Recognizing Laura Briggs

Floor Speech

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Laura Briggs, who has served as one of my most trusted staff members for more than a decade in her role as a District Field Representative and District Scheduler. Laura is leaving my office after 14 years of distinguished service. For 12 of those years as District Scheduler, Laura has been the glue that has kept my office running efficiently. It is often said that the scheduler has the hardest job in a congressional office. One must possess exceptional organizational skills, a strong work ethic, initiative, professionalism and above all else thick skin. These are all qualities that Laura not only displays but sets the standard.

Constituents of the Sixth Congressional District have also had a fierce advocate in Laura, who has helped countless constituents resolve issues with the federal government. Her advocacy and commitment were never more on display during Superstorm Sandy which devastated my district in 2012 and the COVID pandemic that gripped the world. In the weeks, months, and years following Sandy, Laura was a key field representative helping victims recover and rebuild when everything was lost. During the height of the pandemic, Laura became a leader in my office, helping constituents gain much needed access to unemployment benefits and helping businesses gain access to grants and loans to keep their doors open. Without exaggeration, hundreds of families were able to put food on the table during a time of great uncertainty because of Laura's tireless efforts.

Before joining my office in 2010, Laura started her career in public service as an aide to three different New Jersey Governors, Richard Codey, Jon Corzine, and Chris Christie. Serving in roles as a scheduler in the Operations office of the Governor and Aide to the Governor in the Appointments Office. Laura received her B.A. in Political Science Magna Cum Laude in 2005 from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Over the last 14 years, Laura has spent a lot of long days, nights and weekends serving my office and ultimately the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I also want to acknowledge the love and support she has received from her husband Jon and her two children Sarah and Andrew. In addition to her public service, Laura is also dedicated to her children and her community, serving as a member of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and a volunteer coach with the Point Pleasant Soccer Association.

Mr Speaker, it should go without saying that the American people, New Jerseyans, and the people of the Sixth Congressional District have been well served by Laura Briggs for the last 14 years. Even though she is moving on from her service to the United States Congress, I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors and know that whatever path she chooses will be a successful one.

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