[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E51-E52]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   MOURNING THE LOSS OF LISA RENEE RANSOM, EXTRAORDINARY MARYLANDER, 
               CONGRESSIONAL STAFFER, AND PUBLIC SERVANT.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 2023

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend, Lisa 
Renee Ransom, who sadly passed away just a few days ago. I join 
countless people across Maryland and the country in mourning Lisa and 
in wishing strength to her loved ones as they cope with this terrible 
loss.
  Throughout her life--which was tragically cut short--Lisa 
distinguished herself as a public servant and as a champion for greater 
equity. justice, and progress in America. She spent more than a dozen 
years in service to the American people as a Congressional staffer here 
in the House. Early in her career, she worked as an advisor to her 
lauded grandfather, Congressman Augustus `Gus' Hawkins. She also served 
on the staffs of Representatives Maxine Waters and John Olver. helping 
them--and this entire institution--address challenges facing our 
economy and the workers and families upon which it depends. She 
understood that promoting economic justice is essential to fulfilling 
America's founding promise to protect our citizens' right to ``life, 
liberty. and the pursuit of happiness.'' That mission continued to 
define Lisa's later work for organizations like the National Congress 
for Community Economic Development, the Center for Policy Alternatives, 
the Center for Responsible Lending, the National Alliance for 
Partnerships in Equity, and the Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation. From 
her support for the Bowie Economic Development Committee to her 
historic election to the Montgomery County Democratic Central 
Committee, she also made important contributions to the state of 
Maryland. Additionally, she was a key member on the planning committee 
for my Annual Women's Equality Day Luncheon and frequently helped my 
team bring attention to pressing issues facing Southern Maryland. I 
will always be grateful for her partnership in our ongoing effort to 
build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities throughout the 
state.
  We were so fortunate to have Lisa return to the House just a few 
years ago to serve as the Outreach and Engagement Director on the 
Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness and Growth. She 
helped ensure that the committee's critical work remained grounded in 
the real stories and experiences of Americans who must navigate the 
complexities and challenges of the 21st Century economy every day. I 
have long shared her belief that for Nation to continue outcompeting 
the rest of the world, we cannot afford to leave workers and 
underserved communities behind. Lisa and the Select Committee played an 
important role in identifying not only the obstacles we may face as we 
address inequity but also the tools and strategies we can use to 
overcome them. Indeed, throughout her career, Lisa served as a crucial 
voice for women, communities of color, and others who are too often 
excluded from economic opportunities.
  Despite the gravity of her work, Lisa remained a woman of gaiety. All 
those around her appreciated her warmth and humor--her family and 
friends most of all. Our long friendship certainly brightened my own 
life. Whether through Lisa's service to her fellow Marylanders and 
Americans, her leadership in the community, or her personal 
interactions with others, a sense of compassion and joy was evident in 
every dimension of her life. Lisa's lively spirit remained strong even 
as I spoke with her in her final days.
  Just as her work will continue to benefit countless Americans across 
the country, memories of Lisa's amity will continue to enrich the lives 
of all those lucky enough to have known her. I hope that knowledge will 
bring some peace and comfort to her many loved ones in this time of 
mourning.
  I ask all my colleagues to join me in praying for them and in showing 
our gratitude for Lisa's life of service. May God bless and keep Lisa.

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