[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 129 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE 
   PEOPLE OF THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2021

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, in these tumultuous days of crisis 
and challenge, Members of Congress know well, perhaps better than most, 
how blessed our nation is to have in reserve such exceptional young men 
and women who will go on to become leaders in their local communities, 
states, and the nation in the areas of business, education, law, 
government, philanthropy, the arts and culture, and the military.
  We know this because we see them and benefit from their contributions 
every day. Many of them work for us in our offices as junior staff 
members, congressional fellows, or interns and they do amazing work for 
and on behalf of the constituents we are privileged to represent.
  Madam Speaker, I believe there is no higher calling than the call to 
serve a cause larger than ourselves. That is why I ran for public 
office. I was inspired to serve by President Kennedy who said, ``Ask 
not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your 
country,'' and by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said:
  ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. . . . You only 
need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.''
  By this measure, there are several other great young men and women 
who served as volunteers this year in my offices. They braved the 
dangers of the pandemic that has wrought so much suffering and 
heartbreak across our nation. They cheerfully do their duty in the U.S. 
Capitol complex that just six months ago was the site of an 
insurrection attack not seen since the War of 1812. These dedicated and 
public-spirited men and women may toil in obscurity but their 
contributions to the constituents we serve are deeply appreciated. That 
is why today I rise to pay tribute to five extraordinary young persons 
for their service to my constituents in the 18th Congressional District 
of Texas and to the American people. They are:
  Alejandro Garcia Escobar Plascencia, Georgetown University;
  Jacqueline White Menchaca, Arizona State University;
  Idia Irele, Smith College and Harvard University;
  Anthony Collier, Texas Southern University; and
  Valencia Shuler, Rice University.
  Madam Speaker, the energy, intelligence, and idealism these wonderful 
young people brought to my office and those interning in the offices of 
my colleagues help keep our democracy vibrant. The insights, skills, 
and knowledge of the governmental process they gain from their 
experiences will last a lifetime and prove invaluable to them as they 
go about making their mark in this world.
  Because of persons like them the future of our country is bright, and 
its best days lie ahead. I wish them all well.
  Madam Speaker, I am grateful that such thoughtful committed young men 
and women can be found working in my office, those of my colleagues, 
and in every community in America. Their good works will keep America 
great, good, and forever young.