[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 131 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO MAJOR CHRISTIE PAPILLA CUNNINGHAM

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 2020

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to Major 
Christie Papilla Cunningham for her exemplary dedication to duty and 
service as she transitions from her previous position as a 
Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army 
(Financial Management and Comptroller).
  A native of Los Angeles, California, Major Cunningham was 
commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer upon her graduation 
from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science 
degree in Business Administration. She has also earned a Master's 
degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University.
  For the past 13 years, Major Cunningham has honorably served in 
command and staff positions in the California Army National Guard, U.S. 
Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Army 
Cyber Command, and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. She 
has been assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Bragg, North 
Carolina; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Meade, Maryland. Christie 
deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 
first as the Executive Officer for the Bagram Theater Joint 
Interrogation Facility and then as the Joint Intelligence Officer for 
Joint Task Force Paladin South, a Counter-Improvised Explosive Device 
Task Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
  In 2018, Major Cunningham was assigned as a Congressional Budget 
Liaison for the U.S. Army's Assistant Secretary of the Army for 
Financial Management and Comptroller. In this role, Christie 
effectively managed the Army's Research, Development, Test, and 
Evaluation portfolio and worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and 
their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget position to the 
Appropriations Committees. Christie's professionalism, integrity, and 
dedication to the mission are unmatched.
  Christie cherishes family. Her husband, Patrick, also an active duty 
Major in the U.S. Army, and her children, Esai, Kai, Kaleo, and Kira, 
are the foundation of Christie's success. As we know, military families 
share in the sacrifices made by our servicemembers. The Cunninghams' 
selfless service to the U.S. Army and to their community is a shining 
example of what makes our military the best in the world.
  Throughout her career, Major Cunningham has positively impacted 
countless soldiers of all ranks. Our country has benefited tremendously 
from her extraordinary leadership, intelligence, and passion. I join my 
colleagues today in honoring her dedication to our nation and her 
invaluable service to the U.S. Congress as a Congressional Budget 
Liaison.
  I must also note that, as a Defense Legislative Fellow in my office, 
Major Cunningham consistently provided me with sage advice and quickly 
became a trusted source of counsel to me, my personal staff, and the 
House Appropriations Committee. Christie's sterling intellect, 
versatility, and team-first disposition proved indispensable in 
addressing the number of challenging tasks placed before her. Further, 
her incomparable work ethic, poise under pressure, and generosity will 
be sorely missed. To put it simply, Major Cunningham's performance as a 
Defense Legislative Fellow was outstanding and reflects great credit 
upon the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. I am deeply 
appreciative of her contributions to my office and the U.S. Congress.
  Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with 
Major Cunningham. On behalf of a grateful nation, I recognize and 
commend Christie for her service to our country and I wish her all the 
best as she continues her service in the U.S. Army.

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