Recognizing Robin Juliano on Her Departure

Floor Speech

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Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise as Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, and on behalf of the Members of the Committee, and its staff, to pay tribute to Robin Juliano as she departs the House of Representatives following 17 years of service in the House, Senate, and White House.

Robin is a first-generation college student and Pell Grant recipient who graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in U.S. history and from the University of Maryland with a master's degree in education policy. She brings with her a sense of service and commitment to advocating and fighting for those most in need that has made her a unique asset to every team she has served with.

Originally from Oxford, Maryland, Robin's distinguished career in federal service began as Legislative Assistant for her state's Senator, Barbara Mikulski. She later served as an Education Policy Adviser on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee under Chairmen Edward M. Kennedy and Tom Harkin and as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee also under Chairman Tom Harkin. Following her years in the Senate, Robin's Extensive knowledge of America's economic policy earned her a position on the White House National Economic Council under President Barack Obama as a Senior Policy Adviser.

Equipped with unmatched experience and knowledge, Robin then came home to the House Appropriations Committee where we are so grateful, she has served ever since. She was first a Professional Staff Member and then Clerk of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee leading the Committee's education and labor work. As Clerk, she provided me expert counsel and skillfully managed and negotiated many vital aspects of the Subcommittee's jurisdiction. In the 116th Congress alone, she played a central role in the Committee's successful passage of two omnibus appropriations packages and five supplemental appropriations bills to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robin's wealth of knowledge of the issues under the Committee's jurisdiction, exceptional leadership skills, and work ethic made it clear that there was no one better to step into the role of Staff Director of the full Committee once I became Chair in the 117th Congress. Over the past two years as Staff Director, Robin has led with unparalleled grace and integrity. Her counsel, wisdom, experience, and knowledge of both legislative issues and political dynamics were integral to the Committee's success last Congress.

With her leadership, we brought back the widely successful Community Project Funding for the first time in more than 10 years, passed two omnibus appropriations packages in nine months, hosted over 200 hearings in two years, and passed several supplemental appropriations bills to respond to pressing issues as our Nation recovered from the pandemic, the January 6th insurrection, and numerous other disasters, and as we fought to protect global democracy and support the Ukrainian people against Russia's aggression.

Our Nation is safer, healthier, and more equitable because of Robin's leadership over the past 17 years. She leaves an invaluable mark on government programs that children, their parents, the middle class, and working families rely on. I have no doubt that our Nation's families are better off because of Robin's sacrifice and her tireless efforts to help communities across the country.

While we will miss Robin dearly and will feel her absence deeply, she is forever part of the Appropriations family--a family you can never leave. We are excited for her as she embarks on a new journey and look forward to seeing what new and exciting challenges she takes on. I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of our Members and staff to Robin's whole family for sharing her with us for so long and wish Robin, her husband Ben, and their children Oliver and Elise all the best.

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