Floor SpeechUrgent2026-01-07

HONORING JESSIE FRANK

Taxes

Context

On 2026-01-07, Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JESSIE FRANK" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

HONORING JESSIE FRANK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E7-E8] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JESSIE FRANK ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the exceptional service of Jessie Frank, whose six years of dedicated public service to the State of North Carolina and to the United States Congress reflect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the public good. Jessie Frank began her career in public service in the North Carolina Senate, where she served for three years as an intern and later as a legislative assistant. From the outset, Jessie distinguished herself through a strong work ethic, a keen understanding of policy and procedure, and a genuine respect for the legislative process. She approached every task--whether large or small--with diligence and care, earning the confidence of legislators, staff, and constituents alike. These early years in the state legislature laid a strong foundation for a career defined by competence, discretion, and thoughtful engagement in public affairs. Following her service in the North Carolina Senate and her graduation from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Political Science, Jessie continued her commitment to the people of our state by joining my congressional office full-time. Over the next three years, she served with distinction as Scheduler and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. In these roles, Jessie became a central pillar of our office's daily operations. She managed extraordinarily complex schedules, balanced competing priorities, and ensured that our work advanced efficiently and responsibly on behalf of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Beyond her administrative excellence, Jessie proved herself to be politically savvy, strategically minded, and deeply perceptive about the dynamics of both Congress and our district. She possessed a rare ability to understand not only the mechanics of policy and politics, but also the human and political implications behind every decision. Over time, I [[Page E8]] came to rely heavily on her judgment and counsel. On many occasions, Jessie offered advice that challenged my initial instincts, and in those moments, her insight, clarity, and confidence led me to trust her perspective, Time and again, that trust was well placed. Her guidance was thoughtful, grounded, and motivated solely by what was best for the office, the district, and the people we serve. Jessie's leadership was especially evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina's 11th District on September 27, 2024. In the face of widespread devastation and urgent need, she played a critical role in our response and recovery efforts. Jessie worked tirelessly to coordinate with local officials, emergency responders, and community leaders throughout Western North Carolina, while maintaining close communication with our Washington, D.C., team and relevant federal agencies. Her ability to operate seamlessly across levels of government ensured that resources and assistance were directed where they were most urgently needed. During an extraordinarily challenging time, her calm demeanor, organizational skill, and unwavering dedication helped our office serve constituents with compassion and effectiveness. Throughout her service, Jessie Frank consistently demonstrated the qualities that define exceptional public servants: intelligence, discretion, political awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility to those she served. Her contributions strengthened our legislative work, enhanced constituent services, and improved our office's overall effectiveness. She earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the trust of community leaders across our district. On a personal note, Jessie has been a public servant every Member hopes to have by their side--steadfast, selfless, and wholly committed to serving others. In moments of pressure and calm, she brought clarity, kindness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Her service was not simply professional; it was deeply human. I am grateful beyond words for her loyalty, her friendship, and the heart she poured into this office. Her imprint on our work and on the people we serve will endure long after her time here. Jessie Frank will always be part of the story of this office, as well as my political career. I am profoundly thankful for the years we had the privilege to serve together. ____________________

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HONORING JESSIE FRANK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E7-E8] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JESSIE FRANK ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the exceptional service of Jessie Frank, whose six years of dedicated public service to the State of North Carolina and to the United States Congress reflect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the public good. Jessie Frank began her career in public service in the North Carolina Senate, where she served for three years as an intern and later as a legislative assistant. From the outset, Jessie distinguished herself through a strong work ethic, a keen understanding of policy and procedure, and a genuine respect for the legislative process. She approached every task--whether large or small--with diligence and care, earning the confidence of legislators, staff, and constituents alike. These early years in the state legislature laid a strong foundation for a career defined by competence, discretion, and thoughtful engagement in public affairs. Following her service in the North Carolina Senate and her graduation from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Political Science, Jessie continued her commitment to the people of our state by joining my congressional office full-time. Over the next three years, she served with distinction as Scheduler and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. In these roles, Jessie became a central pillar of our office's daily operations. She managed extraordinarily complex schedules, balanced competing priorities, and ensured that our work advanced efficiently and responsibly on behalf of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Beyond her administrative excellence, Jessie proved herself to be politically savvy, strategically minded, and deeply perceptive about the dynamics of both Congress and our district. She possessed a rare ability to understand not only the mechanics of policy and politics, but also the human and political implications behind every decision. Over time, I [[Page E8]] came to rely heavily on her judgment and counsel. On many occasions, Jessie offered advice that challenged my initial instincts, and in those moments, her insight, clarity, and confidence led me to trust her perspective, Time and again, that trust was well placed. Her guidance was thoughtful, grounded, and motivated solely by what was best for the office, the district, and the people we serve. Jessie's leadership was especially evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck North Carolina's 11th District on September 27, 2024. In the face of widespread devastation and urgent need, she played a critical role in our response and recovery efforts. Jessie worked tirelessly to coordinate with local officials, emergency responders, and community leaders throughout Western North Carolina, while maintaining close communication with our Washington, D.C., team and relevant federal agencies. Her ability to operate seamlessly across levels of government ensured that resources and assistance were directed where they were most urgently needed. During an extraordinarily challenging time, her calm demeanor, organizational skill, and unwavering dedication helped our office serve constituents with compassion and effectiveness. Throughout her service, Jessie Frank consistently demonstrated the qualities that define exceptional public servants: intelligence, discretion, political awareness, and a deep sense of responsibility to those she served. Her contributions strengthened our legislative work, enhanced constituent services, and improved our office's overall effectiveness. She earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the trust of community leaders across our district. On a personal note, Jessie has been a public servant every Member hopes to have by their side--steadfast, selfless, and wholly committed to serving others. In moments of pressure and calm, she brought clarity, kindness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Her service was not simply professional; it was deeply human. I am grateful beyond words for her loyalty, her friendship, and the heart she poured into this office. Her imprint on our work and on the people we serve will endure long after her time here. Jessie Frank will always be part of the story of this office, as well as my political career. I am profoundly thankful for the years we had the privilege to serve together. ____________________