[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LAUREN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2016

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to honor the life of Lauren 
Suzanne Smith. I am joined by my esteemed colleagues Doris O. Matsui, 
Jerry McNerney, Zoe Lofgren, Ami Bera, Julia Brownley, Lois Capps, Tony 
Cardenas, Judy Chu, Jim Costa, Susan A. Davis, Mark DeSaulnier, Anna 
Eshoo, Sam Farr, John Garamendi, Janice Hahn, Barbara Lee, Ted Lieu, 
Alan S. Lowenthal, Grace F. Napolitano, Linda Sanchez, Adam B. Schiff, 
Brad Sherman, Jackie Speier, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, 
Norma J. Torres, Juan Vargas, and Maxine Waters.
  Lauren Smith, a beloved daughter, sister, friend, Congressional 
staffer, and coworker, died on December 26, 2015 in her home in 
Washington, D.C. at the age of 37.
  Lauren was born on August 18, 1978, in Illinois. At the age of four, 
she attended her first Chicago White Sox baseball game--thus launching 
a lifelong love of the sport. Lauren was also a professional ballroom 
dancer and instructor. A self-proclaimed ``foodie,'' Lauren was an 
inspirational chef, who had her own website: ``One if By Food.'' She 
believed people should not have to compromise taste, flavor, and 
health--just because they were only cooking for one.
   Lauren thrived on following her passions, despite the sacrifices. 
That characteristic fueled her journey across the country multiple 
times, from the campaign trail to Capitol Hill. Her unabating 
dedication to progressive ideals was second only to her independent 
spirit. Her keen communications skills and doggedness served her well, 
bringing exciting opportunities and necessitating many a quick decision 
to say ``yes'' to pack up everything to go on to the next challenge.
   Lauren got her feet wet fresh from graduating from Cal State 
Fullerton with the All America PAC during the 2006 midterm elections, 
and worked her way up to become the Democratic National Committee's 
statewide communications director for Indiana during the 2008 
presidential election. Lauren proved herself time and again, handling 
tough situations and high pressure through a decade on the Hill as 
Press Secretary for Rep. Cuellar (D-Texas), Communications Director for 
Rep. Matsui (D-Calif.), and Communications Director/Deputy Chief of 
Staff for Rep. McNerney (D-Calif.). After serving as Communications 
Consultant for John Walsh's bid for Montana's vacant Senate seat, 
Lauren served as the Deputy Communications Director for Sen. Walsh (D-
Mont.) as well.
  In 2015, Lauren joined Rep. Honda's (D-Calif.) team. Lauren swiftly 
settled in, becoming a major asset to the entire staff--teaming with 
each staff member to increase effectiveness of all communication. She 
thoughtfully served as the Member's voice and ambassador to the media. 
Lauren was a media liaison extraordinaire, easily developing positive 
professional relationships with reporters.
  Lauren loved her job, and everyone knew it from her positive impact. 
Lauren changed the lives of everyone with whom she worked. A common 
denominator for all the offices where Lauren worked is that Lauren was 
viewed as dedicated, passionate, incredibly hard-working, and most of 
all, beloved. She would brighten up any office with her quick wit and 
cheery nature. She was also deeply caring and considerate. She was the 
first to ask how someone was doing and offer assistance. To her, 
relationships mattered most of all. Lauren always put herself last.
  Mr. Speaker, sometimes, we are simply lucky enough to be gifted with 
an amazing employee and colleague. Lauren had an infectious laugh, and 
an inspiring spirit that matched her drive to make the world a better 
and happier place. No doubt, Lauren is still giggling somewhere, and 
looking out for her loved ones. Lauren--you are beyond compare. You 
made it so easy to fall into love with you. We miss you so very dearly.

                          ____________________