[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E776-E777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE 
   PEOPLE OF THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2023

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to extend my deepest 
appreciation and profound gratitude to the extraordinary legislative 
fellows who have graced my office with their unwavering dedication and 
unyielding commitment.
  Members of Congress know well, perhaps better than most, how blessed 
our Nation is to have in reserve such exceptional young men

[[Page E777]]

and women who will go on to become leaders in their local communities, 
states and the Nation in the areas of business, education, law, 
government, philanthropy, the arts and culture, and the military.
  We know this because we see them and the benefits from their 
contributions every day. Many of them work for us in our offices as 
junior staff members, congressional fellows, or interns and they do 
amazing work for and on behalf of the constituents we are privileged to 
represent.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe there is no higher calling than the call to 
serve a cause larger than ourselves.
  That is why I ran for public office. I was inspired to serve by so 
many great public figures that came before me. I was inspired to serve 
by President Kennedy who said, ``Ask not what your country can do for 
you, ask what you can do for your country,'' and by the Rev. Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. who said: ``Everybody can be great because anybody can 
serve. . . . You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by 
love.''
  By this measure there are several other great young men and women who 
served as legislative fellows this Spring and Summer in my office. Each 
day, they exemplified the highest standards of excellence, bringing 
forth fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unrelenting drive to 
effect positive change within our cherished community. Their tireless 
efforts to address the diverse needs and pressing concerns of our 
constituents resonate deeply with the values we hold dear.
  In the pursuit of serving the constituents of the 18th Congressional 
District of Texas, their contributions have been nothing short of 
remarkable.
  That is why today I rise to pay tribute to 14 extraordinary young 
persons for their service to my constituents of the 18th Congressional 
District of Texas and to the American people. They are:
  Panashe Siachitema, Texas Tech University; Ramanpreet Kaur, Indiana 
University; Amy Arceo, Texas A&M University; Ainsley Gill, Vanderbilt 
University; Joel Crawford, Harvard University; Kevin Darmadi, George 
Washington University; Lindsey O'Neal, Payne International Development 
Fellowship, Niyonsaba Magnifique, Payne International Development 
Fellowship; Vanessa Rogers-Wright, Charles B. Rangel Internatinal 
Affairs Program; Wilson Pemboh, Texas Tech University; Alexandra 
Wilhelm, Pepperdine University; Parker Milligan, Oglethorpe University; 
J Hardy, Howard University; Carrington Blair, Jackson State University.
  Mr. Speaker, the energy, intelligence and idealism that these 
wonderful young people brought to my office and those interning in the 
offices of my colleague's help keep our democracy vibrant. The 
insights, skills, and knowledge of the governmental process they gain 
from their experiences will last a lifetime and prove invaluable to 
them as they go about making their mark in this world.
  Because of people like them the future of our country is bright, and 
its best days lie ahead. I wish them all well.

                          ____________________