[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 182 (Thursday, November 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF LEITH DAGHISTANI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAUREN UNDERWOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2019

  Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Leith Daghistani 
for his service in my office in Washington, DC.
  Leith joined our office as a legislative fellow and served as an 
advisor for my work on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, in 
addition to handling a policy portfolio that included defense, foreign 
affairs, agriculture, and trade. Among other accomplishments, he 
developed multiple pieces of legislation to improve health care 
delivery at the VA and helped our agricultural community navigate a 
challenging year of tough weather and unprecedented trade tensions. 
Leith was also instrumental in ensuring House passage of the Veterans' 
Care Quality Transparency Act and the Caring For Our Women Veterans 
Act.
  Leith's diligence, intelligence, and compassion were invaluable 
assets as we worked to establish our legislative operation from scratch 
during my first year in office. I commend his drive to advance mental 
health and suicide prevention services for veterans and to improve 
outcomes for women veterans and younger veterans. Although Leith may be 
leaving our office, our veterans in northern Illinois and our community 
that supports and honors them will continue to benefit from the results 
of his hard work and expertise.
  Prior to joining my staff, Leith earned a Bachelor of Science from 
the United States Naval Academy and served our country as an officer in 
the United States Navy. I am grateful he chose to continue his career 
in public service by joining my office. Our office will miss his 
kindness, diligence, sense of humor, and expertly-brewed coffee.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to formally thank Leith Daghistani for 
his service to my office, to Illinois's 14th Congressional District, 
and to our country.

                          ____________________