Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-10

HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ

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Context

On 2026-06-10, Representative Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4057-H4058] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ (Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two people on my staff: Billy Dwyer and Michelle Galdamez. They have both moved on to new opportunities, but I will always remember their hard work, contributions to my office, and their wonderful personalities. When I first met Billy Dwyer at a barbecue, I had no idea that one day he would be my senior policy adviser. It truly speaks to his persistence. He was my constituent and started to work in my district office, and in 2020, he moved to D.C. as my legislative aid. He is a founding member of the office's House softball team, the Deep Dishers. His sports exploits extend to hockey, where as a member of the congressional team, he scored two game-tying goals this past year against the lobbyists. For over 6 years, Billy was the life of the office. While his colleagues often complained that they could hear him even through noise-canceling headphones, he was always quick with a joke and a laugh. I have no doubt that his new coworkers have welcomed his uplifting spirit. When my district expanded from 1,500 farms to over 4,500, Billy jumped right into the agriculture portfolio. The farmers all love him, whether they grow corn or soybeans, which is a feat in and of itself. He connected the agriculture work to my healthcare portfolio, leading to the introduction of my Food is Medicine bill to improve health outcomes through nutrition. Billy's work has always been rooted in advocacy. He became a passionate advocate for mental health after his sister died when he graduated from high school. He continues to speak out for mental health and headache disorders. I am so proud of the work he has done in and outside of my office, and I know he will succeed in his next role. Michelle Galdamez, my senior health policy adviser, has been critical in leading my office's healthcare work. She first joined my office 4 years ago as a fellow before working in the Senate. We then stole her back when there was an opening, and I am just grateful she decided to come back. She stepped into the work without missing a beat, continuing to carry on my healthcare legislation and expand it from internal health to clinical trial diversity to digital health. I often say that no one can accomplish anything alone, and that could not be truer when it comes to affordable healthcare. I receive so many compliments from people who have worked with Michelle. They all sing her praises, so I think it is only right that they are entered into the House Congressional Record for all to hear. Michelle's commitment to healthcare, especially women's health, is second to none. When I was in a 26-hour marathon hearing, Michelle was [[Page H4058]] right there with me defending Medicaid from Republicans' trillion- dollar cut. When she saw the viral video of a woman being discharged from a hospital while in active labor and found out she was a constituent, Michelle got right to work. She diligently worked on the bill that would become the WELLS Act, named after my constituent Mercedes Wells, who gave birth in her truck on the side of the road. It was her idea to name the bill after Mercedes because her heart and compassion for people are at the center of everything she does. Michelle also does great work recruiting and training health fellows, guiding them and setting them up for future success after they leave the office. I know she will do a fantastic job serving as the legislative director in the office of my colleague, Representative Emily Randall. I have been incredibly lucky to have such wonderful staff, especially Billy and Michelle. I thank both of them. ____________________

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HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4057-H4058] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BILLY DWYER AND MICHELLE GALDAMEZ (Ms. Kelly of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two people on my staff: Billy Dwyer and Michelle Galdamez. They have both moved on to new opportunities, but I will always remember their hard work, contributions to my office, and their wonderful personalities. When I first met Billy Dwyer at a barbecue, I had no idea that one day he would be my senior policy adviser. It truly speaks to his persistence. He was my constituent and started to work in my district office, and in 2020, he moved to D.C. as my legislative aid. He is a founding member of the office's House softball team, the Deep Dishers. His sports exploits extend to hockey, where as a member of the congressional team, he scored two game-tying goals this past year against the lobbyists. For over 6 years, Billy was the life of the office. While his colleagues often complained that they could hear him even through noise-canceling headphones, he was always quick with a joke and a laugh. I have no doubt that his new coworkers have welcomed his uplifting spirit. When my district expanded from 1,500 farms to over 4,500, Billy jumped right into the agriculture portfolio. The farmers all love him, whether they grow corn or soybeans, which is a feat in and of itself. He connected the agriculture work to my healthcare portfolio, leading to the introduction of my Food is Medicine bill to improve health outcomes through nutrition. Billy's work has always been rooted in advocacy. He became a passionate advocate for mental health after his sister died when he graduated from high school. He continues to speak out for mental health and headache disorders. I am so proud of the work he has done in and outside of my office, and I know he will succeed in his next role. Michelle Galdamez, my senior health policy adviser, has been critical in leading my office's healthcare work. She first joined my office 4 years ago as a fellow before working in the Senate. We then stole her back when there was an opening, and I am just grateful she decided to come back. She stepped into the work without missing a beat, continuing to carry on my healthcare legislation and expand it from internal health to clinical trial diversity to digital health. I often say that no one can accomplish anything alone, and that could not be truer when it comes to affordable healthcare. I receive so many compliments from people who have worked with Michelle. They all sing her praises, so I think it is only right that they are entered into the House Congressional Record for all to hear. Michelle's commitment to healthcare, especially women's health, is second to none. When I was in a 26-hour marathon hearing, Michelle was [[Page H4058]] right there with me defending Medicaid from Republicans' trillion- dollar cut. When she saw the viral video of a woman being discharged from a hospital while in active labor and found out she was a constituent, Michelle got right to work. She diligently worked on the bill that would become the WELLS Act, named after my constituent Mercedes Wells, who gave birth in her truck on the side of the road. It was her idea to name the bill after Mercedes because her heart and compassion for people are at the center of everything she does. Michelle also does great work recruiting and training health fellows, guiding them and setting them up for future success after they leave the office. I know she will do a fantastic job serving as the legislative director in the office of my colleague, Representative Emily Randall. I have been incredibly lucky to have such wonderful staff, especially Billy and Michelle. I thank both of them. ____________________