[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E144-E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MELANIE RHINEHART VAN TASSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
Chief of Staff, Melanie Rhinehart Van Tassell, for a decade of service 
to me and to the people of California's Fifth Congressional District.
  Born in Santa Cruz and raised in Antioch, Melanie attended high 
school and college in the East Bay, graduating in 1996 with dual 
degrees in Political Science and Business from the University of 
California, Berkeley. She went to work in the litigation consulting 
industry until 2001, when she left to earn a Master's in Business 
Administration at New York University's Stern School of Business. Upon 
graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to use her intellect for 
public service.
  Melanie began her career on Capitol Hill as a part-time intern in 
Congress before being hired as a legislative assistant to Congressman 
Earl Pomeroy in March of 2004. In just three short years, she took over 
as his legislative director, overseeing the congressman's policy 
agenda. After the 2010 midterm elections, I hired her to manage my 
legislative team at the strong recommendation of Congressman Pomeroy. 
Within months, she was promoted to Chief of Staff, becoming possibly 
the kindest, most genuine person to ever serve in such a position.
  In my office, Melanie has proven herself to be an effective, 
charismatic leader and a skilled political operative. Handling issues 
of the utmost importance to our district, she has taken on a portfolio 
that spans natural disasters to the Wine Caucus. All the while, she has 
used her unbelievably positive, infectious personality to make everyone 
she interacts with feel special.
  Despite the long hours involved with leading a congressional office, 
Melanie carves out quality time to spend with her husband Steven

[[Page E145]]

and their young son Shane, whom she has ingrained with a deep 
appreciation for two of her favorite things--Disney and stuffed 
animals. Volunteering as Silent Auction Chair for her son's preschool 
in Alexandria, she showcased the same tenacity that serves her so well 
as Chief of Staff. Melanie raised over $20,000 for two consecutive 
school years, blowing out any record in the school's history.
  Madam Speaker, my staff, myself, and the people of our district are 
deeply grateful for Melanie Rhinehart Van Tassell's expert guidance 
over these last 10 years. She personifies service, generosity, and 
leadership, and I am especially proud and honored to have her as my 
Chief of Staff.

                          ____________________