Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Greg J. Feere upon his retirement after thirty years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council. Mr. Feere has been a tireless advocate for over 35,000 local skilled trades workers. Mr. Feere graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1966. He earned an Associate of Arts degree at Diablo Valley College and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Chico State University. Before becoming CEO of the Council, Mr. Feere worked for ten years in Alaska as a hunting, fishing and photography guide on Kodiak Island and the Arctic Brooks Range. He also worked on the Trans Alaskan Pipeline in Palmer and Point Barrow. Mr. Feere joined the Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local 16 in San Francisco, where they recognized his leadership abilities after just five years by naming him the youngest business manager in their history. The men and women of the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council elected Mr. Feere to be their CEO nine times. He has fought to protect their interests, create safe working conditions and promote their careers through training and professional development. Mr. Freere has served two terms as the Northern California Vice President of the California State Building Trades, where he worked to represent nearly 500,000 Californians. Mr. Freere's father used to tell him that ``there has to be somebody who looks out for the little guy.'' Greg has become that somebody and has been able to look out for many members of our community. In addition to his excellent work with the Council, Mr. Freere has served as a commissioner for Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife and a trustee of Contra Costa College. Mr. Speaker, Greg Feere has led a long career serving the people of our community. He has played a major role in fighting for well-paying middle class jobs. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Representative Jared Huffman, to honor Mr. Bradley H. Petersen, who is being awarded the Viticulture Award of Excellence by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. Mr. Petersen is a third-generation farmer in the Dry Creek area of Sonoma County, California. He grew up watching his parents harvest wine grapes, and showed an early interest in mechanics. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Technical University in Agricultural Mechanics and Engineering, gaining skills that would serve him well throughout his career. Mr. Petersen has been the vineyard manager for Silver Oak Cellars and Twomey Cellars for the past eighteen years. In addition to his prominence in the agricultural community, Mr. Petersen has demonstrated the same leadership and devotion to our entire region. He is the past President of the Geyserville Kiwanis Club, and he worked as a volunteer firefighter for Geyserville for fifteen years, achieving the rank of Battalion Chief. Mr. Petersen also served two years as Chairman and eight years as a commissioner on the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission Board. Working alongside his Jack Russell sidekick, Sparky, Mr. Petersen is dedicated to sustainable farming. His colleagues praise his leadership, noting his integrity, honesty, and respect for all around him. The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission is awarding Mr. Petersen the Viticulture Award of Excellence based on the innovative techniques he practices and his proven leadership. His work in both viticulture and our community has been invaluable to the people of Sonoma County. Mr. Speaker, Brad Petersen is a hard worker and an expert viticulturist. He has demonstrated a passion for sustainable farming and a commitment to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Pestoni upon the occasion of celebrating 125 years of family winemaking in the Napa Valley. A native of St. Helena, California, Mr. Pestoni graduated from St. Helena High School before attending Napa Valley College and then joining the U.S. Army. Mr. Pestoni is the descendant of the Pestino and Domingos winemaking families. Mr. Pestoni's great-great-grandfather, Albino Pestoni, immigrated to Napa Valley from a small village in Switzerland near the Italian border in 1892. Ten years later, he, his wife Maria Madonna, and their four sons established Bonded Winery 935. One of those sons, Henry, formed a vineyard management crew and planted and managed vineyards throughout the upper Napa Valley. He learned how soil, sunlight, rootstock, and varietal selection could affect fruit quality, and, along with his wife Lena, he owned and operated Old Mill Winery from 1933 to 1958. Mr. Pestoni and his brother Marvin used their foundation in sustainable farming to establish Upper Valley Disposal Service in 1963. Paying the same careful attention to the soil as their ancestors did, the brothers offered composting as a solution to our local wine community's discarded grape skin, pulp, seeds, and stems. Upper Valley Disposal and Recycling has been very successful, inspiring our community to refer to Mr. Pestoni as the ``King of Compost.'' After many years of growing winegrapes for other wine producers, Mr. Pestoni and his wife, Sylvia, opened the doors of Rutherford Grove Winery in 1994. This year, in celebration of their family's 125th anniversary of Napa Valley Winemaking, the winery was renamed Pestoni Family Estate Winery. Mr. Speaker, Bob Pestoni and his family before him have made single vineyard, hand-crafted wines for 125 years. They are my friends. I am proud that this hardworking man and family do so much for our community. 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 California Human Development, as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year. This important community organization has played a vital role in fighting poverty across northern California and will continue to help struggling Californians for years to come. California Human Development (CHD) is a non-profit, human services provider waging the War on Poverty. Founded in 1967, and inspired by labor icon Cesar Chavez, the original focus of CHD was to assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers by providing training and workforce development services. Over the past five decades, CHD has expanded its role and now serves not only farmworkers, but also people from many different backgrounds. Their patrons include seniors, addiction recovery patients, immigrants seeking to be part of the American Dream, adults living with disabilities, and many more. CHD has seen incredible success during their past fifty years. Today they serve community members across thirty-one northern California counties. CHD operates twelve community-based farmworker services offices and four Anthony Soto Training Centers, providing jobs and training to their patrons and empowering them to achieve self- sufficiency. Additionally, CHD provides jobs programs, affordable housing options, immigration and citizenship application services, disability services and addiction recovery programs. All told, CHD serves over 25,000 people across northern California. Mr. Speaker, California Human Development creates opportunities for people from all walks of life and this year celebrates fifty years and over 500,000 lives changed. 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 Gustavo Brambila, who owns and operates Gustavo Wine. Passion, skill, and dedication to his craft led Gustavo to the successes he sees today. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Gustavo immigrated to the United States with his mother and brothers to join his father in Oakville, California in 1957. The family moved to Rutherford, California in 1960, where Gustavo's father Jose worked in winery maintenance. Surrounded by the culture and devotion of famous winemakers from an early age, Gustavo grew up with a keen interest in winemaking. He attended the University of Oregon on a baseball scholarship, but his heart remained in wine country. He transferred to the University of California Davis, where he was one of the first Latinos to obtain a degree in Fermentation Sciences. In 1976, Gustavo joined Mike Grgich and Jim Barrett at Chateau Montelena to begin his career. Soon after, he joined Grgich Hills Cellar, where, in his first harvest, he produced the winning Chardonnay in the Great Chardonnay Showdown of 1980. Gustavo continued with Grgich Hills Cellar for 23 years, honing his craft and working to define wine excellence. Gustavo started his own wine enterprise, Gustavo Wines in 1996. Today he makes Napa Valley wines inspired by old-world winemaking techniques, with a dedication to small vineyards and quality fruit. He believes each wine should take you back ``to a memory of each vintage''. Gustavo traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-American vintners to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution. They shared their amazing stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination and helped the attendees understand the vital contributions Mexican Americans make to our economy and community. Mr. Speaker, Gustavo Brambila has built a successful business and is producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such a dedicated business owner living and working in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Lee T. Bycel upon his retirement after serving Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) and the Napa community since 2012. In addition to being a well- liked and respected spiritual leader, Rabbi Bycel served as an Adjunct Professor of Jewish Studies and Social Justice at the University of San Francisco. Rabbi Bycel graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA in Philosophy, received his rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College, and earned a doctorate from the Claremont School of Theology. Growing up in Southeast Los Angeles County, he learned the importance of diversity and inclusiveness. He was raised in a mostly Latino neighborhood, in one of just two Jewish families in the community. Rabbi Bycel has said, ``I respect and care about all human beings on this earth,'' and has demonstrated this through his countless humanitarian efforts. A leader in educational, cultural, and social justice, he has made several humanitarian trips to East Africa, including Darfur, Chad, South Sudan, Kenya, Haiti, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. In Rwanda, he visited refugee and internally displaced person camps, helped address poverty and disease, and spoke out against genocide. Rabbi Bycel is one of the coalition founders and 2017 Co-Chair of MLK Monday: A Day of Action and Compassion, which is a community of over 80 nonprofit organizations, faith groups, government officials, and agencies, local businesses, and local service organizations who join together each year to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2014, Rabbi Bycel was appointed by President Obama to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council. He has been recognized for his work with the Humanitarian Award of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). Rabbi Bycel is also an educational leader, sharing with the Congregation Beth Shalom his fifteen years of experience as the Dean of the Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. There he also served as the Senior Academic and Administrative Officer of the campus and director of the rabbinic school. He served as Assistant Professor of Leadership and Applied Theology and the Smither Visiting Professor of World Religions at the Claremont School of Theology. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Bycel is a humanist anchored in Jewish values. He is an exceptional community leader, humanitarian, and husband in our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jose Guadalupe and Hugo Maldonado, co-founders of Maldonado Family Vineyards. Their hard work and dedication to the art of viticulture is evident in their carefully crafted single-vineyard wines. Guadalupe, or `Lupe' as he is warmly referred to, immigrated to the United States in 1962 from the small farming community of Atacheo de Regalado in Michoacan, Mexico, where he managed his family's goat herd in the mountains. In 1971, while working for Sterling Vineyards, Lupe was asked to aid in the development of a winery for vintner Peter Newton, where he served as vineyard manager for over thirty years. Inspired by his father's work in the field, Hugo pursued a formal education in enology and viticulture at the University of California Davis. Hugo succeeded his father in his role as vineyard manager in 1999. In 2007 Lupe and Hugo broke ground on a small hillside just outside of Calistoga and began to form the family's own wine caves and winemaking facility to establish Maldonado Family Vineyards. In their 13 years, the facility has grown from 250 cases to more than 10,000 cases of wine. Together Hugo and Lupe shaped Maldonado Family Vineyards to reflect their family history. On their label the words `Farm Worker' can be found to note the family's decades of caring for and tending to vines. Hugo traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-American vintners to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution. They shared their amazing stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination and helped the attendees understand the vital contributions Mexican Americans make to our economy and community. Mr. Speaker, Lupe and Hugo Maldonado have cultivated a winery which not only reflects their family history and Mexican American heritage, but honors the skilled laborer. I am proud to have such dedicated business owners living and working in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mexican-American Vintners Association (MAVA), whose members include many of the hard-working, entrepreneurial families and individuals who serve as a backbone to the wine community in my district. The Mexican-American Vintners Association was revived in May 2010 with the mission to recognize Napa and Sonoma Wine produced by Mexican- American Vintners, advocate for quality standards, promote the contributions of Mexican-Americans to the wine community, and to educate and preserve traditions for future vintners. In the words of Member Hugo Maldonado, MAVA ``are not just in the vineyards anymore, they're a force to be reckoned with.'' Many members of MAVA have traveled to Washington, DC this week, including Ceja Vineyards, Mi Sueno Winery, Maldonado Family Vineyards, and the Robledo Family Winery. They are here, not only to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution, but also to further educate Congress about their vital contributions to our economy and community. Their stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make America great. In addition to supporting their current members, the Mexican-American Vintners Association works to support future vintners by providing scholarships to deserving students. By helping those who will follow them, the Vintners are preserving the traditions of making and selling quality wine which they have worked hard to build. Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our Mexican-American Vintners. Their organization preserves and promotes a great tradition of hard work and resilience in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Robledo Family Winery, owned and operated by Reynaldo Robledo in Sonoma, California. Incredible fortitude and ambition led Reynaldo and his family to the successes they see in their grape harvests and production of their delicately crafted wines. In 1968, at the age of 16, Reynaldo migrated from Michoacan, Mexico to build a better life. He learned viticulture techniques and good business practices by working hard in the vineyards of Northern California, eventually settling in Sonoma County. Reynaldo and Maria have taught their nine children their same work ethic by raising them to understand the regions, grapes and people which make wine from our community exceptional. Hard work and sacrifice led Reynaldo and his family to establish two companies, encompassing more than 350 acres in Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties. The Winery's focus on perfecting each stage of the winemaking process, ``from vine to bottle,'' ensures that their hard work will result in a quality product. The story of the Robledo Family Winery is uniquely American, and I am proud that their success is possible in our community. Robledo Family Winery is part of the Mexican-American Vintners Association (MAYA), whose members traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-American vintners, not only to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution, but also to further educate Congress about their vital contributions to our economy and community. Their stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make America great. Mr. Speaker, Robledo Family Winery is a successful business and is producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such a business in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ceja family, Pablo, Juanita, Amelia, Pedro, Armando and Dalia who own and operate Ceja Vineyards in Napa, California. Passion and dedication led the Ceja family to the successes they see in their grape harvests and production of premium Carneros wines. The dream to build Ceja Vineyards began in a small village in Mexico, where Pablo Ceja's family lived while he worked in the Brasero Program in ``el norte.'' While working in California, Pablo came to understand what many people in our community have learned: in the Napa Valley, hard work and sacrifice in a fair system will result in great successes. Pablo promised his family that he would bring them to a place ``surrounded by vineyards growing the finest, sweetest grapes, where hard work is plentiful for those that are strong.'' In 1967, Pablo, Juanita and their six children left Mexico and settled in St. Helena, where they found work in the growing number of local wineries. In 1983, the Ceja family came together to purchase 15 acres and plant their own grapes. By 1988, the second and third generations of the family were celebrating their first harvest on ``Ceja land.'' The family founded Ceja Vineyards, Inc. in 1999 and today own 113 producing acres. The Ceja family understands the needs and realities of their workers. They provide a pesticide-free environment and treat their workers like family. Many of Ceja Vineyards workers are loyal to the company and stay on season after season. Their story is remarkable. The Ceja family traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican- American vintners, not only to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution, but also to further educate Congress about their vital contributions to our economy and community. Their stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make America great. Mr. Speaker, the Ceja family has built a successful business and are producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such a family working and living in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rolando and Lorena Herrera, who own and operate Mi Sueno Winery and Vineyards in Napa, California. Love, passion, and dedication to their craft led Rolando and Lorena to the successes they see in their grape harvests and production of Carneros, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Mountain and Napa Valley wines. The dream to build Mi Sueno Winery began in Mexico, where Rolando's grandparents taught him to tend fruits and vegetables in the mountainous state of Michoacan and where Lorena was born. Both of their families immigrated to the Napa Valley, seeking a better life and opportunities for their children. Lorena's family taught her about tending vines and growing grapes in the vineyards and Rolando obtained an education and aspired to own his own business. When the couple met, ``it seemed like fate.'' In 1997, Rolando and Lorena founded Mi Sueno, which is Spanish for ``My Dream,'' the same year that they were married. They believe that crafting truly unique wines requires careful attention to every stage of the winemaking process, from start to finish. From choosing the right plot of earth, to personally planting the vineyards and selecting the most attentive distributors, Rolando and Lorena have created a truly exceptional business and product. The White House recognized the quality of their wines by serving it at state dinners. Rolando and Lorena traveled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a group of Mexican-American vintners, not only to support the mission of the Smithsonian Institution, but also to further educate Congress about their vital contributions to our economy and community. Their stories of immigration, sacrifice and determination are what make America great. Mr. Speaker, Rolando and Lorena Herrera have built a successful business and are producing extraordinary wines. I am proud to have such dedicated business owners living and working in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Evans upon the occasion of being awarded General Manager of the Year for a large property by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). Mr. Evans is the general manager of the Silverado Resort in Napa, California. Mr. Evans was raised in Marysville, Washington, where his first job was working as a paperboy with two routes. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management from Friends University, after which he got his first start in the hospitality business at the age of twenty-four when his mentor, Jerry Smith, guided him in managing a small lodge. Before accepting his current position at the Silverado Resort in 2010, Mr. Evans worked as the interim general manager of the historic Seaview Hotel near Atlantic City, New Jersey and as the general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Half Moon Bay, California. The AHLA awards their Stars of the Industry Awards to individuals who perform at the highest level of excellence, demonstrating superior leadership, dedication, and a passion for service. Mr. Evans exemplifies all of these traits. He successfully led his team through and out of the recent recession. Mr. Evans lists family values, integrity, and generosity as characteristics of leaders he strives to emulate. With over thirty-two years of experience leading teams and managing hospitality properties, Mr. Evans has been awarded the Six Sigma green belt and is recognized as first-level sommelier. Mr. Evans also displayed the same leadership and organizational aptitude in his service on the board of Hands and Hearts for Children, an auxiliary of the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Mr. Speaker, Mr. John Evans deserves to be recognized as the General Manager of the Year today by virtue of his leadership, commitment, and passion for service. I am proud to have such a man working and living in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ted Hall, who is being honored as the 2017 Napa Valley Grower of the Year at the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 42nd annual dinner. Mr. Hall has a long and successful history of management and leadership within the wine industry in California and throughout the nation. A native of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hall received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and went on to earn his MBA from Stanford University. Before coming to Napa Valley, Mr. Hall developed his true love of the land while living on his family's farm in the township of Potter, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is an active jazz trombonist and piano player. Mr. Hall exemplifies the values of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. He is dedicated, shows good judgement, and pays attention to the details that matter. He has served as President & CEO of Long Meadow Ranch since 1989. Additionally, Mr. Hall serves on the board of directors for numerous educational, charitable, and arts organizations. Drawing on his knowledge and success in the vineyard industry, Mr. Hall represents and advocates on behalf of growers as Chairman of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and as a member of the Industry Issues Committee. As someone who shares his great community pride for Napa Valley, Mr. Hall looks to the region's future by sharing his expertise with the next generation of growers and farmers. He is the current Chairman of the St. Helena High School Agriculture Education Committee and the Napa County Agriculture Protection Advisory Committee (APAC). Mr. Hall supports multiple conservation easements in Napa County and is a member of a variety of public and private organizations involved in food and agriculture. Mr. Speaker, Ted Hall has had a remarkable career as a business leader in our Napa Valley community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Trefethen family, John, Janet, Lorenzo, Hailey and, posthumously, Eugene and Catherine, for their hard work, dogged perseverance and community involvement. The Trefethen family first restored their historic McIntyre Winery, which is on the National Register for Historic Places, in 1973. In August of 2014 the largest earthquake in the Bay Area since 1989 caused significant damage to the winery. Rather than scrapping their winemaking operations and moving elsewhere, they stayed and rebuilt the winery and will hold a celebratory re-opening this week. Led largely by Hailey, the McIntyre building has been resurrected and now includes a new base that is earthquake resistant. The McIntyre building today contains 85 percent of the original building material and will use the same 19th century pipes to distill the famous Trefthen family wine. When Gene moved to the Napa Valley 50 years ago, the Trefethen family began a long tradition of community involvement. The family donates wine to many community events annually to be auctioned for charitable causes including children at risk and the environment, two of the family's passions. The Wine Community is integral to our way of life in my district. The Trefethen family has done more than their part to support our community. John was the founding President of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and has served multiple terms on the Napa Valley Vinters Board. Janet served on the Board of Directors for the Queen of the Valley Foundation and founded the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, where she lead the effort to have it recognized as an American Viticulture Area in 2004. Hailey recently finished serving terms on the Board of California Institute and the Napa Valley Vintners. Mr. Speaker, on May 7, the Trefethen's will host their winery's grand re-opening. True to their love of community, it will feature local high school choirs, vocalists and a barbershop quartet. They have worked hard to preserve their winery. 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 and remember twelve brave soldiers from Crockett and Port Costa, California who paid the ultimate price to defend our nation. This week marks the 100th Anniversary of the United States Entry into World War I. The Crockett Memorial in my district reads: ``In loving memory of the men of this community who gave their lives in the great war. D. Crowley, G.M. Lee, W.E. Dunn, O.A. Sweet, M.H. Sievers, F. Remaini, B.L. Catelini, C.W. Ross, J.R. Carroll, R.L. Dingman, V.L. Dunn, B.A. Secor.'' These soldiers, their families, and our community sacrificed to serve our nation. We are forever in their debt. I would like to honor and thank the members of the Crockett Memorial Hall Restoration Committee, including Harvey Duran, Kent Peterson, Mike Kirker, Ron Wilson, Bud Burlison, Scott Lawton and Charles Dell, as well as the members of the Crockett Historical Society, including Mary Wais, Kathy Cargo and Erin Mullen-Brosnan for organizing a commemoration for this anniversary and for supporting numerous events for veterans in our community. These individuals and their organizations bring our community together and encourage us to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, as well as the heroes who still live among us. They are passionate advocates for our veterans and our history, and they are responsible for organizing the Phillips 66 Annual Crocket Walk of Honor for Veterans, fundraising events for the restoration of the WWI Memorial Hall, the Memorial Day Concert and the Veterans' Day Parade. Mr. Speaker, we are forever grateful and humbled by the lives that were given for us all those years ago. We owe tremendous gratitude to the Crockett Memorial Hall Restoration Committee and the Crockett Historical Society for their service. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor them here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bad bill. It is not a step toward fixing the ACA, this is a step toward destroying health care. It was bad when it ripped health care away from 24 million Americans. It was bad when it created an age tax, forcing seniors to pay five times that of what other people pay. It was bad when it forced hardworking Americans to pay higher premiums and deductibles while billionaires get a trillion dollars' worth of tax cuts. And it was bad when it shortened the life of Medicare. But today it got worse. Today Republicans gutted coverage for emergency services, prescription drugs, hospitalization, mental health coverage, and preventative coverage. This bill also prevents millions of veterans from getting health care. This is a truly bad bill. It will cost millions of Americans their health care. It will force them to pay more for fewer benefits, and it gives the richest Americans a huge tax cut. This is a tax-cut bill, not a healthcare bill. The American people deserve much better. I urge everyone to vote ``no'' on this bad bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leona Egeland Rice upon her retirement after over four decades of public service and leadership in California. Ms. Rice has served our state as a teacher, an elected official, and an advocate for quality healthcare. A native of Tucson, Arizona, Ms. Egeland Rice came to California to earn a master's degree in education at San Jose State University. She stayed in California as she began her family and her career as a science teacher. While political issues always interested her, Ms. Egeland Rice first became personally involved in the public sphere through her instrumental role in the campaign to build a new sewage treatment plan to prevent ocean pollution. After the success of her first community organizing experience, Ms. Egeland Rice found a new passion for local involvement. She worked with the Santa Clara County Supervisor's office to ensure women were appointed to boards and commissions in the county. In 1974, she launched her first campaign for the California State Assembly and won with over 57 percent of the vote. When she took office, only one other woman served in the State Assembly. Ms. Egeland Rice later led the charge to change members' title from ``Assemblyman'' to ``Assembly Member'' to reflect the body's growing diversity. During her three terms in the Assembly, Ms. Egeland Rice successfully championed important legislation to improve children's welfare, public health, and access to healthcare across the state. After leaving the State Assembly, Ms. Rice became Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Human Services, where she established an office in Los Angeles and worked on maternal and children's health. Ms. Egeland Rice returned to Northern California to spend time with her family in 1998. There she began working with The Doctors Company, a physician-owned insurance company. She helped lead the company's growth over the past two decades, and served as Senior Vice President of Government Relations as well as Executive Director of the company's charitable foundation. As The Doctors Company expanded beyond California, Ms. Egeland Rice developed partnerships with other state governments. Furthermore, she championed the Corporate Charitable program and implemented an Employee Charitable Gift Matching program. Mr. Speaker, Leona Egeland Rice has served as a dedicated and influential teacher, public servant, and business leader in our community for over four decades. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Ms. Egeland Rice here today and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa Junior Girls Softball League (NJGSL) upon the 50th anniversary of its founding. The NJGSL has been a trailblazing community partner and has supported the success of generations of Napa girls. The NJGSL is a recreational league that offers girls ages 5-12 the opportunity to learn and play softball in a supportive environment. NJGSL participants learn the importance of staying active and healthy and have fun at the same time. NJGSL participants also learn valuable life lessons that serve them well both on and off the field. Coaches, organizers, and parents focus on building teamwork and sportsmanship skills which will help girls communicate and maintain positive self-esteem throughout their lives. Furthermore, League alumni have even gone on to excel in collegiate softball careers. Mr. Speaker, the Napa Junior Girls Softball League has been teaching girls in our community both softball and life skills for an impressive five decades. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the NJGSL here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and thank her for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this piece of legislation. This bill undermines our commitment to our veterans, it weakens our background check system, and it puts guns in the hands of those who shouldn't have them. I am a combat veteran and I am a gun owner. I strongly support the Second Amendment. With responsible gun ownership comes the recognition that not everyone is mentally capable to own a gun. Every day, 20 veterans take their own life, most of those with a firearm, so the VA acted to prevent violence and to comply with the law by keeping guns out of the hands of veterans who are in crisis. These are veterans with very serious diagnoses, including 20,000 veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia, over 11,000 with dementia, and more than 5,000 with Alzheimer's. Passing this bill would remove their names from our background check system. This is absolute stupidity. The VA has done a good job to keep more than 174,000 veterans with serious mental health problems from getting a gun. They are working hard to save the lives of these veterans. This bill would make it easier for veterans to take their own life. I don't want to see another veteran become a statistic. Passing this bill puts our veterans at risk. We owe them the best care and support. Sadly, this bill would leave them more vulnerable than ever. This is a dangerous overstep, and I urge every Member to seriously consider the impact this will have on our veterans, their families, and their communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Soroptimist International of St. Helena, the recipient of the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce Non-profit of the Year Award. Founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer service organization for women who work to improve the lives of other women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. The organization seeks equality, peace, and international goodwill for women. Over 95,000 members in more than 125 countries and territories worldwide contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects. The St. Helena Chapter of Soroptimist International was founded in 1954. Since then, the chapter has raised and distributed more than a million dollars in local scholarships and grants. This money was entirely raised by volunteers, many of whom also work full-time. Their fundraising has helped send numerous St. Helena students to college and summer camps, as well as educational trips to national parks and Washington, D.C. The organization also provides support and stability to single parents in our community with education and career opportunities. Dozens of mothers throughout the Napa County region have been able to return to school or complete vocational training with the help of Soroptimist professional grants. Mr. Speaker, Soroptimist International of St. Helena has worked to make our community and our world a more equitable place for over five decades. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the organization here today and congratulate the group on this well- deserved accolade.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Clif Family Winery, the recipient of the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business of the Year Award. The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce awards businesses dedicated to outstanding customer service, environmentally conscious practices, and commitment to giving back to the local community. Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the founders and owners of Clif Bar & Co., started the Clif Family Winery in 2004. Their winery focuses on making environmentally-sustainable, high-quality wines while increasing awareness of organic and sustainable farming. Clif Family Winery operates a popular tasting room and regularly hosts community functions. In the past year, Clif has held numerous fundraising events for local community groups, including the St. Helena Food Pantry, the St. Helena Public School Foundation, the Napa Bike Coalition, the Napa Valley Land Trust, and the Soroptimist Sunrise Club. For the past four years, Clif has held its signature Sip & Support event, which brings together citizens and community partners for an evening of socializing and learning about volunteer opportunities. Each event features a Clif Family Winery community partner to connect local nonprofits with the communities they serve. The winery embodies what we value in our Napa Valley. It not only produces high-quality wines, but also brings together the people who make our community stronger. The Clif Family Winery provides good jobs, supports local businesses and resources whenever possible, and gives back to our community and important social causes. Mr. Speaker, the Clif Family Winery exemplifies socially responsible and community-focused business practices. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Clif Family Winery here today and congratulate the winery on this well-deserved accolade.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stacey Bressler, whom the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce has named the 2017 Citizen of the Year. This award recognizes individuals in our community who foster community spirit through their volunteer efforts, and Ms. Bressler exemplifies this mission. Ms. Bressler is involved in the leadership and day-to-day work of many of our community organizations. Before moving to St. Helena in 1999, Ms. Bressler earned a B.A. in Graphic Design and an M.S. in Library Science. She worked for twenty years in high technology sales and marketing as the Vice President of Business Development for CommerceNet, as well as in sales and marketing positions with Hewlett- Packard, NeXT and Apple Computer, Inc. Ms. Bressler now uses her management and logistics talents in running Bressler Vineyards and serving important community organizations. Ms. Bressler serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Helena Farmers Market, where she educates community members on the health benefits of eating locally-grown food and donates produce to the St. Helena Food Bank. She also sits on the Board of the St. Helena Hospital Foundation where she raises funds to provide high-quality medical care to those in need. Through her service on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Shasta, Ms. Bressler helps provide necessary and caring services to women and families. Ms. Bressler is also the current President of the Board of Directors for Friends of the Cameo Cinema, which maintains and preserves one of the oldest continuously running single-screen theaters in America. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Stacey Bressler is a hardworking leader and volunteer in our community. The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce has recognized her contribution to the health and vitality of our people and economy. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today and congratulate her on this well-deserved award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jimmy'' Allen Adams, whom the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce has named Employee of the Year in its annual Community Service Awards. This award recognizes individuals in our community who embody the industry and innovation which makes them exceptional employees. Mr. Adams is highly deserving of this award. Mr. Adams has been a remarkable employee with Sunshine Foods for 12 years. He is a respected and well-liked coworker and an indispensable employee. Mr. Adams is a Navy Veteran, partner to Jim Villanueva for the past 23 years and the owner of two miniature schnauzer dogs. Outside of his work with Sunshine Foods, Mr. Adams is a member of the Bay Area Stage Theater Group the On the Fringe acting group. He enjoys gardening and auditioning for different acting roles. He recently worked on the new Selena Gomez Netflix television show, 13 Reasons Why. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jimmy Adams is a diligent, hardworking employee in our business community and the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce has rightly recognized his great contributions. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Napa Open Space District which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. This special District has played a vital role in conversation and recreation in our community for the past decade and will continue to protect open spaces for future generations. Napa County residents voted to establish the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District in November 2006 with the goal to preserve wildlife habitat and nature areas. The District does so by conserving open space and creating recreation opportunities including a system of public parks, trails, outdoor recreational facilities for Napa County residents. The District has had incredible success during its first decade of operation. It has preserved over 5000 acres of open space and parks and maintains over 100 miles of multiuse trails in our community. Community education programs are a major priority for the District, and it runs outdoor science and conservation education programs to reach people of all ages. The District has also facilitated and funded outdoor field trips for thousands of Napa County children, allowing them the opportunity to experience and learn about their local environment. The parks and recreation opportunities provided by the Napa Open Space District have been tremendously successful and popular. The District's work enhances current Napans' quality of life and also ensures that future generations have the ability to experience the outdoors. Through its work, the District fosters a greater sense of community and pride within our Napa Valley. Mr. Speaker, the Napa Open Space District conserves our natural resources and provides residents with magnificent open spaces and an enhanced quality of life. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Napa Open Space District here today.