[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ON SONJA NESBIT MOVING TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2013

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize one of 
the finest committee staff members to have worked for me, the Ways and 
Means Committee and the U.S. House of Representatives. Sonja Nesbit 
joined the House staff over 11 years ago and has made an enormous 
difference for millions of Americans since the day she arrived. Now she 
is moving on to the Department of Health and Human Services to continue 
her work on behalf of the nation's poor, and I want to thank her for 
her accomplishments, her ongoing dedication to this institution, and 
for her service to the American people.
  In Congress Sonja was at the center of our efforts to restructure the 
national foster care system, a reform that has helped innumerable young 
people get a better shot at finding a good family and personal and 
professional success. Sonja also worked tirelessly on the creation of 
the home visitation program in the Affordable Care Act that promotes 
home visits for at-risk children.
  Sonja is a leading expert in her field and is, really, the ideal 
public servant. She gave thoughtful advice and counsel, helping myself 
and other members do the right thing for the poor and needy in this 
country. She was patient, helpful, and always looking for policy that 
would reflect the values of justice and equality. This is what the 
American people need in a public servant and in congressional staff.
  Now Sonja is moving on to work in the Department of Health and Human 
Services where she'll continue her work on making the country's social 
safety net just and strong.
  We will all miss her. I congratulate Sonja on her new position, thank 
her for her good work, and wish her the best of luck at HHS.

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