[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 31 (Friday, February 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RECOGNIZING RICKY LE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2018

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Ricky Le, who just concluded over five years as my chief of staff.
  Ricky's story is truly an inspirational and American one. He was just 
four years old when his family fled communist Vietnam as refugees in a 
raft and came to the United States, seeking freedom and opportunity.
  Ricky grew up in San Jose, California, raised by his parents Tan Xuan 
Le and Kim Phi Luu. With the help of a local mentor, he was the first 
in his family to go to college. With the help of scholarships and 
grants, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz. As 
someone appreciative of the opportunities he was offered by our 
country, Ricky has devoted his career to public service.
  He began by serving as an intern for my California colleague, 
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, before assuming the role of scheduler and 
staff assistant. Following a break to earn a law degree from Santa 
Clara University School of Law, Ricky went back to Congresswoman 
Lofgren's office as a policy advisor and eventually deputy chief of 
staff. He also worked for her on the House Administration Committee and 
as executive director of the California Democratic Congressional 
Delegation.
  His wealth of congressional experience, knowledge of California, and 
policy expertise is why I was grateful when Ricky agreed to be my chief 
of staff when I was first elected to Congress in 2012. He is believed 
to be the first Vietnamese American congressional chief of staff and 
has served as a mentor to dozens of congressional staffers from the 
Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
  Ricky did a remarkable job in setting up my office. He assembled a 
great team, provided able counsel to me on the innerworkings of the 
House, and strived tirelessly to

[[Page E204]]

help fulfill my vision of bringing new energy and ideas to Congress.
  For over five years Ricky has continued that great work. Day or night 
he has always been there to see that I am doing the best job I can to 
represent the East Bay. The residents of the Fifteenth Congressional 
District and I will be forever indebted for his service.
  On a personal level, I have come to deeply value Ricky's friendship. 
My staff and I will truly miss his presence in our office.
  I know I speak for all of us as I wish Ricky all the best as he takes 
on his next challenge.

                          ____________________