Mike Thompson

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 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.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Butler and to celebrate her retirement after 27 years of public service to Napa County. Ms. Butler began her career when she graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Counseling. Since then, her tenure has been marked by both practicality and purpose. As a crisis worker, she began her career managing children's mental health at the Child Welfare Services Court Unit and supervised behavioral health for their Mental Health Divisions. In 2002, Ms. Butler led the Napa County Probation Department where she championed important issues like implementing Evidence Based Practice (EBP), a practice designed to identify and treat the reasons people commit crime, and was instrumental in the passing of AB 109, legislation that transferred jurisdiction of juvenile offenders from the state government to the county government. Her passion for restorative justice is a mark of compassion that has set the tone for the future of juvenile justice in Napa County and across the State of California. As the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California, she was responsible for opening the Napa County Juvenile Justice Center. Through Ms. Butler's efforts and leadership, Napa County has effectively diverted youth offenders from juvenile hall and left significantly more juvenile hall beds empty. And now, after 17 years of service as the Chief Probation Officer, Ms. Butler is the current, longest-tenured Chief in the State of California. Madam Speaker, thanks to Mary Butler's work, many children have been taught how to succeed regardless of their circumstances. She is a community hero, visionary and an example of public service for us all. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Mary Butler here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kerry Smith for years of exceptional public service to the young people of Lake County, California and to honor her as the Lake County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Smith was born and raised in Lake County, California. She graduated from Kelseyville High School before earning her AA in Child Development at Santa Rosa Junior College. She attended Sonoma State University, where she graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis in early childhood education. These outstanding credentials coupled with her passion and diligence enable Ms. Smith to connect with her students and enlarge their understanding. Kerry Smith is outstanding in many ways. As a Resource Teacher for students grades six through eight at Mountain Vista Middle School, it is Ms. Smith's responsibility to provide support to students who need additional help in math. In this role, she has spearheaded a model that allows a collaboration of math teachers to help struggling students. This approach has been so successful that nearly all her students are no longer in need of additional help and are performing well in their respective math classes. She not only has the instructional skills required to be a highly effective teacher, but also holds those intangible qualities that are at the heart of a successful educator. She is beloved by her students, often described as funny, kind, exciting, friendly, and positive. Ms. Smith is a natural leader. She has mentored many new educators throughout her career and continues to inspire those around her with her joyful attitude and dedication to her students. Teachers travel from across the school district to observe Ms. Smith in her classroom and they always leave impressed. She is the model of a lifelong learner, one that is constantly striving to improve her own practice and eager to try a new approach. Madam Speaker, there is not another individual who exemplifies the profession of teaching better than Kerry Smith. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Ms. Kerry Smith here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lauralyn Castle for years of extraordinary public service and to celebrate her retirement from the Sonoma County Veterans Services Office. Mrs. Castle attended Sacramento State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She has used her ability to connect with others in her important work at the Sonoma County Veterans Services Office. As the Senior Veterans Service Specialist, Mrs. Castle has spent over a decade supporting and encouraging veterans and their families in meaningful and lasting ways. She recognizes the incredible sacrifices that our nation's men and women in uniform make, and she works tirelessly each day to ensure that every veteran receives the proper care and benefits that they are entitled to. Mrs. Castle is extraordinary in many ways. She consistently makes time to serve in various capacities in our community. She has spent years helping those that struggle with addiction as a mentor for Alcoholics Anonymous. She is an active member in her local church congregation where she enjoys serving as a liturgist. Those who know her best say that she is direct and honest. She has a big heart and is willing to do everything in her power to help the people around her. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Castle is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. Her retirement marks the end of a decade of committed service. Though her important contributions at Sonoma County Veterans Services Office will be greatly missed, we know and trust that she will continue to devote her time and energy to serving all in our community. 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 honor Larry Sly for over four decades of service to our community and to celebrate his retirement from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Mr. Sly began his work with the Food Bank after graduating from the University of California Berkeley. He accepted a job as a truck driver for the then newly formed Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. In just three years, he became the organization's Executive Director. Since that time, he has been instrumental in the development and growth of the Food Bank's mission and success. When he became Executive Director, the Food Bank was distributing just 36,000 pounds of food per year from parking lots and churches. 40 years later and due to Mr. Sly's devoted service and leadership, the Food Bank now distributes 25 million pounds of food each year to our community. Mr. Sly served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Feeding America, the national food bank network, and on the National Council, an elected group of food bank leaders who serve as the voice of the network for Feeding America. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Food Banks, and now chairs the Emergency Food and Shelter Board that works to allocate federal funds to hunger and shelter agencies in Contra Costa County. He has served on State Advisory Committees on hunger and has been appointed to several task forces for Feeding America. His commitment to nourishing our community is truly unprecedented and we are grateful for his many contributions. Madam Speaker, Mr. Sly is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. His incredible work and leadership have served countless people in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia G. Leary and to celebrate her retirement after three decades of public service on a local, state, and federal level. Ms. Leary began her career in public service after graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1981 with a degree in Political Science. Upon graduating, Ms. Leary began working as a legislative staffer in California State Government. From 1991 to 1995, Ms. Leary worked as my Legislative Director in the California State Senate, where she was a valuable asset to my team. She was an articulate, straightforward communicator with a strong passion for public service. Her institutional knowledge and astute political advice were instrumental to our success. After working in my office, Ms. Leary became the Principal Consultant for the California State Senate and later the Legislative Representative for the California State Association of Counties. After several years as the Assistant County Administrator for Yolo County, Pat became the Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Social Services and was Acting Director in 2019. Ms. Leary's professional public sector career has been unparalleled. She has shown her commitment to the state of California and our community through her decades of public service and leadership. Ms. Leary's integrity, honesty, intelligence and creative problem solving has served all those she has met throughout her career, and our district is certainly a better place because of her dedicated service. Madam Speaker, Ms. Leary is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be, and I am proud to call her my friend. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Patricia G. Leary here today

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life of Camilo Hermosillo. Camilo was born July 28, 1929, in Jalostotitlan Jalisco, Mexico. He was raised in humble circumstances, by a single mother. He often recounted working with his mother in the corn fields for a penny a day. Camilo immigrated to the United States as a young man in 1947 as part of the Bracero program. His life was built on a foundation of hard work and service, and he was always grateful for the opportunities that the United States provided him. He had many farming and agricultural jobs throughout his life. He worked on the Leveroni Ranch in south Sonoma, where he worked for three generations of Leveronis. He and his wife owned the first Mexican market and restaurant in Sonoma Valley. With his hard work, he was able to purchase three homes in Sonoma County, which he rented out inexpensively to give Latino families a hand up. An immigrant himself, Camilo understood the barriers that many Latinos must overcome in order to create a happy and successful life in the United States. He dedicated himself and his resources to serving fellow Latino immigrants. He helped find jobs, drove people to the DMV to get their driver licenses, and even housed people in the spare bedrooms of his own home. He found great joy in helping his own family and other Latinos get settled in California. Camilo is survived by his loving wife, Maria, and their children; Gabriel Hermosillo, Gerardo Hermosillo, Carmen Cervantes, Marco Antonio Hermosillo, Martha Sanchez, and Rebecca Hermosillo. He is preceded in death by his daughter Cecilia Hermosillo. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a large extended family. Madam Speaker, Camilo Hermosillo was the kind of father that everyone wishes for, and the kind of person we should all strive to be. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Regional Parks Foundation on the 50th anniversary of its founding. Since its establishment in 1969, the Regional Parks Foundation has supported the East Bay Regional Park District and its community. The Foundation serves the vibrant and diverse communities of Northern California's East Bay area, including parts of California's Fifth Congressional District. The Regional Parks Foundation is deeply committed to making parks available and accessible to everyone in our community. The Regional Parks Foundation works to support universal access to parks, promote environmental stewardship, organize and fund educational and recreational programs and acquire parklands. The foundation provides community education around important legislative initiatives that preserve open space, protect our natural resources, and promotes park access for under-served populations. The Foundation has been instrumental in the environmental education and enjoyment of citizens of all ages and abilities. The Regional Parks Foundation has sent over 10,000 young people to environmental education programs and has funded thousands of other opportunities for seniors, veterans, and those living with disabilities. The Foundation has fundraised nearly $50 million to support our communities and parks. These funds enable the foundation to provide swim lessons, loan out safety gear, organize community tree planting, shoreline clean-ups and other environmental restoration projects. Madam Speaker, the Regional Parks Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the betterment and longevity of our open spaces. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the foundation on the 50th anniversary of its founding.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Ernie Sanchez for his exceptional public service to the people of Northern California and to honor his retirement after 29 years as a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. Chief Ernie Sanchez was born in East Los Angeles, California. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish from Brigham Young University. Since then, he has dedicated his career to improving the community around him. As he rose through the ranks from CHP Officer to Chief of the Vallejo Golden Gate Division, he garnered the respect of those he worked with as a compassionate and fair leader. As Chief, he was committed to the Department's vision and maintained an unwavering dedication to serving our community with professionalism. This allowed him to gain the support and gratitude of his subordinates, peers, allied agency leaders, and members of the public for his dedication and expertise. Throughout his time as a member of the California Highway Patrol, Chief Sanchez was recognized for his hard work and commitment. He was awarded the Governor's Employee Safety Award for lowering motorcycle involved injury collisions in the Bay Area and the Commissioner's Unit Citation for the development of the Office of Inspector General and related policies and procedures. In addition, he was a multiple year awardee for the California Law Enforcement Challenge, designed to help reduce motor vehicle involved injury collisions and lower the Mileage Death Rate. Most recently, he lent his support to our community as Incident Commander during the devastating Atlas, Tubbs, and Kincade fires. Madam Speaker, Chief Ernie Sanchez is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. He has made immense contributions throughout his career to better our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember John Joseph Manfreda for his lifelong belief in and staunch commitment to exceptional public service. Born in Washington, D.C., Mr. Manfreda received his undergraduate degree in business finance and economics from the University of Maryland. He earned his law degree from the American University School of Law in 1970 and earned a master's degree in tax law from Georgetown University Law Center in 1974. Mr. Manfreda began his almost 50-year career in public service at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Counsel Office and its Internal Revenue Service predecessor. From 1999 to 2003, he served as Chief Counsel for ATF. Mr. Manfreda was integral to the founding of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). He served TTB as the Deputy Administrator before being appointed to the Administrator of the Bureau in 2005. Mr. Manfreda was widely respected for his knowledge, fairness, and honesty by his colleagues and those he worked with in the industry he regulated. He helped write many alcohol laws when he served as Counsel for ATF and retained the information about those laws. He was a fair man and was always willing to listen. Mr. Manfreda was an honorable man of character who valued honesty and demonstrated that value. Mr. Manfreda was recognized for his important work with the Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Madam Speaker, John Joseph Manfreda was a dedicated public servant who held the sincere belief in the good of public service. He inspired his coworkers and was a friend and mentor to all who knew him and a devoted family man to his wife, children, and grandchildren. It is therefore fitting and proper that we remember the life and honor the service of John Joseph Manfreda here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeremiah Kahmoson for years of exceptional public service to the young people of Lake County, California and to honor him as the Lake County Teacher of the Year. Jeremiah Kahmoson was born and raised in Sonoma County and believes in giving back to the next generation of students. Mr. Kahmoson is a teacher at the North Bay Met Academy and serves as the Executive Director of the B-Rad Foundation, which works to empower individuals through environmental stewardship, health, and adventure programs. In August of 2014, he lost his best friend Bradley ``B-Rad'' Parker in a tragic climbing accident in Yosemite National Park. The B-Rad Foundation was founded in Brad's memory and based upon the three pillars of his life: Health, Stewardship, and Adventure. Today, the B- Rad Foundation seeks to create a universe where children live a life where every year features 365 days of awesome. For the past five years, the B-Rad Foundation has supported thousands of kids and their families with fun-filled programs and events. They have partnered with the King Ridge Foundation to lead extended back- country adventures for Sonoma County youth in Yosemite National Park. They were instrnmental in the giveaway of over 500 bicycles for devastated children, who lost all their possessions in the 2017 wildfires. The B-Rad program also practices an important ``pay-it- forward'' philosophy, as students use their newly acquired repair skills to fix donated broken bikes and re-gift them to local at-risk youth. Mr. Kahmoson's deep commitment to enriching the education of our youth through environmental stewardship has become a deeply appreciated part of our community. Madam Speaker, Jeremiah Kahmoson is a passionate adventurer and educator who has made great contributions to better the lives of others in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lauren Ackerman for her dedicated service to our community as the Proprietor of Ackerman Heritage House. Ms. Ackerman was born in Los Angeles, California where she attended the University of Southern California and attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Business. She then attended Pepperdine University, completing a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Strategic Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Currently serving on the City of Napa General Plan Advisory Council (GPAC) 2040; her most notable contribution to the Napa community came when Ms. Ackerman bought and restored an historic property in downtown Napa, a Queen Anne Victorian home originally designed by acclaimed architect Luther Turton. The property is now celebrating its 130th anniversary, and the restoration done by Ms. Ackerman won a 2019 Preservation Design Award for Restoration. This achievement alone warrants recognition, but Ms. Ackerman's contribution to our community is not limited to the Heritage House. She plays a very active role in our community in many other ways. Ms. Ackerman serves as chair of the board for both the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, and the Napa Valley Community Foundation. She is also on the board for the Napa Valley Film Festival, The Society of Fellows and the Board Advancement Committee for the Culinary Institute of America, among others. Lauren Ackerman is an advocate for Women in Business and determined to maintain the history of Napa through the contribution of the Ackerman Heritage House. Madam Speaker, Ms. Ackerman is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. Her astounding level of community involvement and commitment to preserving the history and culture of our community is noteworthy. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Lauren Ackerman here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa Valley Community Foundation for twenty-five years of dedicated service to our community. The Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) was established in 1994 and is celebrating its 25th year in operation. This incredible foundation works side-by-side with local donors and non-profits to tackle the most important challenges our valley faces. Over its quarter decade of service, the Foundation has distributed more than $50 million in grants to improve the quality of life for residents in our community, and currently serves as the philanthropic partner to thousands of individuals, families, nonprofit agencies and corporations in Napa Valley and beyond. NVCF has a long tradition of tackling significant challenges in an even-handed, non-partisan and strategic way. Its projects have included studies on the economic impacts of immigration in Napa Valley, providing affordable, legal immigration assistance and helping more than 1,300 legal permanent residents in Napa county become U.S. citizens. The Foundation also manages the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, which has provided resources for short-term relief and long-term recovery to survivors of the 2014 South Napa Earthquake and the devastating fires in 2017. The Foundation has distributed nearly $18 million in the form of direct financial assistance to survivors, and to pay for critical relief and recovery services like temporary shelters, meals, medical care, counseling, legal aid and assistance in navigating insurance claims. Apart from these major initiatives, the Foundation serves as a consultant to hundreds of local donors each year, helping them find greater joy and impact in their charitable giving. Madam Speaker, the Napa Valley Community Foundation is a community leader whose only agenda is to make the Valley stronger, more cohesive and more vibrant. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Napa Valley Community Foundation here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sonoma Valley Firefighter Holiday Dinner and recognize the outstanding efforts of firefighters throughout Sonoma Valley. At the time, the 2017 North Bay Wildfires were the most devastating in our state's history. We saw firsthand, that wildfires do not respect district or regional boundaries. In response, firefighters from near and far came together to protect our community. Firefighters from all over the valley fought shoulder to shoulder to save lives and property, risking their own lives along the way. Our entire community, both firefighters and civilians alike, left with a renewed sense of comradery and partnership that continues to permeate the area today. Following this extraordinary united effort, the Glen Ellen Volunteer Firefighter Association extended their annual holiday celebration to their teammates, past and present, from the entire Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, as well as the Kenwood and Mayacamas volunteer stations. The holiday dinner honors the incredible sacrifices made by the entire fire community and is a joy to all who participate. The dinner brings together all current volunteer and career firefighters, department board members, retired chiefs, battalion chiefs, and their spouses. Meals are prepared and delivered to the on- duty firefighters staffing their stations. It is a time to honor past leadership, reflect on the year's successes, and support the Explorer program to help develop future staff. Additionally, there is an opportunity to recognize spouses, widows, and families, as it takes an entire village to support those on the front line. Madam Speaker, the Sonoma Valley fire agencies are always ready to help and protect our community. Their unparalleled commitment to protecting Sonoma Valley makes them a model for the region. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins), a treasured member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis), a great member of our Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I just want to point out that the irony of my friend's testimony today, my friend from Texas' testimony, shouldn't be lost on any of us. Remember, it was the Republicans that created this problem with their tax bill. They did a tax bill that benefited corporations and the wealthiest people in the country, and then to say that somehow they are protecting regular folks is really laughable. That tax cut cost us, in the debt, $2.3 trillion. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Sherrill).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for pointing out that our bill is paid for, unlike the TCJA, and the pay- for comes from the wealthiest earners. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), a great member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider), a great member of our Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Judy Chu), a great member of our Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), a great public servant and someone who has partnered with us on a number of important issues.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, the fact is that capping the SALT deduction is a significant tax increase for many suburban homeowners, including law enforcement officers. This puts them squarely in the range of middle-class taxpayers that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was supposed to help. Instead, with the SALT deduction cap at $10,000, many first responders are finding themselves on the wrong end of a tax hike. We support the 2-year repeal of the cap and call on Congress to permanently repeal it for homeowners, for our communities, and for first responders who work every day to keep those communities safe. Madam Speaker, I want to take a quick moment, as we head into this holiday season, to offer my appreciation to the Committee on Ways and Means tax staff. The Members who serve on the Committee on Ways and Means already know that they have the hardest working men and women on the Hill at their disposal. This bill would not have been possible without their commitment, policy expertise, dedication, and hard work. I want to take a minute to thank my subcommittee staff director, Aruna Kalyanam; the lead staffer on the SALT deduction, Peg McGlinch; my senior counsel, Terri McField; as well as Scott La Rochelle, Arjun Ghosh, Lee Slater, and Andrew Grossman on the committee for their tremendous efforts. They do great work, and we should all be really glad that they are here. All Americans should be. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the USMCA implementing legislation. As a member of the working group, I can tell you how far we have come. The original agreement that was sent to Congress was a total failure at protecting workers' rights, providing access to affordable medicine, and protecting our environment. Further, it wasn't enforceable. The bill we have before us today is the result of tireless work from Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, and the working group members who represented the diverse views of Congress. With gains achieved through our negotiations, this trade deal will set the standard for all future trade agreements. It is enforceable; it protects workers; it helps address serious environmental issues; and it protects access to affordable medicine. Finally, I thank the staff, which worked tirelessly to get us to this day. There were a lot of late nights and a lot of weekends sacrificed to reach this deal. Specifically, I thank the Katherines, Katherine Tai and Katherine Monge; the Trade Subcommittee staff, Alexandra Whittaker, John Catalfamo, Julia Friedman, Kate Connor Linton, Katie White, and Keigan Mull; and from my staff, my trade person, Jennifer Goedke. I commend the Speaker, the chairman, and all the Members who worked so hard to get us here. All of those good things that both sides have been talking about today were not in the first draft that we got from the White House. This is a good bill because we made it a good bill. I ask everybody to support this bill.