REMEMBERING KENDOLYN LOUISA HODGES-SIMONS

On 2025-03-24, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING KENDOLYN LOUISA HODGES-SIMONS" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, infrastructure. It referenced legislation including S1799, S1800.

REMEMBERING KENDOLYN LOUISA HODGES-SIMONS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 53 (Monday, March 24, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 53 (Monday, March 24, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S1799-S1800] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING KENDOLYN LOUISA HODGES-SIMONS Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today in pay tribute to the memory of the late Kendolyn Louisa Hodges-Simons, a dedicated public servant and Marylander. Originally from Brooklyn, Mrs. Hodges-Simons was raised in a loving [[Page S1800]] household by her parents and grandmothers. After the loss of her father, her mother and grandmother taught her the values of resilience, faith, and commitment to excellence. She carried these values throughout her life and career as a public servant. Before her career with the government, Mrs. Hodges-Simons excelled academically. She earned a full academic scholarship to Vassar College and graduated with honors. Her passion for justice led her to earn her juris doctor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Mrs. Hodges-Simons followed her pursuit for justice and practiced law as a clerk and as an attorney specializing in telecommunications law. She continued to use her law degree as a public servant, serving our Nation through her positions at the Federal Communications Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration, the District of Columbia's Office of the People's Counsel, and the DC Department of the Environment. Mrs. Hodges-Simons was a champion for strengthening our environmental policies. As chief of the Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice for the DC Department of the Environment, she advocated for better environmental policies to protect underserved communities. Mrs. Hodges-Simons was committed to serving her local community as well. She dedicated herself to community service, made a lasting impact as the first PTA president of Ernest Everett Just Middle School, and was an active member of her church, the First Baptist Church of Glenarden. Mrs. Hodges-Simons' memory is cherished by the many people whose lives she touched, but especially by her family. She is survived by her husband Don; her children Donielle and Kenneth, who is a treasured former member of my Senate staff; her mother Mary; and her sister Karin. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation to the late Mrs. Hodges-Simons and her family for all she has done for our community and country. ____________________