[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 198 (Tuesday, December 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING BRITT VAN'S SERVICE TO THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2022

  Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Britt Van and thank her for her contributions to the New Democrat 
Coalition. Britt, a dedicated and passionate staffer who served as the 
Coalition's Policy Director, departs New Dems this month after more 
than five and a half years with the Coalition.
  Though she is leaving the New Dem team now, her impact on our 
Coalition will not soon be forgotten. Britt helped oversee the growth 
of the New Dem Coalition to its strong position now--a coalition of 98 
Members who are focused on breaking through the gridlock in Washington 
to find innovative and small policies that help set Americans up for 
long-term success. I've had the privilege of chairing the Coalition 
during the 117th Congress and the great privilege of working with Britt 
for nearly six years.
  Britt joined the New Dem staff in 2017, and over her career with the 
New Democrat Coalition, she has served under three chairs--Rep. Jim 
Himes, Derek Kilmer, and myself. During her time with New Dems, she has 
helped shape the Coalition's policy work and deliver strong legislative 
accomplishments.
  When the COVID-19 public health and economic twin crises hit, Britt 
got to work immediately on policies that would help the American 
people, and thanks to her tenacity and ingenuity, she helped secure 
critical New Dem priorities in the American Rescue Plan. She also 
ensured that New Dem priorities were reflected in the historic 
legislative packages that have passed in the 117th Congress, from the 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act to the 
Inflation Reduction Act.
  As Policy Director, she helped strengthen the Coalition's 
relationships across the board; from Members to their staff, Britt is a 
trusted policy resource. This year, Britt worked to create the 
Inflation Working Group and then develop the Action Plan to Fight 
Inflation, which many Members used extensively. Britt has made 
invaluable contributions to our Members and the Coalition as a whole. 
Her policy insights, wisdom, and general love for everything New Dem 
cannot be overstated.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Members of the New Democrat 
Coalition, I thank Britt and wish her the best of luck in the future.

                          ____________________