[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 103 (Monday, June 14, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2722-H2723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WELCOMING THE HONORABLE MELANIE A. STANSBURY TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. 
Herrell) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. HERRELL. Madam Speaker, I have the distinct honor to rise today 
as the dean of our delegation to introduce the newest Member of the 
House of Representatives from New Mexico's First Congressional 
District: Melanie Stansbury.
  Melanie was born in Farmington and grew up in the North Valley and 
west side of Albuquerque. She is from a hardworking family that 
typifies millions of New Mexicans. Melanie's mother supported her 
family as a seamstress and heavy equipment operator. Her family owned a 
landscaping and irrigation business, where she worked growing up.
  After graduating from Cibola High School, she attended St. Mary's 
College in California and went on to graduate studies at Cornell 
University. She came home and served our State as a science instructor 
through the Museum of Natural History, visiting schools across the 
State.
  Before she was elected to office, Melanie served our Nation here in 
Washington at the Office of Management and Budget, and the U.S. Senate 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Congresswoman Stansbury has been shown to be a dedicated public 
servant, and I know she does not take her new role lightly. I pray that 
God will guide her in her decisions, strengthen her during trials, and 
bless all of us in public service with wisdom and grace.
  Today, please help me welcome the newest Member of the House from the 
Land of Enchantment, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury.
  The SPEAKER. We welcome back to the House three former Members of the 
House: Senator Heinrich; Senator Ben Ray Lujan; and visiting from 
Washington State, Senator Cantwell.

[[Page H2723]]

  The gentlewoman from New Mexico is recognized.
  Ms. STANSBURY. Madam Speaker, I rise today as the newest 
Representative for New Mexico's First Congressional District.
  As Secretary Deb Haaland said in her farewell before this body: We 
are called to service in different ways.
  I stand here today because I believe that we are called to build a 
world that is more just, more equitable, and more resilient.
  I ran for Congress because I believe deeply in our communities and 
our ability to bring meaningful change, and that the weight of history 
and of all future generations is on us to do so.
  As a New Mexican, I know that we are strong and we are proud and that 
our work is to lift up our communities to fight for the dignity and 
well-being of our people, to rebuild our economy, and to tackle the 
biggest challenges of our day. We are called to do this work because 
the moment is now, and our future depends upon it, which is why I, 
Madam Speaker, am so proud to be able to serve alongside you as New 
Mexico's next Congresswoman.

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