[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRATULATING GARY COHEN ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Gary 
Cohen of Oakland, California, on occasion of his retirement from Blue 
Shield of California following a distinguished career as an attorney, 
public servant, advocate, mentor and leader committed to improving the 
health and well-being of millions of Americans.
  Gary served the House honorably as my Chief of Staff in 2010 before 
helping lead the Obama Administration's implementation of the 
Affordable Care Act as the Director of the Center for Consumer 
Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) where he oversaw 
implementation of regulations that established critical consumer 
protections that directly impacted the lives of millions of Americans.
  As General Counsel to Covered California, California's health benefit 
marketplace--and Deputy Commissioner General Counsel during my tenure 
as California's Insurance Commissioner--Gary served as a passionate 
voice for consumers and worked tirelessly to improve Californians' 
access to affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage. As General 
Counsel for California's Public Utilities Commission, Gary developed a 
legal strategy that put consumers first amidst the state's 
unprecedented energy crisis.
  In private practice, and following his government service, Gary 
pushed major California companies, including Blue Shield, to act 
instead of stand on the sidelines on making health coverage more 
affordable for members, empowering patients with better access to 
health data, and addressing the Bay Area's homelessness crisis.
  Gary's experiences as a patient led him to push for a delivery system 
that is simplified, affordable and more patient friendly. He served as 
a trusted, experienced advisor to the California delegation on health 
care issues, and I have no doubt he will continue to do so following 
his retirement on the issues that matter.
  In government and the private sector, Gary led with compassion and 
empathy. Gary inspired his staff to be passionate, fearless and to act 
consistent with their values in standing for what is right, no matter 
how challenging the politics or environment.
  Gary is also a loving husband to his lifetime love Liz, and an 
attentive father and grandfather. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in extending our appreciation and best wishes to Gary and his 
family following an outstanding and meaningful career.

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