Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-15

TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX

TaxesEnvironmentForeign PolicyHousing

Context

On 2026-01-15, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, foreign policy. It referenced legislation: S253.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S253] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Raymond Neirinckx after an incredible 43-year career, including the past 26 years as coordinator of the Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission. I first met and began working with Ray when I was serving in the Rhode Island State Senate, and I was immediately struck by his compassion and intelligence. Indeed, for nearly five decades, Ray used his considerable talents not for personal gain, but to help others in great need. Throughout his housing advocacy career, he counseled over 1,000 Rhode Islanders facing mortgage foreclosure. He helped these families navigate complex financial documents and often communicated with lenders on their behalf. Ray's painstaking work combing through legal documents and financial regulations helped many, many Rhode Islanders keep their homes despite dire circumstances. He would often go above and beyond what was required under his role, helping Rhode Islanders who could not avoid foreclosure get back on their feet. When I connected struggling Rhode Islanders with Ray, I knew they were in the best hands possible. Just as my constituents have relied on Ray's advice, I have often depended on Ray's expertise here in Congress. As I have drafted, considered, and voted on complex housing finance legislation, I have always turned to Ray for an analysis of how these proposals would operate in the real world and to understand what their real impact would be on Rhode Islanders. His insights were invaluable. While I will miss Ray at the Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission, I know that he is still just a phone call away. And luckily for Rhode Island, retirement is not the end of Ray's public service story. He is leading the first community development course within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, work that will help people trying to turn their lives around. Ray, thank you for decades of extraordinary work, for dedicating your career to caring for and supporting your fellow Rhode Islanders, and for being a trusted partner. I wish you luck as you begin this new chapter. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S253] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND NEIRINCKX Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Raymond Neirinckx after an incredible 43-year career, including the past 26 years as coordinator of the Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission. I first met and began working with Ray when I was serving in the Rhode Island State Senate, and I was immediately struck by his compassion and intelligence. Indeed, for nearly five decades, Ray used his considerable talents not for personal gain, but to help others in great need. Throughout his housing advocacy career, he counseled over 1,000 Rhode Islanders facing mortgage foreclosure. He helped these families navigate complex financial documents and often communicated with lenders on their behalf. Ray's painstaking work combing through legal documents and financial regulations helped many, many Rhode Islanders keep their homes despite dire circumstances. He would often go above and beyond what was required under his role, helping Rhode Islanders who could not avoid foreclosure get back on their feet. When I connected struggling Rhode Islanders with Ray, I knew they were in the best hands possible. Just as my constituents have relied on Ray's advice, I have often depended on Ray's expertise here in Congress. As I have drafted, considered, and voted on complex housing finance legislation, I have always turned to Ray for an analysis of how these proposals would operate in the real world and to understand what their real impact would be on Rhode Islanders. His insights were invaluable. While I will miss Ray at the Rhode Island Housing Resource Commission, I know that he is still just a phone call away. And luckily for Rhode Island, retirement is not the end of Ray's public service story. He is leading the first community development course within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, work that will help people trying to turn their lives around. Ray, thank you for decades of extraordinary work, for dedicating your career to caring for and supporting your fellow Rhode Islanders, and for being a trusted partner. I wish you luck as you begin this new chapter. ____________________