Recognizing J.D. Grom

Floor Speech

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Mr. HIMES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize J.D. Grom, the Executive Director of the New Democrat Coalition, who recently left us to serve his country in a new capacity at the Department of Commerce.

As Democrats, we all have fight in us. That's never been the hard part. We look at the world around us, see that things can be better, and know that smart people, working hard together can create a better future. But how do we best focus our efforts? It can seem easier, at times, to amplify our differences, drawing battle lines and characterizing our political opponents as existential threats. But that approach is rarely, if ever, in the best service of the nation.

The more constructive path--one that I truly believe will lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and better future--requires not only a deep understanding of the policy challenges we face but the willingness to make progress where we can with allies we recruit and convince along the way.

J.D. Grom spent his time as the Executive Director of the New Democrats committed to this important mission. He never allowed partisan politics to come before the essential work of helping the American people. Staying focused on this responsibility, while managing a large and diverse caucus of big personalities, is no easy task. But it is one that J.D. carried out with the utmost competence, humor, and success, all while being a caring and present husband to Stacy and father to Jack and Emma.

I wish him great professional success in the future, at Commerce and beyond. As he moves into this new phase, he should take pride in the fact that he has left the New Democrat Coalition in a stronger position than he found it, and has set an inspiring example of leadership for his successors.

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