[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO VALERIE NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK B. MESSMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2025

  Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valerie Nelson, 
who today marks 20 years of selfless service in the United States House 
of Representatives. Her unwavering commitment to public service has not 
only benefited this institution, but it has set an example for 
generations of congressional staff to come.
  Val first entered federal service as an executive assistant to her 
home state Congressman Jim Ramstad of Minnesota, serving in his 
Washington D.C. office to support his legislative efforts. She later 
joined the leadership office of Congressman Eric Cantor where she 
served as Member Services Director. In this position, Valerie served as 
a vital link between the Republican Conference and the Whip's office. 
When Congressman Cantor became Majority Leader, Val continued in this 
key role during a critical time in our conference's history.
  Upon his retirement, Val stepped away from Capitol Hill for a well-
deserved break and time in the private sector but in 2021, Val was 
recruited back to the Hill to serve as Communications Director for 
Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger.
  In that role, Val was instrumental in supporting the Chairwoman's 
priorities by ensuring they were clearly and effectively communicated. 
She worked closely with Chairwoman Granger, committee staff and senior 
personal office staff to help shape messaging and communicate key 
initiatives to both the broader public and the constituents of Fort 
Worth. She later went on to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff.
  Her relationships across the Hill--built over two decades of trusted 
service--have already opened doors and helped my freshman office hit 
the ground running. Being a new Member of Congress comes with plenty of 
unknowns, but thanks to Val's steady leadership, these first few months 
have been marked by order, effectiveness, and forward momentum. Since 
taking office, I've relied on Val to help build a strong team and good 
culture that ensures we are delivering results for the people of 
Indiana's 8th District. The 119th Congress will be one for history 
books, and Val will be responsible for many of the core contributions 
that my office adds to that record.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize Valerie Nelson for her 20 
years of public service in the House of Representatives. Few staffers 
reach this milestone, and even fewer do so with the level of 
dedication, professionalism, and grace that Val has consistently shown. 
We are all better for her service, thankful for her selfless 
dedication--and I'm truly grateful to have her on my team.

                          ____________________