[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO MICHELE JOHNSON

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise for the purpose of 
commending the efforts of Michele Johnson, a legislative assistant on 
my staff who will be leaving the Senate at the end of this session. 
Michele's conscientiousness and exceptional work will be missed.
  Michele Johnson, a native of rural Michigan, ND, and graduate of the 
University of North Dakota, has served on my staff for almost 3\1/2\ 
years. Michele has distinguished herself by her meticulous attention to 
detail and her ability to tackle a wide range of issues critical to our 
State. She has been of great help in our work to bring change to the 
Nation's agricultural credit system in order to help farmers who are 
struggling financially. She has also played an instrumental role in 
efforts we have undertaken to bring much needed economic and rural 
development to every corner of North Dakota. Her accomplishments in 
these areas will have a positive impact for years to come.
  A lawyer by training, Michele has most recently tackled a very 
difficult assignment. In the wake of this year's millennium flood, she 
volunteered to go to Grand Forks to assist in the Red River Valley's 
disaster recovery efforts. Even before the floodwaters had receded, 
Michele had packed her bags and arrived in Grand Forks to be a part of 
the onsite assistance team.
  While in Grand Forks Michele brought a local perspective to the 
Federal disaster response and her firsthand experience was enormously 
helpful in our efforts to lay the groundwork for North Dakota's long-
term recovery. In her work, she earned high praise and recognition from 
community leaders up and down the Red River Valley.
  We will miss Michele's contributions to the office, including her 
cheerful presence and enthusiasm. Thanks, Michele, for a job well done. 
We wish you well as you move on to your next assignment.

                          ____________________