Recognizing Jennifer Catechis
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. LUJAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jennifer Catechis for her years of service to my office and the people of New Mexico's Third Congressional District.
Jennifer and I have known each other for decades. We first met in high school. Later, she would work with me at New Mexico's Public Relations Commission. For the last twelve years, she has overseen the district offices of New Mexico's Third Congressional District.
But the titles and years don't speak to who Jennifer Catechis is--she is family. And she treated her team and the fellow New Mexicans she was honored to serve like family.
Under her leadership, she guided my local operations, helping countless constituents navigate the federal system--ensuring veterans received the medals and benefits they earned, helping communities get support in times of strife, and always responding to need no matter the hour. If you called her for assistance, you didn't just get a seasoned, industrious professional staffer--you got a voice of compassion.
To our team and those she worked with, she responded with similar care. Birthdays were never forgotten, milestones recognized, and every year Jennifer's carefully chosen holiday gifts meant the season had truly arrived. Coworkers, neighbors, visitors--just about any New Mexican within driving distance--would be invited to her home for her Greek Easter celebration.
During difficult times, battling cancer, Jennifer maintained her unsinkable spirit--both while caring for her own health and continuing to fight for the people of New Mexico. After her recovery, she lent her voice to the fight against cancer--proving that even when a cause was personal, it was still about how she could be of service to others in need.
As she transitions onto future endeavors, I want to thank and recognize Jennifer--a public servant, a team leader and mentor, a fierce cancer survivor, an incredible mom, and a member of our proud New Mexico family.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source