[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 202 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING ANDY FLICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2023

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
distinguished career of Andy Flick, who spent 14 years in service to 
the United States House of Representatives, before departing recently 
to serve as Legislative Director to the Vice President at the White 
House.
  Andy's career in the House pre-dates my own. He started in 2009 in 
former Congressman Ike Skelton's office before serving in senior roles 
with Representatives Costa, Moulton, and Trone. As the Vice Chair for 
Policy of the New Democrat Coalition (New Dems), I feel especially 
fortunate that Andy led the New Dems during the 117th Congress and 
through much of the 118th Congress. Throughout my time working with 
him, I have observed that Andy is an incredibly dedicated, thoughtful, 
and creative staffer and leader.
  Under Andy's leadership, the New Dems fully leveraged Democratic 
majorities in the House and Senate, and control of the White House to 
pass historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act to 
lower health care and energy costs and the Chips and Science Act to 
bolster American competitiveness in a globalized world. I am 
particularly indebted to Andy for the role that he and the New Dems 
played in helping me realize the RECOMPETE Act, which passed as a 
provision of the Chips and Science Act. The RECOMPETE Pilot Program 
aims to create renewed economic opportunity in communities that have 
faced persistent economic distress. I grew up in one of these 
communities, and it inspired me to run for Congress. I can leave 
Congress more easily after my current term ends, knowing the RECOMPETE 
Act was brought to life, in large part because of Andy and the New 
Dems' tireless work and skill.
  During the 118th Congress, where Democrats have been in the minority, 
Andy embraced the Coalition's unique ability to bridge the partisan 
divide and make progress on the most pressing challenges facing our 
country. This includes the role New Dems played in helping avert a 
fiscal crisis by securing the votes needed to raise the debt ceiling 
and orienting policy task forces around critical legislation. Countless 
New Dems have Andy to thank for seeing their policy priorities move 
forward despite tough odds.
  Throughout his time in working in the legislative branch, Andy left 
his fingerprints on policies that have improved the lives of the 
American people. Even more importantly, he has recruited, mentored, and 
helped develop countless staffers who want to be like him--with serious 
legislative acumen and a steadfast commitment to public service. Andy's 
sharp wit, humor, and unique ability to think of and then pass sound 
policy ideas are already sorely missed. On behalf of my office and the 
New Dems, I thank Andy for the legacy he has left on the Hill and for 
all the remarkable public service he has delivered and will continue to 
deliver at the White House.
  We are so proud of him and will be rooting for him, always.

                          ____________________