[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLAIRE HALL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE DEXTER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2026

  Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
a dedicated public servant and a beloved leader in Oregon.
  Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall devoted more than two decades 
of her life to serving her community with integrity, courage, and an 
unwavering commitment to justice.
  A longtime Newport resident, Commissioner Hall was first elected in 
2004 and went on to serve her county with distinction. Throughout her 
tenure, she worked relentlessly to expand access to healthcare, 
strengthen benefits for veterans, and advance affordable housing so 
that more families could remain rooted in the communities they love.
  She was known for her willingness to take on difficult fights and for 
standing firm when the stakes were high. Most recently, Commissioner 
Hall was a fierce champion in opposing plans for an ICE detention 
center in Newport and in blocking any federal effort to relocate a 
Coast Guard rescue helicopter to make room for such a facility--always 
putting community safety, human dignity, and local values first.
  In 2018, Claire Hall announced her gender transition with a statement 
that reflected the clarity and moral conviction she brought to every 
chapter of her life. She wrote, in part: ``I will remain focused on 
social justice issues like the needs of children, families, seniors, 
people with disabilities and veterans. But now, the act of living my 
life itself becomes an act of social justice.''
  Commissioner Hall's life was indeed an act of social justice and a 
profound gift to her community.
  She reminded us that public service is not measured only by the 
policies we advance, but by the dignity we defend, the people we 
protect, and the courage we bring to our work.
  May we honor Commissioner Hall each day by choosing compassion, 
justice, and love for our neighbors, and by continuing the work she so 
powerfully embodied.

                          ____________________