Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-30

HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN

ImmigrationVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E639] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dirk Slooten whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Lake County honoree, Mr. Slooten is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Slooten was born on August 3, 1951, in Purmerend, the Netherlands. In 1972, Mr. Slooten received his degree in Construction Engineering from MTS Hendrick de Keizer College in Amsterdam. Mr. Slooten received his second degree, this time with an emphasis on International Relations, from Diablo Valley College in 1974. As the Mayor of the City of Clearlake, Mr. Slooten has distinguished himself as a visionary leader whose practical approach to complex challenges has produced meaningful and lasting benefits for our community. Prior to serving as Mayor, Mr. Slooten owned Slooten Consulting, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying business, from 1994 to 2018. Drawing upon a strong business background, he brings thoughtful judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a forward-looking perspective to his service as an elected official. Mr. Slooten has also served as the Chair of the Planning Commission of Clearlake, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of economic opportunity and community needs. Mr. Slooten was also the President of the Rotary Club of Clear Lake, Chair of Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief, Chair of Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association, and a Member of the Yolo County Airport Commission. In these positions, Mr. Slooten remained a steadfast advocate for economic development, playing an instrumental role in creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Beyond his public service, Mr. Slooten has consistently demonstrated his personal investment in the future of our community. Mr. Slooten has generously contributed to numerous non-profit organizations including Adventist Health, Lake County Wine Alliance, Yuba Community College Foundation, and Veterans of Lake County. Mr. Slooten also coached soccer for Davis American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and AYSO Select for 10 years. Through his generous contributions to charitable and civic causes, he has exemplified the spirit of service, entrepreneurship, and community stewardship. Mr. Slooten married Karen Slooten and has three children. His daughter Greta married Andrew Wyeth and had two children: Rowan and Callum. Mr. Slooten's sons, Peter and Paul, were adopted from Guatemala in 1986. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Dirk Slooten for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award. ____________________

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HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E639] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DIRK SLOOTEN ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dirk Slooten whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 4th Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service. As the Lake County honoree, Mr. Slooten is very deserving of this award and recognition. Mr. Slooten was born on August 3, 1951, in Purmerend, the Netherlands. In 1972, Mr. Slooten received his degree in Construction Engineering from MTS Hendrick de Keizer College in Amsterdam. Mr. Slooten received his second degree, this time with an emphasis on International Relations, from Diablo Valley College in 1974. As the Mayor of the City of Clearlake, Mr. Slooten has distinguished himself as a visionary leader whose practical approach to complex challenges has produced meaningful and lasting benefits for our community. Prior to serving as Mayor, Mr. Slooten owned Slooten Consulting, a Civil Engineering and Land Surveying business, from 1994 to 2018. Drawing upon a strong business background, he brings thoughtful judgment, fiscal responsibility, and a forward-looking perspective to his service as an elected official. Mr. Slooten has also served as the Chair of the Planning Commission of Clearlake, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of economic opportunity and community needs. Mr. Slooten was also the President of the Rotary Club of Clear Lake, Chair of Rotary District 5130 Disaster Relief, Chair of Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association, and a Member of the Yolo County Airport Commission. In these positions, Mr. Slooten remained a steadfast advocate for economic development, playing an instrumental role in creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Beyond his public service, Mr. Slooten has consistently demonstrated his personal investment in the future of our community. Mr. Slooten has generously contributed to numerous non-profit organizations including Adventist Health, Lake County Wine Alliance, Yuba Community College Foundation, and Veterans of Lake County. Mr. Slooten also coached soccer for Davis American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and AYSO Select for 10 years. Through his generous contributions to charitable and civic causes, he has exemplified the spirit of service, entrepreneurship, and community stewardship. Mr. Slooten married Karen Slooten and has three children. His daughter Greta married Andrew Wyeth and had two children: Rowan and Callum. Mr. Slooten's sons, Peter and Paul, were adopted from Guatemala in 1986. Mr. Speaker, we recognize Dirk Slooten for his achievements and for enriching our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today with the American Dream Award. ____________________