Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2026 Tulare Kiwanis Farmer of the Year, Mr. Jim Morehead. A lifelong resident of the Central Valley and respected local leader, Jim has dedicated decades of service to his community, leaving a lasting impact on generations to come.

After Jim's family moved from Texas to Pixley, California, following World War II, they established a multi-generational farming operation that continues today. Jim went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agricultural business from Fresno State University and used his education to reinvest in his family's farm. Over the years, he cultivated a wide variety of crops alongside his father, including cotton, corn, wheat, and alfalfa, before transitioning to almond production with his son in the late 1990s.

Beyond his work in the field, Jim has been a steadfast advocate for California. He has served in numerous leadership roles with organizations such as the Central Valley Almond Association, Pixley Tri City Growers Cotton Cooperative, California Cotton Alliance, and Pixley Irrigation District, helping advance policies and practices that support farmers across the region.

Jim's commitment to service extends well beyond the agricultural sector. He served 20 years on the Pixley Unified School District Board, fostering student achievement and community growth. For the past 25 years, he has been an active member of the Pixley Foundation, supporting vital resources like the local food pantry and library. In addition, Jim has been a faithful leader at the Pixley United Brethren Church, where he has served on the board for 45 years.

Jim exemplifies the values of hard work, service, and leadership that define the Central Valley. His contributions to Pixley, Tulare County, and the greater agricultural community will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Jim Morehead as the 2026 Tulare Kiwanis Farmer of the Year and in thanking him for his outstanding service to the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wonderful College Prep Academy for its outstanding commitment to leadership, innovation, and equity in educating the next generation of leaders in Delano and across the Central Valley.

Founded in 2009 by Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the academy's two state-of-the-art TK-12 public charter schools have served more than 2,400 students in Lost Hills and Delano. Through a strong focus on academic excellence, health and wellness, and dedication to its educators, the academy is preparing students to succeed in higher education, the workforce, and in life. Notably, a significant portion of students have graduated with associate degrees and met college entrance requirements, an extraordinary achievement that reflects the school's high standards and student-centered approach.

Wonderful College Prep Academy fosters not only academic success but also a deep sense of community and lifelong skills. Beyond its traditional pathways, its programs teach students the importance of agriculture, provide comprehensive health services, and inspire families to lead healthier lives.

The academy's recognition as the 2026 California Charter Schools Association Charter School of the Year is a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success. Additionally, the Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Award recognizes the academy's steadfast advocacy to ensure the success of all students, including those from historically underserved communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Wonderful College Prep Academy on its outstanding accomplishments and years of service to the community of Delano and California's Central Valley.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, the Reauthorization of Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Programs.

In the Central Valley and rural communities across the Nation, telehealth is a lifeline.

For many families I represent, getting to a doctor isn't easy. It can mean hours on the road, time off work, and waiting too long for an appointment.

When healthcare is delayed, small problems can turn into something much more serious. This bipartisan bill helps close that gap.

H.R. 3419 reauthorizes critical telehealth programs through fiscal year 2030 so patients in underserved areas can connect with doctors, specialists, and mental health providers without having to travel long distances or wait weeks for appointments.

We have already seen this work in the Central Valley, with thousands of telehealth visits helping people get care for things like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

These resources are incredibly important for rural, underserved communities and help make hospitals stronger, improve access to specialists, and provide more support for recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in the communities that need them most.

I thank Chairman Guthrie and his staff on the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their work on this important bill, as well as my co-lead, Representative Adam Gray.

Together, we can ensure no one is left behind, no matter the ZIP Code they live in.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kiwanis Club of Lindsay as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to commend its century of dedicated service to community improvement, support for local youth, and the promotion of education.

Since its founding on April 5, 1926, the Kiwanis Club of Lindsay has worked tirelessly to strengthen the community through service, leadership, and fellowship. From physicians and medical providers to farmers and retail workers, members from every part of the Lindsay community came together with the goal of inspiring residents to engage in service above self. From the beginning, the club has played a vital role in enriching the lives of local children by sponsoring and organizing events such as horse shows, Boy Scout meetings, youth sports, and community entertainment. Beyond its local impact, the club has extended its reach internationally, partnering with charitable groups to provide financial aid, scholarships, and livestock to children in need. Shortly after, local Kiwanians helped establish the Lindsay-Ono Sister City Program, offering students the once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's rich culture and traditions

In the 1990s, Ellen Hendricks-Blumer made history as the club's first female member and, just four years later, was elected club president. During this time, the club also supported efforts to refurbish the Lindsay Memorial Building and helped bring back the iconic ``Giant Olive,'' which now stands proudly near the Olive Tree Inn along Highway 65.

The Kiwanis Club of Lindsay has remained steadfast in its commitment to education, providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans and scholarships to high school students from Lindsay and Strathmore. Its dedication to service is equally evident in its ongoing efforts, including community cleanups, food distribution, family events, and city improvement projects.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Kiwanis Club of Lindsay on 100 years of outstanding service. Through its unwavering commitment to youth, education, and community, the club continues to help shape the next generation of leaders in the Central Valley and across our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for the FENCES Act, a commonsense bill that brings fairness and clarity to how we evaluate air quality in the United States.

In California, our communities are already working hard to meet some of the most stringent environmental standards in the country. Yet, too often, they are penalized for factors completely outside of their control, like pollution or wildfire smoke that comes from outside our borders.

The FENCES Act clarifies that emissions coming from other countries, whether caused by human activity or natural events, cannot be used to determine whether a State is meeting Federal air quality standards. The bill also strengthens existing law under the Clean Air Act by allowing States to account for foreign emissions earlier in the process rather than waiting until final stages of their State implementation plans. For California, wherein nonattainment designations can have serious economic consequences, reliability is important.

Right now, businesses across Central Valley and across our State face significant permitting delays and regulatory uncertainty. I hear from small businesses all the time who want to invest and hire in our region, but they are stuck navigating a system that doesn't reflect today's global realities.

In some cases, these challenges actually push investment overseas to countries with much weaker environmental standards, which ultimately undermines the very goal that we are trying to achieve here in the United States. I think we can all agree that we want our communities to be healthy while also providing opportunities for economic investment.

The FENCES Act helps to provide a level playing field by providing regulatory clarity, streamlining the permitting process, and giving States like California a fair shot at compliance, while still maintaining our commitment to clean air.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which strikes the balance between reasonable environmental standards and allowing industry to invest in America to help build our economy and create jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Sierra Pacific girls' basketball team for their amazing 2026 season.

This past year, the Lady Bears finished an incredible season by winning the Division II State championship, the highest CIF State division title in school history.

These student athletes have shown what is possible through teamwork, discipline, and grit. They put in long hours, battled through adversity, and continued to push themselves to be better every single day. That dedication has absolutely paid off.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the players, coaches, and families on this well-earned victory. They have made their school, community, and the Central Valley proud.

Mr. Speaker, that was a really good tour. I think it was about 4 years ago. As a dairy farmer, it is always interesting for us to learn the different parts of growing plants and animals and the impact they have.

Mr. Westerman's expertise on this piece of legislation specifically really shown through on those days when we were driving around and spending a lot of time with then-Speaker McCarthy and a bipartisan group of Members. We learned a lot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for the Save Our Sequoias Act. For generations, the giant sequoias have stood as one of the most recognizable symbols of California. These trees are remarkably resilient to fire and were once considered virtually indestructible.

Today, they face a crisis of our own making. More than a century of fire suppression and forest mismanagement has allowed dangerous levels of fuel to build up around these groves, turning natural fires into catastrophic, high-severity wildfires.

Since 2015, these fires have caused unprecedented destruction. In just the last few years, nearly one-fifth of all giant sequoias have been lost. Without urgent action, we risk losing countless more. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Save Our Sequoias Act.

This bill provides land managers with the emergency tools and resources they need to protect the remaining groves by strengthening coordination among Federal, State, Tribal, and local partners. It establishes a comprehensive assessment to prioritize wildfire risk reduction. It also streamlines reviews so critical forest management can move forward quickly, while maintaining strong scientific standards.

The Save Our Sequoias Act also encourages private partnerships to support restoration and establishes a comprehensive reforestation strategy to regenerate groves lost to recent wildfires.

Mr. Speaker, protecting the giant sequoias is about safeguarding a natural legacy for future generations. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation, and I thank the chairman for his efforts on this legislation over the last few years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career and contributions of Sherry Bryant, a committee reporter from the Clerk's Office of Official Reporters.

As the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, I have gained firsthand knowledge of the numerous offices across the Capitol complex whose staff ensure the seamless, high-quality operation of the House of Representatives as it performs its legislative duties. These offices include the Office of the Clerk, and specifically, its Office of Official Reporters, where Sherry has faithfully served for the past decade.

Sherry began her career as a freelance deposition reporter in Pennsylvania and has been a court reporter since 1981. From 1998 to 2012, she reported the annual Pennsylvania Senate Budget Hearing. She later served with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 2013 to 2016. Over the course of her career, she has reported countless significant proceedings, including the 42nd President of the United States' remarks at the National Governors Association's annual conference in 2000.

In 2016, Sherry joined the Office of Official Reporters, where she has since covered several historic and high-profile committee and subcommittee hearings, field hearings across the country, transcribed interviews, and depositions. Her dedicated work has helped preserve the official record of this institution at some of its most consequential moments.

In 2025, Sherry won the National Court Reporters Association Speed Competition for the third time, solidifying her status as the fastest court reporter in the Nation. She previously claimed this honor in 2012 and 2018. She is also a Registered Merit Reporter (RMR) and a Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), achieving measured speeds ranging from 180 to 260 words per minute with a minimum accuracy of 95 percent--an extraordinary testament to her skill and discipline. Her colleagues describe her as dedicated, hardworking, conscientious, and unfailingly positive. The Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives described her as ``the nicest person--nice and talented.''

It has been a true privilege for the House of Representatives to benefit from the service of the fastest court reporter in the country for all these years. As Sherry prepares to retire, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating her remarkable career and thanking her for her tireless service to this institution and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes today due to a personal family matter. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 79, AYE on Roll Call No. 80, YEA on Roll Call No. 81, YEA on Roll Call No. 82, and YEA on Roll Call No. 83.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Joseph Campbell, a hardworking and successful farmer, as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Joe was a respected leader in agriculture, admired by many for his ambition, work ethic, and humble spirit. After graduating from Delano High School in 1960, he attended the College of the Sequoias before proudly serving two years in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he married his wife, Jana, and together they raised three sons as Joe began his career in farming. He started with cotton and wheat, later moved into almonds, and ultimately found his passion in table grapes-- leasing his first vineyard in 1986.

Colleagues remember Joe as an ambitious and visionary leader who helped shape the Central Valley's table grape industry. Early in his career he worked at a box company, and his strong work ethic quickly earned him a promotion to general manager. Under his leadership, the company expanded from packaging into to growing table grapes--an ambitious step that became a turning point for both Joe's career and the industry itself. Joe's willingness to take risks opened the door to great success, and his legacy lives on through his work with Delano Farms, Four Star Fruit, and the California table grape industry as a whole. Joe is survived by his wife, three sons, and many grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Joseph Campbell, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the table grape industry, the Central Valley, and the state of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise along with Representative Vince Fong, to recognize Hall Ambulance on its 55th anniversary and to commend them for their significant contributions to the Central Valley. Hall Ambulance was founded on February 10, 1971, when Mr. Harvey L. Hall began responding to medical aid calls from his home in Bakersfield using a single Cadillac ambulance. From these humble beginnings, Mr. Hall built a trusted emergency medical service by forging strong relationships with patients, emergency room nurses, physicians, and public safety personnel throughout Kern County. Guided by compassion and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care, he established a new standard of care--one defined by innovation, professionalism, and attention to detail. His leadership helped transform emergency medical services in the region, from requiring attendants to accompany patients during transport to introducing paramedic services to Bakersfield in 1975, placing the community among the first in California to benefit from pre-hospital advanced life support care.

Since its founding, Hall Ambulance expanded its reach across Kern County, serving communities from Wasco to Frazier Park, Taft to Boron, and many regions in between. Under the continued leadership of Mr. Hall's wife, Lavonne C. Hall, the company expanded into Delano and grew to provide paramedic services to ninety-four percent of Kern County's population.

Hall Ambulance has played a defining role in the evolution of modern emergency medical services and has earned national recognition for elevating standards of care within the ambulance industry. In 2020, on the 50th anniversary of the Wedworth-Townsend Paramedic Act, the California Ambulance Association and the National EMS Museum honored Hall Ambulance for its foundational leadership, recognizing the organization among seventeen native Californians who helped shape emergency medical services nationwide. Today, more than 500 dedicated employees continue Mr. Hall's legacy, upholding a mission rooted in care, compassion, and service.

Mr. Speaker, Representative Vince Fong and I invite our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in congratulating Hall Ambulance on 55 years of service to the Central Valley. Their steadfast commitment ensures that families across the region receive lifesaving emergency medical care when they need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Maddy Institute on its 25th anniversary and to thank them for their significant contributions to the Central Valley.

Established in 1999 by the California Legislature, the Maddy Institute honors the life and service of Senator Kenneth L. ``Ken'' Maddy. Senator Maddy's integrity, legislative expertise, and commitment to bipartisanship left a lasting legacy--one that the Maddy Institute continues to uphold.

Since its founding, the Maddy Institute has inspired citizens of all ages to learn about the democratic process and engage in civil dialogue. Through partnerships with four universities, it has offered young adults hands-on opportunities to participate in civic engagement, serve their communities, and develop strong leadership skills. Nearly 600 alumni now serve in business, government, and the nonprofit sector, which is a testament to the Maddy Institute's impact.

My District and Washington, D.C. offices have welcomed interns from the Maddy Institute throughout my time in Congress. Their local expertise and interest in government make the interns invaluable members of my team. I'm proud to support a program that promotes the next generation of public servants.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Maddy Institute on 25 years of service. By educating, engaging, and empowering young people, the Maddy Institute is helping shape the next generation of leaders in the Central Valley and across our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Martha Elias for her well-earned retirement from Nueva High School and for her decades of dedicated service to the Lamont community. Shortly after completing her education in Mexico, Ms. Elias immigrated to the United States and began her professional career as a bilingual secretary at a printing company. Determined to further her education, she attended Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish Teaching and Latin American Studies. In 1991, Ms. Elias continued her commitment to education by earning a teaching credential in Bakersfield, going on to serve students at both Arvin High School and Highland High School. Since 2010, Ms. Elias has been a trusted counselor and dedicated English Language Development Coordinator at Nueva High School.

Through her compassion, professionalism, and deep cultural roots, she built meaningful relationships with students and families alike. She made it her mission to ensure every student felt supported, confident, and prepared with the skills needed to succeed beyond graduation. Ms. Elias' impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a mentor to colleagues, a trusted partner to parents, and a pillar of the greater Kern County community. As the Master of Ceremonies for academic award assemblies, she brought families together to celebrate student achievement, often receiving heartfelt thanks from parents whose children's lives she helped shape. Under her leadership and guidance, Nueva High School achieved significant milestones, including the highest graduation rate in alternative education, increased scholarship attainment, and record participation in ROTC programs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Martha Elias for her extraordinaly career, her lasting impact on generations of students, and her unwavering dedication to the Lamont community. Her service exemplifies the difference one committed educator can make, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Atsma Family, who have been named the 2025 Dairy Family of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce.

The Atsma family's story is a remarkable example of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to agriculture. George Atsma's father initially immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in 1953 at just 20 years old. After meeting his wife and welcoming their first child, they moved his young family to Southern California. There, he worked for local dairymen and eventually entered the dairy business himself-- continuing the family tradition dating back to the 1600s.

In 1994, George Atsma began his own dairy legacy when he started building his own herd in Tipton, California. A few years later, he purchased property just east of Tulare, and by 2007 had completed renovations and moved his herd to the new site. Today, he operates both a successful dairy and a calf ranch with his wife, Tina, and their six children: Joshua, Danielle, Tavis, Annika, Georgiana, and Roman.

In 2005, Mr. Atsma launched a custom calf raising business--another example of the family's commitment to innovation in dairy production. What began with 450 milking cows has

grown to a herd of 1,550, including 1,400 milking cows. That kind of growth doesn't happen without a deep respect and knowledge of the land and livestock.

This June, during the Annual Salute to Dairy and Dairy Princess Coronation hosted by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, the Atsma Family was recognized for their leadership, stewardship, and contributions to both the dairy industry and our local community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Atsma Family on this well-deserved honor. Their work represents the very best of the Central Valley's agricultural heritage, and their impact will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, fellow farmer, and colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

I have known Doug for about 16 years, going back to our time together in the State legislature. From day one, his commitment to the people of northern California, especially those in agricultural communities, was clear.

In Congress, Doug was one of the fiercest advocates for wildfire mitigation, disaster recovery, California water issues, and farmers and ranchers who keep this country fed.

As chairman of the Western Caucus, he fought tirelessly for domestic energy production, public land access, and rural communities that way too often get overlooked.

Beyond his lasting legacy as a public official, Doug was my friend. We served together in the State legislature, and one year, on my birthday, he stopped by my office, not with a card but with a bag of rice and just a little Post-it Note that said: Happy birthday.

I brought that bag home, gave it to my mom, and she made Portuguese rice pudding for him, and I brought it back. The next week, he brought me another bag of rice, and still to this day brought up that he wanted more. Doug just had one of those senses of humor that you loved.

Doug was a friend to all and someone you could always count on for leadership, loyalty, and just a good laugh. He will be deeply missed in the Halls of Congress.

My prayers are with his wife, Jill, his children, and all of his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.