Chris Van Hollen: “I rise today in pay tribute to the memory of the late Kendolyn Louisa Hodges-Simons, a dedicated public servant and…”

“I rise today in pay tribute to the memory of the late Kendolyn Louisa Hodges-Simons, a dedicated public servant and Marylander. Originally from Brooklyn, Mrs. Hodges-Simons was raised in a loving household by her parents and grandmothers. After the loss of her father, her mother and grandmother taught her the values of resilience, faith, and commitment to excellence. She carried these values throughout her life and career as a public servant. Before her career with the government, Mrs. Hodges-Simons excelled academically. She earned a full academic scholarship to Vassar College and graduated with honors. Her passion for justice led her to earn her juris doctor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Mrs. Hodges-Simons followed her pursuit for justice and practiced law as a clerk and as an attorney specializing in telecommunications law. She continued to use her law degree as a public servant, serving our Nation through her positions at the Federal Communications Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration, the District of Columbia's Office of the People's Counsel, and the DC Department of the Environment. Mrs. Hodges-Simons was a champion for strengthening our environmental policies. As chief of the Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice for the DC Department of the Environment, she advocated for better environmental policies to protect underserved communities. Mrs.…”