Suzan DelBene

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 10193.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Todd for more than four decades of service to the City of Mill Creek and the people of Snohomish County. From his earliest days as a community volunteer to his service as a Mill Creek City Councilmember, Mayor, and Director of Public Works, Mike has dedicated himself to strengthening the community he has proudly called home since 1983. Throughout his career, Mike has embodied true civic leadership. Long before holding public office, he volunteered countless hours at local schools, youth programs, and parks, helping enrich the lives of young people and families throughout the region. During his more than fifteen years on the Mill Creek City Council, including two terms as Mayor, he earned a reputation for his thoughtful, pragmatic approach to helping the city grow while preserving the qualities that make it a special place to work, live, and raise a family. His impact extends well beyond Mill Creek. Through his service with Community Transit, the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Snohomish County Cities Group, and other regional organizations, Mike strengthened regional partnerships and advanced policies that continue to serve our communities today. In 2020, Mike also stepped into the role of Director of Public Works & Development Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing steady leadership during an extraordinarily challenging time. Mike's legacy is reflected not only in the projects he led and positions he held, but in the many lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to public service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mike Todd for his remarkable contributions to the people of Washington. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement, thank him for his decades of service, and wish him and his family the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Sivaramakrishnan ``Soma'' Somasegar. Soma was an incredible technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and friend in our community. Born and raised in southern India, Soma came to the United States to attend Louisiana State University. In 1989, he began his career at Microsoft. Soma played a critical role in Windows NT, one of the most important projects in Microsoft's history. Through his remarkable management skills, dedication, and work ethic, he rose to senior leadership at Microsoft, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President until 2015. I had the joy of getting to know him during our time at Microsoft together. His infectious smile and warm presence brought energy to every room he entered. After leaving Microsoft, Soma devoted himself to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as a managing director at Madrona Venture Group, where he guided countless startups and helped strengthen our region's innovation ecosystem. Beyond his professional achievements, Soma was deeply committed to his community. As the proud cofounder of the Seattle Orcas, he helped bring professional cricket to the Pacific Northwest and shared his love of the sport with many in our region. He was also a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, supporting organizations at every level that worked to expand equity and opportunity. But above all, Soma's greatest joy was his family. His wife, Akila, and two daughters were the center of his world. He spoke of them often with great admiration, gratitude, and boundless pride. Everything he accomplished was grounded in love for them. To know Soma was to know how much they shaped him, supported him, and inspired him. It is their strength, love, and example that carry forward the legacy of a man who gave so much to his community, his colleagues, and his country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering Soma's remarkable legacy. His family, friends, and colleagues will cherish his kindness and wisdom for years to come.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, we find ourselves in an all too familiar situation. Speaker Johnson and House Republicans are trying again to prevent our ability to have an up-or-down vote on Trump's tariffs, like they have done multiple times over the last year. The President's chaotic trade war has been crushing businesses and raising prices on families across the country. I am hearing from communities across Washington about the devastating impact of these tariffs. A small business owner in my district told me he is being tariffed out of business. I know my colleagues are hearing the same, especially from farmers who are often the first and hardest hit when countries retaliate against these tariffs. Yet, despite all of this damage, Republicans have sheepishly fallen in line behind the President and gone along with avoiding a vote. They would rather bend the knee to the President than stand up for their communities. Affordability is the number one issue facing families right now. Tariffs are taxes that raise prices, plain and simple. These illegal tariffs cost the average American family $1,700 last year. Today is an opportunity to break this cycle, but Republicans need to be part of the solution. This is a chance to stand up for our constituents, who deserve to know that their elected Representatives really work for them. If my colleagues think these sweeping tariffs are such a good idea, then vote for it, but stop hiding. We are not elected to dodge important issues just because we are afraid of the President. The Constitution gives Congress, not the President, authority over trade policy. I am grateful for my colleagues who have been fighting with me against these tariffs since the beginning. I hope that more of them will find the courage to say enough is enough today. Vote ``no'' on the rule.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I have heard story after story of people seeking care from crisis pregnancy centers only to be provided with misleading or deceptive medical information or services that endanger their health. That is why during last week's markup on this bill, I introduced a responsible amendment that would have prohibited fraudulent centers from receiving TANF funds funded by taxpayer dollars. Republicans regularly talk about rooting out government waste, fraud, and abuse, but not a single one supported my amendment. It's clear that Republicans have no interest in addressing fraud if it conflicts with their dogmatic ideology even at the cost of their constituents' health. Republicans are outraged at the idea of simply holding crisis pregnancy centers to the same medical standards as licensed health facilities. Why are Republicans willing to categorically turn a blind eye to the countless horror stories happening at these sham health clinics? It is because for Republicans, when it comes to women's health, accountability isn't required. This bill defines pregnancy centers as organizations that support ``protecting the life of the mother and the unborn child,'' but Republican's commitment to funneling taxpayer dollars to medical grifters endangers both. I urge my colleagues to vote No on this irresponsible bill.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unwavering support for this extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits. For the last year, my colleagues and I have fought to keep these enhanced tax credits. While this vote is later than it should have been, it is not too late to do what is right for the American people and for my constituents like Gerry, who has already seen a 60-percent increase in his premiums; Steve, whose plan went up by over 40 percent; and Mitch, who is looking at a 420-percent increase for him and his wife. Republicans and the Trump administration promised to bring down prices. Instead, they have made healthcare a luxury that only some can afford. I believe everyone should have affordable, quality, accessible healthcare. Because of that, I will be voting in favor of this legislation and supporting the extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out the impact of the Republican healthcare crisis in my community, particularly those hurt by the expiring tax credits. One of those people is Gerry from Kirkland. Gerry has cancer and depends on his Affordable Care Act coverage to afford treatment. Right now, Gerry and his wife pay $2,800 a month in premiums. Without the ACA tax credits, the same plan next year will cost him nearly $4,500 a month. That is a 67 percent increase. Gerry and his wife thought they could retire comfortably. Instead, they are facing $54,000 a year in insurance premiums alone because of the healthcare crisis that Republicans and Donald Trump created. There is no way they will be able to sustain themselves with that much of a price increase. Mr. Speaker, I am going to keep fighting for Gerry and the millions of other Americans so that they can afford the coverage they need.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Bryan Johnson. During his 53-year career as a radio and television journalist with KOMO News, Mr. Johnson's tenacious reporting and compassionate storytelling made him a staple in households across Western Washington. Mr. Johnson spent his career telling the stories that mattered most to Washingtonians. He held power to account, asking tough questions of local officials and becoming a trusted source of news for communities across our region. His work as a journalist strengthened our democracy and left a lasting impact on our communities. Mr. Johnson emigrated from the United Kingdom as a child and settled in Washington State in 1948. He graduated from Vashon High School and the University of Washington before beginning a career in broadcast journalism at age 19. Over the next two decades, he rose to become a news anchor and director at KOMO Radio before moving to television full-time in the 1980's. For more than a half-century, Mr. Johnson reported on the local and national events that directly impacted Washington families, from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens to the inauguration of President Obama in 2008. For his reporting, he was awarded the National Unity in Broadcasting Award and several local Emmys, and in 2013 he was inducted into the NATAS Northwest Gold Circle. Throughout his more than five decades with KOMO, Mr. Johnson's colleagues and competitors alike lauded his grace, warmth, and kindness. Mr. Johnson was also a devoted father, grandfather, and husband to his wife Peg. Mr. Johnson will be remembered as a dedicated journalist, a loving father, and a beloved presence in communities throughout Western Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bryan Johnson and the legacy his work has left behind.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Brian Holtzclaw for his twelve years of dedicated service to the City of Mill Creek. Mayor Holtzclaw was elected to the city council in 2013, served as Mayor Pro Tempore, and has led the city as mayor since 2020. During his tenure, he has championed thoughtful city planning and growth, helping Mill Creek expand economic opportunities and enhance tourism while preserving the city's character. Mayor Holtzclaw has lived in Mill Creek since 2003 and is deeply engaged in the community he serves. He helped advance the South Town Center Project and the DRCC properties, which include four city-owned parcels the city is exploring for a new community campus. He is also an avid cyclist, a hobby he pursues with energy and enthusiasm. His collaborative approach within Snohomish County has strengthened regional partnerships while keeping Mill Creek's unique identity intact. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mayor Holtzclaw for his leadership and service. He has left a lasting mark on Mill Creek, and I wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Geoffrey Thomas for the eighteen years he has devoted to the City of Monroe. Mayor Thomas began his public service on the city council in 2004 and has served as mayor since 2014. Over the years, he has guided Monroe with steady leadership and a clear commitment to the community's vision through Imagine Monroe, a plan focused on safety, inclusion, and opportunity for every resident. Beyond his professional experience in local government and the private sector, Mayor Thomas has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service. He has contributed as a planning commissioner in Olympia and Monroe, a scout leader, firefighter, lacrosse coach, homeowners' association president, and church director. Mayor Thomas and his wife of 32 years, Laura, have lived in Monroe since 2000 and raised their two sons in the community he has worked tirelessly to strengthen. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing gratitude to Mayor Thomas for his remarkable service. His dedication has strengthened Monroe, and his legacy of leadership and community engagement will continue to inspire for years to come. I wish him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I necessarily had to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 305.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I necessarily had to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 303, REFINER Act and NAY on Roll Call No. 304, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, this bill fails to address the fundamental needs of families across our country. Americans have made it crystal clear that affordability is their number one concern. President Trump and Republicans promised to lower costs on day one, and that has been one big broken promise. Healthcare premiums are skyrocketing because Republicans refuse to extend the ACA tax credits, causing healthcare costs to go up for everyone. Over 4 million people will be forced off their coverage next year because it is too expensive. This is on top of soaring prices for food, energy, and housing. That is unacceptable for the wealthiest nation in the world. Republicans who say they support affordable healthcare should be standing up for their constituents rather than falling in line behind President Trump. I am going to keep fighting for affordable healthcare and lower costs. The American people deserve better.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emma Weir for her outstanding service as Communications Director and Senior Advisor for the New Democrat Coalition over the past four years. As former chairwoman of the New Democrat Coalition, I had the privilege of working closely with Emma. She brought strategic insight, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public service that strengthened our message, expanded our reach, and supported every member of the Coalition. During some of the most pivotal debates during the Democratic majority, Emma's creativity and instinct were instrumental in advancing New Dem priorities that helped improve the lives of Americans across the country. Her work has left a lasting impact on the New Dems and the values we fight for. While we will miss her leadership, I am excited to see Emma take on a new role with Chairman Pete Aguilar and the House Democratic Caucus. I know she will continue to serve with the same skill and dedication that made her so effective with the New Dems. I thank Emma for her service, and I wish her the very best in this next chapter.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anusha Arora on being the Gold Medal recipient at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair for her project titled ``Smart Strings: A Novel Low- Cost Multimodal System for Intelligent Sensory Feedback through Artificial Intelligence.'' The Washington State Science and Engineering Fair aims to advance the studies of STEM in grades 1-12 through the State of Washington. They work to provide opportunities for students to display their projects and provide support and guidance for the operation of science and engineering fairs throughout Washington State. Additionally, Anusha had the opportunity to represent Washington State at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. For more than 70 years, thousands of students from various science fair networks have explored their passion for scientific research at the world's largest pre-college science competition. Students from more than 75 countries, regions and territories competed across 21 different STEM disciplines. This year, Anusha competed among the top young scientists from around the globe and was selected as a Grand Award Winner in the category of ``Technology Enhances the Arts.'' Anusha Arora attends Interlake High School in Washington's 1st Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Anusha Arora and this victory for science education in Washington. Her work demonstrates not only exceptional scientific excellence, but a deep commitment to addressing real world challenges. We are grateful for her contributions to the scientific community and wish her a successful career.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marcus Tageant, Councilmember for the City of Lake Stevens, who passed away last month. During his almost 16 years with the council, Mr. Tageant was committed to public service, devoted to his community, and making the city a better place for all. He played an important role in driving economic growth, strengthening public safety, and upgrading local infrastructure. He also had a fondness for the city's parks and was instrumental in expanding public spaces like North Cove and Cavalero parks. His passion for the people of Lake Stevens guided every decision he made, and his love for the community was evident in all aspects of his life. Prior to his tenure on Lake Steven's city council, Mr. Tageant served for four years in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably in the Persian Gulf War. After his service, he studied at Washington State University before moving back to his hometown of Lake Stevens, where he founded two successful real estate companies, creating jobs for his community. He was a committed volunteer to many community groups, like the Lake Stevens Kiwanis, the Greater Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion. He believed it was important to give back to the community where he lived and worked. Mr. Tageant was also a newly devoted husband to his wife Marcella, having been married just this past April. Mr. Tageant will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a deeply valued member of the Lake Stevens community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring City Councilmember Marcus Tageant and the legacy his work has left behind.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, President Trump and Republicans love calling this one big, beautiful bill, but it is really one big, broken promise. Republicans swore that they would lower costs on day one. Instead, families are paying more for groceries, energy, and healthcare bills. Republicans have spent months fighting over how many Americans they are going to kick off of Medicaid and how fast. This is literally a matter of life and death, and for what? Another massive round of tax breaks to pad the wallets of the ultrawealthy and big corporations. A mom from Kirkland told me recently that she was horrified to see what Republicans are doing to these programs. She raised two kids with the support of Medicaid, SNAP, and the child tax credit. She said that the supports that Republicans are cutting help real people live real, productive lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge Republicans to listen to their constituents and vote ``no'' on this big, broken promise.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Abe Friedman for his exemplary service to the people of Washington's First Congressional District. For more than four years, Abe has been an indispensable member of my team, helping ensure that our legislative work always stayed closely aligned with the priorities and values of our constituents. As someone who grew up on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Abe has brought to our office a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest region and a steadfast commitment to delivering results for families, workers, and businesses across the district. His work on trade, foreign policy, and health care demonstrated a valuable combination of policy expertise, strategic insight, and tireless dedication. Abe's contributions have made a real difference in people's lives. He helped lead efforts to stand up against harmful tariffs and supported the introduction of the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which aims to protect Washington's economy and jobs. Abe also showed deep commitment to fixing our health care system, playing a major role in advancing legislation to reform prior authorization to allow patients to get the care they need without facing hurdles. He also supported the construction of new military housing at Naval Station Everett to ensure our servicemembers and their families had a safe place to call home. Amid the baby formula shortage in 2022, Abe fought hard to remove tariffs on imported formula to ensure families had safe, affordable access to the nutrition infants need. Abe fought hard to secure disaster relief for dairy farmers and growers who were hit the hardest during the 2021 heat dome. Through every challenge, Abe brought a calm presence, a sharp policy mind, and quick wit. This work often happened behind the scenes, but its impact will be felt across Washington's First District for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Abe Friedman and wishing him the best in his next chapter.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleague Rep. Dan Newhouse, to honor the life and legacy of Washington's former Secretary of Health Mary Selecky, who we both had the honor of serving besides in former Governor Christine Gregoire's cabinet. For over four decades, Mary dedicated her life and career to improving public health across Washington. She began her career as the administrator for the Northeast Tri County Health District. In 1999, she was appointed as the Secretary of Health by Governor Gary Locke and continued in that role under Governors Gregoire and Jay Inslee until her retirement in 2013. During her tenure as Washington's Secretary of Health, Mary was instrumental in reducing smoking rates and increasing childhood vaccination coverage across the state. She was known for her commitment to preventive care and for strengthening the collaboration between state and local health agencies. In 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state drew on Mary's commitment to preparedness for a public health emergency. During our time in the cabinet with her, we valued her expertise, tenacity, and mentorship that she provided to all. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was deeply connected to her community in Colville, Washington, where she resided for over 50 years. Her dedication to both her local community and the broader public health landscape left a lasting impact on the state. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring Mary Selecky's life and contributions to public health, as well as Washington.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleague Rep. Dan Newhouse, to honor the life and legacy of Washington's former Secretary of Health, Mary Selecky. For over four decades, Mary dedicated her life and career to public health throughout Washington. She began her career as the administrator for the Northeast Tri County Health District. In 1999, she was appointed as the Secretary of Health by Governor Gary Locke and continued in that role under Governors Chris Gregoire and Jay Inslee until her retirement in 2013. During her tenure, Mary was instrumental in reducing smoking rates and increasing childhood vaccination coverage across the state. She was known for her commitment to preventive care and for strengthening the collaboration between state and local health agencies. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was deeply connected to her community in Colville, Washington, where she resided for over 50 years. Her dedication to both her local community and the broader public health landscape left a lasting impact on the state. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Selecky's life and contributions to public health.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, one thing we should be talking about are the important investments that we make in medical research. The United States leads the world in medical research and innovation. Without our investments, more people would be dying from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Mr. Speaker, medical breakthroughs of tomorrow are at risk because of Trump's research cuts at the National Institutes of Health. These cuts will be especially felt in my home State of Washington, where we are leaders in advancing world-class scientific research that saves lives. Washington is home to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where I recently visited to highlight the devastating impacts of these cuts on the 40,000 patients that they serve each year. In fiscal year 2024, Washington researchers were awarded nearly $1.3 billion in NIH funding that supports 12,000 jobs in our State. One of my constituents works at an organization that is fighting autoimmune diseases. It is 80 percent funded by NIH investments. She is worried about the devastating impacts that these cuts would have on the patients who rely on their work. I started my career in medical research, and I know what losing funding or even the threat of it being cut off could have on institutions and their patients. The consequences of the President's decision will be felt in so many ways. Labs could go dark. Patients could be kicked off of lifesaving critical trials. New cures could be delayed. Future innovators could abandon the field. The President must stop the senseless attack on the research that saves money but, most importantly, saves lives.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Owen Zhang as a top 40 finalist for the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS). Regeneron STS is the most prestigious science competition for high school seniors in the country and has been held annually as a program of Society for Science since 1942. Alumni from Regeneron STS have gone on to become recipients of the world's most distinguished science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and National Medal of Science. In this 84th year of Regeneron STS, Owen is one of the top 40 finalists that were selected from nearly 2,500 entries. For his project, he developed a solution to a problem about 3-uniform hypergraphs. This project, ``Tetrahedron-Intersecting Families of 3- uniform Hypergraphs,'' utilized computer programming techniques to answer a long-standing question about the maximum number of unique connection conformations that can be found in 3-uniform Hypergraphs with the same vertices. Owen believes the result of his project is the first time such a problem has been solved in a hypergraph setting. Owen Zhang, the son of Yunjing Ma and Geqiang Zhang, attends Bellevue High School in Washington's 1st Congressional District, where he leads the math club and competes in DECA events. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Owen Zhang and this victory for science education in Washington state. We are grateful for his contributions to the scientific community and wish him a successful career.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cascadia College for 25 years of invaluable service to students, faculty, and staff in Washington's 1st Congressional District and beyond. Since 2000, Cascadia College has strived to create a community that encourages life-long learning and delivers accessible and equitable educational experiences that motivate every person to achieve their academic goals and pursue a meaningful career. Offering 80 different certificates and degree pathways, Cascadia College places emphasis on teaching students how to think critically, learn actively, interact in diverse and complex environments, and communicate with clarity. Recognized as an award-winning green campus, Cascadia College has made strides in sustainability. The campus is managed 100 percent pesticide free, and Cascadia has ranked number one in the Nation by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for six consecutive years. Given the school's devotion to maintaining the 58-acres of wetlands on campus, pollinator gardens, and their Food Forest, Cascadia students have the opportunity to pursue academic degrees and programs revolving around sustainability and are offered a hands-on learning experience to enhance both their campus and the greater community. It's an honor to represent Cascadia College in Congress, and I hope to see them operate for many more years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cascadia College and their continued service to inspire students and faculty to achieve their academic and career goals.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Shanta Katipamula for nearly five years of outstanding service to my office and the constituents of Washington's 1st Congressional District. Shanta joined my office in July 2020, and as someone raised in Washington, she ensured that the voices of those in our communities were front and center in our work. She has worked tirelessly on securing millions of dollars for our region through Community Project Funding (CPF) and has become known as the ``CPF Queen.'' Shanta has been instrumental in many of my legislative efforts including securing bipartisan passage of the National Landslide Preparedness Act, which will help communities better prepare for natural disasters, saving the Redmond postal facility and protecting mail delivery for millions of King and Snohomish County residents, and advocating for enhanced standards and protections for wildlife as demonstrated in calling for the relocation of Tokitae, the beloved captive Southern Resident orca who was captured from the Puget Sound. As our Legislative Correspondent and intern coordinator, Shanta ensured that every constituent received a timely response and served as a mentor to countless interns in our office. Shanta has been a trusted advisor and an invaluable member of our team. Her sharp intellect and commitment to public service have elevated our work and remind us all why we fight for our communities. She has made a lasting impact, and her legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Shanta Katipamula and wishing her the best in her next chapter.