Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Winifred White.

Winifred was born on December 10, 1924, to Thomas and Frances Marsh at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, California. Born the middle child between her two sisters, Wilma and Georgia, Winifred attended Emerson Junior High School followed by Kern County Union High School, which is known today as Bakersfield High School. Even back in those early years, Winifred recalls the societal and technological milestones she felt in her life and the community around her, like when her family discarded their ice box to buy their first refrigerator after her father quit the Union Ice Company. With her sisters, Winifred brought life to the emerging Bakersfield community, attending performances, ice skating, and enjoying ice cream sodas at Dewar's Candy Shop.

Following her graduation from high school, Winifred attended summer school at a junior college in the Pasadena area, where she found a lifelong passion for bookkeeping. She soon met her first husband, Jim Bolin, with whom they had a daughter, Marcia. Winifred later met Vince Bittleston, an Air Force officer stationed at Minter Field, and the couple would soon be engaged. They would bring a son into the world in 1946--Lawrence Thomas Bittleston--and a second son in 1947--Allan Lee Bittleston. Vince flew planes in World War II and the couple would share a love of aviation and travel for their entire lives. In 1947, the couple launched a crop-dusting business where Winifred managed the bookkeeping, bills, and inventory, and Vince handled sales and flew the planes. Two years later, with the crop-dusting business growing, the couple built a three-bedroom house together and owned their first washer and dryer. To spend more time as a family, Winifred and Vince later moved to a home in Buttonwillow and bought their three children a horse.

Finding herself in a new town, Winifred became involved nearly in every local community

organization. She served as Secretary of Lady Lions, President of the local Parent Teacher Association, Vice President of the local American Legion Post, and Den Mother of the Cub Scouts. Winifred is the first woman to have been nominated to run for mayor of Buttonwillow. While the race was unsuccessful, Winifred would go on to serve on the staff of several mayors.

Vince sadly passed away in October of 1991, following nearly 46 years of marriage. Winifred later remarried Cliff White, a longtime friend and the builder of her Buttonwillow home. As both were previously widowed, it marked a new beginning of their future journey together as a loving couple.

Winifred White is the proud mother of three, grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of eight, and great-great-grandmother of two. Through marriage and love, Winifred has herself become a beloved matriarch and a beloved member of our community. Kern County is blessed with Winifred and other women like her, who serve as a model for community involvement and the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Winifred White, an amazing woman who has grown with Kern and helped our community thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Joan Dezember, a beloved figure in our community who passed away on October 13, 2024, at the age of 89. Alongside her late husband, Ray, Joan dedicated her life to family, community, and philanthropy.

Joan was born in Whittier, California on February 19, 1935, to Martin and Jeannette Erreca. While attending Whittier College, she met her husband Ray Dezember in 1951, a Whittier College football star. An early sign of the couple's complementary qualities, Ray led the football team as captain while Joan rallied the crowd as the head of Whittier College's cheerleaders. Rising to a new and exciting chapter in their lives, the couple married in 1954, and briefly lived in Phoenix before settling in Bakersfield, where Ray helped found American National Bank. American National Bank was acquired by Wells Fargo and the Dezembers were able to focus on their passion for giving, especially to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB).

The generous support to the community from Joan and Ray enabled the creation of important programs and facilities, including the Walter W. Stiern Library's Dezember Reading Room and the Dezember Leadership Development Center, which continue to inspire students seeking to follow Joan and Ray's path to achieve the American Dream. While such facilities will continue to uphold their names, it is the lives of fellow neighbors who were blessed to know Joan and Ray's virtuous and loving touch, felt by so many in their family and in the Kern County community. The Dezembers certainly believed in the transformative power of education, as their support for scholarships like the Wendy Wayne Nursing Scholarship and the Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund has opened doors for countless students. As a lifetime member and the first Chairwoman of the CSUB Foundation Board of Directors, Joan's ability to help others reached far and wide, earning her the CSUB President's Medal in 1999.

Joan is survived by her four children, Becky, Brent, Cheri, and Katie, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who will remember her as their kind, loving matriarch who found great joy in the success of others. Amanda and I send our deep condolences to the whole Dezember family and all who knew and loved her. On behalf of the 20th Congressional District, I am grateful to Joan, for what she has done for our community. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with Representative Valadao, to honor Mr.

Justin Cole of Delano, California for being named 2024 Kern County Cattleman of the Year.

Mr. Justin Sol Cole was born on February 21, 1970, into a family with a rich heritage in Kern County. Mr. Cole's family was one of the early pioneer families who settled in the area roughly 139 years ago--four generations before Mr. Cole. He was raised alongside his sister Stephanie and three brothers A. Sterling III, Bud, and his late brother Christopher. Today, Mr. Cole continues to raise cattle and advance his family's proud legacy within our community.

With his family heritage in mind, Mr. Cole has gained a close connection to the land of Kern, especially the community of Delano. Mr. Cole is also a skilled cattleman, raising cattle by starting work on his family's cattle business at an early age. This dedication followed him to school as Mr. Cole became immersed in cattle competitions at Delano High School, earning the Angus Steer title at the Cow Palace competition alongside other competitive events and becoming a proud member of the Future Farmers of America. Mr. Cole also took part in a 4-H program, where he raised cattle for several years.

In 1996, Mr. Cole married Diane (Rodriguez) Cole at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Delano, and the couple now has three daughters-- Shelby, Kelly, and Sierra. Diane's father-in-law, Jose Rodriguez, introduced Mr. Cole to the world of trucking through his first trucking job, where Mr. Cole helped Jose transport wine grapes to local wineries. This led Mr. Cole to launch his own livestock transportation business, which he still operates today. Such a background, blending entrepreneurship and family, is a pillar of Kern County's strength and pride, and will only continue to be advanced through cattlemen like Mr. Cole.

While Mr. Cole cherishes his livestock transportation and ranching business, above all else, he treasures his family and those in the ranching community. For decades, neighbors and friends of Mr. Cole, who rightly honor him with this award, witnessed the selflessness and duty of care he holds for his rangeland, animal welfare, helping his friends and neighbors who might need a hand.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mr. Justin Cole for being named 2024 Kern County Cattleman of the Year, and thank him for his contributions to the Kern County community and cattle industry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of my friend Donald John Valpredo, a respected member of our community and a pillar of modern agriculture.

Mr. Valpredo passed away on October 31, 2024, at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, determination,

and family pride. Whether through the many companies he founded and managed or as a respected horseman, Don's loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

Born on January 5, 1939, to Jeanne and John Valpredo of Mettler, California, Don inherited a proud Italian heritage, fitting his later affectionate moniker of ``The Don'' or ``El Don.'' His father had likely been the first pioneer to drill deep enough to find water in the Mettler area and the Valpredos established their roots there. After Don graduated from Garces Memorial High School, he then attended the University of California, Davis, where he graduated with a degree in Agronomy. He then went to serve our country in the U.S. Coast Guard, which, coupled with its premier academic training, provided a firm foundation to become a true visionary of agricultural excellence in Kern County.

Returning to Mettler after his service, Don partnered with his father, John, in farming. Don was gifted and soon found himself serving in a variety of executive roles. He served as President of Ridge Ginning Company and became an aggressive entrepreneur by founding Kern Ridge Growers, Val-Mar Farms, Bako Sweet, and Country Sweet Produce, among other companies. As a mark of the prevailing Valpredo family legacy, Don's son, Michael, was also a founder of Country Sweet Produce and continues to serve as its President. Under Don's leadership, his farms have grown to now produce over 20 crops year-round across thousands of acres. His businesses today are marked by innovations like water conservation, recycling, and employee co-ownership.

Nor can we forget Don's lifelong passion for horses, which adhered to him after the first horse he bred won her first race. Don's leadership within the horseracing industry shaped the California ThoroughbredBreeders Association (CTBA). Don served as CTBA President four times and once as chairman. In 2017, Don was inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame for his forty years dedicated to building the sport and the California Cup Sprint. His work in helping to establish the California Cup Sprint--which was later renamed in his honor and is held at Santa Anita Park every January--stands as a lasting tribute to his leadership in developing this industry and racing community in California. Don served as a Commissioner and Vice-Chairman of the California Horse Racing Board, director of the Thoroughbred Owners of California for thirteen years, and served on the board of directors of the Breeders' Cup. Yet Don was not only a leader in equine associations, but also a winner of competitions. Don's `Soviet Problem' won Calbred Horse of the Year in 1994, and he would always look back fondly on his time with that special steed.

Don is survived by his wife Sally, son Michael, daughters Natalia Fritz and Alexis Mosely, and seven grandchildren. Amanda and I send our condolences to this incredible family who have lost a great patriarch and leader.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we celebrate Don Valpredo's amazing life and legacy. From the fields of Mettler to the racetrack at Santa Anita Park, Don Valpredo will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kern Energy as it celebrates 90 years of refining innovation and outstanding service to the Kern County community. Since its founding in 1934 as El Tejon Oil & Refining Co., Kern Energy has transformed from a modest operation into a cornerstone of the southern Central Valley, providing the clean, reliable transportation fuels that drive economic growth and connect communities across California.

Throughout its history, Kern Energy has embraced change while remaining a family-owned, independent refinery committed to meeting California's evolving energy needs. After changing its name to Douglas Oil Company in 1945, the refinery solidified its presence as Kern Oil & Refining Co. in 1971 and evolved into Kern Energy in 2022. Each transition of the company has been marked by new

achievements, pioneering new methods and technologies in sustainable energy and fuel production.

Notably, Kern Energy was just the second refinery in the United States to produce renewable diesel by co-processing biofeed, and it proudly became the first small refiner in California to blend biodiesel. Today, Kern Energy continues this legacy of excellence, serving as the only refiner between the Bay Area and Los Angeles producing gasoline and renewable diesel. As the number one transportation fuel supplier in Kern County, Kern Energy employs 200 full-time staff members, demonstrating its commitment to powering communities and supporting families. Their contributions to the Central Valley's economy and quality of life are truly invaluable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kern Energy on 90 years of remarkable service and innovation. I look forward to witnessing their continued success as a leader in energy as they approach a century of being a vital part of our community's future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to wish a happy 100th birthday to Mr. Victor Monacelli of Ridgecrest, California, a veteran of the Second World War and a soon-to-be great-great-grandfather.

Born in Humphrey, Washington, to Tom Monacelli and Myrtle Winsor Monacelli on November 16, 1924, Victor was raised with his brothers Cecil, Leroy, and Thomas Monacelli. At age seventeen, Victor was one of the many brave young men who, along with his brother, Thomas, volunteered for service in World War II just after his graduation from Ellensburg High School. With his enlistment in the U.S. Navy on October 27, 1942, Victor would soon find himself stationed in the South Pacific's New Hebrides Islands where he supported the Guadalcanal Campaign for 19 months. During his time stationed in what he recalls as a ``tropical paradise,'' enemy aircraft launched waves of attacks against Victor's position. Auguring well for his posterity, he was never once injured in these airstrikes. After roughly two years serving our country through some of its greatest naval operations, Victor would finally return to the United States. On his birthday in 1944, he managed to cross the International Date Line while being transported stateside to San Francisco, granting Victor and his friends one additional day to celebrate his twentieth birthday.

Following a brief posting in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1947, Victor was transferred to the Naval facility in Lakehurst, New Jersey, where he attended flight school and completed his first parachute jump on August 2, 1947. Through this training, he became certified as a Parachute Rigger, safely packing and repacking parachutes for airborne personnel. It was near the facility there in Lakehurst, New Jersey that Victor met his first wife Jeanne. In 1949, he was transferred to Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown in South Carolina, where for six months, he was stationed on the nation's longest-serving aircraft carrier in American history--the U.S.S. Midway.

Returning to the Pacific once again with the U.S. Navy, Victor served in Hawaii from 1950 to 1958, serving in the Korean War through the training and instruction of airborne personnel in the use of aviation survival equipment. Witnesses described him as instrumental in establishing the survival school at Naval Air Station Barber's Point where he continued to safely pack and inspect parachutes and survival equipment as well as airborne personnel. His final assignment in the U.S. Navy saw him move to New Iberia, Louisiana, where he met his second wife Mary, and retired from active duty by joining the Fleet Reserve in 1961. Victor retired from the Navy on November 1, 1971, achieving the rank of E7 Petty Officer after nearly 30 years of service to the United States.

Victor moved to La Verne, California in 1974, where he owned a gas station and later worked as a travel agent. He soon fell in love with California's beauty, next moving to Bakersfield, Lake Isabella, and finally to Ridgecrest. These days, Victor enjoys spending quiet time at home with his wife Juliette and spending time with his two sons, David and Victor Jay, daughter Lorri, six grandchildren, nine great- grandchildren, and soon his first great-great-grandchild. In 2022, Victor was one of two living World War II veterans in Ridgecrest who were both honored and presented with certificates of appreciation for their service to the country.

Mr. Speaker, from our nation's Capitol, and on behalf of a most grateful Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 100 years of Victor Monacelli's incredible life. His patriotism and pursuit of the American dream should inspire future generations and this dedication to defending our warrior is another symbol of this legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Bakersfield, California. As St. George Greek Orthodox Church celebrates a century of faith, heritage, and hope this year, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the history and roots this Church has upheld since its founding.

Bakersfield's Greek Orthodox organized formally after a time when the Greek community experienced ethnic and religious persecution in their homeland and were forced to look for a new home overseas to practice their culture and faith. Many found work building the transcontinental railroad, venturing further and further west until some reached Kern County in the early 20th century. St. George Greek Orthodox Church's precursor community was founded in 1916 under the name Uplift Society Socrates. According to the narrative history of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in these early years, Greek Americans worked to balance two values so characteristic of the American immigrant experience-- upholding the faith and customs of their homeland while also adapting to a new life in the United States.

In 1924, Uplift Society Socrates accomplished the former by constructing a modest hall for religious and social gatherings at 401 Truxtun Avenue. This hall became the foundation upon and around where the Bakersfield Greek Orthodox Church community has since grown. By the early 1930s, the Bakersfield Greek Orthodox community had grown to over 200 families, who soon called for the construction of a Church, which was completed in 1932. Also in 1932, the community changed its name to The Hellenic Community of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Father Vasilios Markopoulos became the community's first official priest in 1944, though four ``Pioneer Priests'' had been active in the community in the preceding few decades. Unfortunately, the 1952 Kern County earthquake precipitated the demolition of the original hall. As a mark of the faith of the Greek Orthodox community in Bakersfield, the new Church was blessed by the Bishop of the Fourth Diocese of Los Angeles in 1956. St. George Greek Orthodox Church continues to thrive. And it continues to exemplify the role of faith as the heart of such a vibrant community, uniting individuals in love, compassion, and shared purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate St. George Greek Orthodox Church as it marks its 100th Anniversary, standing as an example of the incredible growth and faith of the Bakersfield community. Generations of Bakersfield Greek Orthodox have worked to ensure that their traditions and sense of community remain strong in the heart of Bakersfield.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California Highway Patrol Captain Vincent Pagano of Bakersfield. Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Pagano has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community and our country.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Captain Pagano's public service began with his enrollment in the U.S. Navy in 1985. Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical sciences, Captain Pagano served as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, specializing in anti-submarine warfare and combat search and rescue operations. Captain Pagano served as a Force Protection and Security Office, ensuring security of key military installations, military personnel, and civilians.

Beginning in 1999, Kern County would soon benefit from his Navy learning when Captain Pagano joined the California Highway Patrol, assigned to the Altadena incline. Captain Pagano answered the call of protecting our communities--serving in Buttonwillow, Fresno, and the Grapevine. His leadership and professionalism earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the communities he served, as he was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and Lieutenant in 2017. From 2019 to 2022, he received his first area command, as Commander in the Fort Tejon Area. Finally, in January of 2022, Pagano was promoted to Captain and Commander of the Bakersfield division of the California Highway Patrol. In this role, he has continued to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement, ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Bakersfield and the millions who traverse California's highways.

Following Pagano's promotion, he immediately launched initiatives to prevent distracted driving deaths and DUIs, and generally encouraging drivers to act more courteously on California's famously busy highways.

California's Central Valley remains beautiful and prosperous, due to the heroism and dedication of people like Captain Pagano, who keep our neighborhoods safe. Captain Pagano's selfless service in both the U.S. Navy and the California Highway Patrol reflects the best of those who wear the uniform. His lifelong embodiment to safety, service, and security, the motto of California Highway Patrol, serves as an example for all who aspire to serve our country and communities with honor.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Captain Vincent Pagano for his outstanding service to our country and his tireless dedication to public safety. On behalf of the 20th Congressional District of California, I would like to congratulate Captain Pagano for his heroic four-decade career protecting our families and communities and wish him the best in his rightly merited retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Coach Carl Bowser, who passed away last month. While Coach Bowser was a pillar of the Bakersfield College football program, his legacy extends beyond the field, evident in the outpouring of love following his death and the honors proclaimed of Coach Bowser's impact on the lives of others. He was a great man, a beloved mentor, and a leader who made positive contributions to countless individuals.

Born in Oklahoma, Carl Bowser was first introduced to Bakersfield College's football program when he became a team water boy. His passion for the sport led him to become a fullback for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), where he rushed for 620 yards and seven touchdowns in 1959. Coach Bowser demonstrated early on his perseverance in the face of tragedy when he narrowly survived the tragic 1960 Cal Poly plane crash, losing 16 of his teammates. Coach Bowser would go on later that year to rush for 288 yards and score two touchdowns. In 1962, Coach Bowser completed his bachelor's degree at Cal Poly in physical education and returned the following year to earn his master's degree in education.

Coach Bowser soon sharpened his passion for coaching football, serving as the Head Coach of Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest and later as Head Coach at Shafter High School. Joining Bakersfield College's program, Coach Bowser served as the Renegades Assistant Coach under Head Coach Gerry Collis for 17 years before rising to the Head Coach position in 1984.

Coach Bowser's masterful 83-31-3 career record across 11 seasons will certainly be remembered as a golden age of Renegade athletics. Second to no other season, was the team's 1988 triumphs, where under Coach Bowser's leadership, the Renegades beat the undefeated Fullerton College Hornets to secure the 1988 Junior College Football Championship. Coach Bowser earned the esteemed title of Conference Coach of the Year four times, where his team won six Western State Conference titles, and earned seven Potato Bowl appearances before his retirement from the program in 1994.

Coach Bowser was well-known for his rousing halftime and pre-game speeches. Yet his strong heart and easy laugh made him beloved by everyone who knew him. Under his leadership, the Bakersfield College football program thrived, and his influence continues to this day.

The hundreds of students and athletes he trained will never forget how Coach Bowser dedicated his life to fostering excellence on and off the field. Aware of the steep climb players face seeking professional football careers, Coach Bowser taught personal life discipline which would set his players up for success beyond football. His Interest in the lives of his players both on and off the field makes this loss particularly difficult, serving as a reminder of his unique way of leading strongly but with grace and empathy.

On behalf of the 20th Congressional District, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Coach Bowser's family, the Bakersfield College community, and all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable interns who have been working in service of the 20th District of California this summer. These exceptional young individuals--who joined us in our Washington, D.C. office and our Clovis, California office--have shown our team their energy, commitment, and strong drive to effect positive change. As our nation navigates uncertain times and many young people feel out of touch with public service, their enthusiasm and resolve give us great hope for the future.

With their summer in Congress reaching its close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jacob Cohen, Gabriella Gutierrez, and Ayush Nallapally for their work in our Washington, D.C. office, and Luca Fanucchi and Braden McConaghy for their service in our Clovis, California office. Their hard work and dedication have been invaluable, and I hope that the experiences gained here will serve them well in then future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Patricia Pope on her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Patricia Jean Hayes Pope has lived in the Central Valley her whole life, having lived in San Martin, Salinas, King City, and now Visalia. Mrs. Pope will reach an incredible 100 years of age this August, and is deserving of recognition for the incredible life she continues to live.

Born on August 4, 1924, to Katherine Hitchcock and Francis ``Austin'' Hayes in San Jose, California, she is the middle child of three, born between her oldest brother Jack and younger brother Danny. While attending King City High School, she played piano for the dance band, clarinet in the school's marching band, and was the editor of the school newspaper.

After high school, Mrs. Pope attended Hartnell Junior College, after which she began teaching 4th grade at King City Grammar School. At the city pool in 1945, she met Marion Pope, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy. The next year, they were married in Del Monte, California, a marriage which would last 65 years. They later moved to King City, California, where they had five children together--Susan, Linda, Dennis, Laurie, and Leslie. Throughout their lives, Mrs. Pope has been dedicated to her children and active in their activities. She served as den mother for Cub Scouts and troop leader for Girl Scouts, taught 4-H sewing, and was president of the Parent Teacher Association.

Mrs. Pope has been an active member of her community throughout her life. She worked as the bookkeeper for her husband's painting business and was a substitute teacher at the local elementary school. Mrs. Pope also dedicated more than 4,000 hours as a volunteer at the local hospital service league. Mrs. Pope and her husband were key participants in the establishment of the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation. To honor their life of service to the community, they were named King City Citizens of the Year in 1997.

After her husband's passing in 2012, Mrs. Pope moved to Visalia to be closer to her family. She is the proud grandmother of 2 grandsons, 7 granddaughters, and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her family, she remains a thriving member of the Visalia community, enjoying playing piano concerts, painting, and spending time with friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mrs. Patricia Pope on her 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 2989, a bill originally introduced by Representative McCarthy of California, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 5617, a bill originally introduced by Representative Mr. McCarthy of California, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Bryson DeChambeau on his second career 2024 U.S. Open Golf Championship win. This achievement not only exemplifies his impressive skill and dedication to the sport, but also reminds us of his journey from the Central Valley of California to the pinnacle of professional golf.

Originally born in Modesto, California, Bryson attended Clovis East High School, where his passion and innate talent for golf quickly became apparent. His first major golf moment arrived in 2010 when at age sixteen, he secured the California State Junior Championship. Five years later in 2015 as a Southern Methodist University Mustang, Bryson's hard work led to winning the NCAA Individual Championship, along with the United States Amateur Championship. These dual wins propelled Bryson forward, becoming one of only five golfers to ever hold both titles in the same year and launching him into the professional ranks in 2016 at the age of twenty two.

Unorthodox but confident in his approach, Bryson has reimagined golf using irons and wedges that are all the same length. This unique innovation, characteristic of the Central Valley's dynamic style, inspires future athletes to push boundaries as they see the U.S. Open Champion with nine career victories still finding new ways to excel in a game steeped in tradition.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Clovis and California's Central Valley, I am immensely proud of Bryson DeChambeau and congratulate him on his outstanding victory at the 2024 U.S. Open Golf Championship.