[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 128 (Friday, July 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE LIFE OF IAN KALVINSKAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an intern 
in my office, and a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 
student, Mr. Ian Kalvinskas, who recently passed away at the age of 20. 
He was a son, student, and friend.
  Kalvinskas was a Pasadena native and grew up with a love for soccer, 
travel, and politics. His parents owned a traveling bookstore, sparking 
Ian's curiosity to explore the world's geography. While in high school, 
Kalvinskas excelled scholastically, played on the school's soccer team, 
and was awarded Most Valuable Player. After graduating from high school 
in 2023, he fulfilled his dream of attending UCLA to study Political 
Science.
  Driven by a deep passion for social justice, Kalvinskas aspired to 
advocate for underserved communities and one day work for the United 
Nations, using his education and experiences to make a global impact.
  Unfortunately, Kalvinskas was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2020, 
when he was 15 years old, and underwent liver transplantation at UCLA. 
For four and a half years, it appeared he had beaten cancer--but 
tragically, it recurred in November 2024.
  Despite battling the recurrence of his cancer, Kalvinskas achieved 
his dream of interning on Capitol Hill in the summer of 2025. He cared 
deeply about healthcare reform, and knowing his life expectancy was 
short, he wanted ``to make a difference now.'' His goal was to help 
write legislation that ensures pediatric patients receive fair 
consideration on the organ transplant waiting list. Though his life was 
cut short by cancer just a week later, his efforts laid the groundwork 
for lasting change.
  Kalvinskas passed away on June 27, surrounded by his loved ones, in a 
DC hospital--fittingly in the shadow of the Capitol--a symbol to him of 
how visions for change could become reality. He touched countless lives 
with his warmth, idealism, and humanity. He lived a courageous and 
meaningful life by dedicating his final days to advancing a cause he 
believed in--a goal that reflected the very core of his character. 
Kalvinskas was a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of 
knowing him.
  He is survived by his parents, Adrian and Susan Kalvinskas, along 
with his extended family. Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and 
prayers are with the Kalvinskas family during this difficult time.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
honoring the life of a remarkable intern, student, and son, Mr. Ian 
Kalvinskas. His ambition and legacy will be remembered for many years 
to come. We join his family, friends, and community in celebrating a 
life lived with purpose, and in mourning a loss felt deeply by all who 
knew him.

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