Recognizing Alison Cohen and Her Service to the U.S. House of Representatives

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Alison Cohen for two and a half years of outstanding service to the constituents of New York's 12th Congressional District.

A native of Northern Virginia, Alison attended William & Mary University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Global Governance and Community Engagement. After graduating, she joined the Teach for America program and moved to New Orleans to work as a middle school math teacher in a public school.

For the next three years, she served as a teacher and mentor for hundreds of students. I know she keeps in touch with some of her former pupils who still recognize the impact that she made on their lives. Alison's skills from her time as a teacher can be seen during the many meetings that she has with student groups, where she is able to capture the attention of students and skillfully answer their questions in a thoughtful and accessible way.

Alison's experience working in public education in Louisiana inspired her to enter policy work to help address the systemic inequities that she saw impacting her students' lives. She began working as a legislative assistant for Louisiana State Representative Aimee Freedman. During her time working in the State Legislature, she worked on many issues impacting everyday Louisianans. One of her key accomplishments was helping shepherd Representative Freedman's bill to eliminate the ``pink tax'' on diapers and menstrual products and other goods, which unfairly disadvantages women and children. This legislation was signed into law in 2021 and is an example of Alison's longstanding commitment to helping support women and families through policy.

After working as a policy analyst for the Louisiana Budget Project, Alison returned to the D.C. area and began working as a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA). In 2023, I was lucky to have her join my Washington, D.C. Office as a Legislative Assistant.

Over her two and a half year career in my office, Alison covered many issues, including Healthcare, Reproductive Rights, Education, and Social Security. During her time in my office, Alison held hundreds of meetings with stakeholder groups from across the district, serving as a representative for my office in many photos with groups. She always brought her knowledge and compassion to these meetings and often showed her unique talent of being able to quickly learn the names of everyone in her meetings.

Supported by her afternoon Diet Cokes, Alison assisted with many of my key legislative priorities over the past few years. She worked diligently to support the implementation of my Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, working to ensure it was protected in the appropriations process, and helping to organize an amicus brief supporting the bill.

She has also been a champion of my bill, the Living Donor Protection Act, which received 225 cosponsors in the 118th Congress due to Alison's hard work. Her steadfast and compassionate work with members of the organ transplant community has been inspiring to see.

Alison has also worked on many other health issues, including supporting my longstanding work to secure funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). She has also worked closely with stakeholders in the district to support my longstanding work on the World Trade Center Health Program.

Alison serves as a key bridge between my office and the many hospitals, health centers, and stakeholders in our district.

While working in my office, Alison completed her master's in Health Law and Strategy from New York University, helping to expand her understanding of the healthcare system, especially in the legal context. Her ability to navigate both school and work demonstrates her flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges.

Alison has also been an active part of our office culture, helping to mentor many staff and interns; she was always available to offer support and feedback. I will miss her positive presence in the office, especially around birthdays and other celebrations.

As Alison moves to her new position in Federal Affairs at Callen- Lorde Health system in New York, I am glad to know she will continue to serve the people of the 12th District. I look forward to seeing where her career will take her and thank her for her excellent service.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source