to shape the future of wine growing in our region. Mr. Speaker, I thank Munselle Vinyards and the Munselle family for their contributions to our 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 James ``Jim'' Regusci. Mr. Regusci is being celebrated as our 2026 Napa Valley Grower of the Year for his contributions to our community. Jim Regusci grew up in the Napa Valley. He is a third-generation farmer with deep roots in the Stags Leap District. His grandfather, Gaetano Regusci, established the family ranch in 1932, laying the foundation for a multi-generational farming legacy. Married to Laura Regusci, Jim is the proud father of Alicia Regusci Hardin and James Regusci Jar., and a loving stepfather to Jake and Andre Mendes. Jim is the founder and owner of Regusci Vineyard Management (RVM), an enterprise he launched in 1986 at just 19 years of age. What began with a single truck and a relentless work ethic has grown into one of Napa Valley's most respected and premier vineyard management companies. In 1996, he and his father Angelo founded Regusci Winery, which produces ten thousand cases annually, direct to consumers. Today, RVM farms over 2,000 acres and employs a dedicated team of more than 175 full-time professionals. Throughout his career, Jim has overseen a vast spectrum of operations, including a grape vine nursery large-scale development, and advanced organic and regenerative practices. His work has supported more than 40 premier wineries in the Napa Valley, consistently delivering world-class fruit and cementing our region's global reputation for excellence. Jim is widely respected for his absolute integrity, tireless work ethic, and a deep sense of responsibility to both his people and the land. His philanthropic reach extends to a wide array of local institutions, including the Boy's and Girls Club of Calistoga and St. Helena, Queen of the Valley Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, the V Foundation, Festival Napa Valley, and Tug McGraw Foundation at the California Veterans home. Jim also frequently directs his support to local fire and police departments, area sports teams, and local schools. Jim's deep care for his community and staff was displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his wife, Laura, launched a food program to provide fresh ranch-grown produce and protein to employee families. This initiative has since become a cherished year-round tradition. Furthermore, the Regusci family donates a community pumpkin patch led by Jim's children, hosting countless civic groups every fall. Beyond his structured giving, Jim is a true protector of his community. His hands-on efforts and deployment of resources during the Atlas Peak Fire and the 2020 wildfires played a critical role in mitigating fire spread and assisting neighbors in need. He is, quite simply, the neighbor everyone wishes they had. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Regusci has done incredible work for our 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 the contributions of the Rotary Club of Woodland, and to recognize their one hundred years of service to the Woodland community. This celebration honors the Rotary Club of Woodland's commitment to advancing service, leadership, and community investment. The Rotary Club of Woodland was founded on April 29, 1926, by seventeen local Woodland community leaders, and officially chartered on July 9, 1926. The group now includes three active clubs, Rotary Club of Woodland, Woodland Sunrise Rotary Club, and Woodland Luna Vista Rotary Club. Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to create positive, lasting change in communities locally and around the world. The Rotary Club of Woodland is committed to ``service above self,'' leadership development, and investing in projects that enhance the quality of life for our Woodland community. Throughout its history, the Rotary Club of Woodland has played a vital role in supporting local initiatives, funding community improvements, and fostering leadership among its members. As the organization reaches its hundred-year milestone, it continues to build on its legacy through impactful projects and collaborative partnerships that strengthen the fabric of our Woodland community. The Rotary Club of Woodland has played a foundational role in shaping the community through hands-on service, financial contributions, and long-term civic investment. Such service includes contributing thousands of volunteer hours to build and maintain community projects such as weekly Meals on Wheels delivery, monthly Rotary Readers, planting of trees within our community, and the Christmas Parade clean- up on Woodland's Main Street. Mr. Speaker, we thank the Rotary Club of Woodland for its dedicated service to our community. The organization's contributions are undeniable and have made a lasting impact on the lives of many. 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 Richard Dale, whom I have named California's 4th Congressional District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Sonoma County, in recognition of his leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future. Born in San Francisco, California, Mr. Dale graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned his bachelor's degree in environmental studies. After graduation, he worked in Washington, D.C. on the Alaska Lands Bill, which protected over 157 million acres of land in Alaska. Following the bill's successful passage, Mr. Dale moved to Sonoma County where he went on to co-found the Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) in 1990, later becoming it's Executive Director in 1992. Through his tenure as Executive Director, the SEC has developed into a locally driven, regionally respected agency working through extensive partnerships to conduct technical research, education, and restoration to enhance ecological health at the watershed scale. He has worked for years with partners to preserve thousands of acres of ecologically significant open space and to establish the regionally significant Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor. In 2012, he led a unique partnership of local nonprofits to reopen and manage Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood, California. He helped found the North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative and the Sonoma Environmental Education Collaborative (SEEC). After the 2017 fires, he helped establish Sonoma Valley Collaborative, a partnership of economic, social service, and environmental interests to build a cross-sector framework for resolving complex, interrelated issues. He has served as Vice President on the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, cofounded the Sonoma Valley Executive Directors Round Table, and currently serves on the steering committee for Sonoma Valley Collaborative. Mr. Dale is a staple of Sonoma Valley's ecological community, helping associations across the county thrive under his leadership. In 2017, he was the recipient of Sonoma County's Jefferson Award for Public Service and the Sonoma County Economic Development Board's Spirit of Sonoma Award. In 1997, he received the John Muir Conservation Award. Mr. Dale is also a frequent contributor to the Sonoma Index Tribune and other publications. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Richard Dale has helped transform Sonoma County and preserve the natural beauty that it is known for. Through his leadership and vision, our community has become a better place to live. For these reasons and more, it is fitting and proper that we recognize him today as Sonoma County's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christina Benz, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Napa County, in recognition of her leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Mrs. Benz graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. After growing interested in viticulture, she went on to pursue a Master of Science in Food Science at the University of California, Davis. She then moved to Napa and began to work with our wine community. During that period, she worked at Murphy-Goode and Laird Family Estates as a Winemaker and then as a Winery Production Manager for 37 Vintages. She has since retired and grown more active in Napa County's political and environmental groups. Mrs. Benz has helped to strengthen and build organizations that are dedicated to making our county more sustainable and cleaner. Over the last four years she has helped to organize and plan the ``Annual Napa Climate Summit,'' an event that has become a staple of Napa County and regularly attracts audiences of 200 or more. Additionally, the event puts a much-needed spotlight on the existential threat of climate change and how residents of the Napa Valley can help mitigate its harmful effects. She is also a frequent contributor to the Napa Register's Climate Connections column, where she informs concerned citizens across the Napa Valley of local progress and ways to participate in taking climate action. Most prominently, she drafted and advocated for a ``Climate Change and Sustainability'' element in the 2040 City of Napa General Plan that was adopted in 2022. This element is especially important as it embeds sustainability as a core principle of the City of Napa's General Plan and commits that the city will have net-zero climate pollutants by 2030. She was also able to secure funding for the Napa River Ecology Center in American Canyon from the Sierra Club. The Ecology Center will create a community gathering space for future generations. It is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of the Napa River's wetlands and working to defend them. Mrs. Benz is a staple of our Napa Valley community and participates in numerous organizations dedicated to the health of North Bay and Napa County. She has served on the Executive Committee of the Napa Group of the Sierra Club, the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, and the Board of the Napa Valley Vine Trail. She has helped guide our Napa County community as the Treasurer of Napa Green, a member of the Executive Committee of the Democrats of Napa Valley, and as a board member of Feeding It Forward. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Christina Benz has dedicated herself to protecting our environment and educating others about its importance. Her selfless commitment towards our community and the people who live within it is unmatched. For these reasons and more, it is fitting and proper that we recognize her today as Napa County's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sean McNamara, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Solano County in recognition of his leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future. Born in Winters, California, Mr. McNamara grew up working on his family's walnut farm in Solano County. He went on to graduate from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. After completing his degree, he returned to his family's 300-acre farm which is the largest regenerative organic walnut farm in the world, Sierra Orchards in California. Mr. McNamara, along with his sister and farm team, manages Sierra Orchards. After spending more time managing the orchards, Mr. McNamara was shocked by how conventional agricultural practices can devastate the microbes that enrich our soil. He was determined to adopt management plans that promote life and sustainability in his farming. Every crop he grows is planted with climate resiliency in mind. He began using sheep grazing instead of relying on pesticides, created an orchard recycling program in lieu of open burning, composted agricultural waste instead of discarding it, and took a regenerative approach to farming to ensure that the soil remained healthy. Under this management style, Sierra Orchards uses 30 percent less water and 50 percent less diesel than conventionally farmed walnut operations. Additionally, Sierra Orchards does not rely on off-farm agricultural inputs, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. Mr. McNamara shares the best practices utilized at Sierra Orchards with others to help promote sustainability. He regularly collaborates with researchers from different University of California campuses, California Association with Family Farmers, the Solano County Farm Bureau, and Western Growers. Due to his openness and willingness to donate his time to these research-based organizations, significant breakthroughs will be made in the world of science and ecology. Mr. McNamara is dedicated to supporting our Solano County community and serves as a board member of the Winters Chamber of Commerce, Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, Putah Creek Council, and Rios to Rivers. Mr. McNamara married his wife, Sarah Ashkin, in March 2023. They are blessed with one son named Rylee. Mr. Speaker, Mr. McNamara's approach to ecology is incredibly effective and his willingness to share his discoveries with others makes him an invaluable asset to our community. His resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to ecological justice make him a powerful role model in Solano County and beyond. For these reasons and more, it is fitting and proper that we recognize him today as Solano County's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Ruihong Zhang, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Yolo County, in recognition of her leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future. Born in Inner Mongolia, China, Dr. Zhang graduated from the Inner Mongolia Engineering College of China in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science. She then went on to pursue her Master of Science in 1986 at the Northeast Agricultural University of China. After obtaining her degrees, she moved to the United States of America to pursue her Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign (UIUC). She then served as a Postdoctoral Research associate at UIUC and as an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University. She moved to Davis, California in 1995 and joined the University of California, Davis, faculty in 1995. Dr. Zhang has helped transform the ecological health of Yolo County through her research. She led the charge to develop the UC Davis Renewable Energy Anaerobic Digester (READ), which converts 20 to 50 tons of waste into renewable energy and biofertilizers every day, diverting 20,0000 tons of waste from local landfills each year. This technology has been widely recognized across the Bio-Agricultural sector for addressing critical environmental and economic challenges. READ not only protects our climate by disposing of waste sustainably, but it also benefits our economy by providing cheap electricity, fuel, and fertilizer. The READ facility received the American Biogas Council's Biogas Project of the Year Award in 2015. Dr. Zhang is dedicated to educating all, especially those who run our government. She has provided policy briefings at both the California State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol on sustainable waste management. Her work has contributed to the passage of meaningful legislation like the Global Warning Solutions Act, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant legislation. Her work across the Agricultural, Environmental, and Ecological sectors has been recognized by countless organizations and groups. Her work was listed as one of the ``100 most influential contributions'' during the UC Davis Centennial. She was also recognized as a Phenomenal Faculty member by UC Davis in 2014, as an Engineer Innovator by UC Davis's College of Engineering in 2012, and she received the New Holland Young Researcher Award in 2023. She has also been honored with a Distinguished Career Award from the Association of Chinese Agricultural Biological and Food Engineers, an Achievement Award from California Bioresources Alliance, and CleanTech Innovator of the Year award from Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ruihong Zhang, has spearheaded research that has diverted thousands of tons of waste from California landfills while transforming how we understand our environment. Her contributions have made Yolo County and the United States a better place to live. For these reasons and more, it is fitting and proper that we recognize her today as Yolo County's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luis Santana, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2026 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Lake County in recognition of his leadership in strengthening our community's commitment to a sustainable future. Born in Deer Park, California, Mr. Santana graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology. He then went on to achieve a Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management from Oregon State University and a Grant Writing Certificate from San Diego State University. He served as a Scientific Aid for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a Biological Science Technician for the U.S. Forest Service, and then a Restoration Specialist with the Yurok Tribe. After working for four years as a Fisheries Biologist, he has made the Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and Wildlife Department in 2025. In this role, Mr. Santana has been able to secure millions of dollars of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He has secured grants and completed projects that will help ensure the land in Lake County remains clean, accessible, and safe for future generations. To protect the lands of Robinson Rancheria, he integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches to develop effective community-centered conservation strategies. He ensures projects go smoothly by working closely with tribal partners, property owners, government agencies, and academic institutions to protect vulnerable species and habitats. Mr. Santana is dedicated to mentoring and engaging with the community. One of his primary goals as the Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Donoxa Fish and Wildlife Department is to ensure that future generations are better custodians of our land. He works to create real opportunities for young people to engage with and participate in hands-on environmental work. Mr. Santana's dedication to Lake County is evident to everyone in his community. He was recognized as the Biologist of the Year from the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society in 2025. He also served as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee, and he is a member of the American Fisheries Society, the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the California Deer Association, Trout Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Santana is married to Thonyoon Chao and who runs the Chao Santana Farm in Upper Lake, California. They are blessed with two children named Lucas Chao Santana and Eleanor Chao Santana. Mr. Speaker, Luis Santana, has been recognized across the Lake County community for his work preserving the wildlife, land, and culture across the lands of the Robinson Rancheria. 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 ParentsCAN Family Center for its twenty years of service to children with disabilities in Napa County and to recognize the work it has done as the sole Family Resource Center of Napa Valley. This celebration honors the hard work of the staff, volunteers, and supporters that have helped transform countless lives across the Napa Valley. ParentsCAN was founded in 2005 by Joan Lockhart and a group of Napa parents, who had disabled children. These parents helped each other access services for their children by sharing information and referrals amongst themselves. Frustrated that our community did not already have an organization dedicated to the needs of disabled children in Napa, they decided to start their own. The organization gave high-quality, in-person support that was not available anywhere else in the Napa Valley. Beginning as a small group of concerned parents, they quickly grew into a large-scale organization that provided training, support groups, and community events tailored to the unique challenges faced by families in Napa County. ParentsCAN has provided critical support, education, and advocacy to ensure families have access to resources necessary for their children to thrive. They also work with local community-based organizations, like healthcare providers or social services, to ensure their clients receive high quality healthcare, education, and support structures. Families across the county have felt more confident navigating the complex services that are needed to provide for their children after working with ParentsCAN. Aside from connecting parents with resources, ParentsCAN actively works with the local government to improve institutions serving children with disabilities, making the Napa Valley a safer and more accessible place to live. ParentsCAN is unique and especially well-qualified due to its ``parents supporting parents'' model. This structure means that all trained staff are parents or close family to children with needs, ensuring that staff are knowledgeable, experienced, and able to easily help parents or caregivers. ParentsCAN is a federally funded Community Parent Resource Center and the only one of its kind in Napa Valley. It also represents the young disabled population of Napa in several local organizations like the Community Leaders Coalition, Voters Choice Napa, Napa Valley Committee on Disabilities, First 5 Napa County, Napa County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, and the Local Childcare planning Council. Mr. Speaker, ParentsCAN has had a tremendous impact on the well-being of children across our Napa community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the organization's twentieth anniversary here today as they celebrate this milestone.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Chris Hartley, in recognition of his more than twenty-seven years of extraordinary service for our Napa Valley and California law enforcement communities. Chris Hartley was born in October 1960 and grew up in the Napa Valley. He graduated from Napa High School in 1979. He then served in the United States Marine Corps as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman, Infantryman, and Reconnaissance Marine. He rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and served for over 20 years. During his time in the Marine Corps, Chief Hartley served during the Beirut Bombing and Grenada, and he participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. While in the military, Chief Hartley attended the USMC Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and completed courses in Marine Corps Warfighting, Firearms Instructor, Rappel Master, Small Boat Operations Instructor, and Parachute Jump School. Chief Hartley left the Marine Corps in 1999 and subsequently attended Mira Costa and Palomar Junior Colleges and then went on to study at Colorado State University and the University of Virginia. Chief Hartley is also a graduate of Class 263 of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy. After serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Chief Hartley came back to the Napa Valley to work in law enforcement. In 1999, Chief Hartley began his position as a police officer with the City of St. Helena. During his time at the St. Helena Police Department, he served as a Motorcycle Officer, Range and Tactics Instructor, Corporal, Sergent, Lieutenant, and Chief. He became the Chief of Police in 2019. As Chief, he guided our community through two major fires, the first public safety power shutoffs, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and major social justice reforms. Chief Hartley's contributions have been widely recognized across our law enforcement community, most prominently when St. Helena's Police Department was awarded the Distinguished Silver Medal for Excellence in Policy Management by the risk assessment agency, Lexipol. Chief Hartley is widely respected among peace officers across California and is loved by the residents of St. Helena. Chief Hartley is dedicated to helping our Napa Valley community and has served as a member of the St. Helena Rotary Club, Napa Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the A-Z Foundation for Disabled Veterans. He has continued to serve St. Helena through his support of the UpValley Family Center, Napa Emergency Women's Shelter, We Care Animal Rescue, Monarch Education Center of Napa Valley, and Napa Victim Witness Services. Chief Hartley trains and supports law enforcement in the Napa Valley and across California through his work as an instructor with the Napa Valley College Police Academy, as chairman of the board for Napa County Special Investigations, and as a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy, California Gangs Association, and the California Narcotics Association. Chief Hartley married his wife Shelley Hartley in August 1980. They are blessed with three children named Christina, Casandra, and James, along with 8 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Chief Chris Hartley has dedicated his life to protecting St. Helena, California, and the United States of America. He has transformed the lives of those around him through his service and mentorship to others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation and thank my colleague Mike Kelly for working with me on this effort. Our bill is a good one. Mr. Speaker, let's be honest about where we are right now. We ask Americans to comply with one of the most complex tax systems in the world. We expect them to report accurately, pay what they owe, and follow the rules to the letter. The vast majority of Americans do exactly that, but we also know that there are individuals and entities who exploit that complexity to cheat the system. They hide income, manipulate structures, and take advantage of gaps that ordinary taxpayers would never even know exist. Too often, they get away with it. At the same time, the enforcement side of the equation is under real strain. Between staffing losses and reduced enforcement capacity, the reality is that the system is not catching everything that it should. Whether we say it out loud or not, we are increasingly relying on whistleblowers to help fill that gap. These are the people on the inside. They are the people who see the fraud firsthand and are willing to step forward and take a risk to do the right thing. If that is the system we are operating under, then it has to be a system that actually works, and right now, it doesn't. Whistleblowers face uncertainty. They face long delays and, in some cases, face real personal and professional risks just for coming forward. That is not how you encourage people to expose wrongdoing. That is how you discourage it. This bill makes targeted improvements to fix those problems. First, it protects whistleblower privacy. If someone is exposing tax fraud, they should not have to fear retaliation or public exposure just to be heard. Second, it strengthens fairness in the process. It ensures that whistleblowers receive meaningful, independent review of their claims, not just a rubberstamp of prior decisions. Third, it addresses delays head-on. When the government takes too long to act, whistleblowers should not be the ones paying the price. Providing interest on delayed awards is not a bonus. It is basic fairness. This is about making sure the rules we already have are actually enforced because when tax cheats get away with it, everyone else pays more or gets less. When whistleblowers are ignored, discouraged, or exposed, fewer people will come forward the next time. That is how you undermine confidence in the entire system. If we want a tax system that is fair, enforcement has to be credible. If enforcement depends, in part, on whistleblowers, then we need to treat them like they matter. This bill does exactly that. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Kelly for his good work and urge a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith, Mr. Kelly, and Ranking Member Neal for the good work that was done. I concur with Mr. Kelly that staff on both sides have done, as always, a fantastic job. Mr. Speaker, this bill comes down to fairness and enforcement. When people cheat the tax system and get away with it, honest taxpayers are the ones who pay the price. If we expect whistleblowers to help close the gap, we need to protect them, treat them fairly, and ensure that the system works. This is a practical, bipartisan step to strengthening enforcement and restoring confidence in the system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. I thank Mr. Smith for his work on this bill, and I thank Mr. Steube for his partnership. I represent communities in northern California that have been on the front lines of catastrophic wildfires for years. I sat with families who have watched their homes burn to the ground. I spoke with small business owners who lost not just their storefronts but their entire livelihoods. I met with farmers and growers who saw generations of work wiped out in a matter of hours. After all of that, after the fire trucks leave, after the smoke clears, after the cameras are gone, those families are left to navigate through the aftermath. They are dealing with insurance claims. They are trying to find temporary housing. They are figuring out how to rebuild their lives. Then they run into the tax code. In northern California, my constituents had to fight tooth and nail just to get basic, commonsense tax relief. Think about that. Congressman LaMalfa and I had to fight to pass this relief, and we worked to mobilize victims to speak out and demand that that tax relief be forthcoming. People who lost everything should not have to come to Washington, D.C., to fight for relief. We should not be asking disaster victims to lobby Congress in the middle of recovery. We should not be telling families that the help they receive to build their homes might come with a tax bill attached. We should not be forcing communities into uncertainty every single time disaster strikes. This legislation ensures that when Americans receive disaster relief they are not penalized by paying tax on that relief. This is not just about the past. It is about what is happening right now. In Los Angeles, across southern California, in Hawaii, and in Colorado, families reeling from devastating fires are being forced to navigate the same uncertainty those in my district faced. They should not have to come back to Congress and ask for relief that we already know is necessary. Disaster relief should not depend on your ability to navigate Congress. It should be automatic. It should be fair, and it should be there when you need it. This bill is a step toward that goal. It reflects what we have learned from northern California. It reflects the realities facing communities in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Colorado. This legislation is a great first step, and we should now work to make this relief permanent going forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta), a valued member of the Ways and Means Committee and someone who has seen firsthand what devastating wildfires can do to your district.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda). She has seen devastating wildfire that impacted her district and her constituents, and she has done great work to bring relief to them.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, this bill is about basic fairness. When Americans lose their homes to wildfires or other disasters, the last thing they should face is a tax bill on the help they received to rebuild that home. My constituents in northern California had to fight for that relief. Families in Los Angeles should not have to do the same, nor should they in Colorado, Hawaii, or anyplace else. Let's pass this bill today and then do the work to make these protections permanent so no disaster victim has to come back to Congress for relief ever again. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is rightfully named after our former colleague and friend, Doug LaMalfa, who worked hard to protect his fire victims. We should pass this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Clergy Act. First, I thank my colleague Mr. Fong for his partnership on this issue. This is how the legislative process should work: Democrats and Republicans coming together to solve real problems for our constituents. For nearly 90 years, Social Security has done exactly what it has promised: protected workers, retirees, and people with disabilities; and kept families out of poverty. Since it works, our responsibility is pretty simple: to make it easier and not harder for Americans to access and benefit from the Social Security program. Under current law, members of the clergy can opt out of paying Social Security if they choose not to receive benefits. The Clergy Act provides a 2-year window for clergy members to opt back in, to contribute, and to secure the earned benefits that they may have previously foregone. Clergy serve as pillars of their communities, offering guidance and support in moments that matter the most. This bill ensures that they will have the opportunity to participate fully in a system that has strengthened generations of American families. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, if we are serious about strengthening Social Security, we can't stop at incremental fixes. We must also protect the program from efforts that would weaken this great program. We have heard calls for so-called reforms or tough choices. Let's be clear about what that means: cutting benefits, raising retirement age, or moving toward privatization--steps that undermine the guaranteed security Americans rely on. Democrats reject that approach. We believe Social Security is a promise, not a bargaining chip. Today, we have an opportunity to do something constructive. The Clergy Act is a practical, bipartisan step that expands access to Social Security and strengthens retirement security for those who serve our communities every day. We can choose to build on what works, or we can risk it. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Let's build on what works. I want to thank Congressman Fong, who has been a great partner in this effort. This is important legislation. It will help the people that we represent and the people that our colleagues represent across this country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I understand why my Republican colleagues are trying to rename this bill the working families tax act because, while this bill may be big--to the tune of $4.2 trillion that it adds to our national debt--it is certainly not beautiful and certainly not for working families. In fact, on this tax day, this tells the real story. This is nothing more than a betrayal of the American people. Families were promised relief. Instead, they have been left to foot the bill. No matter how my Republican friends try to spin it, Americans are hurting. Costs are up across the board. At the pump, gas prices surged over 21 percent in just 1 month, the largest increase in nearly 60 years. At the grocery store, families are paying more for the basics. Healthcare costs are rising, and this bill guts nearly $1 trillion from our healthcare system, putting hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics at risk, and threatening the coverage for millions of Americans. When those cuts are finally realized, families will lose their healthcare, and communities will lose their hospitals, their clinics, and their skilled nursing facilities. What did working families get in return? Yes, as the chairman pointed out, some taxpayers got larger refunds this year. As a matter of fact, the numbers are that, notwithstanding the fact that the President and the Republicans promised the Americans that they would get a $1,000 additional tax return, it is $346 more than last year. They were promised bigger refunds. Instead, those refunds fell 65 percent short of what was advertised, and they failed to cover the high costs that most families are facing. To put it in simple terms, given that this is my friend Mr. Kelly's bill, a prominent auto dealer in Pennsylvania, taxpayers were promised an Escalade, but they instead got a go-kart. The gas for that go-kart is going to be a heck of a lot more expensive this year than it was last year. That is not relief. That is a broken promise anyway you cut it. Let's be clear about who this bill actually helps. It is not workers. It is the ultrawealthy, the corporations, the venture capitalists, all the people who didn't need a tax cut in this environment. Millionaires are getting tax cuts tens of thousands of dollars larger than what working families receive. Meanwhile, families making under $50,000 have been left with the scraps. Democrats have a different vision. We believe in using the tax code to actually help the middle- and working-class families of our great country. We want to provide tax relief for home buyers, for renters, and affordable housing developers so families can finally afford a place to live. We want to expand the child tax credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit so parents can afford to raise a family. We did that in the last Congress with our child tax credit measure, which cut childhood poverty in half. Our Republican friends allowed that to expire. We want to support family caregivers who sacrifice so much for their loved ones, and we want to restore the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to lower healthcare costs for working families. We want to allow union workers to deduct their dues, and we want to lower energy bills and strengthen our grid by investing in clean energy, which is affordable energy. That is what it looks like to put working families first, not rebranding, not gimmicks--real relief. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that in my friend Mr. Kelly's district, 27,000 of his constituents will face nutrition cuts, 24,000 will lose their health insurance, and 795 jobs will be lost due to canceling clean energy tax credits that were in that big, ugly H.R. 1. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell), who is the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will point out that my friend from Iowa is facing a situation in his district where 12,000 of his constituents will face nutrition cuts. Mr. Speaker, 24,000 will lose health insurance, and 494 jobs will be lost due to canceling clean energy tax credits. All of this is because of H.R. 1. I find it hard to believe that farmers are jumping for joy. Because of this legislation, tariffs, and an unauthorized war in the Middle East, fertilizer prices for farmers are going through the roof. Fuel prices for farmers are going through the roof, and farmers who are trying to ship their products to other ports are being absolutely devastated because the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. This bill also added $4.2 trillion to the national debt. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu), a great and distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee and a strong voice for working people and struggling families.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out to the gentleman from Nebraska that 9,000 of his constituents will face nutrition cuts because of this bill. Mr. Speaker, 19,000 will lose their health insurance, and 3,098 jobs will be lost due to the cancellation of the clean energy tax credits. His constituents will share in the money that has been added to the national debt, $4.2 trillion added to the national debt by this bill so billionaires, multimillionaires, and corporations can get huge tax cuts. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who is the former leader of the Nevada legislature and a leader and strong voice for the workers of our country and his district, especially the culinary and the hospitality workers.