[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E7-E8]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JESSIE FRANK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2026

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
exceptional service of Jessie Frank, whose six years of dedicated 
public service to the State of North Carolina and to the United States 
Congress reflect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, 
and commitment to the public good.
  Jessie Frank began her career in public service in the North Carolina 
Senate, where she served for three years as an intern and later as a 
legislative assistant. From the outset, Jessie distinguished herself 
through a strong work ethic, a keen understanding of policy and 
procedure, and a genuine respect for the legislative process. She 
approached every task--whether large or small--with diligence and care, 
earning the confidence of legislators, staff, and constituents alike. 
These early years in the state legislature laid a strong foundation for 
a career defined by competence, discretion, and thoughtful engagement 
in public affairs.
  Following her service in the North Carolina Senate and her graduation 
from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where she graduated 
Summa Cum Laude with a major in Political Science, Jessie continued her 
commitment to the people of our state by joining my congressional 
office full-time. Over the next three years, she served with 
distinction as Scheduler and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. In these 
roles, Jessie became a central pillar of our office's daily operations. 
She managed extraordinarily complex schedules, balanced competing 
priorities, and ensured that our work advanced efficiently and 
responsibly on behalf of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District.
  Beyond her administrative excellence, Jessie proved herself to be 
politically savvy, strategically minded, and deeply perceptive about 
the dynamics of both Congress and our district. She possessed a rare 
ability to understand not only the mechanics of policy and politics, 
but also the human and political implications behind every decision. 
Over time, I

[[Page E8]]

came to rely heavily on her judgment and counsel. On many occasions, 
Jessie offered advice that challenged my initial instincts, and in 
those moments, her insight, clarity, and confidence led me to trust her 
perspective, Time and again, that trust was well placed. Her guidance 
was thoughtful, grounded, and motivated solely by what was best for the 
office, the district, and the people we serve.
  Jessie's leadership was especially evident in the aftermath of 
Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina's 11th District on 
September 27, 2024. In the face of widespread devastation and urgent 
need, she played a critical role in our response and recovery efforts. 
Jessie worked tirelessly to coordinate with local officials, emergency 
responders, and community leaders throughout Western North Carolina, 
while maintaining close communication with our Washington, D.C., team 
and relevant federal agencies.
  Her ability to operate seamlessly across levels of government ensured 
that resources and assistance were directed where they were most 
urgently needed. During an extraordinarily challenging time, her calm 
demeanor, organizational skill, and unwavering dedication helped our 
office serve constituents with compassion and effectiveness.
  Throughout her service, Jessie Frank consistently demonstrated the 
qualities that define exceptional public servants: intelligence, 
discretion, political awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility to 
those she served. Her contributions strengthened our legislative work, 
enhanced constituent services, and improved our office's overall 
effectiveness. She earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle and the trust of community leaders across our district.
  On a personal note, Jessie has been a public servant every Member 
hopes to have by their side--steadfast, selfless, and wholly committed 
to serving others.
  In moments of pressure and calm, she brought clarity, kindness, and 
an unwavering sense of responsibility. Her service was not simply 
professional; it was deeply human. I am grateful beyond words for her 
loyalty, her friendship, and the heart she poured into this office. Her 
imprint on our work and on the people we serve will endure long after 
her time here.
  Jessie Frank will always be part of the story of this office, as well 
as my political career. I am profoundly thankful for the years we had 
the privilege to serve together.

                          ____________________