[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CAPT. JOHN HOGAN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE POSITION OF 
            CHIEF COUNSEL OF THE HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT SMITH

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man 
whose love for his country and its farmers stands as a far greater 
testament to his character than mere words ever could. John Hogan, 
Captain, United States Naval Reserve, retired from the position of 
Chief Counsel to the House Committee on Agriculture on January 31, 
1998. His retirement marks a great loss to this Committee, which will 
surely miss his unrivaled knowledge of America's agricultural laws and 
policies.
  Captain Hogan came to Washington D.C. in 1969 when he joined the 
staff of the House Committee on the District of Columbia. His boss was 
the Ranking Republican, Congressman Archer Nelson, from John's home 
state of Minnesota. Alas, farming ran in John's blood, so in 1975 he 
moved to the House Committee on Agriculture where he served as 
Associate Counsel. In 1979 he was promoted to Minority Counsel and 
then, with the Republican majority in 1995, John became Chief Counsel 
to the Committee. In this position he has ably served both myself and 
my immediate predecessor, now Senator Pat Roberts, as well as three 
different Republican Ranking Members.
  Mr. Speaker, this Irish-American son of the soil still owns the same 
farm in Janesville, Minnesota that was homesteaded by his family many 
years ago. Yet, while dreams of dairy cows and topsoil may have danced 
in his head, he was so committed to his job that for almost everyday of 
his long career he was the first one into and the last one out of the 
office. Because of this, it was often remarked by his co-workers that 
John never left, but in fact evidence that he did from time to time 
leave his desk can be found in the impressive list of academic 
achievements he has compiled. Captain Hogan owns a Bachelor's degree 
from the University of Minnesota, an LLB from George Washington 
University, an LLM from Georgetown, and an MBA from American 
University.
  John put this knowledge to work, and America's farm laws reflect his 
tremendous understanding of what it takes to keep America the 
breadbasket of the world.
  America's farm communities could not have asked for a better friend 
or more dedicated servant than Captain Hogan. His long and 
distinguished career is a remarkable testament to a remarkable man. Mr. 
Speaker, I know that this whole body rises with me to say to John 
Hogan, Captain, you have left this Committee better than you found it; 
you have given of yourself, so that others might have more to receive; 
you have set an example that others may try to emulate, though equal it 
they never can. For all you have done, this body and your country 
thanks you. Have a happy retirement.




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