Ken Calvert: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend Damon Nelson, who led the House Intelligence…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend Damon Nelson, who led the House Intelligence Committee staff on the committee very well. He passed away unexpectedly, as mentioned by Congressman Nunes, this past Saturday at the age of 46. As many have known, Damon was a long-time friend and staff member of Congressman Devin Nunes. Over time, Damon became close with many us here. I got to know Damon through my work on California water policy. There is a saying, ``Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting,'' and that certainly was true when it comes to water in the West, and it continues to be. However, Damon showed a unique talent for mediating complex water issues, keeping the confidence of the stakeholders involved. He became an expert on California water, mentoring staff and Members on the issue. Without a doubt, he was one of the most gifted, intelligent, articulate negotiators on a very complex issue that transcended political parties, regions, and, oftentimes, common sense. He took this rare set of skills to his next role as staff director for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As one of the appropriators assigned to HPSCI, I was fortunate to be able to continue to work with Damon. Just as he demonstrated on California water, Damon took the helm of the committee with ease and guided it through some of the most challenging times the committee has faced.…”