[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
             RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING LESLIE MERRILL

  (Ms. PINGREE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
a great Mainer and a longtime public servant, Leslie Merrill. Leslie is 
retiring this month after 22 years of dedicated constituent service to 
the people of Maine's First District, having served under my 
predecessor before joining my office.
  I believe that the majority of us who work in this institution do so 
because we want to improve the lives of those around us.
  Leslie has committed her career to doing just that--whether guiding 
asylum seekers and refugees through the immigration process, securing 
passports for many anxious travelers, or assisting Maine youth with the 
Academy nominations process so that they may pursue a career in the 
military.
  Beyond her considerable skills as a caseworker, she has been a mentor 
to countless staff, sharing her Rolodex, her institutional knowledge, 
and her relationships with those in agencies across the country, all of 
which have been invaluable to constituents and colleagues throughout 
the First District.
  Importantly, she has been a treasured friend to so many of us in and 
outside of the office. The lives of Mainers are infinitely better for 
Leslie having served as their advocate, friend, and neighbor.
  We will miss Leslie dearly. We wish her and Peter the very best in 
their next adventure.

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