Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start today with some good news. I think it is fantastic that the Golden State Warriors played an incredible basketball game last night and brought them to victory over the Rockets out of Texas and are going to advance onto the next round of the basketball playoffs. So I congratulate the Dubs.

Sadly, that is where the good news ends. What we are going to talk about for the rest of this evening is some bad news, bad for the American people.

The Republican plan to extend the Trump tax cuts for billionaire donors like Elon Musk is a bad deal for the American people.

During this Special Order, we are going to lay out exactly how reckless this Republican plan is to extend the Republican Trump tax cuts. An extension of the Republican Trump tax cuts would disproportionately benefit those who need it the least, would recklessly increase our Nation's deficits, and it fails to prioritize hardworking Americans' contributions.

Republican tax cuts get our priorities exactly backwards. When Democrats passed tax cuts, we focused on who needed the help the most. The tax cuts that Democrats passed and that President Biden signed into law were some of the most significant middle-class tax cuts we have seen in a generation.

In 2021, our expanded child tax credit nearly cut child poverty in our country in half. We also made historic expansions to both the earned income tax credit and the dependent care credit which dramatically cut child poverty. In other words, when Democrats do tax cuts, we focus those tax cuts on those who need it the most.

The Republicans on the other hand are looking to extend tax cuts that are overwhelmingly tilted to benefit those who need it the least.

Under the Republican tax bill, a taxpayer who makes $1 million or more saw an average tax cut of $79,000, where a taxpayer making $50,000 only saw about $270 in tax cuts. Putting this another way, for every dollar they are giving to the average working person, they are handing $288 to a person making over $1 million every year.

Let me be clear about that statistic. I am not talking about a millionaire, not someone who is sitting on a house and a 401(k) that they have worked for and saved for for 30 years to hit $1 million. This is what they are giving to someone who makes $1 million every year.

Now, I don't know how you feel, Mr. Speaker, but I don't think people who are making $1 million a year are the ones who need a helping hand in this economy.

Now, suffice it to say, we have made this point once or twice before, and every time we do we get the same response from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. They say: People who make over $1 million pay a lot in taxes, so, of course, they get a bigger tax cut.

However, that argument is full of prunes. Let's be clear. Congress is perfectly capable of cutting taxes for working people without also cutting taxes for those at the top.

That is right. Believe it or not, Mr. Speaker, you can lower the tax rates at the bottom without also lowering the tax rates at the top.

In fact, last year, the Treasury Department did a study. They looked at how much it would cost to extend the Republican Trump tax cuts so that everyone making under $400,000 a year was held harmless. There was no impact on the bottom 98 percent of the income distribution.

How much did it cost?

They said it would cost $1.8 trillion. Now, that is not pocket change. We all know that, but it is a heck of a lot less than the recent Joint Committee on Taxation estimate of $4.6 trillion that it will cost to extend the Republican Trump tax cuts that favor those who don't need any help.

The thing is, if Republicans would be willing to abandon their goal of cutting taxes for the most fortunate, if they would genuinely focus on the middle

class and focus on offsetting those tax cuts in a responsible, deficit- neutral manner, I bet they could get a lot of colleagues on my side of the aisle to join them in that effort.

Instead, they have embarked on a go-it-alone strategy, and go it alone they will. As long as their goal is to reward their big donors with massive tax cuts while leaving working people behind, they can go it alone.

Someone who knows the impact that these tax cuts have had on taxpayers across our country, the negative impact they have had on working people across our country; someone who knows well how these Republican tax cuts stole from people who live in high-cost areas their ability to deduct their State and local taxes, costing constituents in those areas thousands and thousands of dollars a year; someone who knows well what that is and has been working tirelessly ever since they did that, ever since they foisted that tax increase on people in high- cost-of-living areas; and someone who has been working on it ever since they did it, trying to work with people on both sides of the aisle to figure out how to resolve the State and local tax deduction is my colleague, Tom Suozzi from New York. He is a great Member and a member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the passion he brings to this issue. I know how much work he has put into it.

I want to add a couple of things on the SALT topic.

One, as I think the gentleman remembers, when this was happening, my subcommittee held hearings on SALT. We brought witnesses in from a number of different States, not all blue States. Blue States are the ones that are generally recognized as being most harmed by this terrible tax policy that the Republicans put on us.

What we saw in those hearings were red States are quickly catching up. This is catching red State taxpayers as well, and it is hurting them just like it is hurting taxpayers in blue States.

I want to mention that the gentleman talked about our Republican colleagues who are talking a good game about how they won't vote for this, that, and the other thing unless SALT is taken care of. Well, SALT goes back to what it used to be if we don't do anything, so that is where we could end up if this foolish tax bill that is being pushed on the American people right now were to go away. We get our SALT deduction back.

I certainly hope that the colleagues that the gentleman mentioned are going to hold to their word and work with us to see if we can fix that.

The gentleman is spot on regarding donor States like his State and my State. We give more money to the Federal Government than we get back.

Just to demonstrate how big that is, in my State of California, if you deduct the money that we get back from the Federal Government from all the money that California taxpayers send to the Federal Government, what is left, what stays in Washington to go out to all the red States, is more than the entire State budget of 47 other States.

To say that we represent donor States, that is almost a throw-away line. We are paying the freight for all the States that are voting in a way that is hurting the American taxpayer. It is inexcusable. It is inexcusable that my Republican colleagues are looking to enact these tax cuts at the expense of the American people, including cutting up to $880 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years.

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans, or 80 million American people, are covered by Medicaid. These cuts that the Republicans are promoting mean that our neighbors will struggle to afford to see a doctor, struggle to pay for medication, or won't have access to nursing home services if they need it.

For over 60 years, Medicaid has been a lifeline for people with low incomes and for people with disabilities so they could have access to healthcare. Already, we are seeing rural hospitals struggling and not just in my district. Rural hospitals across the United States of America are struggling. Many of them are closing or are eliminating critical services.

These hospitals, every one of them, are heavily reliant on reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. Any cut in Medicaid funding would lead to catastrophic results for all--not just those on Medicaid, for everyone. Those lacking coverage will skip necessary care, only making people sicker and requiring costlier treatment. It will put a strain on local emergency rooms and community health providers when these folks show up in the emergency room with a very serious problem that, as I said, will cost more to treat. In fact, every uninsured person results in a $900 uncompensated healthcare cost per year.

This results in services being offered at higher prices for patients and reduced investments in local healthcare centers. Cutting Medicaid will devastate the most vulnerable.

Mr. Speaker, 12 million people in rural areas, not rural areas in blue States, rural areas across the United States of America, 12 million people in those rural areas have health coverage through Medicaid, including 47 percent of children living in rural communities. It is, in many instances, the only way that kids can get healthcare. Mr. Speaker, 38 percent of children in urban areas also rely on Medicaid coverage.

Yet, these Medicaid and ensuing service cuts will just show new physicians that they can't count on keeping a job in a rural hospital. The Medicaid cuts will widen the gap between what a rural hospital can offer and what an urban or suburban hospital can offer.

It is not just those on Medicaid who will suffer. Without Medicaid reimbursement, hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and urgent care centers will close, leaving even those with private insurance without access to healthcare.

In my State, one-third of the population is covered by Medicaid. Republicans can't cut one-third of the money that goes to healthcare and expect our healthcare system and infrastructure to stand. Hospitals and clinics will close their doors. If they don't close, they will cut services dramatically.

It doesn't matter if you are on Medicaid, on Medicare, if you have private insurance through your employer, or you are filthy rich with pockets full of gold. If you go to the hospital or to the clinic or to an urgent care center and they have had to make drastic cuts to compensate for these terrible Medicaid cuts that the Republicans are trying to push down their throats, there is not going to be anybody there to take care of you. It doesn't matter if you have the money or you have the insurance.

If the majority cuts services, your healthcare access will be truncated. There is no two ways about it. It has been a very interesting exercise to watch some of our Republican colleagues wrap themselves into pretzels claiming not to have voted for the Medicaid cuts, but it was just an overall structure giving direction of how we should cut these moneys.

Remember, cut these moneys so that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can give a tax cut to their billionaire, Musk-like donors. That is just not true. Republicans can't vote for a structure that takes $880 billion out of the healthcare safety net and claim not to have done it. Republican Members voted to cut Medicaid, which will hurt everybody's healthcare delivery.

Now we see it again. The majority Members are trying to justify it by creating this balancing effort to suggest that Republicans are not cutting Medicaid but are just going to put in place some seven-bank shot procedure where the $880 billion is still at risk but Republicans can do it without voting to say that the majority actually cut Medicaid.

My colleagues can't just hide the ball. It doesn't matter what Republicans call it. The priority of tax cuts for the very rich, people who don't need the help, will cut healthcare for all of our constituents. That is going to hurt every one of us. It doesn't matter if Members are in an urban area, a rural area, a suburban area, a red State, a blue State, or whatever color State my colleagues think they live in.

These cuts are devastating. I have had hospital administrators in my district tell me that they are closing their hospitals if these go through. I have had clinics tell me that their clinics are done if this goes through. This is mean, cruel, and it doesn't have to happen. It is going to hurt everyone.

I think it is important for the American people to know what the Senate is planning on doing in regard to this discussion. Senate Republicans are using what they call a current policy baseline. Remember that: current policy baseline.

Mr. Speaker, I don't care what finance classes Members took. I don't care if you are the CFO in the biggest corporation in the world. This is not a policy definition that any of my colleagues have ever studied before. This is a new thing that the Senate majority Members made up in order to justify what Republicans are trying to do in regard to the tax cuts for people who don't need it.

Senate Republicans call it current policy baseline to measure the cost of

the tax bill. According to Republicans, current policy baseline is just a fancy word for: We are not really doing what we say we are doing, but it is accounting fraud.

Any way my colleagues cut it, it is accounting fraud. Here is what is going to happen: Republicans are going to pass massive tax cuts, with much of it going to those at the very top of the income scale, those who don't need our help.

The nonpartisan professional economists at the Joint Committee on Taxation and the Congressional Budget Office are going to provide a score. In other words, they are going to tell us how much it is going to cost to do what Republicans want to do. They submit that information to all Members of Congress so that we know what the cost of this tax cut policy will be.

Yet, with what the Senate is doing, the way the Senate majority is setting up this score, the score that has been developed by experienced, nonpartisan officials with Ph.D.'s in economics who provide this good information to us, they are going to have to do some kind of maneuver to figure out how to deal with this new accounting fraud.

They are going to put all of the good work and all of the experience they have to the side because the Republicans don't want us to see what the real score is. The majority doesn't want my colleagues to see the kind of reckless deficits that this bill is going to create.

Mr. Suozzi said it well:

All of the tax policy that we are talking about is not paid

for.

Mr. Speaker, all of the pearl-clutching that went on leading to the election and all of the crying and screaming about the national debt all of a sudden doesn't matter? We are going to put, at a minimum, $4.6 trillion onto the national debt because of this.

What Republicans will do instead is make up their own score with this new accounting fraud that the majority has developed. The Senate has made it clear what the score will say. It will say that extending the Republican Trump tax cuts costs zero. It is pretending that the tax cuts are free.

Tax cuts, the American people know good and well, are not free. There is a cost associated with those. The ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means, Mr. Neal, former chairman, described this magical- thinking tax fraud accounting system that the Republican Senators came up with in a recent editorial in The Washington Post. I like his description. This is what he said:

It is like saving your money and paying for three family

vacations and then saying: Now all of our future vacations

are free. We don't have to save. We don't have to pay for

them.

Mr. Speaker, let me assure the whole House and the American people that extending the Trump tax cuts is not free. In fact, we have a recent estimate from the Joint Committee on Taxation that says that extending the Trump tax cuts costs $4.6 trillion.

This is $4.6 trillion that will be added to the debt. Not only does extending the Republican Trump tax cuts cost an extra $4.6 trillion, but because they are pretending that it is free and doesn't cost anything and doesn't need to be offset, every last penny of those tax cuts will be borrowed money.

Borrowed money isn't free either. Who is going to pick up the tab on this? Your kids, your grandkids, and future generations are paying the freight for this irresponsible tax policy that is coming down the way.

On top of that, there is another $1.5 trillion in tax cuts that the Republicans want to add to that. That is $6.1 billion of unpaid-for tax cuts. That is $1.6 billion in debt on our children and our grandchildren just to give a tax cut to the wealthiest people in this country, people who do not need our help.

This is wrong, Mr. Speaker. We need to stand up. Our friends and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle need to stand up and need to show the courage that their voters placed in them to stand up and speak out against this.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 54 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn, a husband-and-wife team who have played a critical role in shaping our Napa Valley restaurant scene. As the founders of the iconic Cole's Chop House, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, they have helped define fine dining in our region while making significant contributions to our community.

Mr. Cole, a Los Angeles native, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park in 1983. He began his career working at Jack in the Box and Carl's Jr. in Agoura Hills before moving to Napa Valley in 1985 to work for Chef Philippe Jeanty at the Domaine Chandon restaurant. His passion for food and wine led him to later work at Robert Sinskey Vineyards, where he gained experience in winemaking and wine promotion. He then traveled the country hosting food and wine pairing events, further developing his expertise. Mr. Cole has also hosted Today in the Wine Country on Napa's KVON 1440AM, covering food and wine trends, and was named ``Best Local Chef'' by KVON's Best of Napa and Sonoma Valley awards. He has appeared as a guest chef on Karen MacNeil's PBS series Wine, Food, and Friends.

Ms. Fairbairn, originally from Springfield, Missouri, is a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga and a registered nurse. She began her career at Sonoma Valley Hospital and Queen of the Valley Hospital before transitioning into private cardiology practice in Napa. In addition to her work in healthcare, she has been an active classroom volunteer and reading tutor.

In 1996, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn co-founded Celadon, one of Napa's first fine dining restaurants, bringing Chef Cole's ``Global Comfort Food'' concept to the city. The restaurant quickly gained national recognition, earning a three-star rating from the San Francisco Examiner and a four-star rating from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. In 2000, USA TODAY named Celadon one of the ``Ten Great Places to Dine at the Bar''. While the couple operated Celadon, the Wine Spectator awarded Celadon's wine program the ``Award of Excellence'' for multiple years. In 2002, Celadon moved to the Historic Napa Mill, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Napa's culinary scene.

Building on that success, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn opened Cole's Chop House in 2000, creating a steakhouse known for high-quality food and a top-tier wine program. The restaurant quickly became a local institution, earning Wine Spectator's ``Award of Excellence'' and Wine Enthusiast Magazine's ``Award of Unique Distinction.'' It has been named San Francisco's top-rated steakhouse in the Zagat Survey and recognized as one of the ``Top Five Steakhouses'' in San Francisco Chronicle Magazine. Cole's Chop House has also been featured in Gourmet, Food Arts, Bon Appetit, and Sunset Magazine.

Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their community. Through their restaurants, they have supported numerous charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, Jewish Home of San Francisco, American Cancer Society, Queen of the Valley Hospital, Community Health Clinic Ole. Children's Hospital Oakland, Boys & Girls Club, and many local public and private schools. In recognition of their impact, the Napa Chamber of Commerce named Celadon and Cole's Chop House its 2005 Business of the Year.

In 2015 and 2016, Mr. Cole and Ms. Fairbairn sold Celadon to their general manager, Joel Tavizon, and Cole's Chop House to longtime employee Eric Keffer, allowing the couple to invest more time into giving back to our community and to pursue other ventures. The couple currently resides in Napa and are devoted parents to Larsen and Sophia Cole, and loving grandparents to Abraham Cole Fishman.

Mr. Speaker, Greg Cole and Beth Fairbairn exemplify the values of leadership, generosity, and service. Their legacy in Napa's culinary world and their steadfast commitment to their community have left a lasting impact. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cole's Chop House, it is fitting and proper that we recognize their remarkable contributions here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the South Lake Fire Protection District of Lake County, and to recognize this organization's unwavering dedication to protecting and serving its community. Over the past century, the South Lake Fire Protection District has been a model for public service and emergency response management.

The South Lake Fire Protection District was founded in 1925, following a devastating fire in our area in 1918. In the years since, the District has expanded the land under its protection and now serves a diverse area encompassing over 290 square miles in Lake County. Around 12,000 people are served by the District, including residents of the unincorporated territories of Loch Lomond, Adam Springs, Hobergs, Cobb, Whispering Pines, Anderson Springs, Middletown, Middletown Rancheria, Hidden Valley Lake, Hidden Valley Ranchos, Noble Ranch and the ancestral lands of the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians. The South Lake Fire Protection District has increased the resilience of these smaller areas by creating a strong community of mutual aid that allows first responders to cross boundaries to provide assistance. Every year, the District plays a key role in responding to fires across Lake County and the state of California.

In 2015, the South Lake Fire Protection District faced one of its most significant fires to date, the Valley Fire. This fire burned 76,000 acres and destroyed over 1,995 structures, making it the third most destructive fire in state history. Four firefighters were critically injured fighting this blaze, and tragically, four lives were lost. The District was on the front lines of this fast-moving fire, fighting to protect people and structures. During this time, the firefighters of the South Lake Fire Protection District embodied their organization's mission statement to minimize injuries, fatalities, and property losses through efficient and effective fire suppression and prevention. The firefighters of the District displayed extraordinary courage and unwavering resolve during the Valley Fire, and we recognize and thank them for their essential efforts to contain this fire.

Mr. Speaker, it is both fitting and proper that we recognize the 100th anniversary of the South Lake Fire Protection District today. Over the past century, the first responders of this organization have exemplified the ideals of public service, putting their lives on the line to protect their communities from emergencies. Their courage and dedication serve as a model for us all, and we honor them here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC), whom I have named the California 4th District's Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Lake County for their outstanding leadership in advancing environmental resilience, wildfire prevention, and climate action in our area.

Founded in 2014 by the natural resource managers for the County of Lake at the time, Will Evans and Carolyn Ruttan, CLERC was created out of a shared recognition that Lake County needed dedicated environmental research and action to protect its future. CLERC in the past eleven years has expanded immensely, bringing together a team of over a dozen professionals with expertise in ecology,

fire science, conservation biology, water resource management, and more.

Together, this multidisciplinary team has transformed Lake County's approach to environmental stewardship. At its core, CLERC's work is collaborative. They have partnered with government agencies, academic institutions, conservation coalitions, and community groups to develop and implement projects rooted in science, sustainability, and equity.

One of CLERC's most significant contributions to our community has been its leadership in wildfire prevention and climate resilience. Through the strategic execution of projects outlined in our Lake County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. CLERC has completed thousands of acres of fuel reduction and fire mitigation work. These efforts have not only reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfires but have directly prevented at least four potential fire disasters in just the past year alone, safeguarding homes, businesses, and vital natural landscapes in our county.

In addition to wildfire mitigation, CLERC has expanded its reach through the creation of Lake County's only California-certified environmental laboratory, enabling water quality monitoring and scientific research to support ecosystem restoration in our area. Their projects have protected native species, preserved biodiversity, and restored degraded habitats, all while creating job opportunities and workforce development programs in environmental restoration for our local community.

CLERC has also taken an active role in public policy and regional leadership. The organization serves as a member of the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority, participates in state and federal environmental policy advisory groups, and contributes to conservation strategy through regional coalitions. Through this, CLERC has become a leading advocate for sustainable land and water management in our community.

Mr. Speaker, CLERC exemplifies the best of what community-driven, science-based environmental action can achieve. Their innovation, collaboration, and commitment to environmental resilience have earned them well-deserved recognition in California and beyond. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor them here today as Lake County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, as the California 4th District's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Yolo County. Chairman Roberts' unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community resilience has set a benchmark for climate initiatives within our district.

Chairman Roberts has been a part of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation's leadership since 2000, serving on the Tribal Council and as Treasurer from 2006 to 2018. His extensive service to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation includes roles such as Chair of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy Board of Trustees, Vice Chair of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Fire Commission, and membership on various committees, including the Young Adult Assistant Program, Facilities and Infrastructure, Health and Wellness, and Community Fund. In January 2018, he was elected Tribal Chairman, a role in which he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both his Tribe and our broader community. Beyond his professional and community commitments, Chairman Roberts is also a devoted husband to his wife, Melissa, and a proud father to their children, Briana and Brayen.

Under Chairman Roberts' guidance, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has undertaken numerous environmental initiatives. Notably, he oversaw the development of an onsite microgrid to support critical Tribal services and enhance emergency response capabilities. Chairman Roberts also led the Tribe in instituting water conservation efforts, including implementing drip irrigation systems and wastewater recycling for both irrigation and plumbing purposes. Chairman Roberts has also championed wildfire mitigation strategies, such as cultural burnings, which reduces excess vegetation, restores soil nutrients, and supports fire- resistant native plants. These efforts, along with fuel reduction projects, have helped lower wildfire risks. Chairman Roberts has also guided habitat restoration efforts, including the revitalization of oak woodlands and the establishment of native plant hedgerows on Tribal land.

Furthermore, Chairman Roberts has taken action to protect and manage the sacred lands of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. He championed the creation of the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, a 1,500- acre park featuring strains of blue and live oak trees, chaparral landscapes, and ridge views. The park's name, meaning ``Southern Rock Home of the Patwin People,'' honors the significance of the land to the Patwin people native to this region. In 2024, Chairman Roberts also played a pivotal role in signing a co-stewardship agreement with the Bureau of Land Management, facilitating the inclusion of Molok Luyuk into the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Beyond these initiatives, Chairman Roberts has supported youth and community education through the Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship (SLEW) Program and events at Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy. He has also led the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to increase its philanthropic giving towards regional environmental and educational organizations, with the Tribe contributing to the Cache Creek Conservancy, Yolo Creek and Community Partnership, the Center for Land- Based Learning, and Robinson Rancheria Environmental Center. Chairman Roberts also actively contributes to the wider Yolo County community as a member of the Yolo County Fair Board, a position to which he was appointed in 2012 by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, Chairman Anthony Roberts has led the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to become a regional and national model for climate action and environmental justice, balancing tradition with innovation for the benefit of future generations. It is both fitting and proper that we honor him today as Yolo County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Justina Salinas, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Solano County in recognition of her visionary leadership in regenerative agriculture, habitat restoration, and environmental advocacy.

Born in Sacramento, California, Ms. Salinas graduated from the American School of London and earned her bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University, where she majored in both E-commerce and Studio Art, with additional minors in Entrepreneurship and Retail Management. Inspired by her grandparents who immigrated to California from Guanajuato, Mexico, in the 1960s and worked in the fields with a profound respect for nature, Ms. Salinas founded Araceli Farms in 2017, a small lavender farm in Dixon.

What began as a family-run venture evolved into a model of environmental restoration for all. Ms. Salinas has transformed her farm into a thriving native grassland meadow, prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices including soil health restoration, dry farming, biodiversity conservation, no till farming, integrated rotational grazing, natural pest management, and native plant reintegration. Her farm has become a haven for the native species of our Solano County, with blue belly lizards, egrets, herons, red-tailed hawks, barn owls, and other species all thriving on the property. By intentionally choosing not to disturb the soil, Ms. Salinas has fostered a living, nutrient-rich environment that has become a sanctuary for wildlife and a beacon of sustainable land stewardship.

Ms. Salinas views farming as an act of healing. Her practices reflect a commitment to ethical farming, water conservation, and environmental justice, embodying a new model of agriculture that harmonizes production with ecological renewal. Ms. Salinas also acknowledges the privilege of her access to land. She has made it a mission for Araceli Farms to serve as a space for reflection, learning, and community connection, fostering opportunities for young people and aspiring farmers to engage with the natural world.

Beyond her farm, Ms. Salinas is an active member of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) Policy Committee and the California Native Plant Society. She volunteers with organizations like the Research Conservation District, participates in native plant restoration projects, and has lent her voice to lobbying efforts in Sacramento, advocating for regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems to leaders at the California State Capital. Additionally, Ms. Salinas donates gift baskets to schools, hospitals, and animal rescues, cares for the elderly, supports underprivileged youth, and regularly participates in trash cleanups in our community.

Mr. Speaker, Justina Salinas reminds us that farming is more than a profession, rather a relationship with the land and a call to stewardship. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to ecological justice make her a powerful role model in Solano County and beyond. For these reasons and more, it is fitting and proper that we recognize her today as Solano County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gustavo Avina, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Napa County because of his tireless dedication to sustainable viticulture and environmental stewardship.

Mr. Avina was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States with his wife, Blanca, in 1988. They settled in our Napa Valley, where they raised their two children, Gustavo Jr. and Jessica. Mr. Avina began working with some of the finest vineyard management programs in the region before joining Pine Ridge Vineyards in 2003. His deep connection to the land and commitment to sustainability led to his promotion to Viticulture Director for the vineyard in 2019.

With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Avina has helped shape Pine Ridge Vineyards into a leader in sustainable viticulture. He walks every vineyard block weekly, cultivating grapes with care, precision, and a firm belief in environmental responsibility. Under his leadership, Pine Ridge Vineyards has implemented industry-leading sustainability efforts, transitioning to dry farming, achieving Napa Green Vineyard certification, applying compost and practicing proactive forest management and committing to carbon neutrality.

Mr. Avina has also been a mentor to others on climate-smart agriculture. He leads Pine Ridge's dry farming pilot program and has made the commitment to eventually transition all the vineyard's replants to dry farming. Mr. Avina presented on these efforts at the 2024 Napa Green ``Future of Water'' summit and will present at the 2025 Regeneration, Innovation, Sustainability, Empowerment (RISE) Climate and Wine Symposium, establishing himself as a trusted voice in sustainable viticulture in our wine community.

Beyond his work in the vineyard. Mr. Avina is committed to educating and mentoring individuals in our agriculture community. As a member of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation's Education Committee and as a mentor in the organization's Fields of Opportunity program, Mr. Avina has helped provide educational and professional development opportunities to over 3,000 farmworkers annually. He has developed and led classes, seminars, and field days with the organization, covering topics from irrigation and vineyard management to climate science and innovation. Mr. Avina also helped launch the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation's Climate Science Seminar Series, equipping farmworkers with tools to adapt to extreme weather and build resilience in the face of climate change.

Additionally. Mr. Avina has served as a pruning contest judge for the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation's STOMP fundraiser and previously served as secretary of the English Learners Advisory Committee for the St. Helena School District. When he is not in the vineyard or the classroom, Mr. Avina enjoys cheering on Gustavo Jr. at his college soccer games and celebrating the achievements of Jessica, a nurse practitioner and soon-to-be mother.

Mr. Speaker. Gustavo Avina's leadership in sustainable farming and dedication to Napa Valley's farmworker community set a powerful example. His leadership in carbon neutrality efforts, dry farming mentorship and farmworker education exemplifies the positive impact an individual can have on their industry and community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor him here today as Napa County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Ashe, whom I have named the California 4th District's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Sonoma County for his extensive volunteer efforts to restore and protect the Santa Rosa Creek and surrounding areas. He exemplifies the power of grassroots environmental stewardship as seen through founding the Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway.

Mr. Ashe was born and raised in Lancaster, California. He attended Antelope Valley College, where he studied police administration before working for over 35 years in the automotive parts industry in Los Angeles. After moving to Sonoma County, Mr. Ashe found a new calling as a custodian at Park Side Elementary School in Sebastopol, where he worked for 13 years. Known affectionately as ``Mr. Bob,'' he was more than just a caretaker, serving as a mentor, a friend and an educator to those around him. Mr. Ashe led efforts on

recycling, composting and environmental responsibility, instilling in students a deep respect for sustainability.

In 2020, Mr. Ashe turned his passion for environmental care into action by volunteering at the Prince Memorial Greenway, a beloved but often overlooked natural space in our city of Santa Rosa. What began as simple trash cleanups soon expanded into a comprehensive restoration effort. Mr. Ashe currently dedicates an average of 25 hours a week to maintaining the Greenway and its surrounding parks, trails and creek areas. His work includes vegetation management, graffiti removal, trail upkeep and clearing potential hazards, all critical efforts in helping the Greenway remain a safe and thriving space for residents and wildlife alike.

Recognizing the power of collective action, Mr. Ashe founded the Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway, a volunteer group dedicated to the ongoing restoration and beautification of the area in 2023. Under his leadership, the group contributes over 125 volunteer hours per month to cleaning and maintaining the Greenway. With each passing season, the number of volunteers continues to grow as more community members are inspired to join the cause. Beyond cleanup efforts, the Friends of the Prince Memorial Greenway advocates for the Greenway's role in connecting downtown residents and businesses, bringing people together through nature, art and sustainable transportation initiatives.

Mr. Ashe's impact extends beyond his environmental work. He is a dedicated and compassionate member of our community, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His leadership is not only measured in the number of volunteer hours logged or the pounds of trash he removes, but in the inspiration, he provides to others. Whether through his advocacy, mentorship or hands-on service, Mr. Ashe has shown one individual's commitment to their community can create lasting change.

Mr. Speaker, Robert Ashe's dedication to environmental stewardship and public service embodies the spirit of the Climate Crisis Champion of the Year award. His work to rehabilitate and maintain Sonoma County's natural spaces ensures these cherished environments remain accessible, clean and beautiful for future generations of our community. It is fitting and proper that we recognize him today as Sonoma County's 2025 Climate Crisis Champion of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vacaville City Manager Aaron Busch, an esteemed member of our Solano County community. His 37 years of public service and his tireless dedication to our community exemplify why he is being honored today.

Aaron Busch is a lifelong Californian, having studied geography with an emphasis in Urban Planning at Fresno State University before beginning a career in city planning. His first role in local government was as an Assistant/Associate Planner with the City of Rancho Mirage. In 2017, Mr. Busch joined the City of Vacaville as Assistant City Manager, where he oversaw the Community Development and Parks and Recreation Departments and eventually rose to the rank of city manager where he has served since.

Mr. Busch's commitment to our community is evident from his long history of public service in local government. Some of his accomplishments while in office include implementing the City of Vacaville's Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, which has brought in nearly $68 million in private investments, as well as creating the COV Connect community engagement program. Mr. Busch was also responsible for distributing over $12 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to aid community recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Mr. Busch oversaw the advancement of numerous other projects including the building of Fire Station 76 and an audit of the Vacaville Police Department. His forward thinking and attention to the needs of the city's residents have made him instrumental in advancing the City of Vacaville as a prime destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Mr. Busch is recognized for more than just his professional service-- he is well known around the City of Vacaville as ``The Coach'' for his leadership and commitment to the residents of the city. His forward thinking and natural leadership make him a fixture in the community.

Mr. Busch is married to his wife Laura, and they have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. He looks forward to spending more time with them in retirement, along with more golfing, travelling, and gardening.

Mr. Speaker, it is both fitting and proper that we recognize Mr. Busch for his commitment to public service and honor his career in which he strived to better our community here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Operation Tango Mike, a nonprofit community effort that has provided unwavering support to our deployed military personnel and their families for over two decades. On the occasion of its 22nd anniversary, I am proud to recognize Operation Tango Mike for its dedicated service to those who serve our Nation.

Operation Tango Mike was founded in 2003, when Lake County residents Ginny Craven and Ron Quick sent a care package to Kyle Molencupp, who was then serving in Afghanistan. What began as a simple gesture of support has grown into a community-driven organization that has shipped more than 27,000 care packages to deployed personnel worldwide. Operation Tango Mike has supported service members through numerous military operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Onward Liberty, Operation Odyssey Lightning, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

In addition to its vital care package program, Operation Tango Mike coordinates the annual collection and distribution of Christmas gifts and school supplies for military families, providing comfort and relief during challenging times. The organization has also hosted welcome home celebrations and ceremonies for returning troops, ensuring they receive a heartfelt reception from their community. Moreover, Operation Tango Mike has assisted in honoring three of Lake County's fallen heroes in the Global War on Terror, preserving their memory with dignity and respect.

Mr. Speaker, on March 20, 2025, Operation Tango Mike marked 22 years of selfless service with its monthly packing party, a tradition that symbolizes the enduring gratitude and commitment of its volunteers and community. It is fitting and proper that we honor Operation Tango Mike for its dedication and contributions to our armed forces. Their unwavering support is a testament to the strength and generosity of the American spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Cole McGowan for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership as a firefighter with the Yocha Dehe Fire Department. Mr. McGowan has been named the Yocha Dehe Firefighter of the Year, a recognition awarded by his peers for his commitment, work ethic, and embodiment of the department's core values.

Born in Newport Beach, California, Mr. McGowan currently resides in Rescue, California with his wife Brenna. Together, they are the proud parents of three children: Jack, Kate, and Jane. In addition to his outstanding service as a firefighter, Mr. McGowan is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1993 to 1997, reaching the rank of Sergeant E-5. His military service reflects his lifelong commitment to serving and protecting others.

From his first day with the Yocha Dehe Fire Department, Mr. McGowan has demonstrated unwavering dedication to protecting our community. As a member of the only internationally accredited Native American fire department, he plays a vital role in providing essential fire protection, rescue support, and paramedic services to Yolo County. Additionally, Mr. McGowan has devoted time to improving the station and their training sites, as well as teaching at the Youth Fire Academy, inspiring our community's next generation of firefighters to answer the call to serve.

Mr. McGowan's dedication to our community extends beyond his professional responsibilities. In the past, he has volunteered his time to support youth development programs at the El Dorado County Juvenile Hall and Lords Gym in El Dorado County. Through these efforts, he helps to mentor and empower the youth in our community.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Cole McGowan exemplifies the ideals of public service and community dedication. His commitment to excellence, both in his professional duties and community involvement, makes him a deserving recipient of the 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award at Yocha Dehe Fire Department. It is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce that March 10th through March 16th marked Brain Awareness Week. The Brain Awareness Campaign is a worldwide celebration of the brain that brings together scientists, families, schools, and communities. Brain Awareness Week is the culmination of these efforts and is celebrated throughout the United States and in many parts of the world.

This global celebration, launched by The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives in 1996, and supported by partners like the Society for Neuroscience, presents an opportunity to bring attention to the significant advances in brain science and advocate for science funding. Brain Awareness Week provides opportunities to learn more about the brain and educate the public on the importance of continued research.

As co-chair of the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, I am proud of the crucial neuroscience work being conducted in the United States, including in my district at the University of California, Davis and the California National Primate Research Center where I visited the lab of Dr. John Morrison, current President of the Society for Neuroscience, and learned more about his research into Alzheimer's disease.

It is essential that we keep supporting neuroscience research to enable world-class researchers to continue their vital work on a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, autism spectrum

disorders, depression, and addiction. Events like Brain Awareness Week helps every American understand how important this research is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Mary Yin Liu. I have named Ms. Liu as the California 4th District's Woman of the Year for Yolo County because of her excellent work in our community. This honor recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Born in San Francisco to parents C.C. and Regina Yin, Ms. Liu later attended UC Irvine, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English, and Loyola Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. She has previously worked as Deputy District Attorney in Yolo County and Solano County and has served on the Yolo County Planning Commission. In recent years, Ms. Liu has been honored as a Top 20 AAPI Change Maker by the Sacramento Bee and as 2023 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Jim Cooper. Ms. Liu currently lives in Davis with her husband, Harris Liu, and their two adult sons, Jack and Ryan.

Ms. Liu has been serving her community for over two decades, starting with her work for APAPA (the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs). Founded by Ms. Liu's parents in 2001, the national non-profit seeks to advance leadership and civic engagement for those in the Asian Pacific American communities. Ms. Liu currently serves as the organization's Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Ms. Liu led APAPA in organizing the first California Asian American Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in 2024, collaborating with over 50 organizations and engaging with more than half of California's legislators to advocate for essential resources, including funding for hate crime victims and language services. Ms. Liu is also active in the APAPA Student Internship Program, which provides students with firsthand experience in public service and leadership.

In addition to her national advocacy, Ms. Liu is the founder of Thriving Pink, a Yolo County-based nonprofit that has provided financial grants, mentorship, and support services to over 170 breast cancer survivors and their families. Through its compassionate mentorship program and monthly workshops, Thriving Pink ensures that no one faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone. Her commitment to philanthropy also includes her longtime role as Chair of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship Program in Northern California, where she helped raise over a million dollars to provide scholarships to hundreds of high school students. Ms. Liu also continues to build upon the legacy of her parents by supporting their vision of dedicating Yin Ranch in Vacaville as an Asian Heritage Center, ensuring it remains a resource for nonprofit events and community programs.

Ms. Liu is also the owner and operator of Golden Arch Enterprises, a McDonald's franchisee company which owns and operates twenty-one restaurants in Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo counties. Ms. Liu was elected by her fellow franchise operators to be the President of the Northern California McDonald's Operators Association, becoming the first female and minority president in the association's history. She made history as the first female and minority President of the Northern California McDonald's Operators Association, where she fostered partnerships with numerous nonprofit organizations to support education and community initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, Mary Yin Liu personifies the ideals of service and commitment to one's community. Through her charity and nonprofit work, she has provided support, mentorship and leadership to hundreds of individuals. For her more than twenty years of service, I honor her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Norma Ferriz de Massaro. I have named Ms. Ferriz de Massaro as the California 4th District's Woman of the Year for Napa County because of her excellent work in our community. This honor recognizes women who have made important contribations to California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Born in Mexico City, Ms. Ferriz de Massaro immigrated to the United States in 2007 and became a naturalized citizen in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, where she was awarded the prestigious Medalla Gabino Barreda for academic excellence. She went on to earn a master's degree in public administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Organization Administration from the University of Washington. Ms. Ferriz de Massaro was also the recipient of the Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholarship and the MacArthur-Ford-Hewlett Scholarship during her studies. She further expanded her expertise by earning an Associate Degree in Accounting from Napa Valley College and achieving certification as an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional.

Ms. Ferriz de Massaro has been a pillar of the Napa Valley community for nearly two decades. She currently serves as the Finance and Operations Director for the Up Valley Family Centers of Napa County, where she has been a dedicated staff member for the past 17 years, strengthening programs that provide vital support to local families. She has also been an active member of numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including Soroptimist International St. Helena Sunrise, the St. Helena Star Editorial Board, the St. Helena Library Committee, the St. Helena Library Foundation, the St. Helena Multicultural Committee, and the Napa Valley Community Foundation's Community Programs and Grants Committee. Her leadership in these organizations has helped make our community more inclusive. Additionally, Ms. Ferriz de Massaro led a Girl Scout Troop in St. Helena for 12 years, mentoring Latina girls and providing them with opportunities for growth, leadership, and joy.

Her dedication to public service was recognized in 2019 when she was named St. Helena Citizen of the Year. She further deepened her engagement with community leadership as a participant in the 2020 Leadership Napa Valley program, gaining insight into the inner workings of local governance.

Ms. Ferriz de Massaro is widely known for her enthusiasm, positivity, and ability to bring people together. Whether through social media, community outreach, or personal connections, she works tirelessly to link individuals with resources, foster collaboration, and turn good ideas into great initiatives. She embodies the words of Mr. Rogers: ``Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'' Ms. Ferriz de Massaro is one of those helpers, always ready to support others with her energy and optimism.

Beyond her professional and civic contributions, Ms. Ferriz de Massaro and her husband, Evan Massaro share a love for adventure. Each year, they embark on multi-week cycling or trekking journeys, embracing exploration both at home and abroad. Her passion for life and community shines through in everything she does.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Ferriz de Massaro for her remarkable service and dedication to our Napa Valley community. Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and empowerment, she has left an indelible impact on those around her. It is fitting and proper that I honor her here today.