Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill, H.R. 2189, the taser bill. I would note that the bill doesn't mention tasers anywhere in the bill, other than in the title. I am a supporter of innovation. I am a supporter of de-escalation. I am a supporter of tasers. My son is a deputy sheriff. I support giving him and all law enforcement every tool needed to keep them and the people they serve safe, but let me be clear: This bill does nothing to help law enforcement access tasers. The fact is, this bill recklessly and needlessly weakens both the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. Under current law, tasers are not regulated by the National Firearms Act. That is the law that regulates especially dangerous devices like machine guns and sawed-off shotguns. Under current law, law enforcement in their official capacity are not subject to the background check requirement in the Gun Control Act. That is the law that prevents felons and domestic abusers from buying weapons. Under the current law, contrary to what the chairman just mentioned, law enforcement is not subject to the excise tax for firearms or for tasers. Instead of helping law enforcement access tasers, this bill weakens the law that regulates machine guns and opens the door to another flood of unregulated, deadly ghost guns in our community. I don't know one person in law enforcement who wants more untraceable ghost guns on our streets. Mr. Speaker, it is unclear what barriers law enforcement faces in using long-range tasers. I have never received a complaint from law enforcement in my district, nor have I seen any reports suggesting that this is a problem. Long-range tasers are already used by law enforcement--and listen to this--in all 50 States, and in all 50 States, law enforcement pays zero excise taxes on these devices. It is important to know that long-range tasers can already be legally purchased by civilians. All they need to do is pass a background check. I support tasers. I support law enforcement. This bill does not mention tasers once, and law enforcement is only mentioned in the title. I don't know what they are trying to do, but it looks to me like this might just be the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to oppose this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out, my good friend from New York was talking about how important this is for law enforcement to have access to these types of tasers. As I said in my opening remarks, all 50 States already have access to these tasers. As a matter of fact, in New York, the gentlewoman who just spoke talked about their need to have them. The New York Police Department uses these tasers and the Syracuse Police Department uses these tasers. As a matter of fact, their use is funded by a State grant. The Ramapo Police Department uses these tasers. In Arizona, where my good friend Mr. Schweikert is from, the Phoenix Police Department uses these tasers. The Mesa Police Department uses these tasers. The Scottsdale Police Department uses these tasers. This is not about providing access for law enforcement to use these tasers. They are already used in all 50 States. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Mr. Stauber for his time in public safety. I thank him for being a cop. We all owe a deep gratitude to those in uniform who keep us safe. As I mentioned when I first made my opening statement, my son is a cop. I appreciate him, and I appreciate all his colleagues. However, it is disingenuous to stand on this floor and say that this bill is needed so cops can have access to this particular type of taser technology. Mr. Stauber is from Minnesota. I just want to point out that Minnesota uses this. The Minnetonka Police Department uses this technology. The Minneapolis Police Department uses these tasers. The St. Charles Police Department uses these tasers. The Hastings Police Department uses these tasers. The Brooklyn Park Police Department uses these tasers. This is not about police not having access to this taser technology. They have it, and they can use it. It is not about that. Please focus on the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for making my point. If it is about the tax code, then let's address that. That is not what this bill does. This opens a huge loophole that will allow people who are a danger to themselves and others to have access to devices that none of us believe that they should have access to. If it was all about what Mr. Schweikert said, then why didn't the majority take my amendment that I filed that would have taken the ghost gun loophole issue off the table? If it is about the tax code, then let's deal with the tax code. However, as Mr. Doggett made the argument about domestic abusers, these are people who perpetrate the most heinous of crimes. That is why when this House and Senate passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we closed the boyfriend loophole to ensure that abusive boyfriends were blocked from accessing firearms, the same way we block abusive husbands from getting their hands on weapons. The Gun Control Act is the Federal statute that requires background checks which block these abusers from getting their hands on firearms. This bill weakens the Gun Control Act and would allow convicted domestic abusers to purchase long-range tasers and ghost guns. That is not what my colleagues on the other side are suggesting that they want to do. So why don't we deal with the tax issue? We can do it. The chairman of the Ways and Means Committee is right here. That is an easy one for us to fix. But don't create a loophole big enough to drive a truckload of ghost guns through. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Again, this bill does not do what my colleagues on the other side are suggesting that it does. They say that police need this bill in order to have access to and use this new taser, this new innovation in tasers. As I have pointed out a number of times, everyone who has spoken, in their home State they use these tasers. The police departments have access to these, and they use them. As a matter of fact, all 50 States use these tasers today. I have a list of all those. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record that list of States. Sampling of State and Local Law Enforcement and Correctional Adoption of Axon's Taser 10 (Firearm-Classified Taser) Despite the claim from proponents of H.R. 2189 and H.R. 4242 that the bills are needed for state and local law enforcement to be able to obtain and use Taser 10, in reality, law enforcement departments across the country in every state have already obtained and use these devices-- making this legislation unnecessary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Also, on the issue of domestic abusers, the idea that this body would make it easier for domestic abusers to get new technology in tasers is just beyond explanation. We should be extremely worried about these people getting this type of technology. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a February 9, 2026, to House leadership. February 9, 2026. Speaker Mike Johnson, House of Representatives. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House of Representatives. To Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries: In 2014, a Washington, DC resident (name withheld to protect the victim's privacy) abused his wife with a TASER, repeatedly shocking her in the face and head. While she was still suffering the effects of the TASER, he repeatedly hit her in the head with a baseball bat, punched her multiple times in the face, and then sexually assaulted her. In 2018, a New Jersey man threatened his girlfriend repeatedly with a TASER in the course of raping her several times over multiple incidents. Eventually, he carried through with his threat, tasing her in the neck and raping and sodomizing her. These incidents are both horrific and emblematic of a larger issue: domestic abusers' use of weapons to exert power and coercive control over their victims. Abusers threaten the victim, the children, pets, and others. As a nation, we should erect more barriers to domestic abusers acquiring weapons, not demolish existing protections. But that is exactly what H.R. 2189/S. 1283 would do by undermining laws designed to keep so-called ``less-than-lethal projectile devices,'' such as TASERs classified as firearms, and ghost guns out of the hands of adjudicated abusers. To be clear, despite their marketing, TASERs are not always ``less-than-lethal,'' as claimed in H.R. 2189. Perhaps they are less lethal than other firearms, but between 2012 and 2021, 538 people were killed by TASERs or stun guns. And studies that have found TASERs have only minor health impacts were not only primarily funded by the manufacturer, they did not mimic real-life situations, having exclusively healthy subjects, a short exposure time, and no long-term follow-up. Moreover, domestic violence continues or for some populations even escalates during pregnancy, and there is evidence that the use of a TASER on a pregnant woman can cause her to miscarry. Under current federal law, adjudicated domestic abusers (with a few notable exceptions) are prohibited from possessing TASERs that are classified as firearms in addition to ghost guns and traditional firearms. Removing such TASERs and other ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' modified to be lethal from the definition of a ``firearm'' in 18 U.S.C. 921(a) will not only allow adjudicated domestic abusers to acquire projectile weapons without a background check, it will make it perfectly legal for a domestic abuser--and other people convicted of violent and abhorrent crimes such as felony child molestation--to possess these weapons. While that might not be the intent of the bill authors, that will be the real-life impact. H.R. 2189/S. 1283 will have another chilling unintended consequence: domestic abusers and others who are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms will modify ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' to circumvent federal laws and regulations, including those regulating so-called `ghost guns.' In 2022, an adjudicated domestic abuser who was prohibited from possessing firearms used a ghost gun to murder his three daughters in a Sacramento church during a supervised visitation then murdered the chaperone and killed himself. Unable to pass a background check, he assembled his own firearm from untraceable gun parts which were unregulated at the time. Since that incident, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives issued a regulation, upheld by the United States Supreme Court in Bondi v. Vanderstock, to require background checks and serial numbers on unfinished frames and receivers and on some weapons parts kits. But only firearms frames and receivers are thus regulated; removing ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' from the definition of ``firearm'' in 18 U.S.C. 921(a) would also allow ghost guns modified from such devices to proliferate among individuals with criminal records. And since only firearms frames and receivers are regulated, kits to modify such devices into fully-lethal projectile weapons would be entirely legal and unregulated. Plus, while the bill stipulates that ``less-than-lethal projectile devices . . . must be designed and intended to be used in a manner that is not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury,'' the bill fails to prohibit or even acknowledge the inevitable modification of ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' into entirely-lethal projectile devices. Once again, adjudicated domestic abusers who are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law would be legally permitted to possess a firearm-equivalent, with the same lethal capacity, due simply to semantics. So, now, let us return to the depraved domestic and sexual violence offenders whose heinous acts were detailed in the opening paragraph. Despite their use of TASERs to physically and sexually abuse their intimate partners and the attendant criminal convictions that would prohibit them from possessing firearms, immediately upon their release from prison these individuals would legally be permitted under federal law to acquire TASERs and other high-powered ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' that today are classified as firearms. Moreover, once they obtained such weapons, there would be no barrier in federal law to obtain the necessary parts to modify them into lethal projectile weapons. The purpose of this bill is truly perplexing. Not only will H.R. 2189/S. 1283 arm adjudicated domestic abusers and others who pose a danger to public safety, it in no way achieves its stated goals and is a solution in search of a problem. The federal classification of TASERs as firearms in no way precludes law enforcement agencies from accessing TASERs, just as it does not preclude them from accessing an array of any of the ``less-than-lethal'' devices currently classified as firearms. Law enforcement agencies are easily able to procure firearms, including ``less-than-lethal projective devices'' currently classified as firearms, with many civilian requirements for purchasing firearm--and federal taxes--being waived. And contrary to a further argument in support of H.R. 2189/S. 1283, removing ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' from the federal definition of a ``firearm'' will not decrease law enforcement's liability for the use of deadly force. In terms of federal law, both regulations and courts have held that, on its own, the use of TASERs and other ``less-than-lethal projectile devices'' do not constitute deadly force. Moreover, even if that were not the case, changing the federal definition of a firearm to exclude TASERs and similar devices would in no way impact liability for using deadly force, because such liability outside the context of federal law enforcement is established in state and local law, which H.R. 2189/S. 1283 cannot alter. So what, then, is the purpose of H.R. 2189/S. 1283? Perhaps it is to exempt individuals attempting to acquire TASERs and similar devices from undergoing a background check. In that case, the benefits to public safety are unclear, while we have amply demonstrated the risks. Perhaps an individual seeks to acquire such a device for self-protection. If the individual does not have a prohibiting record, they should be able to pass a firearms background check with no inconvenience to themselves--most firearms background checks take only a few minutes to complete. And if they do have a prohibiting record, for the safety not only of victims and survivors of domestic violence but for public safety more broadly, they should not have access to either a ``less-than- lethal'' device or a fully-lethal firearm. For all of these reasons, we oppose H.R. 2189/S. 1283, and we urge you to oppose it as well. If you have any questions, please reach out. Sincerely, Jewish Women International; Catholics for Family Peace Education and Research Initiative; Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces; Hope Rise Thrive; Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Legal Momentum: The Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund; National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd; Nuns Against Gun Violence; Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abused; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team; Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community; United Church of Christ.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, for folks who make the argument that people are afraid, they want to have the newest taser technology to keep themselves safe in the civilian space, I understand that. They are not precluded from being able to purchase and have this new technology in tasers. They just have to get a background check to make sure they aren't domestic abusers and to make sure they are not prohibited individuals who couldn't otherwise get firearms. This bill does a lot more than the proponents are suggesting that it does. If, in fact, they want to deal with the issues that they stood on this floor today and talked about, they are all good issues, everybody will agree with that, let's do it. Let's draw the bill to deal with those issues. We could have done that had the majority accepted my bill that would have closed the ghost gun loophole, but they chose not to. If they really want to make this bill do what they are claiming, then let's write a bill that does that. This bill doesn't do it. This puts American communities at risk. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this legislation that prioritizes a partisan agenda over the health, privacy, and autonomy of women. Most of these so-called pregnancy centers are not licensed medical clinics. What does that mean? It means they can and often do share women's private medical information without their consent. It means they can and often do provide false and misleading medical information about abortion, contraception, and other reproductive health services for women. In California, my home State, our attorney general was compelled to issue a consumer alert warning the public about deceptive practices employed by these centers. At a time when access to reproductive healthcare is under attack, our Republican colleagues are advancing a bill that funnels resources to organizations that mislead women rather than provide comprehensive medical care. Let me repeat: Most of these so-called pregnancy centers are not licensed medical clinics. How can we, in good conscience, send our constituents for healthcare to unlicensed facilities? I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Chief Kristian Concepcion, as he retires after 35 years of dedicated commitment to the fire service, including 10 years leading our Vacaville Fire Department. Chief Concepcion was born in Cavite, Philippines, and moved with his family to Southern California at a young age. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in1986 and earned his Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in 1989. He graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2016. Chief Concepcion and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 38 years and have called Vacaville home for the past 10 years. They are the proud parents of four adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chief Concepcion's commitment to public safety is clear from his distinguished career. He began his service in 1991 as a firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority. Over the next 25 years, he rose through the ranks, serving as a paramedic, hazardous materials specialist, public affairs chief, administrative officer, and Division Chief. In 2016, he became Fire Chief of the Vacaville Fire Department, where he has led the department with vision and compassion for the past decade. Chief Concepcion has rightfully been recognized for his leadership and innovation. Under his direction, the Vacaville Fire Department experienced remarkable growth and progress. Daily staffing increased from 19 to 29 firefighters, two new fire stations were opened, and the number of staffed ambulances expanded from three to five. He launched the city's Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Program, strengthened fire prevention and code enforcement staffing to keep pace with community growth, and served as Interim City Public Information Officer for nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also helped establish the Firefighter Apprentice Program, creating pathways for aspiring firefighters and ensuring a well-trained workforce for years to come. Chief Concepcion's dedication extends beyond the fire department to community service. He served as Treasurer of the Solano County Fire Chiefs Association from 2015 to 2021 and as President from 2021 to 2023. He also served as President of the Vacaville Christmas Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports local victims of severe fire incidents and families in need during the holidays. He actively serves on the California State Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Advisory Council and was an Honorary Commander for the 60th Operations Group at Travis Air Force Base. He was also a longtime member of the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums and has spent many years as a high school and college football referee. Mr. Speaker, we thank Chief Kristian Concepcion for his dedicated service to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today as he retires after 35 years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jennifer A. Goedke, who is retiring from Congress after 25 years of public service. Jennifer comes from a hard-working family in Illinois, Her father, Richard A. Goedke, was a member of IBEW and PATCO, and she walked the picket line with him to fight for better labor conditions. Her mother, Dolores, was a working mom who successfully ran a medical practice while raising two children. Jennifer was the first in her family to earn a college diploma. It was there, at Monmouth College, where Professors Ira Smolensky and Stacy Cordery inspired her to spend a semester in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Congressman Lane Evans. After graduation, Jennifer's love of the institution led her back to Congress where she has spent 25 years working for distinguished Members, including Representatives Henry Waxman, Lane Evans, Marcy Kaptur, Lynn C. Woolsey, and myself. She capped her career as Chief of Staff for Congressmen Jared Huffman and George Whitesides. In her time on Capitol Hill, Jennifer has championed landmark gun safety legislation, including H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Check Act. As my lead staffer on the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, she sat with countless families as they worked through their grief and fought for solutions to end gun violence. She also helped to negotiate the USMCA trade agreement, expanded FMLA for military families, and shepherded countless community district projects to improve education, transportation, and wetlands restoration. Public service is in Jennifer's DNA. She finds practical solutions to problems and works across the aisle without reservation. Though she never forgot her Midwestern roots, she dedicated most of her career to California. In that time, she changed the landscape of Northern California policy and redistricting. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the noteworthy career of Jennifer A. Goedke, her 25 years in Congress, and her dedication to the institution. It is my pleasure and honor to congratulate her on her years of service. I wish her the best in her next adventures.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats have fought for months to save Americans' healthcare. That led to four Republicans working with us to bring this bill to the floor today. Yesterday, nine Republicans voted with us to bring this tax credit extension up. Today, it is 11. They know that letting these tax credits expire will hurt the people that they represent as well. Congressional Republicans set the stage to price 4 million Americans out of healthcare plans that they need. Democrats are fighting to bring your costs down. If you take away the credits that millions of Americans depend on to afford coverage, families will be forced into junk plans that don't cover their needs or will have no coverage at all. When they get sick or hurt, it will cost even more. This is a good day for Americans. It is a great day for Americans. Vote ``yes'' on this bill to protect healthcare for the people that we represent.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding and I thank him especially for holding this Special Order hour for someone who we are all going to miss. He was a really great guy. I am honored to be able to reflect a little bit on the life and the service of an extremely dedicated Member of Congress, Doug LaMalfa. I served northern California alongside Doug from the day that he was sworn in to this body. His area was an area that I represented when I was in the State senate. In Congress, we represented neighboring regions of our State. We shared many of the same challenges and worked together on issues that matter deeply to the people that we both served. I was proud to work with him on bipartisan efforts to support our farmers and ranchers, to strengthen wildfire prevention, to build Sites Reservoir, and to address the growing home insurance crisis facing families across all of northern California. He and I worked together to deliver over $500 million in tax relief to fire victims in our district that lost their homes then had to sue in order to get the financial relief to rebuild their homes only to find out that they were going to be taxed on that money that they got in the suit, which wasn't in itself enough to even rebuild their homes. He was caring, and he was a terrific fighter for the folks that we worked for in delivering this. He believed in practical solutions, and I always respected and appreciated his collaboration on the issues important to our constituents. I am saddened by the loss of my longtime colleague and friend. Jan and I extend our deepest condolences and keep Doug's wife, Jill; their children; their grandchild; and his devoted staff in our prayers during this very difficult time. I thank the gentleman again for hosting this Special Order hour.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Phil Murphy for his more than four decades of dedicated service to the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and to our St. Helena community. Mr. Murphy was born in San Francisco and graduated from San Mateo Junior College and San Francisco State University. After moving to our St. Helena community, Mr. Murphy joined the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 in 1983. The Native Sons of the Golden West, founded in 1875, is one of California's oldest fraternal organizations and was established as a tribute to the men and women of the Gold Rush era. Today, the organization serves as a charitable organization supporting local communities throughout California. Mr. Murphy's commitment to this organization spans more than 40 years. In 1986, he assumed the role of Hall Manager for the Native Sons Hall on Spring Street, a position he has held for nearly four decades. As Hall Manager, Mr. Murphy has been the steadfast caretaker of the 110-year-old historic landmark. Under his leadership, the Hall remained open, maintained, and accessible to the public. Thanks to his vigilance and hands-on stewardship, the Hall has continued to serve as one of St. Helena's most important gathering places, hosting weddings, funerals, community fundraisers, holiday celebrations, civic meetings, dances, and countless local events. Buildings of this age do not remain standing, let alone thrive, without the type of constant care Mr. Murphy has provided for decades. As President of Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and its long-serving Hall Manager, Mr. Murphy has been essential not only to the Hall's physical preservation but to the vitality of the organization itself. He has worked to keep membership strong through generational change, ensuring that new members feel welcomed, valued, and connected. His efforts have strengthened the organization's future while honoring its history. Mr. Murphy's leadership extends beyond the Hall. He has consistently authorized donations and offered support for local educational programs, civic projects, and fire department initiatives, reflecting his dedication to improving and supporting our St. Helena community. Mr. Murphy and his wife, Andy, have raised three children: Molly, Amy, and Darren. Mr. Speaker, for nearly 40 years, Phil Murphy has cared for this important community landmark. His stewardship has preserved local history, strengthened community ties, and served generations of St. Helena residents. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today for his extraordinary leadership, service, and devotion to the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 53 and to the people of St. Helena.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Dan Newhouse, to honor Mr. Robert ``Bobby'' P. Koch, as he retires after 33 years of dedicated service and commitment to Wine Institute and our American wine community. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Wine Caucus, we have seen firsthand his many contributions to the long-term success and growth of American grown and produced wine. Bobby graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics. Before joining Wine Institute, Bobby held senior positions in Congress with former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and former House Majority Whip Tony Coelho, bringing valuable legislative experience to his work in the wine community. He is married to Doro Bush Koch, and they have four children and two grandchildren. Bobby's service on behalf of wineries throughout California, Washington, and wine regions all over the country spans more than three decades during which the wine sector experienced significant growth while facing numerous challenges. He joined Wine Institute, the only organization advocating for American wine at the state, federal, and international levels, in 1992 as Vice President of Federal Government Relations. Bobby later became Senior Vice President in 1996 and was appointed President and CEO in 2003, a position he has held for 22 years. Under his leadership, Wine Institute has grown to represent more than 1,000 California wineries and businesses responsible for over 80 percent of U.S. wine production and more than 95 percent of American wine exports. Wine Institute also doubled its membership, and the organization built a best-in-class staff dedicated to protecting and promoting the wine community. Throughout his tenure, Bobby's leadership has been guided by his unwavering belief in the positive impact of wine as one of America's most highly value-added agricultural products. He has rightfully been recognized for his ability to bridge the interests of small and large wineries in policy debates, leading Wine Institute and the broader wine community with a unified voice. Major achievements during his tenure include expanding direct-to-consumer wine shipping to 48 states and the District of Columbia, defeating wholesaler monopoly protection legislation in numerous states, and securing passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization Act, which has enabled American wineries to reinvest over $600 million to grow their businesses since 2018. Bobby also secured Congressional affirmation in the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act and preserved the balance of federal and state authority in alcohol regulation. Bobby's leadership extended to sustainability and international market development. Under his direction, Wine Institute positioned America as a global leader in wine quality, innovation, and sustainability. Today, 90 percent of California wine is produced in certified sustainable wineries, and 65 percent of the state's vineyard acreage is certified sustainable, demonstrating the community's commitment under Bobby to environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and community engagement. He increased American wine exports with dedicated marketing programs in more than 40 countries and serves as a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade, as well as on the board of directors of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Mr. Speaker, we thank Mr. Robert ``Bobby'' P. Koch for his more than three decades of dedication, service and leadership on behalf of our American wine community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today as he retires from Wine Institute.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Yolo County Housing Authority, as the organization celebrates 75 years of dedicated service, delivering safe, affordable housing to our community members. Yolo County Housing was established in 1950 to provide decent and safe rental housing for low-income families, seniors, disabled persons, and migrant agricultural workers throughout our Yolo County. The organization opened its first public housing developments in 1951: Yolano Village in Woodland with 60 units, and El Rio Villa I in Winters with 30 units. Throughout the decades, the organization has expanded with new facilities throughout our Yolo County, including facilities in Esparto, the Riverbend development, multiple El Rio Villa additions, and the acquisition of Las Casitas. The establishment of New Hope Community Development Corporation in 1999 enabled the completion of pioneering community projects serving hundreds more residents. Yolo County Housing's commitment to our community is clear from the scope of their programs. Funded through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and the California Department of Housing and Community Development Office of Migrant Services, the organization administers 431 public housing units, serving approximately 920 residents throughout our region. Yolo County Housing also manages 2,005 housing vouchers that serve around 3,000 residents, including specialized vouchers for veterans, disabled persons, and those in need of emergency housing. The organization provides seasonal housing at three migrant centers, supporting more than 830 agricultural workers and their families annually. The organization has rightfully been recognized for its service to vulnerable members of our community. Through strong partnerships with nonprofits, service agencies, and local governments, Yolo County Housing helps provide our residents with stability, opportunity, and support. In addition to its core programs, the organization oversees community-based properties that house more than 450 individuals. Its supporting organization, New Hope Community Development Corporation, expands this work by developing low-income housing and offering social, educational, and enrichment programs for youth and seniors living in public housing communities across our Yolo County. Mr. Speaker, we thank Yolo County Housing for their 75 years of leadership in affordable housing and our community's development. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today for their contributions to our district.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor TLC Child and Family Services as it celebrates 50 years of service to vulnerable youth and families in our Sonoma County. Since its founding in 1975, TLC has transformed the lives of more than ten thousand young people by providing safe environments, educational support, and opportunities for growth. TLC began as a single group home and has grown into a comprehensive organization offering foster care and adoption services, behavioral health programs, special education, residential treatment, and housing support for transition-age youth. Guided by its mission to create healthy, healing environments where differences are valued, TLC has remained a steady resource for families through decades of changing policies and economic challenges. TLC's Foster Family and Adoption programs, operated in partnership with Sonoma County Family Youth and Children's Services, provide critical supports that help youth achieve stable homes. In the past year, 82 percent of foster youth were reunified with family members or adopted, while the remaining youth received housing, therapeutic services, education, and life-skills support. TLC continues to recruit and sustain foster families at a time when agencies across California face rising costs and closures. TLC also delivers trauma-informed Behavioral Health Services through a growing team of clinicians serving families across our county. Services include school-based partnerships as well as individual, group, and family therapy. Journey Academy, TLC's Residential Treatment Center with an on-site non-public school, serves students whose mental health or behavioral needs make traditional classrooms difficult. In the past year, 91 percent of students improved their attendance and 86 percent completed more academic credits than before entering the program. TLC's Transition Age Youth Housing Programs support young people ages sixteen to twenty-five who are experiencing homelessness or instability. Participants receive immediate access to meals, clothing, showers, and case management while staff work to secure long-term housing. 97 percent of participants reported satisfaction with the program last year, and 95 percent felt supported in employment and financial literacy. TLC has expanded services for young parents, offering parenting classes, supplies, and resource navigation. In addition to its core programs, TLC leads innovative community initiatives. The Farm to Table Program introduces youth to gardening, culinary arts, and hospitality careers. Project Flare uplifts LGBTQ+ youth by sharing their stories and building community connection. TLC also stewards the Sonoma County Children's Village Legacy Fund, a 2.5- million-dollar endowment that provides orthodontic and dental care for foster youth up to age 24. To date, 178 youths have received more than 648,000 dollars in services. TLC Child and Family Services has earned significant recognition for its leadership. The organization holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and GuideStar, placing it among the top nonprofits nationwide. It has received the Human Rights Campaign's highest honors for inclusive care for LGBTQ+ youth and has been named one of the North Bay Business Journal's Best Places to Work for three consecutive years. The Joint Commission recently awarded TLC exceptionally high marks following a comprehensive review. Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, TLC Child and Family Services has provided compassionate, effective support to the youth and families of our Sonoma County. Their commitment to healing, education, and community well-being has strengthened our region for generations. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today on this milestone anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call for a vote immediately to save America's healthcare. Across our country, American families are being squeezed by high grocery prices, high utility bills, and soaring costs for holiday gifts. Families can't afford to pay double for their healthcare. Republicans cut $1 trillion from healthcare to give a tax break to their billionaire donors. Americans of every party stripe are being hurt, and they have had enough. This morning, four Republicans joined every Democrat to sign a petition forcing you to hold a vote on our bill that will save healthcare for 4 million people. Mr. Speaker, it is your turn to act. Hold the vote to save healthcare now. It is important to point out that the CBO analysis that my Republican friends keep talking about says that it is going to cost 100,000 people more every year for healthcare. Hold the vote on the bill that will save healthcare.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Torres for his more than 25 years of service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga. Mr. Torres is being recognized for his leadership and philanthropy that have undoubtedly benefited the growth and sustainability of the Club. Mr. Torres was born and raised in St. Helena and represents the third generation of the Trinchero family, the founders of Trinchero Family Estates. He graduated from St. Helena High School in 1978 with honors and scholarships in mathematics and art and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Torres serves as Principal. Vice Chair, Director, and third- generation owner of Trinchero Family Estates. He is married to Maria Franchi Torres, and they are the proud parents of two children, Matthew and Julia. Mr. Torres has been a Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga since 1999. During his tenure, Mr. Torres has been instrumental in expanding the Club from modest after-school programs into a multi-site organization now operating six facilities across our Napa Valley community, including Teen Centers, Clubhouses, and satellite school sites. Mr. Torres helped lead multiple capital campaigns, including the successful funding and construction of the St. Helena Clubhouse, which opened in 2008, and the Calistoga Clubhouse, which opened in 2017. Under his leadership, the Club's annual operating budget has grown from $300,000 to $2.8 million, ensuring long-term stability and expanded services for thousands of children throughout our Upper Napa Valley. In 2012, Mr. Torres co-founded and co-chaired The BIG Night, the Club's premier annual fundraiser. The event has become the Club's largest and most impactful fundraiser, generating $1.2 million in 2025 alone. Over the years, Mr. Torres has donated more than $2 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga. He has been a strong advocate for affordability and access for all families, helping create a scholarship policy ensuring that every child can participate regardless of financial circumstances. Beyond his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Mr. Torres has been a lifelong philanthropist supporting local education, family services, and youth development initiatives in our Napa Valley. Through Trinchero Family Estates giving initiatives, he has championed community welfare and family-centered programs, promoting safe and enriching environments for children throughout our region. Mr. Speaker, through more than 25 years of dedicated service, leadership, and generosity, Robert Torres has made a lasting impact on youth in our St. Helena, Calistoga, and the broader Napa Valley community. 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 Nimbus Arts as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 by Jamie Graff and Dana Johnson, Nimbus Arts has become an intrinsic part of our community, providing art education and fostering creative expression throughout our Napa Valley. The idea for Nimbus Arts was born out of a deeply personal experience. When Ms. Johnson's daughter was undergoing treatment at UCSF Children's Hospital, she witnessed the healing power of art through the hospital's family art programs. Wanting to bring that same sense of connection and creativity to her own community, Ms. Johnson partnered with fellow Napa Valley resident Jamie Graff and Janet Pagano, Executive Director of The Cantus Fund, to create an accessible, community-serving art center. Ms. Graff took on the role of Executive Director, and Nimbus Arts was launched in 2005, operating at first from borrowed spaces in churches and schools. Today, Nimbus Arts has grown into a $1.7 million enterprise with three well-equipped studios, including a dedicated ceramics and metal arts facility. The organization offers more than 800 classes and events annually to a diverse group of students, from toddlers to retirees. The organization works within public school systems providing arts activities on campuses and also works in court and community schools, including at Napa's Juvenile Hall, where art serves as a tool for self- expression and emotional exploration. Through its Hundreds of Hands initiative, Nimbus Arts coordinates large-scale community-based free public art projects throughout Napa Valley. The organization employs more than 40 artist instructors, many of whom have been with Nimbus since its founding. Nimbus Arts' success is a direct reflection of the vision and dedication of its co-founders. Under Ms. Graff's leadership as Executive Director, Nimbus Arts has developed classes, camps, and workshops across disciplines ranging from painting and glass fusing to sewing and culinary arts. She also launched the Nim+BUS, a mobile art studio that delivers hands-on art experiences to schools and community events across our Napa County. Ms. Graff also worked with the board and staff to establish NIMBASH, the organization's annual gala and fundraiser. Her leadership has helped make Nimbus Arts a hub of creativity and collaboration, earning her recognition as Napa County's 2015 Arts Hero. Ms Johnson has served as Board President since Nimbus Arts' founding, bringing business, marketing, and fundraising expertise to the organization. She plays an active role in its ongoing success, participating in NIMBASH and serving on the Finance, Fundraising, and Vision Committees. Beyond Nimbus Arts, Ms. Johnson has also served as a Board Commissioner for the St. Helena Public Library and held positions with The Alex Fund, The Alpheios Project, and The Cantus Fund. Supporting local artists through meaningful employment and exhibition opportunities remains central to Nimbus Arts' mission. Ms. Graff is currently leading expansion efforts in south Napa, including the establishment of a new studio and a partnership with the Napa Valley Education Foundation to bring arts programming to the Foundation's new Discovery Campus. In recognition of its contributions to community life, Nimbus Arts was named St. Helena's Non-Profit of the Year in 2020. Mr. Speaker, for 20 years, Nimbus Arts has served as a vibrant hub for community members of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives through art, The Nimbus Arts team's commitment to making art accessible to everyone has transformed countless lives and I am so grateful for their dedication to our community. I look forward to watching this creative community continue to grow for the next 20 years and beyond. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sean Maher for his more than 25 years of service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga. Mr. Maher is being recognized for his leadership and philanthropy that have helped shape the growth and sustainability of the Club. Mr. Maher was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to our Napa Valley in 1975 when his father, Dick Maher, assumed the role of President of Beringer Winery. He attended Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School in St. Helena and Justin-Siena High School in Napa. Mr. Maher earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from UCLA and received his MBA from St. Mary's College. He is the second of five children born to Dick and the late Marcia Maher, and is the father of two children. Kellen and Loren. Mr. Maher has been a Board Member and Executive Committee Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga since 1999. He has served as Board President and Vice President multiple times over the past 26 years, providing consistent leadership through critical periods of growth. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Maher served as St. Helena Capital Campaign Chair, helping raise millions of dollars to build two Boys & Girls Club Clubhouses in the Upper Napa Valley and expand Club sites throughout the area. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in expanding the Club from modest after-school programs into a multi-site organization serving thousands of children across our St. Helena, Calistoga, and Howell Mountain communities. Beyond his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs, in the late 1990's, Mr. Maher co-founded Maher Advisors with his father, a consulting firm specializing in the appraisal, sale, and strategic management of wineries. In 2016, Mr. Maher co-founded Aspect Consumer Partners with partner Rodney Clark. The firm focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, and financial advisory services for companies in the wine and spirits, health and beauty, and apparel industries. Mr. Maher has over 24 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. Reflecting his commitment to social responsibility, Aspect Consumer Partners donates 20 percent of its net earnings annually to charitable causes. Mr. Maher also serves on the St. Helena School Board from 2010 to 2014 and served as School Board President, and his leadership and dedication to educational excellence contributed to strengthening public education in our town of St. Helena. Mr. Speaker, through more than 25 years of dedicated service, leadership, and generosity, Sean Maher has made lasting contributions to youth and families throughout St. Helena, Calistoga, and the broader Napa Valley community. 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 Marianna Dewitt Hawkins for her more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga. Mrs. Hawkins is being recognized for her leadership as a founding Board Member and her commitment to children and families in the community. Marianna was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and moved to California during her middle school years, later settling in St. Helena with her husband, John Hawkins. She earned a bachelor's degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and pursued graduate studies in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at the University of Santa Clara. Before dedicating herself to community service, Mrs. Hawkins worked as National Sales and Marketing Director for Round Hill and Rutherford Ranch Wineries. In 1989, Mrs. Hawkins joined forces with Father John Brenkle and philanthropist Vera Trinchero Torres, as founder of the Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga. As one of the organization's original Board Members, she helped launch the first summer and after-school programs, which served more than 300 children in the opening week. Mrs. Hawkins helped develop partnerships with local organizations including Rotary, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, and local vintners to sustain and expand programing. Mrs. Hawkins played an important role in securing the Club's permanent facility in St. Helena, working with community leaders including the Trinchero and Torres families and Andy Beckstoffer. She also supported the Club's expansion to Howell Mountain and Calistoga, including the successful capital campaign for the Calistoga Clubhouse, which opened in 2017. Her advocacy for teen mental health and leadership development programs has helped establish programs focused on youth wellness and personal development. During the Napa Valley wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Hawkins helped coordinate relief efforts through partnerships with Feed Our Families and World Central Kitchen, providing meals and essential supplies to families and first responders. Marianna has also been an active member of St. Helena Catholic Church, supporting charitable outreach programs for migrant-worker families and affordable childcare initiatives. Mr. Speaker, through more than 35 years of service as a founding Board Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga, Marianna Hawkins has made lasting contributions to youth and families throughout the Napa Valley. It is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Roberto Juarez, an esteemed member of our community whose dedication to excellence in viticulture, leadership, lifelong learning, and service embodies the very best of our Napa Valley agricultural community. Mr. Juarez's contributions have earned him the distinction of being named the Farmworker Foundation's first Napa Valley Farmworker of the Year. Mr. Juarez was born in El Zanguarro, a small town in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, where agriculture was a way of life. As a child, he helped his family tend a garden of broccoli, squash, cilantro, and radishes, and joined a local youth agriculture group. By the age of 10, Mr. Juarez was already working to help support his family. Seeking new opportunities, Mr. Juarez came to our Napa area, where he joined relatives who had settled in the region and began working as a landscaper at Moulds Family Vineyard. When the vineyard needed additional help, he transitioned to vineyard work, eager to learn about grape growing despite having no formal training in viticulture. His strong work ethic and leadership quickly set Mr. Juarez apart from his peers. Within his first year, Mr. Juarez was promoted to vineyard manager, a position he has now held for nearly 18 years. He has earned deep respect from colleagues and winemakers for his foresight, communication, and dedication to quality. During harvest season, Mr. Juarez works closely with winemakers and viticulturists to anticipate challenges and ensure the highest standards of production. Leading by example, Mr. Juarez trains full-time staff and seasonal crews, working alongside them until they have mastered each task. Steve and Betsy Moulds, who recognized his potential early on, have supported his continued professional growth and education. Beyond his professional role, he mentors others by sharing his knowledge and experience. A lifelong learner, Mr. Juarez recognized that mastering English would be essential for professional growth. He set a personal goal to become fluent within 5 years and achieved it through determination and sacrifice. Balancing two jobs and family responsibilities, he attended multiple classes through the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and adult education programs, often going straight from work to class without stopping for meals. He became proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English, and later studied computer programs including Word and Excel to create schedules, reports, and track vineyard priorities. Today, he communicates with clients and vendors entirely in English, a testament to his commitment to self-improvement. Mr. Juarez has also become an advocate for others. After completing training through the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Association and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, he mastered the clean burn method for controlled fires and began teaching it to other vineyard workers and environmental managers in both English and Spanish. He serves on the Education Committee for the Farmworker Foundation, participates in CULTIVAR, and has contributed to Napa Green. Beyond his professional life, Mr. Juarez has been married to his wife for 24 years. They are the proud parents of two children, ages seventeen and fifteen, who attend Vintage High School. Their son enjoys cooking and agriculture, while their daughter participates in color guard and volunteers with Aim High's after-school programs. Mr. Juarez encourages his children to follow the same values of hard work and perseverance that have guided his own life. He and his wife also regularly volunteer at school events, carnivals, races, and food fundraisers, and support local 4-H and FFA programs. Mr. Speaker, through his leadership, pursuit of education, and commitment to service, Roberto Juarez has made a lasting impact on Napa Valley's agricultural community. His story reflects the hard work, humility, and excellence that define the people who make our region thrive. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today as the first recipient of Farmworker Foundation's Napa Valley Farmworker of the Year Award.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rio Vista American Legion Post 178 as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its charter and a century of service to our veterans and our Rio Vista community. The American Legion was founded in 1919 by an act of Congress in the wake of World War I to support veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Over the past century, it has grown into one of the largest and most respected veterans organizations in the world, advocating for key federal programs like the GI Bill, advancing veterans, health care, and fostering civic engagement and youth leadership. Today, the American Legion includes more than 1.6 million members serving in over 12,000 posts across our country and abroad. Rio Vista American Legion Post 178 joined this distinguished network on October 23, 1925, bringing the Legion's mission of service, patriotism, and community to our local level. For 100 years, Post 178 has stood as a cornerstone of our Rio Vista community, supporting veterans, strengthening civic ties, and honoring those who have served our Nation. Throughout its history, Post 178 has demonstrated steadfast commitment to our local veterans. The Post played a key role in establishing a home for unhoused veterans in Rio Vista, raising funds and providing volunteer labor for its construction. It continues to provide critical assistance for veterans through its post service officer, who helps veterans access benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including health care, disability, and education programs. The Post also serves as an important gathering place for veterans and their families. Each week, it opens its doors for Thursday evening social hours, offering a place for camaraderie and connection. The facility doubles as a community hub, available for use by civic organizations, churches, and residents, and hosts a wide range of local events that bring people together across our Rio Vista. Post 178 honors the service and sacrifice of our Nation's veterans through annual ceremonies that have become local traditions. These include the Memorial Day ceremony in front of Rio Vista City Hall, the placement of flags on veterans' graves, the Patriot Day ceremony each September 11th, the POW/MIA ceremony at City Hall, and the annual flag retirement ceremony at the Post. In addition to its service to veterans, Post 178 actively supports youth in the community. The Post provides scholarships to local students and sponsors candidates for the American Legion's Boys State and Auxiliary Girls State programs, which give high school students hands-on experience in civic leadership and government. The Post also organizes the annual Kinser Cup Golf Tournament in honor of Adam Kinser, a Rio Vista soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. For a century, Rio Vista American Legion Post 178 has exemplified the spirit of service that defines both our veterans and our community. Under the leadership of Post Commander John Fashing and Adjutant Jim Wheeler, the Post continues to honor the men and women who served and to strengthen the bonds of community in Rio Vista. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Rio Vista American Legion Post 178 here today on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and recognize its enduring service to our veterans and to our community.