[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF DAVID SIMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service, 
dedication, and brilliance of our good friend and distinguished 
Portuguese American, White House Political Director David Simas. After 
eight years guiding the policy of the Obama Administration it is both 
fitting and appropriate to honor his service to the United States of 
America where he helped craft policy that improves the lives of 
countless Americans.
  A self-proclaimed ``Kid from Taunton, Massachusetts,'' Mr. Simas is 
the son of Portuguese immigrants, Antonio and Deolinda Simas. Although 
his parents did not attain more than an elementary school education, 
Mr. Simas ever excelled under their parentage. His father taught him 
the impact political policy has on everyday lives and his mother 
instilled in him the importance of family and the support they lend in 
times of need.
  From his upbringing in Taunton, Mr. Simas went on to attend Stonehill 
College and later Boston College Law School. Returning home after 
graduation, he started a law practice and launched a political career 
of his own running for and winning a seat on the school board. Lending 
his talents to the local Portuguese community, Mr. Simas defended those 
in need and led successful political movements on behalf his friends 
and neighbors.
  Later, as an advisor to the mayor of Taunton Mr. Simas helped devise 
a strategy to bring down the city's health care costs, working with the 
public sector unions to reach an agreement that saved the city money 
while ensuring access to good health care. Mr. Simas became well known 
in Massachusetts policy circles, and in 2006, he joined the office of 
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick where he served as Deputy Chief of 
Staff.
  It was not long after the 2008 election of President Barack Obama 
that Governor Patrick connected the two, officially introducing Mr. 
Simas to the President and starting a run of eight years of service to 
the President and our country.
  Calm, unflappable, clinical, and humble are just a few of the words 
used to describe Mr. Simas. He has taken his knowledge and political 
acumen and applied them to the service of the American people. He 
dedicated himself to pass health care reform, bringing coverage to 
millions who previously were left out of the American health care 
system.
  Mr. Simas has always thought about how the decisions he makes and the 
issues he fights for impact everyday people. From his childhood in 
Taunton's Portuguese Village to the West Wing of the White House he has 
always been an advocate for the disadvantaged and underrepresented. I 
wish him, his wife Shauna, and daughters Rowan and Payton the best of 
luck in the years to come. In whatever endeavor he finds himself next, 
I know he will continue to ask himself the same question President 
Obama asked of him: ``Are you doing something every day to help 
people?''
  I am confident he will.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues 
in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the service of Mr. 
David Simas and his many contributions to the wellbeing of the American 
people.

                          ____________________