Mourning the Loss of Lisa Renee Ransom, Extraordinary Marylander, Congressional Staffer, and Public Servant.

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend, Lisa Renee Ransom, who sadly passed away just a few days ago. I join countless people across Maryland and the country in mourning Lisa and in wishing strength to her loved ones as they cope with this terrible loss.

Throughout her life--which was tragically cut short--Lisa distinguished herself as a public servant and as a champion for greater equity. justice, and progress in America. She spent more than a dozen years in service to the American people as a Congressional staffer here in the House. Early in her career, she worked as an advisor to her lauded grandfather, Congressman Augustus `Gus' Hawkins. She also served on the staffs of Representatives Maxine Waters and John Olver. helping them--and this entire institution--address challenges facing our economy and the workers and families upon which it depends. She understood that promoting economic justice is essential to fulfilling America's founding promise to protect our citizens' right to ``life, liberty. and the pursuit of happiness.'' That mission continued to define Lisa's later work for organizations like the National Congress for Community Economic Development, the Center for Policy Alternatives, the Center for Responsible Lending, the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity, and the Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation. From her support for the Bowie Economic Development Committee to her historic election to the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, she also made important contributions to the state of Maryland. Additionally, she was a key member on the planning committee for my Annual Women's Equality Day Luncheon and frequently helped my team bring attention to pressing issues facing Southern Maryland. I will always be grateful for her partnership in our ongoing effort to build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities throughout the state.

We were so fortunate to have Lisa return to the House just a few years ago to serve as the Outreach and Engagement Director on the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness and Growth. She helped ensure that the committee's critical work remained grounded in the real stories and experiences of Americans who must navigate the complexities and challenges of the 21st Century economy every day. I have long shared her belief that for Nation to continue outcompeting the rest of the world, we cannot afford to leave workers and underserved communities behind. Lisa and the Select Committee played an important role in identifying not only the obstacles we may face as we address inequity but also the tools and strategies we can use to overcome them. Indeed, throughout her career, Lisa served as a crucial voice for women, communities of color, and others who are too often excluded from economic opportunities.

Despite the gravity of her work, Lisa remained a woman of gaiety. All those around her appreciated her warmth and humor--her family and friends most of all. Our long friendship certainly brightened my own life. Whether through Lisa's service to her fellow Marylanders and Americans, her leadership in the community, or her personal interactions with others, a sense of compassion and joy was evident in every dimension of her life. Lisa's lively spirit remained strong even as I spoke with her in her final days.

Just as her work will continue to benefit countless Americans across the country, memories of Lisa's amity will continue to enrich the lives of all those lucky enough to have known her. I hope that knowledge will bring some peace and comfort to her many loved ones in this time of mourning.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in praying for them and in showing our gratitude for Lisa's life of service. May God bless and keep Lisa.

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