[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 181 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF DAMON P. NELSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Nunes) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues who are 
here to pay tribute to the staff director of the House Intelligence 
Committee, Damon Nelson, who passed away on Saturday.
  As you see from the tributes that have already poured in and those to 
come today, Damon worked closely with many Members of Congress for a 
long time. He served 12 years in my personal office as my legislative 
director, later as deputy chief of staff, and then almost 4 years on 
the House Intelligence Committee as senior adviser, deputy staff 
director, and, finally, staff director.
  These testimonies reflect Damon's hard work and his enthusiasm for 
helping others. He showed immense respect for the institution of 
Congress and felt deeply honored to assist the people's Representatives 
and to participate in the legislative process.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for coming today to speak 
on the House floor about Damon. He will be deeply missed both inside 
and outside these halls, and especially by his wife, Dana.
  At this time, I am honored to yield to the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Calvert), my great friend and chairman of the Republican 
delegation from California.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend Damon Nelson, who led the 
House Intelligence Committee staff on the committee very well. He 
passed away unexpectedly, as mentioned by Congressman Nunes, this past 
Saturday at the age of 46.
  As many have known, Damon was a long-time friend and staff member of 
Congressman Devin Nunes. Over time, Damon became close with many us 
here. I got to know Damon through my work on California water policy.
  There is a saying, ``Whiskey is for drinking; water is for 
fighting,'' and that certainly was true when it comes to water in the 
West, and it continues to be. However, Damon showed a unique talent for 
mediating complex water issues, keeping the confidence of the 
stakeholders involved.
  He became an expert on California water, mentoring staff and Members 
on the issue. Without a doubt, he was one of the most gifted, 
intelligent, articulate negotiators on a very complex issue that 
transcended political parties, regions, and, oftentimes, common sense.
  He took this rare set of skills to his next role as staff director 
for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As one of the 
appropriators assigned to HPSCI, I was fortunate to be able to continue 
to work with Damon. Just as he demonstrated on California water, Damon 
took the helm of the committee with ease and guided it through some of 
the most challenging times the committee has faced. He did all of this 
with a smile and the confidence that he was working toward something 
greater than himself.
  His presence will be deeply missed on the committee and in Congress. 
I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Dana, and to his entire 
family, including my good friend, Devin.
  Damon served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, 
was a veteran of the Gulf War, and was an American patriot. He came to 
D.C. to make a difference, and he did.
  Godspeed, Damon. We are grateful for your service, and we will honor 
your memory.
  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Valadao).
  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to someone I 
have gotten to know over the last few years pretty well.
  Damon Nelson became an immediate friend, an ally, and a mentor. There 
are so many different words to describe what Damon was to a lot of us.
  When I came in as a freshman, I still remember his help setting up 
offices, helping me interview potential staff, and giving me direction 
on every decision that we had to make. It was amazing to watch, as an 
incoming Member with brand-new staff, the way that he would take his 
time to mentor every single one of them from top to bottom.

                              {time}  1030

  Damon treated everyone as an equal. He treated people with respect 
and dignity. He truly loved this country, loved this institution, and 
loved the process of helping others be successful here. He never, ever 
looked down on another person. He had a sense of humor even until the 
very end. Every chance I could, I would get down into the Permanent 
Select Committee on Intelligence and just spend some time with him in 
the office talking and laughing about whatever topic was going on that 
day.
  He is going to be truly missed by a lot of us. He was truly a great 
guy who really added a lot to this institution. He made my time here in 
Congress much, much better, and even helped set us up for as much 
success as we have had over the last 6 years, and it is all because of 
guys like Damon. I am grateful to have known him and grateful to have 
served with him. I really do wish his family the best.

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