TRIBUTE TO VALERIE NELSON

On 2025-05-05, Representative Mark B. Messmer (R-IN-8) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO VALERIE NELSON" in the House.

TRIBUTE TO VALERIE NELSON

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E388] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO VALERIE NELSON ______ HON. MARK B. MESSMER of indiana in the house of representatives Monday, May 5, 2025 Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valerie Nelson, who today marks 20 years of selfless service in the United States House of Representatives. Her unwavering commitment to public service has not only benefited this institution, but it has set an example for generations of congressional staff to come. Val first entered federal service as an executive assistant to her home state Congressman Jim Ramstad of Minnesota, serving in his Washington D.C. office to support his legislative efforts. She later joined the leadership office of Congressman Eric Cantor where she served as Member Services Director. In this position, Valerie served as a vital link between the Republican Conference and the Whip's office. When Congressman Cantor became Majority Leader, Val continued in this key role during a critical time in our conference's history. Upon his retirement, Val stepped away from Capitol Hill for a well- deserved break and time in the private sector but in 2021, Val was recruited back to the Hill to serve as Communications Director for Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger. In that role, Val was instrumental in supporting the Chairwoman's priorities by ensuring they were clearly and effectively communicated. She worked closely with Chairwoman Granger, committee staff and senior personal office staff to help shape messaging and communicate key initiatives to both the broader public and the constituents of Fort Worth. She later went on to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. Her relationships across the Hill--built over two decades of trusted service--have already opened doors and helped my freshman office hit the ground running. Being a new Member of Congress comes with plenty of unknowns, but thanks to Val's steady leadership, these first few months have been marked by order, effectiveness, and forward momentum. Since taking office, I've relied on Val to help build a strong team and good culture that ensures we are delivering results for the people of Indiana's 8th District. The 119th Congress will be one for history books, and Val will be responsible for many of the core contributions that my office adds to that record. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Valerie Nelson for her 20 years of public service in the House of Representatives. Few staffers reach this milestone, and even fewer do so with the level of dedication, professionalism, and grace that Val has consistently shown. We are all better for her service, thankful for her selfless dedication--and I'm truly grateful to have her on my team. ____________________