[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1127-E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ADY BARKAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 28, 2023

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable 
individual whose advocacy for universal healthcare helped advance the 
cause for millions of Americans, even as he struggled with his own 
health. Ady Barkan, a former intern in my office, passed away due to 
complications of ALS, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to 
inspire generations to come.
  I first met Ady while walking precincts together when he was still in 
high school. Even then, he was passionately dedicated to improving the 
lives of people around him and deeply immersed in a wide variety of 
policy issues. His unwavering commitment to his country--and the need 
to stand up for all working families--as well as his fervent advocacy 
for healthcare reform left an indelible mark on all of us who had the 
privilege of working alongside him. But more than anything else, I was 
struck by his dazzling intellect. Ady was brilliant.

[[Page E1128]]

  Ady's journey was a testament to his resilience and unwavering 
determination. In 2016, when he was diagnosed with ALS, a devastating 
neurodegenerative disease that often leads to paralysis and death 
within a few short years, Ady could have easily chosen to retreat from 
public life. But instead, he and his family chose to dedicate the 
remainder of his life to changing the American health care system for 
the better.
  Despite the loss of his voice, Ady Barkan's voice only grew stronger 
and reached more people. His ability to blend his personal story with 
calls to action was truly remarkable. He testified before Congress, 
interviewed presidential candidates, and spoke at the Democratic 
National Convention, all while battling this debilitating disease. 
Ady's impact on our nation's health care discourse was immeasurable, 
and his courage in the face of adversity was unparalleled.
  Ady Barkan was instrumental in stopping Republican efforts to repeal 
the Affordable Care Act, a critical achievement for health care in 
America that extended access to tens of millions who otherwise couldn't 
afford it. Ady's persistence and leadership in these fights were 
critical, and his contribution, profound. Ady Barkan was not only a 
health care activist but also a loving husband and father. And he was 
also a good friend.
  I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Ady's wife, Rachael, 
his children, and his entire family during this difficult time. May 
Ady's memory continue to be a source of strength and motivation for all 
of us who strive to make a difference in the world. Ady will be dearly 
missed, but his legacy will live on as an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________