Chris Van Hollen: “I rise to recognize an outstanding member of my staff who is moving on to pursue other opportunities, my long-time…”

“I rise to recognize an outstanding member of my staff who is moving on to pursue other opportunities, my long-time communications director, Bridgett Frey. Bridgett joined my office at the start of 2009, when President Barack Obama was first inaugurated and I was serving in the House of Representatives. Things were so busy then that her interview took place in a hallway in the Capitol. She may have recognized that as a sign of things to come, but I am grateful she took the job anyway. Through the decade that has followed, Bridgett has been a dedicated staffer and trusted adviser. Regardless of the issue of the day--from local issues like Federal grant funding and helping struggling auto dealers, to national issues like healthcare reform and economic policy, to international issues like Russian election interference and North Korean sanctions--she helped ensure that my office communicates clearly and effectively about our work in Congress. She has worked tirelessly to inform the public about the policy changes we have achieved and those we still hope to accomplish. Whenever I took on a new challenge, Bridgett was there to help. She led communications in my personal office, as well as working with Speaker Pelosi's team to help freshman communications directors learn the ropes of Capitol Hill when I was assistant to the Speaker. She then took on a new challenge and dual role when I became ranking member of the House Budget Committee.…”