S450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 23, 2001 D.C. He began work in the Senate in and, under legislation passed by the doned, because up there rail transpor- 1982 after working in the last Congress it is now his prerogative tation is very important in moving our mail room. During his career in the to determine how U.S. international crops to market. Senate post office Gerard was recog- family planning assistance will be So she took it on. It was one of those nized for his perfect attendance record, used. unselfish things people do, leaders do. as well as numerous other performance But I would ask him, and his advi- And you find out that in these small awards. Many of our Senate staff will sors, to think long and hard about this places, in some of these remote places, remember Gerard as he traveled the decision, about how this decision we have great minds and great leader- corridors of Congress delivering the squares with ‘‘humble’’ U.S. leadership ship. mail with diligence and pride. He will of the international community and She and others formed an organiza- be sorely missed not only by his mail our commitment to help those around tion called ABLE, the Association for room colleagues but by all of the Sen- the world who need and want our help Branch Line Equity, which became a ate family. On behalf of the Senate I and assistance. model in this country for opposing thank Gerard for his service and dedi- I would ask the women of America, abandonments of railway lines in agri- cation and express our condolences to as they consider their own reproduc- cultural country. his family. tive rights, to consider the aim and in- She was also a shining star in the po- f tent of a policy in which the reproduc- litical arena. She was passionate and tive rights of American women are ap- articulate. In fact, she received inter- BUSH ADMINISTRATION DECISION proached one way, and those of women national recognition when she was ON INTERNATIONAL FAMILY in the developing world another. elected to the office of Sheridan Coun- PLANNING And I would ask my colleagues on ty Assessor. She ran on a campaign slo- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I both sides of the aisle who feel as gan of ‘‘If elected, I will resign’’ in an rise today to express my disappoint- strongly about this issue as I do to con- effort to save taxpayers the cost of ment that President Bush chose yester- sider what legislative remedies and op- paying for a county officer after the of- day to announce that as his first major tions we may have available to address fice was left on the ballot even though policy action since becoming President this decision. all duties had been absorbed by the he is reinstating the ‘‘global gag rule’’ Mr. President, it had been my sincere State of Montana. She was elected and restricting United States assistance to hope that under President Bush inter- she resigned, and the office went with international family planning organi- national family planning would have her. zations. been an issue that Republicans and Mary was a great vocal advocate for There have been few issues in recent Democrats, the Administration and agriculture. That is what she will be years that have been more debated, Congress, could have worked on to- remembered as. She was politically in- with people of good intention on both gether, in a bipartisan fashion. formed and active. She was a mentor to sides of the issue, and I am dismayed It is with no small amount of regret all who knew her. She was one of those that the President has opted to start that I say that that no longer appears rare people who, as an activist, fought his Administration with such a divisive to be the case. with grace and dignity for what she action. f really believed in. The world now has more than 6 bil- It is with great sadness that we see lion people. The United Nations esti- TRIBUTE TO MARY NIELSEN her slip into history. Our prayers go mates this figure could be 12 billion by Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise out to her and her husband Ove and, of the year 2050. Almost all of this growth today in tribute to the memory of a course, their family. She was a great will occur in the places least able to lady who lived in northeastern Mon- lady, with grace, who represented a bear up under the pressures of massive tana who just passed away. She was a great, great industry. population increases. The brunt of this reliable adviser to me and a wonderful Mr. President, I yield the floor. decision will be felt not in the United person, although not being born of the f States but in developing countries land or even in that part of the coun- NOMINATIONS lacking the resources needed to provide try. She was a native of England and basic health or education services. had moved to northeastern Montana NOMINATION OF If women are to be able to better many years ago. Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I’m their own lives and the lives of their Mary Nielsen was one of those unique very pleased to have strongly sup- families, they must have access to the persons, living in a very remote end of ported the nomination of Senator educational and medical resources this country, the northeastern corner Spencer Abraham as Secretary of the needed to control their reproductive of Montana, isolated and 150 miles from Department of Energy. destinies and their health. the nearest major airport—which is not As all my colleagues are well aware, In fact, international family plan- really major. And for those of us who Senator Abraham has a distinguished ning programs reduce poverty, improve enjoy pasta—affordable pasta, that is, record of leadership here in the Senate. health and raise living standards nowadays—the main crop in that part He has demonstrated his initiative and around the world; they enhance the of the world is durum wheat. willingness to pursue complex issues on ability of couples and individuals to de- She served in a group called WIFE, countless occasions during his years of termine the number and spacing of Women Involved In Farm Economics. service in this body. their children. She took those responsibilities very se- Senator Abraham and I served to- Under the leadership of both Demo- riously and, of course, with great pur- gether on the Senate Budget Com- cratic and Republican Presidents, and pose. She became a valuable resource mittee, and I came to appreciate his in- under Congresses controlled by Demo- to me and my staff on transportation sightful approach to the challenging crats and Republicans alike, the United issues. tasks we faced in crafting the nation’s States has established a long and dis- When I first met her, I was a farm budget. Through his work on the Budg- tinguished record of world leadership broadcaster. My programs were aired et Committee, Senator Abraham de- on international family planning and on the radio station in Plentywood, serves a share of the credit for the won- reproductive health issues. MT. This was at a time when the big derful progress towards balancing the Unfortunately, in recent years these railroads were in the business of aban- federal budgets. programs have come under increasing donments, wanting to close the spur From his public service in the State partisan attack by the anti-choice lines that were not very profitable to of Michigan, Senator Abraham has an wing of the Republican party—despite the big railroads. And that was the in-depth understanding of the issues the fact that no U.S. international case on the Opheim spur up in that facing manufacturers and consumers, family planning funds are spent on part of the country that was originally including their dependence on reliable, international abortion. a part of the Great Northern Railway. clean energy sources. He appreciates I do not expect President Bush to We fought hard on that issue because the immense role of the transportation change his mind. He is the President, we did not want to see that line aban- sector in influencing significant parts

VerDate 23-JAN-2001 01:48 Jan 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JA6.004 pfrm02 PsN: S23PT1 January 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S451 of our energy policy. He has been one nomic strength. In recent years, Con- It is with this in mind that I am so of the Senate’s most knowledgeable gress has started to increase funding in pleased the nomination of Dr. Rod members on subjects related to high- key areas of science and technology. Paige is before us to be the next Sec- technology policies and the contribu- The Secretary of the Department of retary of Education. Dr. Paige is not a tions that this important sector makes Energy must organize his scientific Washington bureaucrat, rather he is an to America’s economy and global suc- programs to maximize their outputs accomplished educator and adminis- cess. and their contributions to our sci- trator who has actually served in the While Senator Abraham has ex- entific understanding and economic se- education trenches. pressed concerns about the role of the curity. Dr. Paige’s recent tenure as the Su- Department of Energy in the past, I’m His past experiences have prepared perintendent of the Inde- pleased to note that he carefully ad- him very well for these fresh chal- pendent School District provides him dressed his current views in his state- lenges. I look forward to working with with the unique perspective of what is ment to the Energy and Natural Re- Senator Spencer Abraham in this new actually involved in running a local sources Committee. In that statement, role as Secretary of the Department of school district. Unfortunately, that is he emphasized his support for the Energy and encourage all of my col- all too often not the case because many important missions that com- leagues to do likewise. Washington bureaucrats make the de- prise the portfolio of the Department Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am cisions affecting our students instead of Energy. pleased to have supported the nomina- of local administrators. Service as the nation’s Secretary of tion of Spencer Abraham to be Sec- However, I would submit the practice the Department of Energy is a chal- retary of Energy. of implementing a Washington based lenge for any individual. The Depart- As Secretary, Senator Abraham will one size fits all approach is about to ment has a diverse set of missions, that face a number of important and dif- come to an end. sometimes seem to lack a coordinating ficult challenges. Clearly, we must ad- As a former Superintendent, Dr. thread. Management of this Depart- dress our dependence on foreign Paige, actually understands that every ment is truly a daunting assignment. sources of energy and the current spike school district does not face the same National security and energy policy in fuel prices that is driving transpor- set of problems and Washington does will present some of his largest chal- tation and heating costs to unaccept- not know what is best. Rather it is the lenges. In the national security area, ably high levels. In my state of North local parents, teachers, and adminis- he and Undersecretary John Gordon, Dakota, home heating costs are pain- trators who know what the problems Administrator of the National Nuclear fully high for many families. And this are as well as the solutions. Security Administration are respon- spring farmers will face high input I think it also interesting to note the sible for all aspects of our nuclear costs as they head into their fields. I do breadth of Dr. Paige’s experience in the stockpile and a wide range of non-pro- not think developing a comprehensive field of education. Not only was he a liferation programs. These two dimen- and effective long-term answer will be school superintendent, but prior to as- sions represent the two different major easy, but the strength of our economy suming that role he served as a mem- approaches to improved national secu- will depend, in part, on our success in ber and then later the president of the rity, minimizing threats that could controlling energy price hikes. Houston School Board. jeopardize our peace and prosperity and In addition, our most populous state, Lest we forget the importance of insuring our ability to protect our- California, is in the middle of an elec- higher education, Dr. Paige has also selves if necessary. tricity crisis. Again, this has potential spent time as an administrator and Among many important areas, the implications for our economy. Finally, teacher at Utica Junior College, Jack- NNSA must strive to rebuild morale at the security problems at our national son State, and Southern Univer- the weapons laboratories, develop a labs will present a difficult challenge sity. In fact, Dr. Paige served as the major infrastructure improvement ini- for our next Secretary of Energy. dean of the College of Education at tiative across the weapons complex, Senator Abraham has been a capable Texas Southern prior to serving on the and address serious congressional con- and dedicated colleague for the past six Houston School Board. cerns associated with faulty program years. As he noted in his confirmation I would also like to touch upon one management that has led in the recent hearing, his views have evolved since final aspect of Dr. Paige’s career and past to large construction overruns he was first elected to this body. Then, that is his time as a football coach. such as the experience on the National he called for the abolition of the De- While the head football coach at Utica Ignition Facility. In the non-prolifera- partment of Energy. Now he looks for- Junior College and Jackson State he tion area, transparency and account- ward to service as our next Secretary was still a teacher of students, but in- ability will remain serious issues as of Energy. As one who believes the En- stead of desks and a chalkboard he Congress evaluates the advisability of ergy Department plays a critical role used the gridiron as his classroom. future funding for these vital pro- in setting policies that profoundly im- In closing, I think we all begin the grams. pact our economy and our national se- 107th Congress with unlimited opportu- A comprehensive energy policy is ur- curity, I welcome this change of heart nities to improve our nation’s edu- gently needed, although recovery from and wish him well as he enters into cational system and among those op- our current energy crisis will be any- this next chapter in his service to our portunities is the reauthorization of thing but overnight. First we need the Nation. the Elementary and Secondary Edu- policy, then we need years of careful NOMINATION OF DR. cation Act (ESEA). support to implement that policy— Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise I think there is a lot of agreement on only then can we approach a greater today in strong support of Dr. Rod the need for education reform condi- degree of energy security than we face Paige, Secretary of Education. tioned upon accountability and I look today. As I’ve outlined now on several President George W. Bush has repeat- forward to working with Secretary occasions, I urge the President to cre- edly emphasized the importance of edu- Paige to achieve those goals. ate a multi-Agency approach to na- cation being a linchpin of America’s fu- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am tional energy policy, so that several ture. Moreover, he has linked increased pleased to have supported the nomina- key agencies evaluate their decisions spending on education with real ac- tion of Dr. Roderick Paige to be Sec- in light of assuring our nation of en- countability that actually produces re- retary of Education. I believe that his ergy security. sults. commitment to the improvement of And finally, the Secretary is respon- I think Ben Franklin may have put it public schools and his diverse edu- sible for a large fraction of the federal best when he said, ‘‘An investment in cation experience will bring him suc- support for science and technology. knowledge always pays the best inter- cess in this challenging and rewarding The nation’s scientific and engineering est.’’ I believe this because even on its position. I am looking forward to work- talents, and the high technology ad- best day the Federal government can ing with him to address the critical vances they’ve generated, are respon- never be a replacement for local ad- issues associated with our nation’s edu- sible for a large fraction of our eco- ministrators, educators, and parents. cational system.

VerDate 23-JAN-2001 01:48 Jan 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23JA6.005 pfrm02 PsN: S23PT1 S452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 23, 2001 I am encouraged by Dr. Paige’s ac- nuclear safety. Toward that end, I hope assistant in both the Energy and De- complishments in Houston. The Hous- the new Defense Secretary will support fense Departments. During the Reagan ton Independent School District has and expand the Nunn-Lugar Coopera- Administration, Powell was chosen as seen dramatic changes under the lead- tive Threat Reduction program, broad- a senior adviser to Defense Secretary ership of Dr. Paige, including a de- en shared early warning initiatives, en- Caspar Weinberger, and later held his crease in the dropout rate and an in- courage more military-to-military con- first Cabinet post as National Security crease in test scores. He has worked tacts with Russia, address the par- Advisor to President Reagan. During hard to foster partnerships between ticular threats associated with Rus- the Bush Administration, public schools and businesses and to sia’s enormous tactical nuclear stock- was nominated to serve as Chairman of encourage community involvement. pile, resist de-alerting initiatives the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Most Ameri- Dr. Paige’s seven year tenure as super- which could increase strategic uncer- cans, however, remember Colin Pow- intendent has shown him to be capable, tainty in a crisis, and ensure that the ell’s role as the architect of Operation creative, and committed to his stu- U.S. retains a robust and balanced Desert Storm, and his unique skills in dents. triad of strategic nuclear forces. developing critical global alliances to As we enter a new Administration, it I want the record to reflect that I defeat the Iraqis forces in 1991. is important that we make the greatest have been concerned by some of this Colin Powell, however, represents effort to secure our public schools by nominee’s statements regarding arms more than a distinguished military providing them with the support they control. As my colleagues are aware, leader. His life and those values that he need. Whether it be through school Mr. Rumsfeld suggested during his con- has encouraged our young citizens to modernization and class size reduction firmation hearing that the ABM Trea- follow, are an inspiration to us all. programs, or through increased finan- ty is an outdated relic of the cold war, During the decade since Operation cial aid for higher education, it is crit- and has discussed abandoning the proc- Desert Storm, I have admired Colin ical that we recognize the role of af- ess of arms control and sizing our stra- Powell’s efforts to reach out to Amer- fordable, high quality public education tegic forces unilaterally. I urge Mr. ica’s youth, encouraging our younger for our children. Rumsfeld to reconsider these views. No citizens to continue their education, Dr. Paige said, ‘‘I think the public is arms accord is perfect, but over the and to aspire to higher goals in life. where we need to begin our work. This past several decades the arms control For Powell, the challenge was to make is a public system, it is for the public’s process has produced momentum to- sure that every child in America under- benefit, it is a public good, and the ward more inspections, transparency, stands that he or she is important, and public must bring itself together and reciprocity, and confidence-building that we, as leaders and parents, are work hard to achieve it.’’ I agree with between former cold war rivals. going to make certain that every one him and believe that through hard This momentum toward greater sta- of them achieves success in life. To work together, we will be able to bility and trust was hard-won and achieve this goal, Colin Powell urged achieve many good things for our should not be abandoned. One need Americans to step forward as mentors schools, our children, and our Nation. look no farther than Russia’s failure to for our youth, and to make certain NOMINATION OF fully implement the 1991 Bush-Gorba- that young people have access to com- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, as was chev handshake agreement on tactical puters and the Internet. In my opinion, apparent to all who attended Mr. nuclear reductions to see the folly of no challenge, and no effort is more im- Rumsfeld’s confirmation hearing be- unilateralism in arms control. In the portant than the education of our fore the Senate Armed Services Com- view of this Senator, any further stra- youth. mittee, our new President has made a tegic force reductions would best be Few individuals that have served in good choice for Secretary of Defense, undertaken in the context of a new this capacity have faced the extraor- one of the nations most important of- START accord, one built upon recogni- dinary challenges and threats around fices. Mr. Rumsfeld held this senior po- tion that the ABM Treaty is the cor- the world. Relations with China, Rus- sition during the Ford administration, nerstone of strategic stability and can sia, the Balkans and the Middle East, a time when some Members of Congress allow the limited, effective, affordable as well as the continued nuclear threat were just getting their start in public national missile defense we need to and terrorism will demand his imme- service. Decades of experience, respect counter emerging rogue-state threats. diate attention and skills. I am con- from both sides of the aisle, thought- Finally, I look forward to talking fident of his abilities to handle these fulness, and a strong commitment to with the new Defense Secretary about challenges, and I am honored to work this nation make Donald Rumsfeld well the importance of Defense Department with Secretary of State Powell on qualified to again serve as Secretary of compliance with statutes directing these most difficult issues. Defense. that the entire B–52H bomber force be Not long ago, Colin Powell was asked As ranking member of the Budget funded. Billions of dollars of upgrades during an interview on Scholastic.com Committee in this equally divided Sen- and the world’s most advanced preci- ‘‘what do you believe history will say ate, I look forward to working closely sion weapons have transformed these about you?’’ His response: ‘‘my only re- with Mr. Rumsfeld to craft a defense airframes into airborne arsenal ships quest of history is that history books budget that strengthens our nation’s which today represent the fast, sharp say that I was a good soldier and defense and makes sense in the context end of the spear in our conventional de- served the nation well.’’ Mr. President, of our national fiscal priorities. In terrent force. Colin Powell has already achieved that light of the fact that both the status Mr. President, Donald Rumsfeld has goal. I am confident of his continued quo within our armed forces and mas- an impressive record. He is qualified to outstanding service to our Nation dur- sive increases in defense spending are be Secretary of Defense. I congratulate ing the next four years, and perhaps untenable, I am interested in talking him on his confirmation and wish him most importantly, as a wonderful ex- with the new Secretary about a sus- the very best. ample to the youth of America. tainable defense budget and making NOMINATION OF COLIN L. POWELL NOMINATION OF DONALD EVANS policy and procedural changes at the Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I sup- Pentagon that might enable us to re- honored to have supported the nomina- ported the nomination of Donald Evans tool for the information age and get tion of Colin Powell to be our next Sec- to be Secretary of Commerce. Don more for our defense dollar. retary of State. Few individuals sub- Evans has a distinguished background As the new administration begins to mitted to the Senate for confirmation in private business as head of a large, review our nation’s approach to arms have the credentials, experience, val- independent energy firm. In addition, control, missile defense, and prolifera- ues, and respect of the Nation that his experience as chairman of the Bush tion of weapons of mass destruction, I Colin Powell has. campaign and as Chairman of the would urge Mr. Rumsfeld to avoid pre- Colin Powell has served our Nation Board of Regents of the University of occupation with specific numbers and with distinction in both civilian and Texas system have helped prepare him keep efforts focused on a central objec- military capacities. Powell served the for overseeing the wide-ranging pro- tive: increasing strategic stability and Carter Administration as an executive grams of the Department of Commerce.

VerDate 23-JAN-2001 01:48 Jan 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23JA6.051 pfrm02 PsN: S23PT1 January 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S453 As Secretary, Don Evans’ first mis- I think the first priority must be to achievements came in the area of edu- sion will be to promote U.S. exports. rewrite the current federal farm policy. cation reform. With a record trade deficit of more This is not working and it’s very clear As a business leader and entre- than $300 billion last year, I can think to everyone that it’s not working. preneur, Jack was alarmed at the prob- of few tasks more urgent than this one. Prices are at record lows. Farmers are lems facing the public education sys- As he takes on this responsibility, I leaving the land. And rural main street tem in Massachusetts and the nation. urge him to remember the critical role businesses are suffering. He knew that the businesses of tomor- that small businesses and agriculture Next, we must re-invigorate our agri- row would demand a higher caliber of play in our export successes and not cultural trade policy. We’ve got to be education from its employees, and that concentrate solely on the role of the engaged in world trade but it’s got to education was an integral part of largest corporations. We also cannot be on a fair, competitive basis. I think America’s future prosperity. forget the other side of the ledger. Mr. we’ve got to level the playing field Not one to sit on the sidelines, Jack Evans will also be charged with enforc- with our major competitors—the Euro- combined his business expertise with ing our trade laws, another vital task peans—who are outspending us 10 to his natural leadership abilities to to ensure that U.S. farmers and busi- one in terms of providing support for found the Massachusetts Business Alli- nesses are not competing against un- their producers. Leveling the playing ance for Education in 1988, which suc- fair imports. field is one of my highest priorities, so cessfully led a five-year effort to re- I am also very concerned about the we get farm income up and so our form Massachusetts’ K–12 education so-called digital divide in the develop- farmers have a fair chance to succeed. system. His organization’s 1991 report, ment of the communications infra- As a senior member of the Agri- ‘‘Every Child a Winner,’’ was the impe- structure and the new e-economy. As culture Committee, I look forward to tus for the Massachusetts Education Senator for one of the most rural working with Ms. Veneman as we take and Reform Act in 1993. This legisla- states in the nation, it is critically im- tion led to new state-wide testing and portant to me that our next Secretary on these challenges. aggressively work to close this digital f accountability standards, as well as in- creased funding for education. divide to make sure rural North Dako- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS tans get full access to the benefits of Prominent small businessman, and information technology. executive, Navy veteran, education re- Finally, I would note that the De- THE PASSING OF JOHN C. ‘‘JACK’’ former and community leader, Jack partment of Commerce is responsible RENNIE Rennie’s passing leaves a void few peo- ple are qualified to fill, and even fewer for collecting a range of statistics on ∑ Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I speak our population and economy that are would attempt to try. On behalf of the today to pay tribute to the life of one citizens of Massachusetts, I would like critical to informing the choices that of Massachusetts most prominent citi- we, as elected officials must make. The to express our sincere condolences to zens and small business advocates, Jack’s family and friends.∑ accuracy and accessibility of this data John C. ‘‘Jack’’ Rennie, who passed are essential to making the right away last Monday, January 15th, at the f choices for America’s future. age of 63. Jack was truly an extraor- RECOGNIZING FRANK HEMINGWAY In short, Don Evans faces a host of dinary figure who changed the way challenges. I am confident that he will ∑ Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, re- American business looked at edu- approach them with the same vigor and cently Frank Hemingway came to cation, and the way education worked success with which he ran the Bush Washington, D.C. to be a part of the in Massachusetts. campaign, and I look forward to work- 2001 Inaugural activities. A student Born in Boston in May of 1937, Jack ing with him in the months and years from Onate High School in Las Cruces, attended and graduated from the U.S. ahead. New Mexico, he was the winner of the Naval Academy and Harvard School of Character Counts Task Force Contest NOMINATION OF Business. He later went on to earn a Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I look for area high school students. To win master’s degree from Northeastern forward to working with Ann Veneman this contest, Mr. Hemingway was re- University. as Secretary of Agriculture. For North quired to write an essay dealing with Using the skills he learned while Dakota, there is no Cabinet position his experience with one of the Pillars serving in the Navy as a test pilot, and more important than this one. of Character Counts. American agriculture faces a serious putting his business education and ex- Character Counts is a grassroots ef- crisis that threatens the economic live- perience to good use, he founded Pacer fort in New Mexico and on the national lihood of North Dakota farmers and Systems in 1968. Pacer Systems pro- front. The Character Counts initiative rural communities. Our next Secretary vided systems integration and product strives to promote, in all aspects of of Agriculture faces the challenge and services for the Department of Defense American life, six basic pillars of good responsibility of coming up with a new (DoD). Pacer was later to become character: Trustworthiness, Respect, farm policy that addresses this crisis AverStar and expand its systems inte- Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and as well as the competitive challenges gration work beyond DoD to other Fed- Citizenship. I have actively worked to we face from overseas. Ms. Veneman eral agencies. Jack served as Vice support New Mexico schools and com- has a long record on agricultural issues Chairman of AverStar from 1998 until munities that have embraced this ini- and will bring a depth of experience his retirement in June of last year. tiative. and commitment to the leadership of His entrepreneurial spirit was not Mr. Hemingway chose to write his on the Department of Agriculture. limited to his own company. In the the Responsibility Pillar, and how However, I must say her track record mid-1970s, Jack was the driving force being responsible has changed his life. I causes me some concern. Ms. Veneman behind the creation of National Small commend Frank for his smart choices was a cheerleader for the failed Free- Business United (NSBU), the nation’s and hard word. dom to Farm policy that has been such oldest bipartisan trade association for Mr. President, I ask that his essay be a disaster for North Dakota farmers. In small businesses. In the early 1980s, printed in the RECORD following my re- fact, we’ve had to write economic dis- Jack served as the President of the marks. aster bills in each of the last three Small Business Association of New The material was ordered to be print- years to deal with the consequences of England (SBANE), and in 1983, he led ed in the RECORD. that disastrous legislation. Beyond the first all small business trade mis- HOW RESPONSIBILITY CHANGED MY LIFE sion to the People’s Republic of China. that, Ms. Veneman was heavily in- (By Frank Hemingway) volved in negotiating the Canadian In 1983, he was also named the Small Business Person of the Year for Massa- ‘‘Hey bud! want to go to the movies to- Free Trade Agreement, which was an- night? I’ve got some girls from across town other disaster for North Dakota. Nev- chusetts and New England by then going—I know I can get you a date.’’ ertheless, I wish her well, and I’ll do President Ronald Reagan. ‘‘No, maybe later,’’ I answered to a typical everything I can to work with her to But despite all of these noteworthy offer from one of my closest friends, ‘‘It’s a change these policies. accomplishments, Jack’s most lasting school night and I’ve got a report that I need

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