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Chairman Price Issues Statement on Passing of Judy Van Rest

November 26, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC (November 26, 2021) – Today, Congressman David Price (NC-04), Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership released the following statement on the passing of International Republican Institute (IRI) Vice President Judy Van Rest:

"I and my colleagues on the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) are saddened to hear of the death of Judy Van Rest, longtime Vice President of the International Republican Institute (IRI). I first met Judy years before my time in Congress as a young political scientist writing a book about our political parties. She helped me understand the workings of the Republican National Committee and went on to have a distinguished career at the Peace Corps, the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, Iraq, and nearly 20 years at IRI.

Judy's time at IRI was marked by a strong dedication to promoting democracy and good governance worldwide, which contributed greatly to the collaboration between HDP and IRI over the past fifteen years. I remember fondly running into Judy in Kyrgyzstan as we were both preparing to meet with new Members of Parliament. The development community has a lost a dear friend today, and we extend our condolences and best wishes to Judy's family and colleagues."

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