[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 186 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      HONORING CIVIL SOCIETY AND 
                              IL-03 STAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DELIA C. RAMIREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2024

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, as we get close to the end of the 118th 
Congress, my first term representing the greatly diverse Illinois Third 
Congressional District, I rise in full gratitude for all of those who 
have supported me and held me during these not-so-easy two years in 
what we call the People's House.
  And we've heard that it takes a village to represent, to fight, and 
to deliver for our communities.
  But recently, 219 members of this body opted to persecute the 
village, passing a bill that puts all of civil society at risk.
  They took that action at the precise moment we should be uplifting 
and celebrating civil society as the first and most resilient line of 
defense for many vulnerable communities.
  Without a robust civil society, countries can descend into 
instability, their governments becoming prone to authoritarianism, 
human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic freedoms.
  So, while some of my colleagues came to the floor to do harm to civil 
society, I have come to the floor to commend the countless nonprofit 
organizations, faith communities, schools and universities, advocacy 
groups, and cultural institutions that compose the powerful civil 
society of Illinois' 3rd Congressional District.
  Since my time as the executive director of a nonprofit in Chicago, I 
have seen community organizations nurture and sustain a healthy 
democracy by providing life-saving services including housing and warm 
meals--while holding those in power accountable.
  It is clear that strengthening, repairing, and defending our 
democracy is not solely the work of government. It requires the fabric 
of our communities, civil society organizations, weaving their work 
together on the frontlines to protect, defend, and enrich our 
communities and our neighborhoods.
  So today, I am grateful for faith communities like the member 
institutions of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance and DuPage United; 
for community organizations like Onward Neighborhood House, La Casa 
Norte, and Habitat for Humanity DuPage; for schools and universities 
like Northeastern University El Centro and North Park University; for 
early childhood centers like EduCare DuPage and Chicago Commons; for 
human rights advocates like Palenque LSNA and AFIRE; for cultural 
organizations like the National Veterans Art Museum and the Mexican 
Cultural Center of DuPage.
  There are too many strong civil society organizations to name. I 
thank the many, many civil service organizations across IL-03. Gracias.
  I appreciate the opportunities and possibilities they create for our 
neighbors--independent of their zip code, citizenship status, or past 
actions--and the way they keep me rooted in a community ready to fight 
like hell for our neighbors.
  As I celebrate the work of our civil society, I also want to uplift 
the team that puts in the long hours; that makes so many sacrifices for 
the people of IL-03; and who is seldomly mentioned, seldomly seen in 
public. And that is my staff.
  My staff, who despite the challenges of this Congress and despite a 
Congress that oftentimes negates the humanity of their own family, has 
used their professional and lived experiences to introduce and champion 
transformative and progressive legislation, has pushed the government 
to work for our constituents and deliver resources back to Illinois 
Third, and has ensured our neighbors receive the lifesaving services 
that they deserve.
  I thank my entire team: Ellen Meredith Ray, Luis Miguel Carrizales 
Castillo, Claudia Dolores Peralta, Karsen Patrick Bailey, Deepa Pinakin 
Patel, Noemi Avelar, Jowen Halber Ortiz Cintron, Marina Kristine 
Sangit, Daniela A. Guerrero Diaz, Valeria Nicolle Metzgen Castro, 
Katherine Gitsel Carranza Bahena, Jennifer Ho, Nataly Miranda-
Castaneda, Vianey Luna Lopez, Micaela Unzueta, Magda Karina Herron, 
Levi Casmir Iseminger Todd, and Rogelio Elizondo-Juarez, as well as the 
countless interns, fellows, and past staffers who have supported our 
work.
  I thank them for their time, energy, emotion, and passion they pour 
into our fight for working people.
  They are seen. They are appreciated. I am so proud of the work we 
have begun together in this term and will continue in the next.
  Through gratitude, I find hope.
  Because both the community at home and the team I have here in 
Congress have reminded me that in uncertain times, one thing is 
certain--our communities are prepared to organize, to protect each 
other, and to unite no matter what the next four years bring us.
  I am forever grateful. And I am ready.

                          ____________________