Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend, Dr. Steve M. Tietjen, who is retiring as Merced County Superintendent of Schools after 45 years of service to students and their families.

Dr. Tietjen earned his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from the California State University, Fresno, and his Doctor of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Southern California.

In 1980, Dr. Tietjen started his career in education as a history teacher in Visalia. Just 12 years later, he became the Superintendent of Woodlake Public Schools in Tulare County, where he served for 15 years before moving to Los Banos Unified School District to serve as Superintendent from 2009 to 2016.

He came to the Merced County Office of Education as the Deputy Superintendent in 2016, and in less than a year, he was elected to serve as the Merced County Superintendent of Schools, where he leads the 1,400 employees of the County Office of Education.

During the COVID pandemic, Dr. Tietjen oversaw countywide efforts to keep students learning, a time he calls the ``most challenging period of his tenure.'' He also expanded the Virginia Smith Trust scholarship program to award more than $500,000 annually to Merced County students and acquired two downtown Merced buildings to make services for families, mental-health support, and employment programs more accessible to all.

He has always made the needs of students his top priority in all matters and empowered those he worked with to do the same.

It is my privilege to thank Dr. Steve M. Tietjen for his support and friendship as well as for his 45 years in education where he has tirelessly worked to educate, elevate, and empower the students and families he served.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Kerman as it celebrates 80 years as an incorporated city on July 3, 2026.

The site of Kerman was first established by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a train station in 1891. It was at this site in 1892 that the famous Sontag and Evans gang held up the San Francisco- Los Angeles passenger train, one of the last train robberies in the country.

Settlement and cultivation of the Kerman area began and continued through the turn of the century as irrigation projects brought water to the area, primarily from the Kings River to the south. In 1900, William G. Kerckhoff and Jacob Mansar purchased around 3,027 acres of land and formed the Fresno Irrigated Farms Company.

In 1906, the town was renamed Kerman by combining the names Kerckhoff and Mansar. By 1914, Kerman had an estimated population of 400 people surrounded by 29,000 acres of producing cropland. The Kerman Creamery was a significant business and produced about 1,600 pounds of butter daily. In 1921, Madera Avenue was paved from the Southern Pacific railroad tracks north to the San Joaquin River, and streetlights were installed from the tracks to Whitesbridge Road.

In 1946, the 1,050 residents of Kerman voted to incorporate. Sitting at the crossroads of State Route 145 and 180, Kerman has seen waves of residential and business growth that have expanded the city.

Today, Kerman has a population nearing 20,000 and is the largest city in West Fresno County. Still surrounded by agriculture, Kerman has also become a popular bedroom community to Fresno through its continued growth, family atmosphere, and supportive local businesses and employers.

Please join me in honoring the 80th Anniversary of the City of Kerman, where community comes first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Louis E. ``Louie'' Parreira, longtime Central Valley agricultural leader and almond industry pioneer, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Mr. Parreira is best known as a founder of Parreira Almond Processing Company (PAPC/RPAC Almonds), a multi-generation family

farming and almond processing operation based near Los Banos in California's San Joaquin Valley.

Louie began his agriculture career as a dairy farmer, and over his lifetime, he was a Merced County Sheriff Posse member, a gravel truck driver, an irrigation equipment installer, a cotton harvester equipment educator, and, after retiring from RPAC's daily operations, an Agricultural Ambassador for State Fairs throughout the United States.

Mr. Parreira helped build one of the early large-scale almond hulling and shelling operations in California during the 1970s alongside his wife Barbara and sons David and Paul Parreira. The company evolved into RPAC Almonds, which is now a major almond processor and exporter serving growers throughout California.

Besides almonds, Louie and his wife Barbara grew cotton, fruit, row crops, and grains. He has been married to the love of his life for 77 years. Louie and Barbara founded the Little Hands on the Farm experience at the Los Banos Fair and were both honored by the Los Banos Downtown Association as the 2021 Farm/Ag Leaders of the Year. Louie is also a graduate of Los Banos' Westside Union High School, and a member of the Future Farmers of America.

It is my privilege to recognize Louie, who has spent 100 years guiding, nurturing, and advancing California agriculture and the Los Banos community. Please join me in honoring Louie E. Parreira on his centennial birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Prescription and Compounding Pharmacy in Merced, California, on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary of service.

Founded by George P. Keller and William E. McDermott of Martinez, and joined by Ernest Green of Merced and Pharmacist Stanley Thomas, The Valley Drug Company was more than just a pharmacy. They were best known for the cameras and camera equipment they provided to visitors to Yosemite National Park. Their fountain and lunch counter was a local favorite, where Erma Porter made her delicious and popular sandwiches, pies, and old-fashioned sodas.

After Ernest retired in 1970 and Thomas passed away, the Valley Drug Store was renamed Valley Prescription Pharmacy and relocated next to the County Hospital. Since then, the pharmacy has maintained its reputation for quality service, first with owner Ron Krein in 1981 and now with owner Jeff Hill, who has continued the tradition of keeping the drug store family owned.

It is my privilege to recognize Valley Prescription and Compounding Pharmacy as they enter their second 100 years with dedication, diligence, and devotion to the people of Merced County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Luis Lara, Sergeant for the California Highway Patrol in Atwater, California, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after almost three decades of public service.

Sergeant Lara, born and raised in Merced County, received his AA in Administration of Justice from Merced College and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at CSU Stanislaus in 1997. He first planned to pursue a career with the FBI, but a job fair organized by the California Highway Patrol changed his mind. After successfully going through the CHP Academy, his first post was in the Bay Area's Redwood City.

In 2001, Sergeant Lara transferred to the Merced CHP office. He worked for a decade as a field officer and was then promoted to field sergeant in the Los Banos CHP office. Next, he served as a recruitment sergeant out of Fresno and was responsible for hiring applicants in the Central Valley from Bakersfield to Modesto. Finally, he returned back home to be an administrative sergeant.

With dedication and professionalism, Sergeant Lara has also shared his talents with the community by being a part of the Cal Fire Incident Management Team for the CHP as well as his appointment to the Merced County Fair Board by Governor Gavin Newsom.

He has also served on the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union Board, the Merced County Department of Public Health Emergency Medical Care Committee, the McSwain School Board, the Merced County Spring Fair Board, and the Merced College Foundation Board. Sergeant Lara was also an adjunct Instructor at Merced College and volunteered as a Merced County/City of Atwater Firefighter.

Sergeant Lara's commitment to his community is seen through his character, integrity, judgment, loyalty, courtesy, honor and knowledge--the core values in the California Highway Patrol's seven- point star.

It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Luis who has improved the lives of countless community members through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Sergeant Luis Lara for almost 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people Merced County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Ruben Esparza, Modesto City Fire Captain and Modesto City Firefighters Association President, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after three decades of public service.

Captain Esparza began his fire service career as a Fire Explorer with the City of Modesto in January, 1996. After gaining experience with CAL FIRE and the city of Newark Fire Department, he was hired as a Modesto Firefighter in 2003.

In 2007, Captain Esparza became actively involved in labor representation when he joined the Modesto City Firefighters Association (MCFFA) Political Action Committee. In two years, he was appointed PAC Director which led to his election as MCFFA Secretary in 2010, as Vice President twice and, ultimately, as President of the Association.

Under his watchful eye, Captain Esparza helped unite all City of Modesto labor organizations in a collaborative effort to successfully pass Measure H--a voter-approved one-cent sales tax increase, which generated about $48 million annually for public safety, road repair, homelessness initiatives and park maintenance with strict financial oversight by a citizens' board. It was the first time all city labor unions worked together toward a common goal for the betterment of the City of Modesto.

Captain Esparza also worked to establish union policies that promote greater accountability and transparency for the membership. He was a fierce advocate for the Firefighter Peer Support Program and was the handler for their first facility dog, Hudson, who plays an integral role in peer support efforts. He nurtured future firefighters and MICFFA leaders and advocated for all firefighters who serve the communities of Modesto, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Ceres, and Salida.

With dedication and professionalism, Captain Esparza served the City of Modesto and the firefighters of MCFFA by focusing on building strong relationships, fostering collaborative partnerships and strengthening regional cooperation.

It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Ruben who has changed countless lives through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Captain Ruben Esparza for more than 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people of the City of Modesto.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annissa Fragoso, Director of the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for her service and accomplishments as she retires after a decade of service to the MCHCC.

Annissa Fragoso was born and raised in the City of Tracy and moved to the community of Merced in 1995 where she has resided for 30 years. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Merced Community College in 2012. Ms. Fragoso has owned the Farmers Insurance Agency in downtown Merced, with more than 20 years of insurance expertise.

During her tenure at the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Fragoso helped secure an ARPA grant as part of the Re-open Merced Businesses initiative. She was instrumental in another grant for the Arts Community to host 2 Art Corners, where local artists participate and are paid. Under her watch, the MCHCC launched Vamanos Magazine which showcased Merced's agricultural landscape, small businesses, and local activities.

In 2022 and 2023, Ms. Fragoso's work allowed the MCHCC to partner with Mayor Matthew Serratto to host an annual Mayor's Ball that would raise over $50,000 distributed to local non-profits within the City of Merced.

She was a co-collaborator of the Mercado Night Market with the City of Merced, designed and created by Gil Cordon. This post-pandemic creation assists the small business community and Arts Community who suffered during the economic challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The MCHCC assisted in 150 micro-businesses, artisans and brick and mortar stores getting the licensing needed to do

business legally and be part of the Mercado. This Mercado Night Market has become a community staple for five consecutive years.

She also served on the board of directors for the Kids Discovery Station, a museum dedicated to children and currently sits on the board for the Merced Main Street Association.

During her professional career, she has been recognized with many awards, most recently the Minerva Empresaria Award 2022 from the California State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which recognizes businesswomen who empower others by leading with wisdom and passion.

Please join me in honoring Annissa Fragoso for her dedication, commitment and selfless service to the people of Merced County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Old Merced County Courthouse, the city's premier landmark.

In 1855, the first Merced County ``courtroom'' was under overhanging oak trees on the banks of Mariposa Creek. Two years later, Merced County's first official courthouse was built in Snelling, which had become the locus of county activity due to its proximity to the Merced River.

In 1872, a special election made Merced the official county seat because the Central Pacific Railroad had laid tracks through Merced. The railroad donated the parcel of land where the Old Courthouse now stands which also made Merced the more desirable choice as a political center. The beautiful park surrounding the courthouse was sold to Merced County for merely a dollar with the provision that the land should be used for ``the enjoyment of the people.''

In 1875, at a cost of $55,970 ($1.6 million in 2025 dollars) Merced's grand courthouse was completed, built by A.W. Burrell and Company of Oakland. The magnificent building was designed by Albert A. Bennett (1825 to 1890) who also designed the California State Capitol and Fresno's courthouse. Bennett later served as California State Architect from 1876 to 1883.

The courthouse was an Italian Renaissance-style structure, designed to resemble an Italian palazzo, with a cupola and a balcony. In addition to its use as a court of law, the courthouse also once housed the Sheriff's office and jail, Tax Collector, County Superintendent of School, Board of Supervisors' chamber as well as many judges and lawmakers. Its gorgeous surrounding Courthouse Park features a huge variety of mature trees.

The 2025 renovation marks the second time the Courthouse has been renovated in its 150-year history. The first renovation took place in 1975 when it was necessary to maintain its structural integrity. The cost to complete the current required refurbishing was approximately $3.3 million which will preserve the Courthouse Museum's exterior shell and prevent further decay.

The three-story Courthouse has served as Merced's historical museum since 1983. The official ``unshrouding'' and reopening of the refurbished courthouse takes place on October 4, 2025, with an elaborate community-wide celebration. The museum will simultaneousjy unveil a new exhibit, titled ``Old Courthouse: 150 Years, 150 Stories.''

Museum Director Sarah Lim said, ``The Courthouse is a living history that helps to tell the story of who we are, where we came from, and how we got here. For the past 150 years, this historic Courthouse has gone through its share of triumphs and struggles, but continues to be a center of learning, a symbol of justice, and the heart of our community. We rededicate this historic Courthouse to celebrate our county's rich history, recognize our community's resilience, and honor the legacy of our county's pioneers.''

Please join me in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the landmark Old Merced County Courthouse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of California, Merced, as it celebrates 20 years of firsts.

The University of California Board of Regents, working to meet long- term enrollment demand in the San Joaquin Valley and increase access to the UC system, selected the Merced site in 1995 for the system's 10th campus.

The first undergraduate class arrived in the fall of 2005, officially marking the campus's opening. In 2009, UC Merced celebrated its first full graduating class with First Lady Michelle Obama delivering the commencement address. The University received its initial regional accreditation from WSCUC in 2011, and in 2015, UC Merced is the youngest university to earn national recognition for community engagement with a Carnegie Research Classification.

UC Merced was the first public research university in the Nation to reach verified operational carbon neutrality in 2018, and in 2020, completed its ``UC Merced 2020 Project'' which was the largest social- infrastructure public-private partnership in U.S. higher education at the time. This project doubled the campus footprint, adding new classrooms, research labs, housing, student wellness facilities, recreation and more. Eleven UC Merced 2020 project buildings earned LEED platinum certifications.

The first-ever comprehensive campaign ``Boldly Forward'' in 2022 raised funds to support UC Merced's first medical education building to support the new Bachelor of Science to Medical Doctorate pathway, developed in partnership with UC San Francisco and UCSF-Fresno.

Two years later, the UC Board of Regents held their first-ever full meeting at UC Merced, and UC Merced was accepted into NCAA Division II to elevate and enhance intercollegiate athletics and the student experience.

Today, UC Merced is the only university in California's Central Valley to attain the Carnegie Classification R1: Very High Research

Activity, cementing its role as a driver of discovery, talent and economic mobility. As the first American research university founding in the 21st century, UC Merced continues to be a top-100 research university and the fastest-growing public university in the Nation, supporting high achieving and dedicated students from the underserved Central Valley and throughout California.

Please join me in honoring UC Merced as it continues its journey toward many more firsts.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Congressman Kevin Mullin, I rise today to honor the life of Richard ``Dick'' Keigwin, a loving father and an employee of Nabisco and Kraft Food for 35 years. Richard was born on May 8, 1944, and passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 81. It is my honor to recognize a man who spent his life uplifting young people and caring for his family.

Richard served his Marlborough, Massachusetts community in a multitude of ways. He coached Marlborough Little League, Northborough Little League, Boys Club Basketball, and CYO Basketball. His devotion to coaching and mentoring earned him the title of ``Father of the Year'' by the Marlborough Boys Club. He was also awarded Man and Boy of the Year 1987.

Richard was adored by his family. He and his wife Cheryl Keigwin were married for 59 years. He is survived by Cheryl and his sons, Richard Keigwin, Jr., Bryan Keigwin, and Adam Keigwin, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed watching History Channel and National Geographic.

Adam and the Keigwin family are lifelong friends, and it is an honor to recognize Richard and his contributions to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jay Varney, Madera County's Chief Administrator, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after four decades of public service.

Mr. Varney earned his Master of Science degree in Criminology from Fresno State and his Bachelor of Science degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University.

He went on to serve with the Dallas Police Department and the Lansing, Michigan, Police Department before becoming Police Chief and then City Administrator for the City of Chowchilla, California.

In 2014, Mr. Varney came to Madera and was elected to serve as the Madera County Sheriff. In 2020, the Madera County Board of Supervisors appointed Mr. Varney as County Administrative Officer, overseeing 25 county departments and a half-billion-dollar budget.

COVID hit almost as soon as he was hired, and Mr. Varney found himself navigating Madera County through one of the most challenging times in recent history. He played a vital role in helping Madera County survive and thrive through COVID. Thanks to his hard work, Madera County played an important part in the reopening of Madera Community Hospital.

Under Mr. Varney's direction and guidance, Madera County has seen significant growth in revenue, housing and business. Capital improvements flourished under his watch with the Madera County Justice Center as well as Fire Station No. 3 and the upgrading of Fire Station No. 11 through a cooperative, grant-funded project with North Fork Mono. He also oversaw Madera County's continuing expansion along Highway 41 with the Riverstone and Tesoro Viejo developments.

Mr. Varney was instrumental in establishing the Sheriff's Foundation, which has raised more than a half-million dollars. The Sheriffs Foundation has secured vital search-and-rescue equipment like the county's Cessna 172 aircraft, giving law enforcement a better view from above, and the Screamer Seats first responders attach to helicopters, which has already saved one stranded hiker's life. The Sheriffs Foundation also helped create and build the county's K9 unit. Every dog on the road in Madera County today has been provided by funding from the Sheriffs Foundation.

Please join me in honoring Jay Varney for his dedication, commitment and public service for more than 42 years to the people of Madera County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Golden Valley Health Centers as we celebrate National Health Center Week.

Community Health Centers have delivered high-quality, affordable, and inclusive primary and preventive health care to underserved communities across the United States for nearly 60 years--strengthening health outcomes, building healthier communities, and reducing the cost of care.

Today, more than 32.5 million patients--regardless of income, background, or insurance status--receive care at over 16,000 Community Health Center sites across the Nation, making these centers vital pillars of local health infrastructure.

Golden Valley Health Centers, founded in 1972, is a trusted safety- net provider serving California's Central Valley, with 62 sites across Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties, including several within California's 13th Congressional District. They deliver more than 712,000 patient visits annually to over 162,000 individuals, including agricultural workers, low-income families, seniors, and the unhoused- offering services in primary care, dental, behavioral health, optometry, and pharmacy.

GVHC employs over 1,400 dedicated professionals who embody the mission of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while addressing the social drivers of health and advancing equity in care access. In response to the Central Valley's growing mental health needs, they are actively expanding their behavioral health team, aiming to double capacity in 2025--ensuring local families have timely access to critical services.

Community Health Centers like Golden Valley Health Centers fuel regional economies by providing stable jobs, local career opportunities, and community investment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

National Health Center Week provides a time to recognize the vital, bipartisan contributions of Community Health Centers and to celebrate the patients, staff, volunteers, and board members who make this work possible.

We honor the 1,500 Community Health Center organizations across America--including Golden Valley Health Centers--for their nearly 60 years of resilience, innovation, and service in transforming health care delivery and access.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Lathrop, California, as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.

Lathrop was little more than a schoolhouse and a store before the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad around 1870. When the city of Stockton and Leland Stanford had a disagreement about where the railroad should be placed, Stanford worked around the problem and Stockton by building a new town along the railroad's new route. The station he built was originally known as Wilson's Station but was eventually renamed Lathrop in 1869 to honor his wife and her brother Charles Lathrop who was a civil engineer on the Central Pacific Railroad. That year, the San Joaquin River Bridge at Mossdale in Lathrop was finished, completing the last westbound link of the Transcontinental Railroad to the Pacific Coast.

Lathrop saw a boom during World War II when Permanente Metals and the Sharpe Army Depot came to town. Permanente produced aircraft parts and magnesium bombs, while the Depot became one of the major army supply depots in the Western United States. The Depot remains a major employer in San Joaquin County and serves as the U.S. Army's western distribution center for repairs and spare parts.

Housing tracts were constructed during postwar years, and Lathrop became home to large industrial employers including BEST Fertilizer, now operated by Simplot and producing pesticides and fertilizers, and Libbey-Owens-Ford which produces auto glass. Residential growth accelerated through the seventies and eighties, Lathrop became a municipality in 1989, and the current General Plan Program began one year later.

Since then, Lathrop has focused on intelligently planned growth and development, reflected in the building of two master-planned communities: River Islands and Stanford Crossing. Lathrop launched its first police department in 2021 with 43 sworn officers and a community resource division. With its current population of 39,857, Lathrop has been designated two years in a row as California's ``Fastest Growing City with a Population Over 30,000'' by the California State Department of Finance.

Lathrop has a family friendly environment, fiscally responsible city government, and first-rate facilities for education and health.

It is my great privilege to honor and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the small city where the Transcontinental Railroad was completed and which continues to be at the crossroads of commerce. Let us all join in recognizing the City of Lathrop.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today conflicted about what is happening in our government and across the country. Like many Americans, I find myself frustrated with government that doesn't work, lines that are too long, services that are too hard to navigate, and roads that don't get fixed.

This shouldn't be a partisan issue. All of us here today should be in favor of making our government work better and strengthening programs that our constituents rely upon. In fact, some of my Republican colleagues, led by Congressman Tony Gonzales, wrote in a letter to Speaker Johnson that the proposed cuts to Medicaid within this budget would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and

Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to keep their doors open.

One of those communities where hospitals are struggling to stay open is mine in California's Central Valley. Over 450,000 people in my congressional district rely on Medicaid for their health coverage. The Central Valley is also experiencing a healthcare shortage, forcing people to drive across the country, across county lines, across the State, waiting for hours to see a provider.

These proposed cuts to Medicaid only stand to worsen the crisis. Let's be clear. These cuts wouldn't just impact individuals covered by Medicaid. In my congressional district, 59 percent of individuals are covered by California's Medicaid program. That means that doctors and hospitals in my district rely on Medicaid for nearly two-thirds of their revenue. Without that revenue, these providers would not be able to keep their doors open. In fact, Madam Speaker, there is an entire county I represent with a population of 162,000 people who have no hospital at all to go to because it had to close.

I submitted an amendment to this resolution to ask a simple question. Is it such a priority to fund tax cuts for individuals with over $1 billion in net worth that we would enact devastating cuts to healthcare for rural and low-income communities?

This proposal would steal from the poor to give to the rich. Even if my colleagues don't think that is a problem, Madam Speaker, this literally makes healthcare coverage worse for every single person living in rural America. I have spent the majority of my career in public service, working to make healthcare better, both more accessible and more affordable. This proposed budget does the opposite.

My amendment to the proposed budget would prevent consideration of any legislation that would result in cuts to Medicaid in order to provide such tax cuts. Unfortunately, that amendment was blocked from consideration by members of the Rules Committee last night.

To my Republican colleagues who agreed that we must protect Medicaid, I hope they will join me in support of this amendment should I have the opportunity to offer it here.

Madam Speaker, this is my commonsense solution to honor the trust our constituents put in us when they sent us to Congress. I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, joined by my colleagues, to recognize February 16, 2025, as National Almond Day.

This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions made by almond farmers, processors, workers, and all those whose dedication sustains this vital industry. National Almond Day shines a light on the remarkable achievements and innovations that have made the almond industry a cornerstone of our agricultural economy and a source of pride for our nation.

Almonds, often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, offer an array of health benefits. They are a naturally gluten-free, shelf-stable protein, packed with essential nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and niacin. Almonds are known to promote heart health, support healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and contribute to radiant skin and overall well-being. Few foods can claim such a combination of health benefits and versatility.

Beyond their nutrition, almonds are an essential ingredient in countless recipes and culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome snack or incorporated into baking and cooking, almonds have become a staple in households nationwide, adding flavor, texture, and nourishment to our meals.

The almond industry also exemplifies environmental stewardship. Almond orchards play a significant role in carbon sequestration, storing an impressive 30 million metric tons of carbon annually. Over the past three decades, almond farmers have made tremendous strides in water conservation, reducing water usage by nearly 50 percent through advanced practices and precision irrigation technology. Furthermore, the industry is committed to sustainability, utilizing every part of the almond--from the nut to the shell and hull--in a zero-waste approach that benefits the environment and strengthens the industry's resilience.

California, my home state, is the proud heart of this industry. Home to 7,600 almond farms, most of which are family-owned and operated by multi-generational farmers, California leads the world in almond production. These dedicated farmers embody the values of hard work, innovation, and community, preserving farmland and fostering sustainable practices for future generations.

The almond industry's economic impact is profound. It supports 110,000 jobs in California and contributes $9.2 billion annually to the state's economy. California's almond farmers supply 100 percent of the almonds in the United States and 80 percent of the world's almond supply, cementing our role as a global leader in almond production. That is why I proudly carried state legislation in 2017 to name almonds as California's official state nut.

On this National Almond Day, we honor the hardworking men and women whose efforts ensure that almonds remain a nutritious and sustainable staple on tables around the world. Their innovation and dedication inspire us all and remind us of the vital connection between agriculture and our shared prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating National Almond Day and in recognizing the profound contributions of almond farmers and all those who make this industry a shining example of American ingenuity and resilience.

May National Almond Day continue to inspire appreciation for the many ways the almond industry enriches our lives and strengthens our communities.