[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING REPRESENTATIVE CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Arizona (Mrs. Lesko) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cathy McMorris 
Rodgers for her 20 years of public service in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Not only is Cathy the first woman Congress Member in history to give 
birth three times while in office, she is also the first woman in 
history to become chairwoman of the powerful and influential Energy and 
Commerce Committee. In addition, Cathy served 6 years in leadership as 
the Republican Conference Chair.
  Cathy and her husband, Brian, and their three children attended the 
same D.C. church that Joe and I attended. I remember going out to lunch 
after church with them and having fun throwing snowballs with their 
kids. I will always remember Cathy giving Bibles to every member of the 
Energy and Commerce Committee, inviting me and others to Bible studies, 
and walking around the U.S. Capitol after votes praying with other 
Congress Members.
  Mr. Speaker, Cathy has made a difference in this world and in the 
people she has touched. May God continue to bless her and her family. 
She will be missed.


                         Recognizing Lou Hrkman

  Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my 
staff, Lou Hrkman, for his dedication and service to me and the 
constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District.
  Lou joined my staff as my energy policy advisor and brought with him 
decades of experience in the energy space, including experience on the 
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and at the Department of Energy 
under President Trump.
  Lou's expertise was key to my work on the Energy and Commerce 
Committee and his commitment to advancing sound energy policy was 
critical in the passage of my legislation, Hands Off Our Home 
Appliances and Save Our Gas Stoves Act this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, as I leave Congress, I have no doubt Lou will go on to 
do great things as he continues his public service. I wish him nothing 
but the best in all of his endeavors. I appreciate him.


                      Recognizing Daniel Stefanski

  Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of my 
staff, Daniel Stefanski, for his dedication and service to the 
constituents of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District.
  As Members of Congress, we know the importance of communicating our 
work to our constituents, and communications staffers are essential to 
this endeavor.
  Daniel joined my communications team after a career that included 
service to other Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the 
former Attorney General of Arizona. He is a dedicated professional who 
is committed to helping conservatives effectively communicate their 
policy priorities to the American people.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Daniel for his hard work and dedication to me 
and to our team. As I leave Congress, I have no doubt Daniel will go on 
to do great things. I wish him nothing but the best in all of his 
future endeavors. I greatly appreciate him.


                        Recognizing Bobby Bravo

  Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize someone whose 
service and dedication to both myself and the State of Arizona are 
unmatched, Bobby Bravo.
  Bobby first came to work for me when I was serving in the Arizona 
State Legislature, and I was honored when he joined me on my 
congressional staff in Washington, D.C.
  My longest serving aide, Bobby is a hard worker with a commitment to 
advancing the policies and priorities that make our Nation and State 
great.
  A native of Mesa, Arizona, and a graduate of Arizona State 
University, Bobby never meets a stranger. Bobby is kind to everyone and 
treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position 
or party affiliation. He always has a smile for anyone he comes in 
contact with.
  When I look back at my time in elected office, Bobby was such an 
important part of my journey, and I thank him for his service and 
commitment to me, our State, and our Nation. I greatly appreciate him.

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