February 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2135 Dealer and a passionate advocate of While Debbie is everywhere, raising Zeltser with his prescribed medica- FDR’s agenda. funds for great causes, creating per- tions. As a House page in the late 1930s and sonal relationships that enrich so He was initially denied two inde- early 1940s, JOHN learned the intrica- many lives, JOHN is only where he pendent medical evaluations and he cies of House procedure. He got to needs to be—focusing like a laser on has reported being physically assaulted know his way around, and developed a legislative and policy goals. and abused while incarcerated. Am- profound respect for leaders like Sam There is a common thread in the Din- nesty International has urged that Rayburn. gells’ legislative maneuvers, charitable Belarusian authorities no longer sub- Even in his youth, JOHN was any- endeavors and even JOHN’s unique use ject Mr. Zeltser to ‘‘further torture and thing but a passive observer. When of language: they are all devoted to the other ill-treatment.’’ Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and FDR goal of helping working people. People Mr. Zeltser was convicted of ‘‘using came to Congress and declared it a back home love ‘‘Big JOHN’’ because false official documents’’ and ‘‘at- ‘‘date which will live in infamy,’’ JOHN they know he is on their side—fighting tempted economic espionage’’ in a was in the Chamber. In fact, JOHN saw for their jobs, their health, their chil- closed judicial proceeding. The U.S. to it that one audio recorder continued dren. Embassy in Minsk criticized the pro- to run even after FDR’s speech ended, That is why, as much evidence as ceedings, noting that it was denied the so thanks to him we have a fascinating there is of John’s influence and respect opportunity to observe the trial. The record of the deliberations afterward in the House of Representatives, the State Department has repeatedly that quickly led to the declaration of best way to really understand JOHN’s called for Mr. Zeltser’s release on hu- war on Japan. impact on the people he represents is manitarian grounds. So have others in When he was 18, JOHN enlisted in the to make a visit to ‘‘Dingell Country.’’ Congress, especially my colleague on Army. After the war he returned to In JOHN’s district, people have placed the Helsinki Commission, cochairman Washington, and, ever a student of the JOHN’s name on a road, a bridge, a park Representative ALCEE HASTINGS. House, he worked as an elevator oper- and a library not just to honor him but But now the situation appears dire. ator here in the Capitol while attend- to inspire others. Just talk to a few of Earlier this month, Mr. Zeltser was ex- amined by an American doctor. It was ing Georgetown, where he received un- JOHN’s fellow veterans at the VA Med- dergraduate and law degrees. As a ical Center in Detroit. Those vets feel a only the second time an American phy- sician has been permitted to see Mr. young lawyer, JOHN served as a clerk little better and a little stronger know- Zeltser. The doctor concluded that for Sandy’s and my uncle, Theodore ing that they live in the JOHN DINGELL ‘‘there is a clear and high risk of sud- Levin, a Federal judge in Michigan VA Medical Center. Or stop by the den death from heart attack unless the who, along with our Dad, had actually UAW Region 1a headquarters in Tay- patient is immediately transferred to a campaigned for JOHN’s Dad in the 1930s. lor, Michigan, and tell them you’ve U.S. hospital with the proper equip- A few years later, when his father stood shoulder to shoulder with JOHN ment and facilities. . . . Refusal to passed away, JOHN Jr. won the special DINGELL fighting for American work- transfer Mr. Zeltser to a U.S. hospital election to fill the vacant seat. The son ers—and you won’t get a warmer wel- is equivalent to a death sentence.’’ and student became a Member of the come anywhere in America. Specifically, Mr. Zeltser is in dire need institution that he had studied so JOHN is beloved in his district, and he of a coronary bypass procedure. The closely and that he respected so deeply. has been a role model to me and to my doctor also determined that because he And over the years, the Member would older brother Sandy since we arrived in had been denied prescribed diabetes become the Chairman, and the Chair- Congress. He has also been a wonderful medication, Mr. Zeltser’s left foot may man would become the Dean—the most mentor to us and to the entire Michi- need to be amputated. senior member of the House of Rep- gan delegation. In response to a press inquiry in De- resentatives. JOHN has been a son of the House, a cember, the State Department called While that alone is a significant student of the House, a Member and a for ‘‘the Belarusian authorities to re- achievement, the true mark of JOHN Chairman in the House he loves so lease Mr. Zeltser on humanitarian DINGELL is his devotion to public serv- much. On behalf of Michigan, I offer grounds before this situation takes an ice that connects him to the great men thanks to the now all-time Dean of the irrevocable turn.’’ Based on the recent and women of America’s storied past House of Representatives, JOHN DIN- doctor’s report it is apparent that such whose statues grace this Capitol, and GELL, a great institution within a great an irrevocable turn is imminent unless the legislation he has influenced that institution, for his devotion to public this American citizen can be brought has so improved the lives of our people. service and to the people of Michigan home promptly for the medical treat- He contributed to the creation of Med- and the Nation. ment necessary to save his life. icaid and Medicare, to the Civil Rights f Belarus has taken some tentative bills, to the Endangered Species Act BELARUS IMPRISONMENT steps to improve its notably poor and the Clean Air Act. He fought to human rights record, in particular the protect Social Security—which his fa- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, as chair- release of several political prisoners ther helped create. man of the Helsinki Commission, I last August. However, Mr. Zeltser’s Like all great fighters, when JOHN would like to bring to the attention of continued, and potentially terminal, DINGELL is knocked down, he picks the Senate a situation which is lit- imprisonment threatens to override himself up. For example, he has helped erally a matter of life and death for an those initially encouraging signs. As keep the fight for universal health care American citizen, Emanuel Zeltser, such, I strongly urge the Belarusian alive by introducing legislation to who has been imprisoned in Belarus authorities to release Emanuel Zeltser achieve it in each new Congress, just as since March 12, 2008. Mr. Zeltser is in on humanitarian grounds so that he his father did. desperate and immediate need of seri- may obtain the immediate medical JOHN can be tough, running proce- ous medical treatment—including a treatment his doctor has concluded is dural circles around even the most coronary bypass operation. required if he is to live. skilled legislative adversaries. And he The poor human rights record of f can be gruff, for instance comparing a President Lukashenka’s regime is well proposal he thinks is foolish or unnec- known. No American—indeed no REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN essary to ‘‘side pockets on a cow’’ or human being—should be subjected to WENDELL WYATT ‘‘feathers on a fish.’’ the kind of treatment Mr. Zeltser has Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I wish to But this tough and gruff Congress- been forced to endure during his incar- mark a sad occasion: the recent death man has a softer side. His wife Debbie ceration. Despite Mr. Zeltser’s grave of one of ’s most respected Mem- is personable and glowing and brings health condition—he suffers from heart bers of Congress, Wendell Wyatt, who extraordinary energy to everything she disease, type 2 diabetes, severe arthri- represented the First District of Or- touches. JOHN and Debbie are each tis, gout, and dangerously elevated egon from 1965 to 1975. He died peace- powerhouses in their own right, and blood pressure—Belarusian authorities fully on January 28th at the age of 91 their relationship is a perfect synergy. have repeatedly refused to provide Mr. in Portland, OR.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:25 Feb 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G11FE6.031 S11FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with SENATE S2136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 11, 2009 With good humor and little interest His son, Bill, was a member of the Or- through Congress bills that permanently af- in partisanship, Wendell Wyatt’s con- egon Legislature as a young man, later fected Oregon, including bills that estab- gressional career began with his serv- the chief of staff to an Oregon Gov- lished the Tualatin Reclamation Project ice on the House Interior Committee. ernor, and is now the very effective ex- (Scoggins Dam) in Washington County, the He is best known, however, for his 40-foot shipping channel ecutive director of the Port of Port- from Astoria to Portland, and Lincoln City’s work on the House Interior Appropria- land. Bill Wyatt is a longtime friend of Cascade Head Scenic Area, as well as a bill tions Subcommittee where his working mine and of others in the economic and authorizing the $4 million purchase of ranch- relationship with its chair, distin- political leadership of our State, and lands along the Snake River for public recre- guished Washingtonian Julia Butler we all know that the Wyatt bloodline ation. Hansen, was a model of effective team- for service to our State has passed He stayed active in Republican politics work across party lines and—in this from father to son. after retiring from Congress. He became a case—across the Columbia River that I join his family, colleagues in his partner in the law firm of Schwabe separated their congressional districts. Williamson & Wyatt, and was a commis- law firm, and his many good friends in sioner for the Port of Portland and a lob- The same was true of his relationship mourning his death. I join the good with Democratic Congresswoman Edith byist. He became inactive as an attorney in citizens of the First Congressional Dis- 2001 but continued consulting for the firm. Green, who represented Oregon’s Third trict of Oregon, who salute his effective In 1975, he pleaded guilty to a technical Congressional District, which includes voice for them in Congress. And I stand violation of federal campaign laws, admit- most of Portland and is the district I with so many people throughout Or- ting that as chairman of the Oregon Com- was privileged to represent in the egon whose lives are better because of mittee to Re-Elect the President, he failed House before coming to the Senate. In Wendell Wyatt’s commitment to serv- to report a donation to President Richard fact, my Portland office is housed in Nixon’s campaign. defended ice in Congress. him in an editorial: the -Wendell Wyatt Fed- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- eral Building. Congressman Wyatt and ‘‘He has had a long and honorable career sent that at the conclusion of my re- both in private and public life, including 10 Congresswoman Green—known simply marks a few articles about Congress- years in Congress; and he has gained the rep- in Oregon as Edith and Wendell— man Wyatt be printed in the RECORD. utation of being not only an exceptionally worked tirelessly together on many First, is the announcement of his death effective public servant, but one who is scru- worthwhile civic projects that im- that appeared in the Portland City pulously honest in all of his dealings. He has proved their city and their adjoining Club Bulletin, followed by the notice of had both the respect and warm friendship of colleagues in both parties. No one who congressional districts. Their good Wyatt’s death that appeared in the Or- work helped lay the foundation for the knows him well believes he intentionally egonian newspaper and the warm edi- violated the law.’’ Portland we are proud of today. torial about Wendell. I ask that there Wendell Wyatt was an advocate for Wyatt was born June 15, 1917, in Eugene next be printed the article in his home- and moved to Portland as a teenager. He was the Federal workforce in Oregon, Gov- town newspaper, the Daily Astorian, in editor of the Jefferson High School news- ernment workers he regarded as good which local residents reflect on his paper and went to the University of Oregon. civil servants dedicated to serving the He dropped out and joined The Oregonian as public interest. He also loved the indi- service to their community. The final document that I request be printed in a copy aide. After a year, he applied to the vidual service element of his work in University of Oregon Law School and was ad- Congress. Today, most offices call this the RECORD is the editorial in the Daily mitted without an undergraduate degree. ‘‘casework,’’ but to Wendell Wyatt it Astorian paying tribute to the dignity was one of his professors, and gave him the chance to help an indi- with which Wendell Wyatt served his Wyatt often recalled four-hour evening ses- vidual constituent with his or her prob- district, our State and the Congress. sions led by the man who would become the There being no objection, the mate- legendary ‘‘Tiger of the Senate.’’ Later, the lem when the Federal Government was two became political adversaries. unresponsive or trying to put a square rial was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows: After obtaining his law degree, he was an peg in a round hole. He never FBI agent and then served as a Marine Corps disrespected any Government official [From the Portland City Club Bulletin, Feb. pilot in the Pacific during World War II. who was implementing something that 13, 2009] He moved to Astoria after the war and had an adverse impact on one of his CITY CLUB REMEMBERS WENDELL J. WYATT joined the law firm of Albin Norblad, a constituents, but he pressed the case Former City Club member Wendell J. former Oregon governor and father of U.S. strongly and effectively. Wyatt passed away on Wednesday, January Rep. Walter Norblad; after Walter Norblad As a young Member of the House, I 28 at the age of 91. Wyatt graduated from the died in 1964, Wyatt was elected to fill his va- remember other House members and University of Oregon School of Law. He cancy. He was re-elected four times, retiring served as an FBI agent and a Marine Corps in 1975, the same year colleague and friend longtime staffers talking about Wen- pilot before being elected to Congress where Edith Green, a Democratic congresswoman dell with great affection and admira- he served a distinguished, decade-long ca- for 20 years, stepped down. The federal build- tion, someone who worked hard, got re- reer. After retiring from office, Wyatt be- ing in downtown Portland is named for sults, and always with good humor and came a partner in the law firm Schwabe, Green and Wyatt. without partisanship. Williamson & Wyatt. Wyatt married Anne Elizabeth Buchanan His colleagues during that era in Wyatt was a Club member for almost twen- in the mid-1940s; they divorced. He married Congress included Gerald Ford, Melvin ty years. He made notable speaking appear- Faye Hill in 1962. She predeceased him. He is Laird, George H.W. Bush, and other ances at City Club with the late Congress- survived by daughters, Ann Wyatt and Jane like-minded House Republican mod- woman Edith Green, and the Federal Build- Wyatt; stepdaughter, Sandi Kinsley; son, ing on Third Street is dedicated jointly in Wendell ‘‘Bill’’ Jr., executive director of the erates. Like them, he epitomized the their names. Wyatt’s law firm is a City Club Port of Portland; stepson, Larry D. Hill; four saying that ‘‘You could disagree with- sponsor and his family members continue to grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. out being disagreeable.’’ In Oregon, he play a significant role in the Club. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Satur- was part of a generation of elected offi- Wyatt’s contributions to the community day, Feb. 21, 2009, in St. Anne’s Chapel at cials whose goals were service, not par- will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. Marylhurst University. The family suggests tisanship, including and 21, 2008 in St. Anne’s Chapel at Marylhurst remembrances to the Clatsop County Histor- Tom McCall. University. ical Society. Arrangements are by Finley’s When he retired from Congress in Sunset Hills Mortuary. 1974, Wendell Wyatt returned to Oregon [From the Oregonian, Jan. 29, 2009] to become a partner in what is now the EX-CONGRESSMAN WENDELL WYATT DIES AT 91 WENDELL WYATT: SUCCESS THROUGH PERSONAL VALUES State’s second largest law firm, (By Joan Harvey) Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, where Wendell Wyatt, who represented Oregon’s (By The Oregonian Editorial Board) he is remembered as someone who 1st Congressional District for 10 years, died Back when Rep. Wendell Wyatt, R-Ore., rolled up his sleeves to help his clients, Wednesday in his Portland home. He was 91. was in Congress, from 1965 to 1975, you didn’t Wyatt was a popular and respected Repub- hear the word bipartisan much, because at to close the deal, and to help add eco- lican lawmaker who was known as an adroit many levels of American politics, it was a nomic activity that created jobs for Or- deal-maker. way of life, thus taken for granted. egonians. As a member of the House Committee on Wyatt died this week at age 91 after a life The commitment to public service the Interior and later the powerful House in politics, law and community leadership. runs strong in Wendell Wyatt’s family. Appropriations Committee, he finessed He should be remembered as someone who

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:26 Feb 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11FE6.044 S11FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with SENATE February 11, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2137 put the problems of his individual constitu- closely with Wyatt and praised his ability to chase of ranchlands along the Snake River ents at the forefront of his service in the reach across the aisle. for public recreation. U.S. House of Representatives. ‘‘My union friends were all Democrats, but U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said, ‘‘Wendell His congressional office was geared toward they were working for Wendell Wyatt. They Wyatt truly made his mark on Oregon. Ev- listening to constituent problems, then bend- all respected him and he respected everyone eryone who has appreciated Cascade Head ing every effort to solve them—whether the in return,’’ said Thompson, whose wife, owes Congressman Wyatt a debt of gratitude issue was of great national or regional im- Frankye, was Wyatt’s campaign chairwoman for establishing this scenic area and those port or simply a mishandled Social Security for Clatsop County. who visit public lands along the Snake River benefit. Wyatt himself often got personally ‘‘He did everything the proper way—he was can thank Wendell Wyatt for opening the re- engaged in the most challenging and vexing completely honest, and he did as much for gion to recreation.’’ details of constituent service. Clatsop County as anyone.’’ The Daily Astorian Publisher Steve It would not have been useful for Wyatt or Wyatt was a well-respected Republican Forrester covered Wyatt’s political activi- his constituents for him to adopt a highly leader who worked especially effectively ties in 1974 while substituting for Wash- partisan stance when he was in Congress. with Democrat Congresswoman Edith Green. ington columnist A. Robert Smith. He was elected to the House in the small The federal building in Portland was later ‘‘Wyatt said to me that he earned ‘the GOP freshman class of 1964, the year that named for them. equivalent of a master’s degree’ every time Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson Born in Eugene in 1917, Wyatt moved with he took on a new issue. He was the kind of laid a historic electoral whipping on Sen. his family to Portland. He graduated from Republican we no longer see—a solid, prag- Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz., the great hope of Jefferson High School, where he had been matic middle-of-the-road guy,’’ Forrester the right wing of the Republican party. editor of the high school newspaper, in 1935. said. It was clear that Wyatt was never going to He worked briefly as a copy aide for The Ore- be part of the majority, and he never was. gonian newspaper, earned a bachelor’s degree ‘‘He was close to President , Thus he had to develop the skills necessary from the University of Oregon in 1941 then and he was unfortunately tarred with that to adequately represent all of the people of worked briefly as an FBI agent. brush when he admitted to his involvement Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. When World War II broke out in the Pa- with Nixon’s fund-raising—an embarrassing ‘‘This was more effective than sitting in cific, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Air moment in an otherwise unblemished polit- the back benches and throwing spitballs all Corps and served as a pilot from 1942 until ical career.’’ day long,’’ said his son Bill Wyatt. Instead, 1946. In 1975, Wyatt admitted a technical viola- the elder Wyatt developed good working re- Afterward, he moved to Astoria and tion of campaign laws for failing to report an lationships with powerful Democrats such as worked for the law firm of Albin Norblad, Oregon GOP donation to Nixon. Wayne Aspinall, D-Colo., chairman of the the former Oregon governor and father of He stayed active in Republican politics House Interior Committee and Tom Foley, U.S. Rep. Walter Norblad. after retiring from Congress and became a who also entered Congress in 1964 and, much Tom Brownhill, of Eugene, was district at- partner in the law firm of Schwabe later, became Speaker of the House for a torney in Clatsop County from 1952 to 1960 Williamson and Wyatt until his retirement. short time. and regularly faced Wyatt in the courtroom. He became inactive as an attorney in 2001, As a congressman, Wyatt was pro-choice, ‘‘I had a lot of cases against him,’’ said but continued consulting for the firm. He pro-gun-control and the driving force behind Brownhill, whose daughter Paula, continues also served as a commissioner for the Port of efforts to bring commerce to Oregon via the the family’s legal tradition as a circuit court Portland and a lobbyist. Columbia River. His social views would not judge. ‘‘As a lawyer, when he got into a case, Wyatt was married twice. He divorced his sit well in the modern Republican Party, at he was all-in.’’ first wife, Anne Elizabeth Buchanan. He least the official part of it. They didn’t sit Wyatt hired longtime legal secretary Doris married Faye Hill in 1962. She died last year. that well with the party’s establishment Hughes from another firm in the 1950s—by He had two daughters, Ann and Jane, and a back then either, but it still was possible to offering her a raise from $160 to $200 a son, Wendell ‘‘Bill’’ Wyatt Jr., who is execu- disagree and be independent-minded and still month. Hughes remembered Wyatt today as tive director of the Port of Portland and a remain in good standing within the party. a ‘‘wonderful person.’’ former chief of staff for Gov. John Kitzhaber, Today? It’s not as clear. But Wyatt’s views ‘‘He gave the best dictation of anyone I plus step son and stepdaughter, four grand- then are positions that many Republicans know,’’ she recalled. ‘‘He was so smooth. The children and one great grandchild. hold privately—or even not-so-privately— words just flowed out.’’ A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Feb. today, even if the right’s hold on party lead- Wyatt was chairman of the Oregon State 21 at St. Anne’s Chapel at Marylhurst Uni- ership is much stronger. Republican Central Committee from 1955 versity near Lake Oswego. Contributions For Wyatt, though, service was a far bigger until 1957. During that time, George C. Ful- may go to the Clatsop County Historical So- motivator than political ideology. In his last ton, of Astoria, another contemporary, ciety. campaign, Wyatt even went retail with his worked closely with him while serving as orientation toward constituents. His cam- Clatsop County GOP chairman. [From the Daily Astorian, Feb. 2, 2009] paign slogan was: ‘‘Wendell Wyatt, your Fulton, also an attorney, described Wyatt door-to-door Congressman.’’ as a hard worker. ‘‘He was a good lawyer. He WENDELL WYATT SERVED WITH DIGNITY His son Bill, of course, has been prominent worked hard and he played hard.’’ Wendell Wyatt, who died last week, was in Oregon political and economic circles for When Walter Norblad died in 1965, Wyatt one of those old-school, gentlemanly fellows years, serving as chief of staff for Gov. John was elected to his congressional seat and who served his country and his community Kitzhaber and now as executive director of served five terms, retiring in 1974. without the need for a brass band playing in the Port of Portland. Bill Wyatt also tried Ted Bugas, a Bumblebee Seafood executive the background. elective politics early in his career, as a and supporter of Salmon For All, knew Democratic candidate for the Oregon Legis- A Republican, he served the 1st Congres- Wyatt because both had worked for the FBI sional District, which includes Astoria and lature. Worried about whether he would and their Astoria offices were in the Post Of- somehow step on his father’s political toes, the North Coast, from 1965 until retiring in fice and across the street. 1975. the younger Wyatt brought the matter up. He recalled one incident as if yesterday. An Oregonian through and through, he ‘‘He told me, ‘What makes you happy makes ‘‘One morning we woke up and thought moved to Astoria to practice law after serv- me happy. You don’t have to protect me ‘There’s someone in the house! The wife and ing as a U.S. Marine Air Corps pilot in World from what you think is the right thing to I were still in bed. In came Wendell—into our War II. His buddies around the courthouse do.’,’’ Bill Wyatt said. ‘‘He was able to sepa- room—and said, ‘I might go to Congress. smile when they remember he practiced law rate what was most important to him and What do you think of that?’ ’’ with what they describe as ‘‘considerable te- keep it there.’’ Bugas worked with Wyatt on fisheries nacity.’’ That was the key to what made Wendell issues, often traveling to Washington, D.C., Wyatt successful in life—public and private. often for lobbying efforts. His daughter, When Congressman Walter Norblad died in Christine, served as an intern in Wyatt’s office, Wyatt took over. [From the Daily Astorian, Feb. 9, 2009] Congressional office. In the decade that followed, he served with NORTH COAST MOURNS FORMER OREGON ‘‘He was a great personality,’’ said Bugas, dignity and pragmatism. Often politicians CONGRESSMAN WENDELL WYATT who splits his time in retirement between wax eloquent about bipartisan efforts but (By Patrick Webb) Astoria and California. ‘‘He was very pleas- don’t really mean it. Wyatt talked the talk, Former Astoria Congressman Wendell ant.’’ and walked the walk, working especially Wyatt died Wednesday. He was 91. He worked on bills that established the closely with Democrat Congresswoman Edith Wyatt, a Republican, served the 1st Con- Tualatin Reclamation Project in Washington Green, to get the job done. gressional District from 1964 until retiring in County and the 40-foot shipping channel in On fisheries issues, he worked to ensure 1975. the Columbia River from Astoria to Port- the interests of the Columbia River came Tributes to him focused on his honesty and land. first. his ability to get the job done. He was also credited with bills that created Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley summed it Denny Thompson of Astoria, who served as Lincoln City’s Cascade Head Scenic Area, as up best: ‘‘Wendell Wyatt truly made his honorary Finnish Consul for 35 years, worked well as a bill authorizing the $4 million pur- mark on Oregon.’’

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:26 Feb 12, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A11FE6.058 S11FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with SENATE S2138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 11, 2009 IDAHOANS SPEAK OUT ON HIGH Senator, we pray our way through every In response to your email letter I would ENERGY PRICES month. It is an honest miracle that we still like to say that this country must do all of have our home and that we have made our the things you mentioned such as developing Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, in mid- mortgage for the last 4 months. My husband our domestic oil and refining capacity; nu- June, I asked Idahoans to share with works 12-hour days so the only logical solu- clear energy; clean coal; wind; solar; hydro- me how high energy prices are affect- tion was for me to look for a second job. It electric and hamsters on spinning wheels if ing their lives, and they responded by took a while given that no one wants to hire that is what it takes. However, in order to the hundreds. The stories, numbering a lady who is 6 months pregnant. But I am realistically achieve these goals we must well over 1,200, are heartbreaking and blessed to have found a job at Cracker Barrel first deal with those forces that have been being a part-time waitress and working when touching. While energy prices have the stumbling block for many years; the en- my husband gets home to take our son and, vironmentalists and their lackeys. dropped in recent weeks, the concerns with the help of family, we make it work. As Now is the time to expose these people and expressed remain very relevant. To re- you can imagine, it does not pay much ($3.35/ their extremist hand-wringing positions for spect the efforts of those who took the hour and then tips). I hate this arrangement, what they are. No reasonable person wants opportunity to share their thoughts, I and I have not been working there long to pollute the air and/or water, but observe am submitting every e-mail sent to me enough to see the benefits of having two jobs the ‘‘sky is falling’’ mentality when the but I keep thinking that if I just keep at it through an address set up specifically Alaska pipeline was proposed. Every conceiv- then maybe we can get caught up and maybe able environmental catastrophe was pre- for this purpose to the CONGRESSIONAL even save enough money to pay the mort- dicted by the environmental lobby. Unfortu- RECORD. This is not an issue that will gage when I go on maternity leave in Octo- nately for them, none of it happened. In fact, be easily resolved, but it is one that de- ber. This is a long shot. wildlife flourished after the pipeline went in serves immediate and serious atten- If gas prices (among other things) were lower it would help alleviate some of the and there has been no environmental deg- tion, and Idahoans deserve to be heard. radation. The time is right to put on the fore Their stories not only detail their strain on our family. The cost of food has gone up, though, too. If both of those things court press against these people. Do it; do it struggles to meet everyday expenses, could be what they were, I may not have to today; and do it boldly and courageously. I but also have suggestions and rec- work two jobs never seeing my husband and look forward to reading the headlines in the ommendations as to what Congress can worrying about if I am going to do some- newspaper to the affect ‘‘Senator Crapo do now to tackle this problem and find thing bad to my unborn child by driving my shouts the truth from the Capitol Rotunda’’. solutions that last beyond today. I ask body so hard. Even if it were only gas that MIKE, Coeur d’Alene. unanimous consent to have today’s let- went down, we might be able to swing it with just one job once we get caught up. Anything Finally a politician that is listening to the ters printed in the RECORD. would help us at this point. I work any odd people. Now I know why I voted for you. The There being no objection, the mate- jobs I can find in addition my others. I went first few emails on this site are far more as- rial was ordered to be printed in the and counted votes when the elections took tute in presenting their views than I, but I Record, as follows: place in May and I made $40, not much but it think we should finally ignore the environ- We are your typical lower middle class adds up if you save it! I know we are not as mentalists and drill ASAP. The very act of family. My husband has a good job at FedEx bad off as a lot of other people but we are not starting to drill would probably bring down where we are blessed to have good insurance doing as well as we let people think either. oil prices. Thanks for listening to your citi- benefits and stability; he is on the bottom of Who wants to tell their friends and family zens in Idaho. the totem pole, however so the wages leave that they are on the verge of losing every- AUDEANE COX. something to be desired. I used to work for a thing? We are walking a tight scary line and local childcare center where I got free if we fall off we are screwed. We just keep My initial reaction to the request for re- daycare for our 1-year-old son and was able praying and working hard and so far God has sponse was that it would be a waste of time. to contribute an income. Last summer we not let us down. I know he will not but I do I am very frustrated with the ineffectiveness were in a tight but good place in our lives not know what his definition of ok is either. of Congress. The [partisan] in-fighting seems and decided to purchase our first home. It is Maybe you could be the blessing we have to be more important than the welfare of the not much (it is a humble home) but it is been praying for, a small piece of a very big Nation. I wish I could believe that the Sen- ours. We moved in a week before Christmas problem but like I said even a little bit can ator would actually see/read the responses and though things were very tight we were help a lot. sent to him instead of just a compilation of still doing ‘‘ok’’. We got pregnant again in Thank you for your time, data, but I do not. January and were very excited. After all we KRISTI, Boise. In response to your request: One solution were making it. Then in March I lost my job to saving gas, which would only be a small I travel about 20 miles each direction to and the economy really started to hit us savings per vehicle but huge nationwide, work. It is really hurting me financially to hard. Our tax returns were spent getting my would be to better manage the stoplights in continue paying these gas prices, but what car fixed, and our incentive package paid the every town and city. During the times of day am I to do? Quit my job? Try to sell my mortgage and some bills. We were thankful and/or at locations where there is light traf- house so I can move closer to work? At this that that money was there when we needed fic, the stoplights could be set such that the time I am going to continue to commute and it but it was not spent as the government in- busiest street would get a flashing yellow reluctantly put my trust in my government tended. We applied for public assistance caution signal and the minor street would to fix the problem. I am very skeptical that have a flashing red stop/go signal. Each while I looked for work but found out that you folks will do anything about it because intersection would have to be evaluated sep- we overqualify by only $60 a month. This was it seems like the government is more con- arately for peak loads versus times of day. frustrating considering most of the people in cerned about investigating professional The largest impact would be during the the waiting room were not here on a legal sports and finger pointing about who is to night time hours. Not only would this save basis but their children (born in the U.S.) blame for our nation’s problems. As a citizen gas, it would save wear and tear on the vehi- have right to the same assistance I was ap- of Idaho and of the United States of Amer- plying for. They pay no taxes because they ica, I can tell you that I really do not care cles—especially the brakes. Major intersec- are not here legally and are not required to if our nation’s problems are a result of tions should be unaffected, day or night. report their income so of course they qualify Democrats, Republicans, or President Bush. What I have suggested would have a minimal and the funny thing is that I saw several Somebody has to act like a responsible cost—only manpower, to re-set the timers in drive away in nicer cars than even my par- adult, and the American public is waiting to the control boxes. Another possibility, which ents own. I take in a child or two into our see if our leaders are going to help us. Do would be costly, would be to change-out the home to bring in some income because I do you know what it is like to go to the gas sta- stoplight controllers to the type that senses not have a degree and cannot find a job that tion and see the dollar amount on the pump traffic and only change the signal as needed. pays more than daycare costs. scroll so fast that your head spins? But either way, having to sit at a red light On to gas prices: I drive a Ford Focus, an My idea to alleviate our oil problems is to when there is zero cross traffic is foolish, es- affordable economical car, and my hubby has drill in the United States in those areas we pecially when there is an easy solution. his old F–150, which is one of the only assets know to contain oil. Why not? Who are we A second topic that is energy-related is the we actually own. We do not drive big fancy saving it for? How many jobs would be cre- ethanol craze. Too many people are getting cars that take hundreds of dollars to fill up. ated if we were to drill on our own soil? Do too caught-up in the ‘‘green’’ philosophy, My focus cost $43 dollars last time I filled up not you think that creation of those jobs and not enough people are looking at the (last Monday night) and my hubby’s truck just might help our economy, as well as di- real costs of what they are promoting. You costs around $65–$70. That may not be a lot minish our reliance on foreign countries for are taking food off of people’s tables just to to you or anyone with a better job than we, oil? put it into fuel tanks. It costs every bit as but it is a lot more than we paid last year at I appreciate the opportunity to share my much to process corn into gas as crude costs, this time and it is almost double to fill up story and ideas. Thank you, Senator Crapo. there is no savings at the pump and the price my car from what it was when we got mar- You seem to be the one that is stepping up. of food at the grocer’s is skyrocketing. This ried (two years ago in October). Honestly, MARK, Nampa. is a joke at this time! If the use of wheat

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