Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commander Thomas Koeppe for his exemplary dedication to his community, and to mark his retirement from the Hercules Police Department after more than 27 years of committed service. Originally from El Cerrito, California, Commander Koeppe began his service as a police officer for the city of Hercules in 1993. Since joining the force, Commander Koeppe has risen through the ranks of the Hercules Police Department, serving as a Training Officer, Special Response Officer, and Police Sergeant before becoming a Police Commander in 2012. In 2018, he also briefly served as Acting Police Chief, leading the department during a time of transition. Commander Koeppe has consistently earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the public, and has been recognized countless times for his service to his community. In 1995, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for arresting a dangerous individual after a long and dangerous car chase. He also led his department in driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and was honored by both the department and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his efforts to curtail the dangers of drunk driving. His dedication to the city is non-stop, as evident by the fact that he has received the Iron 96 award, given to those who do not use any sick leave, for 20 consecutive years. Commander Koeppe is not only an esteemed member of the police department, but he also plays an active role in his community. On top of his professional role, he is a member of Rotary Club International, the City Liaison for Special Olympics Northern California, and co-founder of the Hercules Swim Club. Commander Koeppe is a prime example of a community-focused officer who is committed to building vital ties with the community members whom he is protecting. Madam Speaker, Commander Thomas Koeppe is an outstanding law enforcement officer and model citizen who has served with honor throughout his nearly three decades of duty. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill and thank the Chairman for his tireless dedication to our natural resources and to supporting efforts to get folks outside to enjoy our National treasures. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear just how desperately our communities need access to the outdoors for their emotional and physical well-being. The provisions included in America's Conservation Enhancement Act will do just that by increasing access to public lands and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs, so our hunters, anglers, and birdwatchers can continue doing what they love. The ACE Act will create more opportunities for the people in America to enjoy the outdoors, while providing critical financial relief to the businesses around these public lands. This legislation is a win for our environment, our economy, and for our sportsmen and women who will be able to access these lands for generations to come. As a longtime outdoorsman, I am proud of this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5373, my bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the United States Anti-Doping Agency. As you know, USADA is recognized by Congress as the official antidoping agency for Olympic, Paralympic, and other sporting competitions in the United States. Among other responsibilities, USADA conducts drug testing for athletes, manages test results, and pursues bad actors who seek to undermine the principles of clean and fair sport through the use of illicit or banned substances. Current funding for USADA expires this year. My legislation, authored with Representatives Johnson (R-OH) and DeGette (D-CO), would reauthorize USADA through Fiscal Year 2027. The bill also provides a slight funding boost beginning in 2026, to allow USADA to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. In addition, this legislation would require USADA to devote a portion of its funding to clean sport initiatives for young athletes, and authorizes the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to cooperate with USADA in the course of its investigations. As recent doping scandals have shown--particularly in the world of cycling--the abuse of performance enhancing drugs often begins at a young age. Many young athletes, especially those with promising careers, face enormous pressure to gain any competitive edge available to them-- including pressure from coaches, trainers, parents and other adults. It is critical that these young competitors have the education and resources they need to surmount that pressure, stay clean, and stay healthy. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this legislation to the Floor, and I urge my colleagues to vote Yes.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Recology in celebration of its 100th anniversary on September 20, 2020. Since its founding in San Francisco in 1920, Recology has become a leader in resource recovery and landfill diversion. As a result of its commitment to Waste Zero, Recology has worked to reduce the amount of accumulated waste by converting the waste that they collect for reuse, recycling, composting, or energy generation. Recology has expanded its efforts to cover over 140 communities in California, Oregon, and Washington. Recology is not just a leader in waste management, but also a leader in employee ownership. Since 1986, Recology has been 100 percent employee-owned and is now one of the nation's ten largest fully employee-owned companies. Recology's efforts to empower its employees through employee ownership has especially served to empower female and minority employees, who currently hold a majority of the company's shares. Recology has become an integral part of my own Congressional district in California, with offices and facilities in Santa Rosa and Vallejo employing 135 employee-owners. Not only has Recology helped communities in my district with its commitment to Waste Zero and employee ownership, but it has also continued to give back through participation in civic engagement projects and community organizations. Madam Speaker, Recology emulates the type of company that we should expect from all American companies. Recology is a corporate leader in environmental sustainability, employee ownership, and community involvement within countless communities. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Recology here today as they celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the bipartisan PHONE Act, a bill I started working on more than two years ago. The PHONE Act is an example of listening to our constituents who have been survivors of a natural disaster and using the power of legislation to address the aftermath. After the devastating 2017 wildfires, one of my constituents contacted my office to let us know of a problem unique to natural disasters. My constituent was one of more than 6,000 households who lost a home or business to the wildfire. This family was a long-time part of our community and they wanted to rebuild. What they learned was that, during the rebuilding process, they would lose the phone number they had for years. This may seem like something small--a phone number, but to my constituent, this was part of the fabric of their lives and of their home. Unfortunately, the FCC could not save the phone number long enough to rebuild. So many of our Districts are facing wildfires, hurricanes, powerful windstorms and flooding. We must do everything we can to help survivors reclaim their lives. Displaced survivors must find temporary housing, connect with family members, replace lost documents, apply for disaster assistance, and begin the long process of repairing and rebuilding homes. We may not be able to help rebuild or pick up the pieces, but this small gesture-- reserving a phone number--can bring the tiniest sense of a return to normalcy. Preserving home phone numbers means survivors have one less worry. It's one less burden. It is the least we can do to help the folks in our communities who face such devastation. I thank the Committee for its work to bring this bill to the Floor and I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of my amendment. This amendment requires the establishment of a reliability standard, within the Federal Power Act, relating to extreme weather events. It directs the Department to create a program and publish a report, on ways to improve the resiliency of electrical grids. Over the past year my District and others across the State of California have experienced many of these power shutoffs due to extreme weather events--such as wildfires. These shutoffs hurt local businesses, leave thousands in the dark, and put the medically vulnerable at great risk. The federal government must step up to ensure the U.S. electrical grid is more resilient. We must provide states and local utilities the resources they need to reliably provide power to our communities. I urge an Aye vote on this amendment to help communities like mine and all the others affected by severe weather.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my amendment to H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. This commonsense amendment clarifies that energy saved through the use of geothermal pumps qualifies as renewable energy produced for the purposes of this bill. Battling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require an innovative, multi-pronged approach. And geothermal pump technology must be a tool available for us to use. Geothermal pumps work to reduce energy consumption by transferring and concentrating heat energy absorbed from the earth. These installations can reduce energy use in buildings by over 40 percent. My amendment clarifies that these energy savings count as renewable energy produced, recognizing that geothermal pumps remain a critical part of our effort to reduce emissions and defeat climate change. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Al Maggini in celebration of his 105th birthday on September 5, 2020. Mr. Maggini was born and raised in San Francisco, California. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1933, he began his career in the financial industry. At the onset of World War II, Mr. Maggini put his career on pause to join the United States Army Air Corps as a B-17 aerial navigator in the Eighth Air Force. After the war, Mr. Maggini returned to San Francisco to continue his career as a stockbroker before moving to Santa Rosa in 1965. After moving to Santa Rosa, Mr. Maggini joined the faculty of Santa Rosa Junior College to teach night classes, including a course on flying to returning soldiers and a basic finance class. After more than eleven years of teaching, he was invited to serve on the Santa Rosa Junior College's board of trustees. During his 33-year tenure as a trustee, he helped guide the board through many difficult decisions by urging his fellow trustees to consider what is in the best interest of the students that they serve. Mr. Maggini's service to his community extends beyond his time at Santa Rosa Junior College. He has dedicated his time and energy to ensure the health and quality of life of his fellow community members, both through his efforts to fundraiser for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and through his endowment of the Al and Helen Maggini Legacy. In 2018, he was presented with the Frank P. Doyle Philanthropy Award, which honors local business leaders who use their time, money, and energy to help meet critical community needs. Madam Speaker, Al Maggini is the kind of community member we should all strive to be. His life has been dedicated to serving the people around him, from his time in the Army to his work in Santa Rosa. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act. This legislation will put a stop to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's sabotage of the U.S. Postal Service and help reverse the damage that has already been done. H.R. 8015 will prohibit operational or service changes during the COVID public health emergency and ensure the level of service that was in place on January 1, 2020. The bill also includes $25 billion to help shore up postal operations that have been badly impacted by the pandemic. I have been deeply disturbed by recent operational and organizational changes at USPS designed to sabotage mail delivery service ahead of our 2020 presidential election. In his brief tenure as Postmaster General, Mr. DeJoy--a major contributor to the President's reelection campaign-- has pushed through sweeping changes to mail delivery processes and procedures, dismantled vital mail sorting equipment, and undertaken a major restructuring intended to sideline career postal officials. This nakedly partisan attempt to subvert democracy and undermine confidence in the integrity of our election process is unconscionable and unacceptable. The Postmaster General should be ashamed of himself. The USPS is a vital lifeline to millions of people across our country, especially now. Veterans and seniors rely on the mail to get prescriptions, people are staying connected with loved ones through mail while sheltering at home, and more voters will cast their ballots by mail this year than ever before. Fast, reliable postal service is critical to providing these essential services. Yet, my office has received numerous complaints of late or inconsistent mail service since the Postmaster General's changes went into effect. One constituent, a senior from Napa, wrote to me afraid her necessary medication would be useless by the time it arrived. The medication, which is temperature sensitive and usually takes 2-3 days to deliver, hadn't shown up in more than 10. Our letter carriers are dedicated to providing our communities the highest level of service. Since the founding of our Post Office, they have lived by the motto: ``Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.'' The Delivering for America Act will help ensure postal employees can keep this oath. That's why I am proud to support and to be a coauthor of the legislation. I urge a yes vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, in my time in Congress rarely have I participated in Special Orders, but tonight, this is more than a Special Order. John Lewis was one of the greatest men to have ever served in the Congress of the United States of America. He devoted his entire life to helping others and to making our country a better place. It was an incredible honor to serve with him in Congress and on the Committee on Ways and Means. My wife, Jan, and I walked with him over the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. That was 50 years after John was almost killed on that bridge after peacefully protesting discrimination that disenfranchised Americans in our country. He visited my district, and hundreds of my constituents came out to see him. One man came in a wheelchair, pushed by his daughter. And his daughter said: My father was a Freedom Rider and marched with John Lewis. And he checked himself out of the hospital tonight so he could be here to see John Lewis. After they said their hellos, he got back in the wheelchair and said: Take me back to the hospital. I am thanked to this day for bringing John to our community. When you would pass John in the halls of Congress, and he would greet you with, ``Hello, my brother,'' he made you believe that you were actually his brother. We must all commit to working harder to be a little more like John Lewis. Good-bye, John, and thank you. Godspeed, my brother.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, as communities across our country continue to battle COVID-19 and as school districts around the country continue to plan for virtual-only education, it is more important than ever for parents, healthcare professionals, essential workers, and our children to have access to quality, affordable childcare. This bill helps families by making the childcare tax credit fully refundable and offers new assistance to childcare facilities to help them weather the storm and continue providing the vital services our children need. Every Member of this House has heard from constituents who are grappling with this challenge. Americans need our help. Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to vote for this important bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret Silveira and to celebrate her retirement after ten years of public service to the city of Lakeport. Ms. Silveira earned an Associate of Arts degree from Modesto Junior College and graduated magna cum laude from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Since then, she has dedicated her career to supporting California's rural cities, serving as the Housing and Economic Development Manager for Riverbank and the City Manager for Gustine before being appointed as the City Manager for Lakeport in 2010. Ms. Silveira has drawn upon her almost thirty years of leadership experience to guide the city of Lakeport through several crises. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, she led the economic revitalization efforts by stabilizing the city's budget, establishing the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, and creating multiple downtown improvement projects. As Director of Emergency Services, she has helped the city navigate through several winter storms, wildfires, and, more recently, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Her passion for the city is evident by her efforts to improve the cultural scene in Lakeport through the promotion of public art projects and the construction of a new community center. Ms. Silveira's success as City Manager can be attributed to her ability to lead staff members and inspire them with her positivity and tenacity. However, her dedication to Lakeport extends beyond her official role as City Manager. She is an active member of both the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club and serves as a leader in multiple professional organizations, including the Lake County Friends of Medicine College, the Sutter Lakeside Hospital Community Advisory Council, and the California Association for Local Economic Development. Madam Speaker, Margaret Silveira is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. The community of Lakeport is certainly better. as a result of her dedicated service. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Larry Hyde, the 2020 Napa Valley Grower of the Year. After attending the University of California at Berkeley for political science and the University of California at Davis for chemistry, Mr. Hyde began his career in the wine community as a vineyard crew supervisor at Ridge Vineyard. Over the next decade, he worked for several prestigious vineyards, including Gallo, Cuvaison, Stag's Leap, Robert Mondavi, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. In 1979, he established Hyde Vineyards in Napa. Originally 72 acres, Hyde Vineyards has grown to nearly 200 acres and produces more than 15 vineyard designated wines. Mr. Hyde's contributions to the wine community extends beyond the confines of his vineyard. His leadership within the industry is exemplary, having served as a director of the Napa County Farm Bureau, a founding director of the Carneros Quality Alliance, and a board member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. He has also worked with the County of Napa to implement plans to eradicate invasive pests that threaten vineyards across the region. Perhaps the best testament to Mr. Hyde's dedication to his fellow viticulturists is his extensive work with the University of California at Davis' Foundation Plant Services. For years, he has helped the FPS map plant material from historic California vineyards and gather plant material from his own vineyard to be classified. Because of his efforts, more than 45 different clones of grapes have been preserved by FPS, many of which would have been lost without him. Madam Speaker, Mr. Hyde is a community member we should all strive to be. His passion for viticulture and dedication to his fellow viticulturalists makes him deserving of the title of Napa Valley Grower of the Year. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Larry Hyde here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, great women and great men have served in Congress, walking these Halls and casting votes on this very floor. One of the greatest was our friend, John Lewis. A civil rights icon, responsible at a young age for lasting progress and remarkable courage in the face of violence and injustice. He was the conscience of our Congress. The room quieted and people listened when he spoke. It was a true honor to serve with him in the House and, for me, on the Ways and Means Committee. It was surreal to walk with him over the Pettus Bridge in Selma on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. And constituents thank me to this day for inviting him to my district. Our great country is better because of John Lewis, and we should all work to be just a little more like John Lewis. John, we miss you. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this historic legislation that I was proud to coauthor. It has been more than 55 years since the Land and Water Conservation Fund was enacted to establish recreation and conservation opportunities. Now is the time to ensure that LWCF is fully and permanently funded. This bill will create jobs and boost local economies that are currently facing significant financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides urgent funding of $9.5 billion to fix broken park infrastructure and failing facilities. The bill supports parks in every State so hikers and anglers alike can visit and enjoy nature across our beautiful country. This is desperately needed now for our communities' emotional and physical well-being. Mr. Speaker, we need to protect and preserve our lands, and this bill does that at no expense to our taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2. This vital legislation rebuilds our Nation's infrastructure, invests in American workers, and bolsters our Nation's economy, all at a critical juncture in our fight against COVID-19. This pandemic has cost thousands of Americans their lives and many more millions their jobs. It is essential that we do everything in our power to drive investment and boost our economy, and this bill does just that. I am particularly pleased that H.R. 2 includes my legislation, the GREEN Act, which invests over $150 billion in reducing car emissions and expanding clean energy technologies. That bill extends and expands Federal tax incentives, promoting investment in solar, wind, geothermal, and fuel cell technologies, all with the goal of decarbonizing our atmosphere. The bill also increases Federal support for energy efficiency, including in commercial buildings, and revives the energy manufacturing credit, a successful Recovery Act program designed to spur investment in renewable energy jobs. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2 represents the kind of bold, forward-thinking investment our planet and our economy desperately need. I urge everyone to vote for this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1425, legislation expanding and enhancing the Affordable Care Act and lowering healthcare costs for all Americans. In the past 6 months over 120,000 Americans have died due to COVID- 19. Millions have lost their jobs and, in many cases, their health insurance. That is why it is so critical that we strengthen and build upon the foundation of the Affordable Care Act, which is exactly what this bill does. This legislation reduces the price of expensive pharmaceuticals-- including insulin--saving taxpayers billions of dollars while driving down drug costs for all Americans. The bill uses those savings to lower insurance premiums and expand tax credits, helping more Americans afford the coverage that they need. This bill bolsters State Medicaid programs, funds COVID-19 vaccine research, and cuts the number of uninsured Americans by nearly 4 million. The President and my Republican colleagues are actively trying to gut protections for preexisting conditions and take healthcare away from millions of Americans. By contrast, this legislation reduces healthcare costs for millions of Americans at this critical time. It is vital that we give our constituents the help they need. I heard so many of my friends on the other side talk about how they want to protect people who have preexisting conditions, every one of which is in support of the lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the very bill and the very law that protects people who have preexisting conditions. Madam Speaker, you cannot be for protecting preexisting conditions and for repealing the law that provides that protection. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Ray Spradlin for his exceptional public service to the people of the city of Santa Rosa and the State of California, and to honor his retirement after 38 years as a fireman. Captain Ray Spradlin was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Petaluma High School from 1977 to 1981 and graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1984. Since then, he has dedicated his career to serving the community around him, often while it was at its lowest point. He rose through the ranks of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Santa Rosa Fire Department, earning the respect of those around him. As captain, he used the knowledge and expertise gained from his years of experience to both lead his colleagues in protecting members of the public and ensuring a safer working environment for the people around him. He will continue to dedicate his life to protecting fellow first responders even after his retirement through his work with Worldwide Safety Solutions. Throughout his career, Captain Spradlin has been recognized for his hard work and commitment to fighting for the people around him. He was honored at the 2010 Sonoma County Paramedic Associate Survivors Union for providing life-saving treatment to Yessenia Cruz, who would have died if it were not for the quick actions of Captain Spradlin. This recognition is just one example of countless heroic actions taken by Captain Spradlin to protect his community. More recently, Captain Spradlin served on the front lines during the Tubbs Fire in 2017, working tirelessly for days to fight that devastating disaster. Madam Speaker, Captain Ray Spradlin represents the type of fine citizen that we should all strive to be. His career has been dedicated to protecting both his community and his fellow first responders. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. It includes funding for State and local governments, for our healthcare workers, cops, firefighters, and teachers--those on the front lines working for us. The tax provisions in this bill help small businesses pay their fixed costs and the wages of their employees so they can keep the lights on throughout this crisis. That is why small businesses support this bill. It improves the PPP to help the small businesses and help their employees, and it includes the FEED Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that enables restaurants and small family farmers to feed hungry people. The HEROES Act is an investment by the Federal Government to help the American people get through this pandemic. Pass this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, this isn't the bill I would have written. I am incredibly frustrated that Senate Republicans stalled negotiations without offering any fixes to help get money into the hands of the small businesses that are hardest hit. Funding needs to get to legitimate small businesses quickly and efficiently, not to big corporations. Senate Republicans also rejected funding to help support State and local governments that are on the tip of the spear in fighting this pandemic. With your help, Madam Speaker, we did get some improvements in this bill, such as additional funding for hospitals and testing to help respond to this crisis so we can eventually reopen our country, and improvements to the PPP and the EIDL program, which were crucial. Times are uncertain and people in my district are hurting. They need relief now. I will support this bill, but I look forward to future packages to get the needed relief to our communities that need it the most.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, this bill represents a critical compromise between both parties whose Members came together in light of the Corona virus pandemic. It is not perfect, but it is an important step forward. I have said since the start we had to help workers, small businesses, and the health care providers who have been hit and intense negotiations have produced a bill that prioritizes the needs of our health system and of working families ahead of big corporations. I have spent the last several days reviewing the bill and discussing the fine points with leaders in our District who agree this is a good start--this bill will help our communities and get them the assistance they need right away. It gives hospitals a massive infusion of support, including medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment. It helps people who are struggling financially with rebate checks and a strong emergency unemployment program. And it boosts our small businesses with grants and emergency loans so they can keep going despite the economic toll this virus is taking on our communities. I am proud to support this bill because it puts workers and their families first by providing direct, individual assistance to households. It includes rebates up to $2,400 for families, expands unemployment benefits by providing up to four months of an additional $600 per week of unemployment insurance, waives the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty on retirement account distributions for taxpayers facing virus-related challenges, protects the right to collective bargain, and ensures small businesses have the resources they need through the Small Business Administration. Moreover, this legislation provides a massive and essential boost to our overall health care system. It provides $100 billion for hospitals and other facilities to cover the costs of the COVID-19 outbreak, $16 billion for the acquisition of personal protective equipment for medical personnel, and over $50 billion for state, local and tribal health departments. I am particularly pleased that the bill expanded on legislation of mine signed into law earlier this month, expanding the use of telehealth and telemedicine for Medicare and Medicaid patients. This package not only broadened the scope of telehealth for these patients, but also adopted my legislation to ensure that beneficiaries can access telehealth services at Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. I would also note the importance of language in the bill staving off scheduled cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) through December 1, 2020. I am hopeful that Congress can come together to permanently address these cuts, but applaud legislators for ensuring that these harmful cuts do not take place at precisely the worst possible time. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, I am pleased the legislation establishes a refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit, to be taken against federal payroll taxes, for struggling businesses that retain and pay their workers, rather than lay them off. The amount of the credit is equal to 50 percent of an employee's qualified wages, up to a $10,000 per employee cap. Further, the bill includes modifications of the limitation on losses for taxpayers other than corporations, like sole proprietors; modifications of the credit for prior year minimum tax liability of corporations; modifications of the limitation on business interest; a technical amendment to allow businesses to write off costs associated with improving their facilities; and a temporary exception from the excise tax for alcohol used to produce hand sanitizer. The bill provides $350 billion in loan forgiveness grants to small businesses and nonprofits to maintain existing workforce and help pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities; $10 billion for SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs; and $17 billion for SBA to cover six months' worth of payments for small businesses with existing SBA loans. In addition, the bill establishes a new guaranteed loan program at SBA for small businesses to cover payroll during the immediate crisis called the Paycheck Protection Program that would support $349 billion in 100 percent guaranteed, low interest, no fee loans of up to $10 million with repayment deferred for at least six months; and forgive up to 100 percent of the loan if the borrower has retained the same number of employees as when they received the loan. Our law enforcement and first responders are on the front line of this crisis and I am proud that this bill provides $850 million for the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne-JAG). Byrne-JAG is the most flexible federal law enforcement grant program and will allow local police departments and jails to meet local needs, including the purchase of personal protective equipment and other needed medical items to support officers on the front lines. For states and local governments this bill provides $1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to enable nearly 1,240 states, counties, and cities to rapidly respond to COVID-19 and the economic and housing impacts caused by it. This includes the expansion of community health facilities, child care centers, food banks, and senior services. To ensure resources are quickly deployed and meet the unique response needs to COVID-19, the bill eliminates the cap on the amount of funds a grantee can spend on public services, removes the requirement to hold in-person public hearings to comply with national and local social gathering requirements, and allows grantees to be reimbursed for COVID-19 response activities regardless of the date the costs were incurred. I am continuously impressed with Americans' generosity during a crisis. However, during this particular emergency, we are asked to stay away from people. That brings a significant financial strain on many industries, especially those who supply/stock food. With many Americans losing their jobs and an inability to buy groceries, an increase to the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a necessity to keep food banks fully stocked and supply Americans with nutritious meals. We must also ensure that our Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can provide food for our most vulnerable populations. While $15.5 billion was allocated to SNAP, we could use more. The last thing students, especially Pell Grant recipients, need to worry about is how to pay for their student loans or if they can keep their grant. I am grateful this Act defers student loan payments for six months and allows students to keep their entitlements. The $30.750 billion that is allocated to the state's Education Stabilization Fund will ensure America's learners are still able to operate remotely and can continue to develop to their full potential, regardless of their learning location. To alleviate the anticipated strain on our healthcare system, the bill provides funds for the Department of Defense to contribute its unique capabilities to the whole-of-government response to the pandemic. These funds will support the deployment of the USNS Mercy hospital ship to Los Angeles and the USNS Comfort to New York, deployments of the National Guard to support state and local response efforts, and the expansion of military hospitals and expeditionary hospitals. To help bolster the supply chains for medical equipment, the bill provides $1 billion for the Defense Production Act to help industry ramp up production of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other urgently needed medical supplies for federal, state, and local health agencies. The bill protects our veterans by ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the equipment, tests, and services necessary to support a surge in demand and provide the additional care they need at facilities nationwide. In particular, I am pleased the bill supports the needs of veterans at an increased risk of infection. Funding is included for the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program and for keeping veterans within VA-run nursing homes and community living centers safe from the coronavirus. This is not our last legislative effort to help our Nation and the people we represent. I have already begun conversations with our local leaders and with my colleagues in Congress about what will be in our next relief package. We will get through this together.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The UpValley Family Centers of Napa County for 20 years of exceptional public service. Since 1999, UpValley Family Centers has been the primary trusted resource for low-income and vulnerable households in Napa County. By partnering with different organizations in our community, it has built an impressive infrastructure of over 40 regional agencies that work together to provide access to a variety of services in our community. Such services include education and mentorship initiatives, immigration assistance, tax preparation, substance-use prevention programs, and case management services. Since 2005, the Family Centers have participated in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, making free tax-preparation assistance available for Napa residents. To date, their VITA program has brought more than $5 million in state and federal refunds back to our community. The UpValley Family Centers also provides licensed staff able to give immigration assistance to non- citizen residents, including naturalization assistance and permanent residence renewals. UpValley Centers have become an irreplaceable resource to our community and today, it serves thousands of individuals across Napa's region. UpValley Family Center's commitment to serving our community is truly remarkable. In addition to running programs that help working families build economic stability, UpValley Resource Centers provides life- saving disaster response and recovery services. These services include updating state fire resources like CalFire, helping people apply for disaster unemployment assistance, and bilingual information about disaster assistance available to all community members. Madam Speaker, the UpValley Family Centers of Napa County is a dedicated source of support for northern Napa that has made great contributions to better our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor this organization here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Representative Jared Huffman to recognize Nancy Dobbs for years of exceptional public service to the people of Northern California and to honor her at the Northern California Public Media 35th Anniversary Celebration. Nancy Dobbs was born in Los Angeles, California. She earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Sonoma State University. She has dedicated her career to helping shape the health, education and civic engagement of the North Bay. She has developed a variety of TV and radio programs to educate and encourage people to explore our community. She has always believed that media can act as a springboard for action to improve our region and our relationships with our neighbors. Ms. Dobbs is the Founder, President and CEO of Northern California Public Media, which works to empower individuals to explore their world with informative television, radio and other media programs. For 38 years, Ms. Dobbs has worked tirelessly to serve the Bay Area with a reliable news outlet and accurate news coverage. In 1994, she launched KRCB FM Radio 91, which is celebrating its 25th year of broadcasting. Among her many accomplishments are board memberships with Roseland University Prep, North Bay Leadership Council and California Public Television as the chairwoman. In addition, she has played a crucial role in the creation of the TV series ``Natural Heroes,'' which documents successful local efforts to be environmentally conscious. Her commitment to enriching the education of our youth through insightful media programs is truly unprecedented and deeply appreciated by our community. Madam Speaker, Nancy Dobbs is a dedicated seeker of truth who has made great contributions to better our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gun Violence Survivors Week. The gun violence epidemic in our Nation is destroying lives. A recent study found that 58 percent of adults in America reported that they or someone they care about has experienced gun violence in their lifetime. Think about that. More than half of the adults in America have been touched by gun violence. It doesn't have to be this way. In January of last year, our former colleague and gun violence survivor, Gabby Giffords, joined me, the Speaker, and members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force as we introduced H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. It was 8 years to the day that she was shot. Gabby had one message for us in Congress. She said: ``We must never stop fighting.'' And the House did just that. We kept fighting, and we passed H.R. 8 almost 1 year ago, 344 days ago, to be exact. Majority Leader McConnell has had 344 days to act--to fight gun violence. What has he done? Nothing. Nothing. Not one vote, not one hearing. Survivors have called on him to act. More than 90 percent of Americans support the bill. Why won't he give the bill a vote? Every time there is a mass shooting that makes headlines, the Republican leadership sends thoughts and prayers. Survivors don't want your thoughts and prayers; they want a vote. They want to keep guns away from felons. They want to keep guns away from domestic abusers. I call on the Senate to act. Honor survivors. Do your job. Pass H.R. 8 for Gabby and for every survivor across our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) on the 75th anniversary of its founding. Greater Vallejo Recreation District was established in June of 1944 and has provided exceptional services to better the quality of life in our community ever since. This independent special service district offers recreational activities and leisure services to the people of Vallejo. GVRD is strongly committed to creating and managing age inclusive programs and facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of over 120,000 residents. Greater Vallejo Recreation District manages mostly city-owned recreational properties and an additional 1000 acres of public land. These city properties include neighborhood parks, special purpose parks, an Olympic-size swimming pool and community centers. GVRD is responsible for organizing and overseeing services provided by Parks & Recreation. GVRD holds a variety of youth and family-friendly programs, such as Family Campouts, Breakfast with Santa, Concerts in the Park and Family Movie Nights. The GVRD staff works tirelessly to uphold the organization's mission to improve the livelihood of our community, and their outstanding service is evidenced by the gratitude of our community. GVRD also offers educational programs to adults and youths. Students can attend an array of afterschool programs, including martial art classes, painting lessons, Spanish classes, online drivers education courses and many more. Furthermore, GVRD advocates passionately for a healthy lifestyle. The District organizes basketball and baseball trainings for children and teens along with cardio and weight lifting classes for adults. GVRD has maintained a tradition of creativity paired with excellent services that demonstrate ideals defined by the programs it provides. Madam Speaker, the Greater Vallejo Recreation District has been instrumental in fulfilling the educational and amusement needs of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Greater Vallejo Recreation District on the 75th anniversary of its founding.