[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E738-E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING FABIAN I. VALENTIN'S SERVICE TO THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY
______
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a
valued member of my staff, Fabian I. Valentin, who is departing the
Committee on Homeland Security to begin his graduate studies at
Princeton University and commence a fellowship program.
Mr. Valentin joined the Committee on Homeland Security as a
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow in August
2022, and his contributions were immediately apparent. He assisted
committee staff with oversight of the Department Homeland Security,
including through bipartisan site visits, interviews, and briefings.
Mr. Valentin also analyzed budget details and provided the Committee
with insights into and recommendations regarding the Administration's
budget and supplemental requests.
[[Page E739]]
Mr. Valentin transitioned to permanent Committee staff in June 2023,
due to his exceptional performance as a fellow. During his time on the
Committee, Mr. Valentin contributed significantly to legislative and
oversight efforts and served as a trusted resource for Member Offices.
He prepared and accompanied Members of Congress on domestic and
international site visits to conduct oversight of U.S. policy and
Department of Homeland Security activities. Through Mr. Valentin's
efforts, he helped Democratic Members advocate for the fair and humane
enforcement of U.S. law, combat transnational crime, and support the
DHS workforce.
Mr. Valentin played a pivotal role in preparing Members for countless
border security hearings and markups over the past three years, as well
as for engagements with officials regarding countering narcotics
smuggling and human trafficking. He also assisted in the development of
legislation that would strengthen Federal efforts against gun
smuggling, expand U.S. training and support for foreign law enforcement
investigating human trafficking, and improve border security technology
used for seizing illicit contraband.
Mr. Valentin has become an integral and valued member of my staff. He
consistently demonstrates commendable professionalism, dedication, good
humor, and an eagerness to assist the most vulnerable among us.
I thank Mr. Valentin for his service to the Committee on Homeland
Security, and I wish him the very best as he begins graduate school and
prepares for a career in the Foreign Service.
____________________