Recognizing Ally Castaneda

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary public servant, Ally Castaneda, who is departing my office and Washington, D.C. for a new role.

Ally has been an outstanding member of my team since 2022. She began her work as a Legislative Correspondent before becoming a Legislative Assistant, and then a Senior Legislative Assistant.

In every role, Ally was the ultimate professional and went above and beyond. This job gives us all an incredible opportunity to better people's lives, and Ally embraced this ideal, She worked hard every day to serve the people of California's 52nd Congressional District.

Ally led critical pieces of legislation, including the Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act, and helped secure essential funding for our district. In part because of her tireless advocacy, our San Diego Congressional delegation has been able to secure millions of dollars in funding to address cross-border pollution. For instance, last year Ally worked with staff for the San Diego delegation to successfully advocate for funding to support environmental infrastructure in the Tijuana River Valley Watershed to be included in the Water Resources Development Act.

It is impossible to interact with Ally and not be impressed with her encyclopedic policy knowledge, attention to detail, and thoroughness. She was always a trusted voice.

On a personal level, Ally is kind, principled, funny, and generous. She cares about the people she works with and the constituents she served in California's 52nd Congressional District. She will be greatly missed in our office.

I thank Ally for her work, both past and future. We're always rooting for her.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source