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Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share a few words about my dear friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Doug was a husband, a father, and a fourth-generation rice farmer. He dedicated more than 20 years to public service, both in this House and in the California State Legislature.

Doug was a giant in both stature and character. After meeting Doug, you couldn't help being struck by his kindness and gentle manner. He had a reputation as an affable colleague, a principled legislator, a fierce advocate for rural America, and one heck of a muscle car driver, which I experienced firsthand. All of them rang true.

Doug was an expert on farming, forestry, and water issues. He chaired the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, and he was chairman of the Western Caucus.

We traveled the country together, coast to coast, north to south, meeting with men and women who feed this great country. They are memories I will always treasure. He was supposed to be with me in Pennsylvania this weekend. His presence will be sorely missed.

In a town full of self-important figures, Doug was authentically normal. I will certainly miss his wisdom, his sense of humor, and incredible friendship. I turned the tables on Doug when it came to nicknames. I affectionately named him the ``Governor of Jefferson,'' and he eagerly accepted that.

Doug was a man of great faith, and I find comfort in knowing he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rest easy, Brother. We will take it from here.

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