[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14957-14958]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ERICA CHALKLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2010

  Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and express 
gratitude to Erica Chalkley, who dedicated herself in my Washington, 
D.C. office to serving the people of Oregon's Second Congressional 
District for nearly three years. In that time, she distinguished 
herself as a talented young woman who dedicates herself unswervingly to 
her career, colleagues, and family.
  Madam Speaker, it's tough enough to lose the only other Duck in my 
Washington, D.C. office. But much more than that, Erica brought an 
enthusiasm and positive attitude every day that will be sorely missed. 
Countless Oregonians have walked through the doors of my Washington, 
D.C. office and been greeted first by Erica, who made them feel at home 
during their visit. I received many exuberant ``thank you'' notes over 
the past few years that specifically mentioned how grateful they were 
for Erica's hospitality and charm.
  In a sense, what they were really saying is that Erica made their 
experience in our nation's capital even better. That's no small feat. 
In a city with so many memorable museums, landmarks, and attractions, 
it says quite a bit that her service left such a lasting impression 
during what for many is a very special and personally fulfilling trip 
to Washington, D.C.
  My colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee would certainly 
appreciate this example of Erica's hard work and dedication to the 
team. When the health care bill was brought up for a markup in the 
committee last summer, my senior policy advisor on health care issues 
was out of the office on maternity leave. So Erica stepped in to pinch 
hit for, essentially, her first Major League at-bat.
  Madam Speaker, that marathon markup on the 2,032-page bill was 
Erica's very first hands-on experience in the committee process. 
Without missing a beat, she dove headfirst into the complicated new 
policy implications of this massive piece of legislation. Put in a 
similar position, many others might have been intimidated by the 
pressure and greatly elevated stakes. She held more than her own, even 
helping me successfully attach several amendments important to rural 
Oregon to the committee version of the bill.
  As I'm sure you can imagine, Madam Speaker, it is bittersweet to lose 
a member of the team like Erica. On the one hand, it is never easy to 
replace someone who brings to the table an outgoing personality, strong 
work ethic, and commitment to public service. But on the other hand, 
it's impossible not to be happy for her as she enters what will no 
doubt be a very exciting stage of her life.
  While Erica is leaving Capitol Hill, she is entering a private 
professional organization where she will continue to remain deeply 
involved in public policy work, something that I know is a priority for 
Erica.
  Beyond her professional growth, Erica recently became engaged to 
Danny Fernandez, a fellow Oregonian and former staffer for Senator 
Gordon Smith. They plan to marry next year, and I couldn't be any 
happier for the both of them--even if Danny hails from the wrong side 
of Oregon's Civil War. In all seriousness, they are two wonderfully 
talented individuals, and I wish them the very best as they go down the 
very exciting path before them.
  Erica also became an aunt for the first time just a couple of short 
weeks ago. It must have been near torture for Erica to wait a week 
before heading down to Georgia to see the new addition to her family, 
but her pride in her sister and baby Seth has been evident ever since 
she announced the happy news.
  Madam Speaker, I've already noted how constituents have showered 
praise upon Erica for her work. Just as importantly, I'd wager that if 
you polled my staff and the professionals who regularly come and go 
through my office, they would tell you that having the privilege to 
interact with Erica makes every day that much better. The world could 
always use a few more people like that. I can't think of many higher 
compliments.

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