Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-21

HONORING NAOMI LAKE

Taxes

Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING NAOMI LAKE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING NAOMI LAKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3674-H3675] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NAOMI LAKE (Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my former legislative director, Naomi Lake. Naomi is a Chicago native who worked in my congressional office since my first day in Congress in 2019. [[Page H3675]] Naomi also worked on my first congressional campaign. She dedicated almost 10 years to help me serve my constituents. When I was elected to Congress, she packed her bags and moved to Washington, D.C., excited to help me shape my work and represent our beloved Chicago. Over the years, she rose from legislative correspondent to legislative assistant to legislative director. She leaves my office as an LD who is appreciated by her team, admired by her peers, and respected by members, staff, and advocates alike. There is no task she doesn't do well, and Congresswoman Summer Lee is very lucky to have Naomi as her new legislative director. Naomi is a brilliant young woman, passionate about social and economic justice, and deeply interested in the impact that U.S. policies have on our relationship with other countries, particularly throughout the Americas. Her strategic policy mind has helped make my role as a Member of Congress and whip of the Progressive Caucus more impactful, as she always puts her interests of working people first. She is an exceptional thinker, a gifted writer, and a thorough editor who helped my team be more effective in expressing my policy positions and serving the residents of Illinois' Fourth District. She is a dedicated and intelligent advocate who cares deeply about our community, my team, and the progressive movement. Naomi has many talents beyond her role on the Hill. She is an experienced ballet dancer. She wakes up at the crack of dawn to row in the Potomac and is captain of her team. She has recently completed a half-marathon, while still managing a heavy legislative portfolio and leading our policy team. In addition, Naomi is the type of person that I always want on my team--generous, thoughtful, funny, and humble. Every congressional office would be lucky to have someone as talented and kind as Naomi. Whether discussing IMF surcharges, sanctions, or appropriations, I have always admired her sharp intellect and her quick and calm strategic sense in high-stake situations. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful for Naomi's work for the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District, for her exceptional leadership in my office, and for consistently advocating for the needs of my constituents, working families across the country, and for humanity itself. I will miss her. Honoring the Aztec Eagles Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I rise to honor the Aztec Eagles, known in Spanish as ``Escuadron 201,'' a legendary fighter squadron of the Mexican Air Force, whose members volunteered to fight alongside the United States during World War II. These brave fighters--36 pilots and 264 ground personnel, including electricians, mechanics, and radiomen--answered the call to defend freedom and served in the Pacific theater. Seven of those pilots made the ultimate sacrifice. The Aztec Eagles were part of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, which assisted the Allied war effort, and were attached to the 58th Fighter Group of the U.S. Air Force. They flew more than 90 combat missions and played a critical role in the liberation of Luzon in the Philippines in 1945. For their heroism, they were awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Philippine Legion of Honor, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Today, I remember the Aztec Eagles with gratitude and pride. Their courage, determination, and sacrifice and commitment to freedom will never be forgotten. ____________________

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HONORING NAOMI LAKE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3674-H3675] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NAOMI LAKE (Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my former legislative director, Naomi Lake. Naomi is a Chicago native who worked in my congressional office since my first day in Congress in 2019. [[Page H3675]] Naomi also worked on my first congressional campaign. She dedicated almost 10 years to help me serve my constituents. When I was elected to Congress, she packed her bags and moved to Washington, D.C., excited to help me shape my work and represent our beloved Chicago. Over the years, she rose from legislative correspondent to legislative assistant to legislative director. She leaves my office as an LD who is appreciated by her team, admired by her peers, and respected by members, staff, and advocates alike. There is no task she doesn't do well, and Congresswoman Summer Lee is very lucky to have Naomi as her new legislative director. Naomi is a brilliant young woman, passionate about social and economic justice, and deeply interested in the impact that U.S. policies have on our relationship with other countries, particularly throughout the Americas. Her strategic policy mind has helped make my role as a Member of Congress and whip of the Progressive Caucus more impactful, as she always puts her interests of working people first. She is an exceptional thinker, a gifted writer, and a thorough editor who helped my team be more effective in expressing my policy positions and serving the residents of Illinois' Fourth District. She is a dedicated and intelligent advocate who cares deeply about our community, my team, and the progressive movement. Naomi has many talents beyond her role on the Hill. She is an experienced ballet dancer. She wakes up at the crack of dawn to row in the Potomac and is captain of her team. She has recently completed a half-marathon, while still managing a heavy legislative portfolio and leading our policy team. In addition, Naomi is the type of person that I always want on my team--generous, thoughtful, funny, and humble. Every congressional office would be lucky to have someone as talented and kind as Naomi. Whether discussing IMF surcharges, sanctions, or appropriations, I have always admired her sharp intellect and her quick and calm strategic sense in high-stake situations. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful for Naomi's work for the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District, for her exceptional leadership in my office, and for consistently advocating for the needs of my constituents, working families across the country, and for humanity itself. I will miss her. Honoring the Aztec Eagles Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I rise to honor the Aztec Eagles, known in Spanish as ``Escuadron 201,'' a legendary fighter squadron of the Mexican Air Force, whose members volunteered to fight alongside the United States during World War II. These brave fighters--36 pilots and 264 ground personnel, including electricians, mechanics, and radiomen--answered the call to defend freedom and served in the Pacific theater. Seven of those pilots made the ultimate sacrifice. The Aztec Eagles were part of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force, which assisted the Allied war effort, and were attached to the 58th Fighter Group of the U.S. Air Force. They flew more than 90 combat missions and played a critical role in the liberation of Luzon in the Philippines in 1945. For their heroism, they were awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Philippine Legion of Honor, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Today, I remember the Aztec Eagles with gratitude and pride. Their courage, determination, and sacrifice and commitment to freedom will never be forgotten. ____________________