[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E506-E507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING JENNIFER CATECHIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2020

  Mr. LUJAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jennifer Catechis for 
her years of service to my office and the people of New Mexico's Third 
Congressional District.
  Jennifer and I have known each other for decades. We first met in 
high school. Later, she would work with me at New Mexico's Public 
Relations Commission. For the last twelve years, she has overseen the 
district offices of New Mexico's Third Congressional District.
  But the titles and years don't speak to who Jennifer Catechis is--she 
is family. And she treated her team and the fellow New Mexicans she was 
honored to serve like family.
  Under her leadership, she guided my local operations, helping 
countless constituents navigate the federal system--ensuring veterans 
received the medals and benefits they earned, helping communities get 
support in times of strife, and always responding to need no matter the 
hour. If you called her for assistance, you didn't just get a seasoned, 
industrious professional staffer--you got a voice of compassion.
  To our team and those she worked with, she responded with similar 
care. Birthdays were never forgotten, milestones recognized, and every 
year Jennifer's carefully chosen holiday gifts meant the season had 
truly arrived. Coworkers, neighbors, visitors--just about any New 
Mexican within driving distance--would be invited to her home for her 
Greek Easter celebration.
  During difficult times, battling cancer, Jennifer maintained her 
unsinkable spirit--both while caring for her own health and continuing 
to fight for the people of New Mexico. After her recovery, she lent her 
voice to the fight against cancer--proving that even when a cause was 
personal, it was still about how she could be of service to others in 
need.
  As she transitions onto future endeavors, I want to thank and 
recognize Jennifer--a public servant, a team leader and mentor, a 
fierce cancer survivor, an incredible mom, and a member of our proud 
New Mexico family.

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