Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julie Louise Lovie, who has been selected as the Napa County Teacher of the Year for 2016. A native of Napa, California, Ms. Lovie began her teaching career in 1993 at the Napa Valley Adult School. In 1994, she began teaching math and science at Valley Oak Continuation High School in Napa, where whe still teaches today. Throughout her career, Ms. Lovie has been a beloved member of her school community. In 2010, she was named Teacher of the Year by the Napa Rotary Club, and in 2014 she was named a ``Friend of the Napa Hispanic Network''. Her professional affiliations have included The California Teach's Association, a partnership with the Napa County Resource Conservation Acorns to Oaks program, and the Water Shed Week ``STRAW'' program. Furthermore, Ms. Lovie has been a Community Club Leader for the 4 Leaf Clover 4H Club for over 15 years and has actively participated in Youth Ministry at St. Apollinaris Church for 10 years. As an experienced continuation high school teacher, Ms. Lovie understands that traditional teaching strategies will not work for the students in her classes. Serving a population that is often considered at risk for drug and alcohol use, she serves as the Friday Night Live advisor, the California Highway Patrol ``Every 15 Minutes'' advisor, and as a member of the Catalyst Prevention Coalition. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Lovie makes it her mission as a teacher to change students' beliefs about themselves and take them on a journey of achievement. It is appropriate that we take this time to honor Ms. Lovie for her decades of service to our community and her commitment to making each of her students feel both supported and respected.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Representative Ron Kind, Representative Robert J. Wittman, and Representative Frank LoBiondo to recognize Cynthia Martinez upon her appointment as Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Cynthia is a twenty-one-year veteran of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a dedicated advocate of the agency's mission to conserve, protect, and enhance wildlife and habitats for the benefit of the American people. Ms. Martinez is also notably the first woman and first Latina to serve as the Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a testament to her leadership and passion for protecting our nation's wildlife and most treasured natural habitats. Over the past twenty-one years, Ms. Martinez has been a dedicated public servant within the Fish and Wildlife Service. Her first experience with the Fish and Wildlife Service as a student trainee in the Arizona State Office soon grew into an impressive career that includes managing the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Nevada and serving as the Deputy Chief of the Refuge System. Her long career of service to the Refuge System demonstrates her devotion to enhancing and protecting the habitats and recreational opportunities that we all enjoy. While serving as the Chief of the Refuge System Division of Visitor Services and Communications, Cynthia developed the Conserving the Future vision document, which outlines the agency's strategic plan for a robust and resilient Refuge System. This forward-thinking vision, predicated on sound, science-based planning and monitoring, illustrates that the future of the Refuge System is bright under Cynthia's leadership. Ms. Martinez also spearheaded the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, an initiative to engage and educate residents on the wildlife that share our urban spaces and to connect them with nearby refuges to promote stewardship and provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Cynthia Martinez at this time. Her commitment and leadership of the National Wildlife Refuge System will ensure that our nation's pristine wildlife habitats and unparalleled recreational opportunities are preserved for years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Angela Peatman, an outstanding member of the Napa Valley community and my dear friend, on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Born on July 30, 1935, Ms. Peatman has been a dedicated public servant, a devoted mother, and a tireless advocate for families in the Napa Valley. She began her public service at the Cope Family Resource Center in Napa, where she served as a board member and later as president. Ms. Peatman flourished in her role at the nonprofit organization, where she cherished the opportunity to work directly with her local community. Ms. Peatman also served as a founding board member and president of the Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center. Founded in 2005, the Center offers educational programs and advocacy services to support personal growth and family stability in the Latino community throughout Napa County. The organization also works to bridge the gap between service providers and the Latino community by providing culturally sensitive intake and referral services for over 500 families every year. In 2010, Ms. Peatman was named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Napa Chamber of Commerce in recognition for her years of service to the valley's community. She was also named ``Associate'' by her alma mater, Stanford University. This prestigious title is given to a select few alumni who have demonstrated significant volunteer service to the university. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we recognize Ms. Peatman on the occasion of her 80th birthday for her years of valued service to the Napa Valley community. We wish her a very happy birthday and many years of health and happiness.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Carl Jensen, founder of Project Censored, who passed away on April 23, 2015. Mr. Jensen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1929, the only child of Danish and Swedish immigrants. His family moved to Northern California at the outbreak of World War II, settling in Arcata in Humboldt County. Throughout his career and life, he lived many places including Europe, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and eventually to Cotati in 1973 where he met his wife Sandra while teaching at Sonoma State University. Prior to his time in academia Jensen served his country as an Air Force intelligence officer in Puerto Rico during the Korean War. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Sherman Jackson of Crescent City and John Jensen of Lucerne, and two daughters, Lisa Jensen of Monterey and Pia Jensen. Mr. Jensen was a professor emeritus of Sociology and Communications Studies at Sonoma State University in California and author of Censored--The News That Didn't Make the News and Why (from 1976 to 1996), 20 Years of Censored News (1997), and Stories That Changed America: Muckrakers of the 20th Century (2000). He founded Project Censored, the internationally recognized media research project, in 1976. Project Censored has remained a distinguishing aspect of the university's curriculum for 39 years. Jensen's pioneering program of hands-on student training in independent journalism has now been adopted at dozens of college and university campuses across the country and around the world. And today, Project Censored is the longest running research project on news media censorship. A true and lasting achievement to be sure. His legacy is not fully encompassed by his published work. It also includes the hundreds of undergraduate students, at Sonoma State and in classrooms across the nation, who research news stories from the independent press to determine if those stories were censored in the corporate media. Mr. Jensen has had a profound and lasting impact on hundreds of students in the 5th District and around the country. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time to acknowledge the life and accomplishments of Carl Jensen, a true leader, patriot, and defender of the first amendment. May he rest in peace.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Betty Rhodes, who is leaving after 15 years of dedicated service to the Napa County Commission on Aging. Ms. Betty Rhodes served in several vital capacities on the Napa County Commission on Aging, most important as Chair for two terms beginning in 2001. Throughout the years, she has been a consistent and committed benefactor to the community through her patronage and support of innumerable causes in Napa County. Her commitments include writing the ``Senior Corner'' in the St. Helena Star, serving on the Board of Directors of Napa, becoming a member of the Senior Advisory Committee for the City of Napa, and becoming co-host of Seniors Rule!, a new local television series. Ms. Rhodes fully embraced her numerous leadership positions and has been an important advocate for the elderly community. One of her major contributions to the local community is the award winning protective measure known as the Caregiver Permit Ordinance. This measure mandates fingerprinting and criminal background checks for every individual and business providing in-home care for the elderly and disabled in the Napa Valley. Ms. Rhodes was also named ``Outstanding Booster of the Year'' by the Napa Chamber of Commerce in 2009, signifying the lasting positive impacts that she has had on the community. Ms. Rhodes' success in working with the elder community stems from her ability to truly understand their needs as well as their value in the community. Through her dedication and determination, she has proven to be an influential leading advocate for older adults. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Rhodes has a long and distinguished career of service to others, most notably to the senior community in Napa County. It is therefore appropriate that we acknowledge Ms. Rhodes today and wish her well as she departs the Napa County Commission on Aging.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Barbour, my longtime friend, and the recipient of the Napa County Farm Bureau's 2014 Agriculturalist of the Year Award. Mr. Barbour has been, and continues to be, a tireless advocate and fierce supporter of agriculture in the Napa Valley. It is therefore appropriate that we recognize and thank Mr. Barbour today for his relentless dedication to his craft and effort to promote agriculture in Napa County. Jim Barbour was born in San Francisco, moved to the Napa Valley as a child and grew up in Rutherford on his family's ranch along Highway 29. His education in agriculture began at an early age; the family grew prunes on their 30-acre property as well as Gamay, Mondeuse and Petit Bouschet wine grapes. He attended UC Davis where he acquired a bachelor's degree in viticulture and embarked on a lifelong career in plant science. In the span of nearly four decades, Jim Barbour has planted and managed some of the Napa Valley's most highly regarded vineyards, collaborating with its leading winemakers and playing a crucial role in the creation of some of its finest wines. As proprietor of Barbour Vineyards Management and Development he has been able to craft, shape and produce exceptional vintages, as well as his own Barbour Wines. Mr. Barbour has made a lifelong commitment to his craft as an advocate for responsible and sustainable farming practices. He is a long time donor to Family House of San Francisco, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the local community schools within Napa Valley. Mr. Barbour was also chairman of Napa Farm Bureau's ``Shaken, not deterred!'' rebuilding campaign after the South Napa Earthquake of August 2014. Mr. Speaker, Jim Barbour's leadership in the wine industry and viticultural advancement is greatly appreciated by the entire Napa community and we wish him further success in an already distinguished career.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, he is absolutely correct. In my district, if that freshwater doesn't run through and run out to the ocean, the saltwater runs back in. I have two major cities in my district that rely on that for a source of water. If this bill were to pass, their water supply is in jeopardy. You can't drink saltwater; it just doesn't work. California is in the middle of a very extreme drought. It is not due to a lack of pumping; it is not because of our State's water regulations, and it is not because we are putting fish ahead of farms and people. It is because there is no rain and there is no snow. No bill can make it rain, but this bill makes a bad situation even worse. It is wrong for California. It won't stop the drought; it won't make it rain; but it will kill jobs, and it will ruin drinking water for millions of Californians. The State of California won't support this bill because it ignores 20 years of established science and undermines our extensive efforts to implement equal measures to address longstanding water shortages. We have been down this road before in California. We ignored science and we diverted water out of the Klamath River, and nearly 80,000 spawning salmon died. Communities were devastated and livelihoods were lost. This bill also sets a dangerous precedent for every other State in our country. California has longstanding water management rules. This bill overrides the very system of water regulations that Californians themselves devised to govern our State's water supply. It tells local resource managers and water districts how to administer their water supply. If we pass this bill, we are telling every State in America that we are okay with the Federal Government undermining local experts and State laws from coast to coast. If that weren't enough, this bill also undercuts longstanding environmental laws. The legislation we are debating today redefines the standard by which the Endangered Species Act is applied. This will weaken the law, increase the risk of species extinction, and lead to countless lawsuits and costly litigation. It is as if the majority is holding wildlife responsible for our lack of rain. You will hear the other side talk about a little fish, the delta smelt, and how we are protecting fish at the expense of people. The truth is, as the gentleman from California mentioned, that protection of the smelt hasn't prevented one drop of water from being pumped south since 2013. We haven't pumped more water south because there simply isn't enough water. We are in a drought. I am not insensitive to the supply and demand reality of California's water. I understand the concerns of the Central Valley farmers. I am a farmer myself. But if my well runs dry, the solution isn't to steal the water from my neighbors. We need real solutions that are based on science and that work for everyone. This bill is not that solution. It is bad for California; it is bad for other States; it is bad for our environment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 971, the Medicare Independence at Home Extension Medical Practice Demonstration Improvement Act. As was pointed out, it is a 2-year extension to a very important and critical component of ObamaCare. I thank Mr. Roskam from Illinois and Mr. Burgess from Texas, the two folks who coauthored the House bill with me. I appreciate them and their staff for the great work they did. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, more than two- thirds of Medicare beneficiaries suffer from multiple chronic conditions, the care and the treatment for which account for more than a majority of the Medicare spending. These costs are expected to increase substantially with the growing population of seniors, particularly those living with multiple chronic conditions. Consequently, there is a need for programs aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and ER visits, strengthening chronic care coordination for our sickest seniors, and slowing the growth in Medicare spending. This program, the independence at home demonstration program, was created in ObamaCare to do just that. This program provides chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries with primary care services in the comfort of their homes, where they will be able to retain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. It is essential. In essence, it is doctors making house calls, a ``back to the future'' way of providing care. The demonstration is targeted; it is immediate; it is proven; it is fiscally responsible, and it is in high demand by Medicare beneficiaries and their families in my home State of California and every State in the Nation. During its first year, the demonstration saved over $25 million, an average of over $3,000 per benefactor. These are very real savings, and there is more to come if we act today to extend this important and successful demonstration for 2 more years. Without this extension, there would be a disruption in care for our most fragile seniors and lost savings to the Medicare Program. The independence at home demonstration enjoys strong, bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent and in the Ways and Means Committee on a voice vote. I hope that we do the same here. I urge everyone to vote for this important piece of legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the St. Helena chapter of Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor 53, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its meeting hall. First opened on June 25, 1915, the St. Helena Native Sons Hall has hosted events and gatherings of all kinds and served as a valuable meeting space for the local community. Concerts, funerals, weddings, and auctions have been held within its walls. Once an old dance hall, the building was moved to its current location on Spring Street in St. Helena in 1915. A century later, the hall remains a cornerstone of the St. Helena community. Founded in 1875, the Native Sons of the Golden West is one of the oldest fraternal service organizations in California. The organization was initially established to preserve the state's early history, including the events of the Gold Rush. Today, the Native Sons serve as a charitable organization and work to purchase, rehabilitate, and restore monuments from California's pioneer days. Sutter's Fort, the Franciscan Missions, and the Monterey Custom House were all preserved thanks to efforts of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the St. Helena chapter of the Native Sons of the Golden West for the 100th anniversary of its hall, and for many years of dedication to the local community. I wish them all the best on this historical occasion, and look forward to another century of service and celebration.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the valuable and tremendous work of the Napa County organization, If Given A Chance. For two decades, this group has provided scholarships and resilient high school graduates to overcome extraordinary challenges and troubled pasts. Since 1995, the If Given A Chance program has provided young people that have faced tremendous difficulties the opportunity to continue their education after high school and gain the work experience they need to succeed. With support from local businesses and philanthropic organizations, the program awards more than $100,000 in scholarships, and graduates have gone on to get Masters and Ph.D. degrees at schools such as UCLA, UC Davis, and Stanford University. If Given A Chance has supported hundreds of Napa Valley students in their efforts to pursue college and vocational education. The remarkable young people that participate in If Given a Chance have overcome gang affiliation, addiction, injury, abuse and disease, and this program provides them the opportunity to make a better life for themselves and their families. If Given A Chance is a testament to the significant and positive impact young people can have on their communities, and a true demonstration of the qualities that make our country great. Many have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of If Given A Chance, and none more-so than Jim King, the program's founder. His legacy continues, and the board of directors has continued the tradition of exceptional work in support of Napa County's youth. Mr. Speaker, If Given A Chance has helped to engage and support so many students in the Napa community. I celebrate them for devoting themselves to the success of the next generation and wish them good fortune in their next twenty years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Children's Health Initiative of Napa County as they celebrate their tenth anniversary of service to our community. I thank the Children's Health Initiative for their years of work connecting underserved families and children to quality healthcare services. Founded in 2005, the Children's Health Initiative has worked tirelessly to help the less fortunate members of the Napa County community enroll in affordable health and dental insurance plans. Since their inception, the Children's Health Initiative has enrolled over 16,000 children and teens in subsidized health insurance programs, increasing the number of insured children in Napa County by 78.6 percent. Additionally, the Children's Health Initiative works in 43 public schools across the county to educate students and parents about health insurance and coverage options. As the first non-profit organization in California to implement a team of bi-lingual, bi-cultural licensed insurance agents, the Children's Health Initiative has shown a true dedication to providing quality service to our community. Thanks to these outreach efforts, thousands of Napa County residents now have access to affordable health insurance and a platform to lead healthy lives. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor and thank the Children's Health Initiative of Napa County for their service to our community over the past ten years. The Children's Health Initiative's unyielding commitment to providing the residents of Napa County with affordable healthcare options has been essential to ensuring the overall well being of our community, and we wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, last week, we witnessed an act of pure hatred and evil in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a time to mourn the victims, to pray for their families, for a community to heal, and for Congress to take action against unchecked and widespread gun violence. Thirty-plus people are killed every day by someone using a gun. Mass shootings are becoming almost commonplace; yet we continue to do nothing. No legislation will stop every tragedy, but passing commonsense gun laws will at least stop some. We need to pass background checks as our first line of defense against criminals and the dangerously mentally ill getting guns. We don't know what laws could have prevented the shooting in Charleston, but we do know that background checks help keep guns from dangerous people, and that saves lives. If the Republican leadership has a better idea to cut down on gun violence, let's see it. If not, let's bring commonsense, bipartisan reforms like my bill to expand criminal background checks up for a vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I concur with the statements previously made by my colleagues and thank both Mr. Brady and Mr. Pitts for working with me on this legislation. As I have stated before, this is a simple, no-cost bill that will improve the current process and the Medicare Advantage program for our seniors. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2507. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Brady. It was a pleasure working with him on this piece of legislation. I rise in support of H.R. 2507. Every year, as was pointed out, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes its Medicare Advantage call letter and rate notice that outlines all the payment rates and the changes for nearly 2,000 plans that serve our most vulnerable population. About 10 years ago the call letter and rate notice were less than 20 pages long. Since then, enrollment in Medicare Advantage has nearly tripled. Medicare Advantage policies have become more complex, and the call letter and the rate notice has grown nearly tenfold. They run about 150 to 200 pages. The same time, the time between the publishing of the draft notice and the final notice, which is currently 45 days, has remained unchanged. During this 45-day period, in which there are only 15 days to comment on the proposed changes in the program, the plans, Members of this body and our staff are expected to review 150 pages of regulatory changes and understand the impacts of the proposed policy changes on those programs that provide essential medical care to over one-third of Medicare beneficiaries. As we all know, and as we have all experienced every February and March, this does not lend itself to an efficient, effective, nor transparent process. Moreover, it deprives CMS of thoughtful, constructive feedback that is necessary to improve a program that our seniors love and rely on. This bill is a simple, straightforward measure that will improve the current process by expanding the current cycle from 45 to 60 days, which will give plans, stakeholders, Members, and our staff 30 full days--double the current time allowed--to analyze and provide feedback on the draft call letter and rate notices. This is a no-cost, good government, bipartisan bill that will make the process more transparent, more fair, and more advantageous for the beneficiaries whom we serve. Therefore, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on June 11 and 12, 2015, I was absent from Congress to attend a family event in California and was unable to cast my votes on Roll Call votes #345 through 363. Had I been present: Roll Call #345--Concurring in the Senate Amendments with an Amendment to H.R. 1295--Trade Preferences Extension Act, I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #346 Schiff Amendment--Prohibits the use of funds after March 31, 2016 for Operation Inherent Resolve in the absence of a law enacted by Congress that specifically authorizes the use of military force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #347 Lee Amendment #1--Prohibits the use of funds pursuant to the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) after December 31, 2015 I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #348 Lee Amendment #2--Prohibits the use of funds pursuant to the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #349 Sablan Amendment--Prohibits the use of funds to establish any live-fire range, training course, or maneuver area within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, in contravention of certain law and United States Code I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #350 Gosar Amendment #1--Prohibits the use of funds to be expended by the Department of the Navy to divest or transfer, or prepare to divest or transfer, any search or rescue units from the Marine Corps I would have voted NO. Roll Call #351 Johnson (GA) Amendment #1--Prohibits the use of funds to transfer a flash-bang grenade to federal and state law enforcement agencies under section 2576a of title 10, United States Code I would have voted NO. Roll Call #352 Gosar Amendment #2--Prohibits the use of funds to procure any Army Aircrew Combat Uniforms I would have voted NO. Roll Call #353 Johnson (GA) Amendment #2--Prohibits the use of funds to transfer a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle to federal and state law enforcement agencies under section 2576a of title 10, United States Code I would have voted NO. Roll Call #354 Ellison Amendment--Prohibits the use of funds for contractors who have violated certain wage requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #355 Smith (MO) Amendment--Prohibits the use of funds to provide legal defense counsel for any foreign detainee held at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba I would have voted NO. Roll Call #356 Massie Amendment--Prohibits the use of funds to query certain communications collected under Sec. 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. It also prohibits funds from being used by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to mandate or request that a person alter its product or service to permit electronic surveillance of any user of that product of service I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #357 Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 2685 I would have voted AYE. Roll Call #358 Final Passage of H.R. 2685--Department of Defense Appropriations Act I would have voted NO. Roll Call #359 Adoption of the Rule I would have voted NO. Roll Call #360 On Approving the Journal I would have voted NO. Roll Call #361 Concurring in portion of Senate Amdt comprising title II (except section 212) I would have voted NO. Roll Call #362 Concurring in portion of senate amendment preceding title II I would have voted NO. Roll Call #363 Concurring in Senate amendments with amendment I would have voted NO.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank Ranking Member Visclosky for giving me the opportunity to discuss something that will assist in our natural disaster response. The Air National Guard employs advanced capabilities to assist in civil search and rescue operations during natural disasters and is capable of locating and rescuing people where civilian authorities cannot. The Air National Guard uses sophisticated technology to assist in time-sensitive emergency operations, including the AS-4 Pod, which includes wide-area infrared sensors optimized for survivor detection, integrated communications, and specialized radar for maritime, flood, and swift water recovery. Lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, the California wildfires, and Superstorm Sandy highlight the need to outfit the Air National Guard with this important capability. I hope you will consider adding this vital piece of equipment to the list of equipment considered for priority purchasing with the use of the National Guard and Reserve equipment account, which is governed by this legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) for yielding and for all of his work on this issue. He has been great at trying to mitigate the problems. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a strong supporter of the idea of country of origin labeling, and I think it is a good idea. I refute what some have said, that there is no benefit to this. There is great benefit to this. Area of origin labeling allows people to get to know from where their food comes, and that is, I think, incredibly important. I don't think that repeal is the number one preference here. I don't think that is what we should be doing; we should be fixing the problem, but, because the majority hasn't been willing to work to fix the problem, we are in a real catch-22. I rise today in support of this bill because, if it is not repealed, we are going to face tremendous retaliatory acts from both Mexico and Canada, and these are going to be of great fiscal impact to our economy. My home State of California, for instance, it is estimated that we will be hit by $1.8 billion worth of retaliatory action. A good part of that comes from my home industry, the wine community; they will be hit heavily. We know what happens. We have seen this movie before, and the end is not good. When Congress put in place the trucking program to deal with the Mexican trucking problems, we were sued. The wine industry was hit with retaliatory actions, and we saw a 25 percent reduction in our business. That was financially devastating not only to California, but this is an industry that puts $160 billion a year into the national economy. This hurt us all. That was bad enough, but it took us 3 years to get back that market share that we had lost. It is important that we repeal this and then get on to fixing it right away. I ask that we vote in favor of this bill today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. This short-sighted legislation undermines the longterm sustainability of fish populations putting fish stocks, coastal communities, and our nation's economy at risk. In California, we are fortunate to have access to one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems. The California Current system drives highly productive fisheries that support 158,000 jobs and more than $25 billion annually in commercial and recreational sales impacts. Nationwide, fisheries generated $199 billion in sales impacts in 2012 and provided 1.7 million jobs. Commercial and recreational fisheries are a critical part of this nation's economy whose continued prosperity depends on getting fisheries management right. In 2015, California entered its fourth year of extreme drought. This winter's snowpack levels were the lowest since 1950 and precipitation levels are at critical lows. That spells bad news for California salmon. High water temperatures lead to poor survival and low flows leave salmon stranded in drying pools. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have faced this problem. In 2008, low flows and high in- stream temperatures coupled with low ocean productivity caused a crash in salmon populations, and for the first time since 1848, the California salmon fishery was closed and declared a federal fishery disaster. The Pacific Fishery Management Council had already prepared a fishery management plan for salmon, in accordance with the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) guidelines, that prompted the fishery closure and set strict limits on harvest while the stock was rebuilding. Since the closure, salmon fisheries have rebounded, due in no small part to the swift action of the Council under the fishery management plan and rebuilding guidelines established by the MSA. While we cannot make it rain in California, we can ensure that well- informed management of offshore salmon fisheries do not jeopardize the sustainability of this commercially-valuable species. The more fish we conserve in the ocean, the more return to streams to spawn, increasing our chances of making it through this drought with a salmon fishery intact. The fact is, MSA is working. The implementation of stock rebuilding plans and annual catch limits have resulted in the recovery of 37 fish stocks since 2000. NOAA's 2014 Status of Stocks report indicates that fish stocks that are overfished or subject to overfishing are at an all-time low. This is a far cry from the overexploited, overcapitalized fisheries of the past. We should be moving forward to build on those successes, not rolling them back. Since 2006, commercial fisheries revenue has risen 43 percent, and the rebuilding of all U.S. fish stocks would provide an additional $31 billion in annual sales impacts and support 500,000 new jobs. Instead, H.R. 1335 would delay rebuilding timelines and allow exemptions to continue overfishing on depleted stocks, which is both ecologically and economically irresponsible. Current MSA provisions have proven their effectiveness in rebuilding stocks and provide the way forward for realizing our fisheries' full economic potential. There's something to be said for the old adage, ``If it's not broken, don't fix it.'' That's not to say that fisheries management should remain stagnant. Just as scientific data collection and fisheries science is changing and improving, our fisheries management statute should also change to reflect the best available science. Fisheries managers and scientists have acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, including providing more clarity and flexibility within the current statutory limits. To that end, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is currently undertaking a revision of the National Standard 1 guidelines, the regulations that govern fisheries management objectives and stock rebuilding timelines, to provide greater clarity on which fish stocks require rebuilding plans, greater flexibility for rebuilding timelines, and to incorporate the latest in ecosystem-based fisheries management. The proposed revisions would address many of the concerns outlined in this bill without undermining the critical conservation measures that have led to MSA's success. The determination on how to best manage fish stocks for a sustainable, profitable future is best left to the scientists, not Members of Congress. Our oceans are increasingly under threat from climate change and ocean acidification, making strong, effective fisheries management more critical than ever. Unfortunately, H.R. 1335 does not deliver and I urge a NO vote on H.R. 1335.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lee Hart and the Yountville Cemetery Association, caretakers for the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery in Napa County. The cemetery is named after George C. Yount, an early settler, who was also the first person to plant grapevines in the Napa Valley. Yount himself was buried in the cemetery in 1865 before it was purchased by his son-in-law to be preserved for future generations. The Yountville Cemetery Association was created in 1892, and took on the responsibility for its upkeep and preservation. By 1959, California recognized the cemetery as a state historical landmark. The cemetery is the final resting place for over one hundred of our nation's veterans and their families, and also includes historic Native American burial grounds. The association's all-volunteer staff continues to maintain the grounds year-round, along with responding to family requests and handling the few burials that still occur there each year. This year marks 150 years since Yount's passing and 50 years since Lee Hart joined the Association Board as its President. Mr. Hart is a local historian and authority on Yount's history and has been volunteering at the George C. Yount Cemetery and Ancient Burial Grounds for 50 years. In 1965, the organization lacked organization and volunteers. Hart decided to help create a new board with by-laws and fifty years later continues volunteering. Hart was just 25 years old when he lost his parents three months apart in 1965. His mother's family, long time Yountville residents were buried in the Yountville Cemetery. As such, Hart made the decision to bury his parents in Yountville. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Lee Hart and the Yountville Cemetery Association at this time. Their commitment to maintaining the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery has preserved an important part of Napa and California's history.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California's Geothermal Industry as we celebrate Geothermal Awareness Month. It is important to recognize the success of existing geothermal facilities in California and the great value in promoting the development of new geothermal power, one of California's greatest natural resources. Geothermal energy is an excellent source of clean, renewable energy that supports thousands of jobs across our district and state. Not only does the production of geothermal energy boost our economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it provides counties with important royalty payments which they use to pay for important priorities like public safety, road maintenance and law enforcement. Furthermore, geothermal energy is critical to California's renewable and low carbon energy goals. Geothermal energy is locally produced and boosts rural economies through jobs, royalties, tax payments and more. While in development, a geothermal power project will employ hundreds of individuals during construction and post-construction, more than most other renewable technologies. I am proud to represent The Geysers, which lies beneath the surface of Lake and Sonoma Counties, employs 300 full-time employees at Calpine, fifty full-time employees at the Northern California Power Agency's two Geysers power plants and more than 150 contractors. The Geysers is also the largest taxpayer in both Sonoma and Lake Counties. Geothermal power benefits communities across the state, while providing important environmental benefits. In the south, The Salton Sea Restoration and Renewable Energy Initiative, a plan to save an important source of water and minerals in the state, can add up to 1,700 megawatts of low-impact, cost-competitive geothermal energy to the State's power grid. In the north, the Geysers maximizes the economic and environmental benefits of the resource, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of removing almost half a million cars from the road, meaning cleaner air for local towns and cities. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize May 21, 2015 as Geothermal Awareness Day and honor California's Geothermal Industry for ensuring that new and existing geothermal power is part of a diverse and sustainable energy mix now and in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Buena Vista Winery on the occasion of the opening of their new, first- of-its-kind Wine Tool Museum. The oldest premium winery in the United States, Buena Vista has been in operation since 1857 when a Hungarian immigrant, Count Agoston Haraszthy, established the vineyards and built the winery. Over the intervening years, the winery has had a colorful history, passing through many hands before ultimately being purchased by Jean-Charles Boisset in 2011. Boisset immediately hatched a plan to turn the property around that eventually culminated in the creation of the Wine Tool Museum, which officially opened to the public on March 24, 2015. The Boisset family already had an impressive wine tool collection when Jean-Charles's sister encountered a man in Burgundy looking for a buyer for his enormous thirty thousand item collection of wine tools. With the combination of Boisset family implements and the new acquisitions, the Museum's collection encompasses items as diverse as antique plows and blades, secateurs, and wine harvest baskets. Along with its impressive collection of tools, the Museum guides visitors through history with an educational film that traces winemaking in the region from the early days of Haraszthy through the plague of phylloxera. The first of its kind museum tells the story of California's wine community. People will not only be able see, but also learn about, the tools that brought wine from the vine to the bottle a century and a half ago. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Buena Vista Winery at this time. Its commitment to not only preserving viticultural history, but demonstrating the evolution of the profession, will help increase awareness and appreciation for California and Sonoma's long history of winemaking.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to point out that my friend who just spoke said that he, too, believes in transportation, that we should be working on transportation and tax reform, but that, today, we are talking about the R&D credit. Mr. Speaker, the majority party sets the agenda. The reason we are not talking about transportation or tax reform is that they don't want to talk about it. They set the agenda. They are the ones who decided that today we were going to do this irresponsible tax bill rather than look at comprehensive tax reform or look at transportation funding for our crumbling infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra), my colleague and friend and the chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support, as I said earlier, of the R&D tax credit. My colleagues on this side of the aisle support the R&D tax credit. As we have been saying here today on the floor, it is an important credit that is vital to our global competitiveness, job and economic growth, and maintaining our position as the world's leader in innovation. As I have also stated--and I will say it again--this bill isn't paid for. The majority is adding $181 billion to the deficit with just this one bill. This is fiscally irresponsible. What I haven't been able to understand--and I am having trouble today trying to figure it out--is how we can pass bills that help corporations and the wealthy, adding the cost of that to the deficit, but then turn around and try to balance the budget and close the deficit on the backs of hard-working American families. They are trying to do this by cutting the programs we need to grow our economy, like education and infrastructure. We have an infrastructure bill that we are still waiting for a hearing on, which we are still waiting to see scheduled. It is a double standard; it is hypocritical, and it is harmful to the people that all of us represent. We are ready and willing to work with the majority to strengthen the economy, including progrowth reforms that benefit businesses and comprehensive tax reform that will benefit all of America, but this is the wrong approach, and we should not be party to this political gamesmanship that is taking place on the floor today. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?