TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MATURO

On 2026-01-14, Representative Derek Tran (D-CA-45) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MATURO" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense.

TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MATURO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E39] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MATURO _____ HON. DEREK TRAN of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Mr. TRAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Justin Maturo, a member of my congressional staff who will soon be departing Capitol Hill after a combined fifteen years of public service. From intern to Deputy Chief of Staff, Justin has held several important roles in three congressional offices where he has directly contributed to the betterment of communities in the states of Texas and California. Born in Westchester, New York, and raised in Tappan, New York, to an Italian father and Hawaiian mother, Justin first came to Washington, D.C. as a wide-eyed college student at American University with a mountain of motivation and aspirations to shape policy. As an intern for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he showed promise by swiftly screening requests and manning the phones. He then served as a Staff Assistant to the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson from Texas, where he quickly rose in the ranks to serve as her Senior Legislative Assistant and covered a robust portfolio of legislative issues such as defense, labor, housing, campaign finance reform, and more. After a brief stint in the private sector, Justin was called back to public service where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Mark Takano from California. After several years on the Hill, Justin earned a prestigious appointment at the Department of Defense where he served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs to coordinate legislative affairs across all military departments and components in service to our great Nation. I was fortunate Justin agreed to come back to Capitol Hill to join my office as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. In the short time he has been with my team, he has worked with me to protect veteran jobs, secure additional resources for military assets in my district, call for the release of Vietnamese prisoners of conscience, and so much more. He has always taken every challenge in stride--appreciating and knowing fully well the great responsibility we have to our constituents as public servants. His colleagues--both current and former--describe him as a trusted mentor. What sets Justin apart is his superpower ability to stay above the fray and to keep his eye on the prize. Despite always operating with a full load of projects on any given day, Justin always makes time to give advice and mentor younger staff with sincerity and genuine compassion. I cannot thank Justin enough for having acted as a trusted advisor and guiding me through my first year in Congress. Together, we set a foundation that will have resounding impacts in my district for years to come. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Justin's jovial spirit and words of wisdom will be sorely missed by all those who were lucky to work with him. Alas, all good things must come to an end. I wish him, his wonderful partner Jackie, and their dog Truman all the best in this next chapter of their lives. I know Justin will continue to make a positive impact in his next quest and I honor his great contributions to the people of California's 45th Congressional District. ____________________