[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S7246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LISA ELIJAH

  Ms. SINEMA. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate and thank 
Lisa Elijah, who has been serving as a HillVets fellow in my office 
this year. Lisa, an Air Force veteran, has been an asset to the people 
of Arizona, to the U.S. Congress, and to my staff.
  Arizona is home to nearly half a million veterans, making up almost 9 
percent of the State. We pride ourselves on our strong connection with 
the military and take seriously the responsibility to care for our 
troops after they retire. Serving Arizona veterans is paramount in our 
office, and handling veterans' affairs issues is one of the most 
challenging and demanding portfolios for my team.
  In the year she has worked in my office, Lisa has become an essential 
member of the staff and a valued liaison with the Arizona veteran 
community. As part of my policy team, Lisa has participated in dozens 
of meetings and was the primary point of contact for organizations and 
government Agencies on veterans' policy. She has assisted in making 
informed recommendations on veterans' legislation, cosponsorships, and 
meeting preparation. She has helped us draft thoughtful and influential 
policy that I know will help the servicemembers and families of 
Arizona, including legislation designed to improve the VA Family 
Caregivers Program.
  Moreover, Lisa has gone above and beyond, taking the helm of our 
veterans' affairs team for several months, including coordinating with 
a legislative correspondent, policy adviser, and our State-based 
veterans outreach team across three geographically distinct offices. In 
this role, she has engaged with key stakeholders in the veteran's 
community, including grassroot organizations, government Agencies, and 
other interested parties. She also took the lead on preparing me for 
hearings in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, preparing talking 
points, background material, and working with committee staff on 
legislation.
  I know that Lisa's work for veterans is not yet concluded. Her future 
position that will allow her to continue her work for veterans in 
Arizona and throughout the Nation. I am excited to see her continued 
success.
  I am incredibly proud of the work Lisa Elijah accomplished throughout 
this challenging year. She has set an outstanding example for others, 
and my team and I will miss her.

                          ____________________