[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E62]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF MELISSA KIEDROWICZ ELLISON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2021

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a trusted 
advisor, Melissa Kiedrowicz Ellison, who has been an invaluable member 
of my team for more than a decade. Melissa first joined my staff as an 
intern in the 111th Congress and has served the people of the district 
I represent as a Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant, 
Legislative Director, and as my Deputy Chief of Staff. Melissa has 
always been a steady hand, helping me carry out my duties as a member 
of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, Chair of the Congressional 
Hispanic Caucus, and as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus 
during the 115th Congress.
  Melissa has been by my side through countless hours of markups and 
hearings on difficult issues before the Committee on Ways and Means. 
Her grace under pressure, expertise, and leadership have been 
extraordinary assets in guiding my legislative efforts to combat the 
COVID-19 pandemic and help working families recover from the greatest 
challenge we have faced in generations. Melissa always strived to make 
a meaningful difference in the lives of the constituents we serve, and 
she ensured Team Sanchez worked with common purpose in the halls of 
Congress and in the 38th District to do so. Thanks to Melissa's 
tenacity, I was proud to secure passage of 13 bills through the U.S. 
House of Representatives on her watch.
  Melissa is known for her witty sense of humor, unfailing loyalty, and 
an appreciation for all things Disney.
  I am so proud that Melissa will be bringing that magic to the Ways 
and Means Committee as the new Director of Outreach and Member 
Services. Her rich knowledge of the Committee will be a boon to 
Chairman Neal and all of our members as we redouble our efforts to 
defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild an economy that benefits all 
working families. Though Melissa is leaving my office, I am so glad she 
is remaining in the Ways and Means Committee family and she will 
forever be a valued family member of Team Sanchez. I cannot wait to see 
all her future accomplishments as her career unfolds.