Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-08

HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN "SOMA" SOMASEGAR

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On 2026-06-08, Representative Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN "SOMA" SOMASEGAR" in the House.

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HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN "SOMA" SOMASEGAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E539-E540] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN ``SOMA'' SOMASEGAR _____ HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE of washington in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Sivaramakrishnan ``Soma'' Somasegar. Soma was an incredible technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and friend in our community. Born and raised in southern India, Soma came to the United States to attend Louisiana State University. In 1989, he began his career at Microsoft. Soma played a critical role in Windows NT, one of the most important projects in Microsoft's history. Through his remarkable management skills, dedication, and [[Page E540]] work ethic, he rose to senior leadership at Microsoft, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President until 2015. I had the joy of getting to know him during our time at Microsoft together. His infectious smile and warm presence brought energy to every room he entered. After leaving Microsoft, Soma devoted himself to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as a managing director at Madrona Venture Group, where he guided countless startups and helped strengthen our region's innovation ecosystem. Beyond his professional achievements, Soma was deeply committed to his community. As the proud cofounder of the Seattle Orcas, he helped bring professional cricket to the Pacific Northwest and shared his love of the sport with many in our region. He was also a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, supporting organizations at every level that worked to expand equity and opportunity. But above all, Soma's greatest joy was his family. His wife, Akila, and two daughters were the center of his world. He spoke of them often with great admiration, gratitude, and boundless pride. Everything he accomplished was grounded in love for them. To know Soma was to know how much they shaped him, supported him, and inspired him. It is their strength, love, and example that carry forward the legacy of a man who gave so much to his community, his colleagues, and his country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering Soma's remarkable legacy. His family, friends, and colleagues will cherish his kindness and wisdom for years to come. ____________________

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HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN "SOMA" SOMASEGAR Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E539-E540] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SIVARAMAKRISHNAN ``SOMA'' SOMASEGAR _____ HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE of washington in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Sivaramakrishnan ``Soma'' Somasegar. Soma was an incredible technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and friend in our community. Born and raised in southern India, Soma came to the United States to attend Louisiana State University. In 1989, he began his career at Microsoft. Soma played a critical role in Windows NT, one of the most important projects in Microsoft's history. Through his remarkable management skills, dedication, and [[Page E540]] work ethic, he rose to senior leadership at Microsoft, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President until 2015. I had the joy of getting to know him during our time at Microsoft together. His infectious smile and warm presence brought energy to every room he entered. After leaving Microsoft, Soma devoted himself to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as a managing director at Madrona Venture Group, where he guided countless startups and helped strengthen our region's innovation ecosystem. Beyond his professional achievements, Soma was deeply committed to his community. As the proud cofounder of the Seattle Orcas, he helped bring professional cricket to the Pacific Northwest and shared his love of the sport with many in our region. He was also a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, supporting organizations at every level that worked to expand equity and opportunity. But above all, Soma's greatest joy was his family. His wife, Akila, and two daughters were the center of his world. He spoke of them often with great admiration, gratitude, and boundless pride. Everything he accomplished was grounded in love for them. To know Soma was to know how much they shaped him, supported him, and inspired him. It is their strength, love, and example that carry forward the legacy of a man who gave so much to his community, his colleagues, and his country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering Soma's remarkable legacy. His family, friends, and colleagues will cherish his kindness and wisdom for years to come. ____________________