Derek Kilmer: “Over most of the past decade, each time I boarded a plane to head to D.C., I would write a note to my kids, Sophie and…”

“Over most of the past decade, each time I boarded a plane to head to D.C., I would write a note to my kids, Sophie and Aven, to explain to them why I was leaving and what I would be working on while I was gone. My kids were three and six when I started here, and when they were little, my letters were elementary: ``This week, I will be working for more jobs in our region.'' My letters always ended with: ``Be good. I love you.'' Later, as they became older, my notes to them became more complicated, covering all sorts of things, from Russia's invasion to Ukraine, to immigration reform, to the intricacies of the congressional appropriations process. Even as they became more complicated, a common thread in each of those letters was this: I tried to communicate to them that I was trying to work every day to make things better for their generation and for their country. Mr. Speaker, today, as I prepared to give these final remarks on the House floor, I sent my kids this note, and with your permission, I will read it. I wrote: Sophie and Aven--After 20 years total in public service and the last 12 years in Congress, I have had a lot of people ask me what I have learned. Honestly, I have learned a lot. I have learned that my left knee handles the aisle seat way better than the middle or the window. I have learned where the best cups of coffee, the best tacos, the best burgers, and the best bathrooms are in Washington's Sixth Congressional District.…”