Recognizing Mr. David Ballenger

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a dedicated professional with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. David Ballenger is an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism serving our nation's veterans. He has served with the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 17 years. His career in public service is a testament to the importance of selfless service.

For the last 10 years, Mr. Ballenger served as the Director of the Legislative Team in the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at VA. He has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important matters spanning VA's health benefits, memorial functions, human resources, information technology, and real property. In this capacity, he has been the conduit between Congress and VA, providing technical assistance on multiple pieces of landmark legislation including the VA MISSION Act, the Forever GI Bill, the VA Disability Appeals Modernization Act, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, the Veterans' COMPACT Act, and the Deborah Sampson Act. He also spearheaded the Department's legislative proposal submissions.

As Mr. Ballenger embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Congress, and veterans of the United States. May his life be filled with health and happiness.

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