Mike Levin

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Major Kelsie D. Hovenden, United States Marine Corps. For the past three years, Major Hovenden has served with honor and distinction as a Congressional Fellow and Appropriations Liaison Officer for the Department of the Navy Appropriations Matters Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), representing the needs of our Marine Corps before the United States Congress.

During her time as a congressional fellow, she gained an immersive, behind the scenes understanding of the legislative process and the critical work of funding our Nation's defense. Her sharp intellect, dedication, and deep understanding of national security and budgetary policy were immediately apparent and proved to be an invaluable asset.

Upon completion of her fellowship, Major Hovenden seamlessly transitioned to one of the most strategically consequential billets for the Marine Corps, serving as an appropriations liaison officer. In this role, she conducted daily engagement with members and staff, ensuring that the Marine Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely under stood. Her expert navigation of the congressional appropriations process and her steadfast advocacy ensured vital funding for our Marines across multiple fiscal years. Her work was instrumental in supporting the largest budget in Marine Corps history, securing over $57 billion in annual resources. This funding was essential to advancing the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, enhancing operational readiness, and ensuring our Marines have what they need to meet any challenge.

Furthermore, Major Hovenden played a central role in preparing Marine Corps senior leaders for congressional testimony, official visits, responded to hundreds of congressional inquiries, and coordinated and led congressional and staff delegations. These visits allowed my colleagues and me to see Marine Corps capabilities firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the resource requirements of the force.

Mr. Speaker, Major Hovenden's performance has been characterized by the upmost professionalism, strategic insight, and steadfast commitment to her duty. She has personally strengthened the Marine Corps' credibility on Capitol Hill and ensured the corps' priorities were clearly communicated. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending Major Hovenden for her service to our country and wish her and her family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sina Sinbari, of Laguna Niguel, California, who passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of twenty-four. On that day, Sina lost his courageous four-year battle with desmoplastic small round cell tumors, a rare and aggressive cancer. In honor of his passing, I reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our community in the 49th District.

Sina was born and raised in Orange County, where he established lifelong friendships. Sina attended elementary, middle, and high school in Mission Viejo, and was known for his big heart, his loyalty, and his infectious smile.

With a lifelong passion for volleyball, he was preparing to play Division 1 volleyball at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the summer of 2022 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next four years, Sina endured more than thirty rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and hospital stays. But Sina refused to let his diagnosis steal his dreams and break his spirit. While undergoing intense treatments, he would fly crosscountry on red-eye flights--straight from chemotherapy at UCLA to morning volleyball practices in New Jersey--just to be with his team.

Even when his body was broken, his voice was the loudest in the gym. Sina's journey earned him national recognition, including the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award and FDU's Comeback Player of the Year. In May 2025, he proudly graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and promptly enrolled at UCLA to pursue a master's degree in business law. He was scheduled to receive his degree one month after his passing.

Sina's true legacy lies in his profound empathy and willingness to uplift others. Even during long hospital stays, he found the strength to motivate other young cancer patients and

dedicated himself to an internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From his love for his family to his charismatic personality that turned strangers into friends, he embodied the best traits of the human spirit.

Sina was a beloved son, brother, friend, and athlete who taught those around him what it means to be unbreakable. He was a light to all who knew him, and I share in the celebration of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Benjamin Siegel, who is retiring after a decade of service as the City Manager of San Juan Capistrano, California. As a proud resident of San Juan Capistrano, I pay tribute to and celebrate his impact on the City and community in California's 49th District.

Ben Siegel has served as San Juan Capistrano's City Manager since 2016, providing leadership to facilitate the effective delivery of municipal services, management of City operations, and the negotiation and administration of contracts. Ben has over 20 years of municipal management experience, presides over the Orange County City Managers Association, and has extensive knowledge in the areas of land use and development, transportation, and public infrastructure. He is passionate about making government more efficient and improving service delivery to San Juan Capistrano's residents and businesses.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA, a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton, and a certificate in Construction and Development Management from UC Irvine. At Cal State Fullerton, Ben served on the Advisory Board for the Master of Public Administration program and created the City Management Fellowship Program, which enab]es high-performing graduate students to learn directly from local city managers. In honor of his contributions to the profession, Ben received the Stewardship Award from the Municipal Management Association of Southern California.

In San Juan Capistrano, Ben led the city with a focus on fiscal management, eliminating the structural budget deficit and allowing the city to build surpluses and invest in public safety, parks, and critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the city has improved its roadways, expanded affordable housing development, and revitalized downtown San Juan Capistrano. Several recreational and cultural amenities have been added, including the San Juan Capistrano Skatepark, Windmill Park, and the Northwest Open Space Park with Putuidem Village.

Ben Siegel's commitment to San Juan Capistrano has facilitated the prosperity that the community enjoys today. I recognize and celebrate his decade of leadership in San Juan Capistrano and wish Ben the best in his retirement and success in all his future endeavors.