Deondra Dixon Include Project Act of 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, as the Presiding Officer knows, one of the privileges of being a Senator is the opportunity to work alongside dedicated, talented staff. They take the Senator's ideas and concepts and turn them into real legislation that improves the lives of our constituents and improves our country. Without them, we are unable to do our job.

As I near the end of my career in Congress, I reflect on the staff who have come and gone and the work we have done that will have a lasting impact on the Nation.

Today, I honor an invaluable member of my team, my HELP Committee deputy staff director, Danielle Janowski. She is leaving Capitol Hill after nearly 17 years of service.

Danielle joined my HELP Committee leadership team in 2023 when I became the ranking member. She had previously worked in the House and for Senators Ernst and Thune. As deputy staff director, she kept the trains moving. She made sure that staff were all rowing in the same direction and that every committee product was done on time and was of the highest quality.

Danielle is an institutionalist at heart, and it was through that lens that she always fought for the HELP Committee to be strategic, thorough, and professional. She cares about this institution and what it represents. She views it as her duty to mentor other young staffers to carry forward the traditions and collaboration that the Senate deserves.

It is because of her leadership that the HELP Committee has been successful in getting bills signed into law that lower the cost of healthcare, strengthen our education system, empower workers, and enhance our retirement system.

Importantly, Danielle has been a leader in the fight for life. She spearheaded my work to protect unborn babies and mothers, an issue so important to me and to the people of Louisiana. Her passion for this cause and her deep connection with the pro-life community made her indispensable and an effective champion. She was instrumental in leading the first pro-life hearing this Congress, my investigation into abortion pill manufacturers harming mothers, and our efforts to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood in the Working Families Tax Cuts. None of this would have been possible without her passion, strategic guidance, and unrelenting determination. Babies' lives have been saved, and families are better off because of the work that she led. And what can be more important than that?

What Danielle will be most remembered for on our HELP team is her exceptional leadership and friendship. She is beloved by everyone who worked with her--a trusted and calming presence during transitions and chaotic times. When there was conflict or when staff simply needed someone to talk to, Danielle was there. She is an advocate, a mentor, a sounding board, and a friend to everyone.

Her departure is not only a loss for the office but for the entire Capitol Hill community. But our loss is someone else's gain. I am proud she will continue her public service at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, leading policy to improve families' health and drive down the cost of care. She will continue to make a positive difference and be an invaluable partner to those who remain in Congress. I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.

It has been a pleasure to watch Danielle grow as a leader and as a person. I thank her for her service to my office, to the Senate, and to the Nation.

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