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Floor Speech

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Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, today, I stand here to recognize small business. Actually, today, I rise to recognize Kelsi Daniell.

Kelsi began working in my office 7 years ago, as a press secretary, and quickly proved herself, moving up to communications director and now deputy chief of staff for communications and policy. In an era of title inflation, that title doesn't encompass nearly all that Kelsi does. She truly is the glue that holds my operation together.

We all come to Washington focused on the things we really want to tackle but quickly realize that even the best planned day can quickly take unexpected twists and turns.

There are also fires to put out, and I have been fortunate to have Kelsi's steady hand and solid counsel to count on. No matter the assignment or situation, just like her favorite meme, ``This is fine''--``This is fine''--she always responds this way and calmly goes about her work.

However, most days, she is anticipating what could go wrong and getting ahead of it. She is able to put out fires, sometimes even before they start. She has already figured out how to handle the hot topics of the day, while preparing for tomorrow. We all know, if there is a problem, we can turn to Kelsi and say, ``Please, fix,'' and the job gets done.

She is as precise as a fine-tooth comb, from pulling off press conferences abroad to wacky floor speeches, and, of course, my day-to- day operations. Kelsi is relentless in ensuring perfection in execution.

In fact, Kelsi, my staff was very nervous about surprising you today with this speech--because she hadn't edited it. That is because she always puts the finishing touches on every project that makes it better.

She has the same impact on all of us around her. She always brings up everyone by making each of us stronger, myself included.

Whether driving river to river, across Iowa, or navigating the Halls of Congress, she never, ever slows down, including when she brought one of those walking treadmills for her desk in DC. She has even led our staff in Tabata training.

Mr. President, if you have been through that, it is hellacious.

And, of course, watch out for Kelsi if you are facing off against her in pickleball.

Even while keeping us all on track, somehow, she has always found the time to pour into the people around her as a mentor and as a friend.

She is actively involved in her church, and she became a mother during the Iowa caucus.

Her commitment to excellence and drive to always push harder is a true testament to her leadership--characteristics that she has infused into my office and will take with her in whatever she sets her sights on. It is a mindset for us all to aspire to as we prepare for whatever the day brings us.

And as she likes to say before any meeting ends, ``one more thing": Kelsi, I will miss your wise counsel, and I am so thankful for your friendship. I know you will continue excelling at everything you do, and I am grateful beyond words for everything you have done for me and on behalf of my Iowans.

So God bless you, Kelsi, in your journeys.

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