Recognizing the Career of Erica ``rikki'' Miller and Her Work on Behalf of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the remarkable contributions of a woman who needs no introduction, Ms. Erica ``Rikki'' Miller, to our country and to the House of Representatives. For nearly the last decade, Rikki has served with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of duty. Whether it was driving a Member as a humble staff assistant, enhancing the caucus communications, directing communications on energy policy for a senior Member of Energy and Commerce or helping a brand new freshman establish her office as chief of staff, Rikki approached every task with the same commitment--to make life better for the people we serve.

Rikki's decade of congressional service began as an intern for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, where she was soon hired full time as constituent relations and press assistant. After two years with Congresswoman Dingell, Rikki joined now Leader Jeffries inaugural leadership team. As their press assistant, Rikki helped plan the Caucus issues conference and lead the Caucus's communication efforts during the Mueller trials and historic first impeachment. She then spent four years with Congresswoman Kathy Castor as her communications director, where she led the team during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

After four years with Congresswoman Castor, Rikki was called back home to Michigan to be chief of staff for my district office. As chief, Rikki helped build the office from the ground up, leading the team through my first term. There, Rikki established herself as a mentor to those in the office, and to other chiefs as well.

Public service isn't always glamorous. It demands patience, perseverance, and quiet strength. There are early mornings, late nights, and countless moments when the work you do goes unnoticed by the world outside. But it's people like Rikki who keep everything running--the unseen hands and steady hearts behind the work we all depend on, whether we realize it or not.

Rikki has been so much more than a House employee, she's been a mentor to new young staff, a colleague, and a friend to all. Rikki lights up any room she walks in. She knows everyone's name and treats everyone the same. She has shared her knowledge generously, guided others through challenges, and shown us what public service truly looks like. Many of us here have learned from her--not just how to do our jobs, but how to do them with purpose.

We will miss Rikki and her steady presence, her joyful spirit, and her years of experience. But we take comfort in knowing that the values she has instilled will continue to guide this workplace in the dozens of new staffers she has trained and inspired. She has left it stronger, kinder, and more resilient than when she arrived.

On behalf of a grateful country, and especially the people of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, we thank her.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source