[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2876-S2877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Tribute to Kelsi Daniell

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, today, I stand here to recognize small 
business. Actually, today, I rise to recognize Kelsi Daniell.
  Kelsi began working in my office 7 years ago, as a press secretary, 
and quickly proved herself, moving up to communications director and 
now deputy chief of staff for communications and policy. In an era of 
title inflation, that title doesn't encompass nearly all that Kelsi 
does. She truly is the glue that holds my operation together.
  We all come to Washington focused on the things we really want to 
tackle but quickly realize that even the best planned day can quickly 
take unexpected twists and turns.
  There are also fires to put out, and I have been fortunate to have 
Kelsi's steady hand and solid counsel to count on. No matter the 
assignment or situation, just like her favorite meme, ``This is 
fine''--``This is fine''--she always responds this way and calmly goes 
about her work.
  However, most days, she is anticipating what could go wrong and 
getting ahead of it. She is able to put out fires, sometimes even 
before they start. She has already figured out how to handle the hot 
topics of the day, while preparing for tomorrow. We all know, if there 
is a problem, we can turn to Kelsi and say, ``Please, fix,'' and the 
job gets done.
  She is as precise as a fine-tooth comb, from pulling off press 
conferences abroad to wacky floor speeches, and, of course, my day-to-
day operations. Kelsi is relentless in ensuring perfection in 
execution.
  In fact, Kelsi, my staff was very nervous about surprising you today 
with this speech--because she hadn't edited it. That is because she 
always puts the finishing touches on every project that makes it 
better.
  She has the same impact on all of us around her. She always brings up 
everyone by making each of us stronger, myself included.
  Whether driving river to river, across Iowa, or navigating the Halls 
of Congress, she never, ever slows down, including when she brought one 
of those walking treadmills for her desk in DC. She has even led our 
staff in Tabata training.
  Mr. President, if you have been through that, it is hellacious.
  And, of course, watch out for Kelsi if you are facing off against her 
in pickleball.
  Even while keeping us all on track, somehow, she has always found the 
time to pour into the people around her as a mentor and as a friend.
  She is actively involved in her church, and she became a mother 
during the Iowa caucus.
  Her commitment to excellence and drive to always push harder is a 
true testament to her leadership--characteristics that she has infused 
into my office and will take with her in whatever she sets her sights 
on. It is a mindset for us all to aspire to as we prepare for whatever 
the day brings us.
  And as she likes to say before any meeting ends, ``one more thing": 
Kelsi, I will miss your wise counsel, and I am so thankful for your 
friendship. I know you will continue excelling at everything you do, 
and I am grateful beyond words for everything you have done for me and 
on behalf of my Iowans.
  So God bless you, Kelsi, in your journeys.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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