[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 149 (Thursday, October 28, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RESIGNATION OF WALLY BEYER

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of a true public servant, a fellow North Dakotan, and a 
man I am proud to call my friend.
  Wally Beyer has served this nation as Administrator of the Rural 
Utilities Service, the former Rural Electric Administration, for 6 
years now.
  Wally is the 12th administrator of the agency originally created by 
Franklin Roosevelt; an agency that has developed as we've developed as 
a nation: from providing basic electric and telecommunications needs 
for America's rural areas, to making sure rural America takes its 
rightful place in the new communication age.
  Wally has helped steer the RUS toward not only providing the critical 
continuing need for clean water and waste water facilities, but into 
new territory of critical distance-learning and medical links for areas 
that otherwise might not have access to these important services.
  Since he was first nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by 
the Senate in late 1993, Wally's steady hand, professional skill and 
patience has served our Nation well.
  Whether it was to guide the refinancing of electric borrowers through 
the high interest years of the 1970's and 80's, or to lead the 
modernization and stream-lining of rules and regulations at the RUA, 
Wally Beyer managed the agency with a careful balancing of the needs of 
rural America and the needs of the American taxpayer.
  Wally Beyer has served this nation well. As a crew chief for the U.S. 
Air Force air rescue squadron in the Caribbean in the 50's, as an 
engineer for the Verendrye Electric Cooperative bringing electricity to 
north central North Dakota, and as head of the reinvigorated RUS.
  Wally plans to return to our native North Dakota, along with his wife 
Pat. With three married children and three growing grandchildren, he 
says he will stay active and involved in public service. Washington's 
loss will be North Dakota's gain as Wally Beyer returns home to the 
land we both love.
  In a recent speech announcing those plans, Wally said, ``My season 
has come. I feel good about it. I've got to get back to North Dakota 
where the air is sweet. You won't miss me when I'm gone.''
  Well Wally. Your legacy at the RUS is in tact, and thanks to your 
hard work is, as you said, ``humming along.''
  But you are wrong to say you won't be missed. Your selfless service 
to the public good will be missed by many, who will have to continue 
the restructuring of the electric utility industry without your sure 
hand.
  You will be missed by those electric consumers in 46 States that were 
well aware that you, as a rural resident, understood their needs.
  And you will be missed by those who relied on your friendship and 
good judgement when seeking to solve the long term problems continuing 
to plague rural America.
  So, as you take your leave, I know my colleagues in the Senate join 
me in wishing you and your family the very best in what ever path you 
choose.
  You have made a lasting impact and a worthwhile contribution to your 
country. Wally Beyer, you have made a difference and we are all better 
for it. Thank you, Mr. Administrator.

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