Mr. Speaker, while my service in Congress has been brief, it has been the privilege of a lifetime. When Congressman Devin Nunes'--who was my Congressman--district was redistricted away, I felt that perhaps my prior service as a county…
Mr. Speaker, while my service in Congress has been brief, it has been the privilege of a lifetime. When Congressman Devin Nunes'--who was my Congressman--district was redistricted away, I felt that perhaps my prior service as a county supervisor, as the minority leader in the California State House, and as a Presidential appointee might lend me some expertise to finish the term for Congressman Nunes and represent the constituents of California's Central Valley.
I must say that I felt very welcome here by the California delegation on
both sides. I had served with many of them in other capacities, so I felt very welcome.
I want to mention very quickly my staff, my prior staff, and my staff now. They know once you have served with Ms. Conway, you are a staffer for life.
I also want to thank the staff of this building. Even coming here today I got a little turned around. I know where I am going politically; I am just not sure of the building. So all the staff has been very gracious. I think they actually all know me by first name: the effervescent Ms. Conway.
When I was sworn in, I promised the good people of California's Central Valley that they would be the only special interest I represent. I hope they believe that I kept my word.
Congress is not a particularly popular institution right now, and a good dose of the criticism is well-deserved. Serving in Congress doesn't make you a hero and should not break any privilege except the privilege of serving this country. Instead of citizen-legislators, we have many professional politicians today, and perhaps some Americans would prefer that more Members served just 6 months, like I am, rather than for decades.
Nevertheless, I have always had a healthy respect for anyone who puts themselves out there and runs for public office. We need public servants to develop good ideas for solving problems, to present these ideas to their communities, and to advance those solutions in Congress.
In short, this country--the leader of the free world--is worth the conversations, the efforts, and the fights that happen here and on the campaign trail, notwithstanding all the messy unpleasantness that goes with the process.
As Americans it is easy for us to forget how rare and precious self- government has been throughout the world. Each and every day that I have stepped into this historic Capitol, I have stood in wonder and awe of how truly amazing this place is and how truly amazing the opportunity is to serve this country.
In Washington I have found that despite all the current bitterness in Congress--I am getting a little emotional--there were a range of issues, including the California water crisis, in which there is a good chance for bipartisan cooperation.
Moving forward, I urge my colleagues to explore every possibility to work together on water, wildfires, energy, and other pressing issues, knowing that families are counting on us to solve the big problems that impact them daily.
As my service nears its end, I would like to thank my family. They did not take the oath of office, but they have certainly shared with me in this. My heartfelt appreciation--and I use the word heart--goes to my husband, Craig, who actually, 8\1/2\ weeks ago, had a heart transplant and is doing well thanks to God; my sons, Anthony and Tim; and my dear grandchildren, Caine and Autrey. I also can't forget our dog, Jake, who doesn't miss me, but I do miss him a lot when I am here.
Finally, I would like to say a few words about my constituents back home. The Valley's agricultural communities work hard to feed the Nation. Most people buying their produce, meat, and milk at stores throughout the country have no idea where that food comes from or all the effort it took to get it to them.
Maintaining the well-being of these communities is a national security issue. Unfortunately, many Americans will only realize that in the most dramatic way if conditions in these communities become so difficult that people simply decide they can't continue working and growing any longer.
In California, especially lately, Silicon Valley gets all the headlines. While I am sure the tech executives deep down inside are nice people and they are smart people, they don't feed a lot of the families.
The Central Valley of California is the main pillar of our Nation's food chain. Its residents are my heroes. They are people who get up every day, go to work, pay their taxes, worship at their place of choice, and donate to charity when they can. I think all they really want to accomplish is to live their best life and maybe go to their kids' or their grandkids' soccer games on the weekend. Most people don't live and breathe politics like we do, but their work ultimately funds everything we do in Washington, and we can never forget them and that we are here with the single purpose of serving them.
So I would like to sign off by expressing my love and pride in the people of California's Central Valley who sent me here in the first place and to whom I shall return.
