[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E867-E868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING ALISON COHEN AND HER SERVICE TO THE U.S. HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2025

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Alison Cohen for two 
and a half years of outstanding service to the constituents of New 
York's 12th Congressional District.
  A native of Northern Virginia, Alison attended William & Mary 
University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Global Governance 
and Community Engagement. After graduating, she joined the Teach for 
America program and moved to New Orleans to work as a middle school 
math teacher in a public school.
  For the next three years, she served as a teacher and mentor for 
hundreds of students. I know she keeps in touch with some of her former 
pupils who still recognize the impact that she made on their lives. 
Alison's skills from her time as a teacher can be seen during the many 
meetings that she has with student groups, where she is able to capture 
the attention of students and skillfully answer their questions in a 
thoughtful and accessible way.
  Alison's experience working in public education in Louisiana inspired 
her to enter policy work to help address the systemic inequities that 
she saw impacting her students' lives. She began working as a 
legislative assistant for Louisiana State Representative Aimee 
Freedman. During her time working in the State Legislature, she worked 
on many issues impacting everyday Louisianans. One of her key 
accomplishments was helping shepherd

[[Page E868]]

Representative Freedman's bill to eliminate the ``pink tax'' on diapers 
and menstrual products and other goods, which unfairly disadvantages 
women and children. This legislation was signed into law in 2021 and is 
an example of Alison's longstanding commitment to helping support women 
and families through policy.
  After working as a policy analyst for the Louisiana Budget Project, 
Alison returned to the D.C. area and began working as a Legislative 
Assistant for Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA). In 2023, I was lucky 
to have her join my Washington, D.C. Office as a Legislative Assistant.
  Over her two and a half year career in my office, Alison covered many 
issues, including Healthcare, Reproductive Rights, Education, and 
Social Security. During her time in my office, Alison held hundreds of 
meetings with stakeholder groups from across the district, serving as a 
representative for my office in many photos with groups. She always 
brought her knowledge and compassion to these meetings and often showed 
her unique talent of being able to quickly learn the names of everyone 
in her meetings.
  Supported by her afternoon Diet Cokes, Alison assisted with many of 
my key legislative priorities over the past few years. She worked 
diligently to support the implementation of my Pregnant Workers 
Fairness Act, working to ensure it was protected in the appropriations 
process, and helping to organize an amicus brief supporting the bill.
  She has also been a champion of my bill, the Living Donor Protection 
Act, which received 225 cosponsors in the 118th Congress due to 
Alison's hard work. Her steadfast and compassionate work with members 
of the organ transplant community has been inspiring to see.
  Alison has also worked on many other health issues, including 
supporting my longstanding work to secure funding for the Housing 
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). She has also worked 
closely with stakeholders in the district to support my longstanding 
work on the World Trade Center Health Program.
  Alison serves as a key bridge between my office and the many 
hospitals, health centers, and stakeholders in our district.
  While working in my office, Alison completed her master's in Health 
Law and Strategy from New York University, helping to expand her 
understanding of the healthcare system, especially in the legal 
context. Her ability to navigate both school and work demonstrates her 
flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges.
  Alison has also been an active part of our office culture, helping to 
mentor many staff and interns; she was always available to offer 
support and feedback. I will miss her positive presence in the office, 
especially around birthdays and other celebrations.
  As Alison moves to her new position in Federal Affairs at Callen-
Lorde Health system in New York, I am glad to know she will continue to 
serve the people of the 12th District. I look forward to seeing where 
her career will take her and thank her for her excellent service.

                          ____________________