The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MATILDA ZIZOLI” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E382 on April 14.
The Department was built out of more than 20 agencies in 2002. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lower taxes and boosting federal efficiency, argued the Department is burdened with "unneeded bureaucracy" which could be handled by other departments or standalone operations.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MATILDA ZIZOLI
______
HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Matilda Zizoli, an essential partner in our effort to relocate Afghan allies from Albania to the United States.
When it was announced in mid-August 2021 that Afghan evacuees would be hosted in Tirana, Ms. Zizoli answered the call and began volunteering with Spirit of America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support our diplomats and our men and women in uniform abroad. Despite her volunteer period concluding once the Afghan evacuees were relocated to Shengjin, Albania, Ms. Zizoli continued to volunteer and organize critical services support for the evacuees. She also continued to help Spirit of America personnel with her local knowledge and contacts throughout the country. In October 2021, Ms. Zizoli became the Albania Project Manager for Spirit of America.
Before joining Spirit of America, Ms. Zizoli led a life of public service. From working with Roma communities in Tirana to serving at social services centers and developing mental and emotional well-being services for the underprivileged, Ms. Zizoli has always worked to better the lives of those who are less fortunate. Ms. Zizoli truly lives up to and embodies the Albanian notion of Besa: meaning to keep one's word, particularly in aiding and protecting people in their greatest moment of need.
During her time as Albania Project Manager, she was in charge of the care, support, and well-being of 121 Afghan evacuees. Ms. Zizoli helped several families navigate complicated issues: the birth of two newborn babies, the emergency evacuation of one family to the U.S. for a major health issue, several personal health issues for family members, and the psychological support needs of vulnerable Afghan evacuees. She spearheaded the organization and preparation for the Afghan evacuees when the Department of Homeland Security fly-away team came to Albania and the group prepared to leave for the United States. At every turn, Ms. Zizoli acted with professionalism, humanity, and diligence.
Throughout the seven months that these Afghan evacuees were in Albania, Ms. Zizoli went above and beyond to ensure that they were cared for, safe, and supported. She organized cultural events for the Afghans to enjoy in Albania, fostering learning and appreciation between the Albanian and Afghan people. She was always willing to drop whatever she was doing to help them navigate the complexities of government bureaucracies foreign to them, get them the care they needed, or just listen to their stories and help them through a difficult time. In so doing, Ms. Zizoli was instrumental in the success of the mission.
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Matilda Zizoli for her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new lives. For her commitment to supporting them while they awaited processing and resettlement to the United States, for her value to the U.S.-Albanian partnership, and for her ``I can manage'' attitude when encountering problems or hurdles, I submit these words to the Congressional Record so they stand as a tribute to her dedicated service when the moment called for it most.
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