House holds bipartisan hour of tributes for Rep. Doug LaMalfa

The House held a special hour of tributes on the floor to honor Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California, with lawmakers from both parties calling him a devoted advocate for rural communities, a fourth‑generation rice farmer and a colleague they could rely on.

Lawmakers recounted personal memories and policy work that defined LaMalfa’s tenure. Rep. Ken Calvert said LaMalfa ‘‘left an indelible mark on this institution’’ and closed his remarks, ‘‘God bless you, Doug.’’ Rep. Tom McClintock recalled LaMalfa’s small acts of kindness and quoted a Latin maxim about mortality, saying the remembrances underline what matters in public service. Rep. David Valadao and other Californians highlighted LaMalfa’s work on wildfire mitigation, water infrastructure and support for farmers and ranchers.

Several members noted LaMalfa’s role leading the Congressional Western Caucus and his practical focus on constituent problems. ‘‘He was a man who knew the land,’’ Rep. John Garamendi said, praising LaMalfa’s district knowledge and his partnership on Sacramento River issues. Rep. Jared Huffman said members often disagreed with LaMalfa but ‘‘I don't know anybody that disliked him,’’ pointing to his collegial manner.

The House granted unanimous consent for members to revise and extend their remarks for five legislative days, and members used yielded time to continue tributes. Many speakers emphasized LaMalfa’s humor, nicknaming habit and personal generosity in addition to his policy accomplishments.

The special hour closed with the presiding member reading LaMalfa’s family names and extending condolences to his wife, Jill, and their four children, Kyle, Allison, Sophia and Natalie. No formal legislative actions were taken during the hour; the proceedings were a sequence of personal tributes and memorial remarks.