[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN CHAFEE'S STAFF

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, with all of the tributes to Senator 
John Chafee over the last few weeks I think it is important that we do 
not forget his talented and dedicated staff. In particular I would like 
to thank his staff on the Environment and Public Works Committee. He 
assembled a very professional team, well respected not only on both 
sides of the aisle but also within the larger environmental 
professional community.
  I call special attention to Senator Chafee's staff director, Jimmie 
Powell. Jimmie has served Congress over the last 20 years in various 
positions, and has worked on every major environmental statute over the 
last 20 years. Earlier this year, the National Journal called him a 
``low key aide whose political insights and institutional memory are 
sought out by industry lobbyists.'' This is an understatement. There is 
no Senate staffer, or House staffer, with more environmental experience 
and political know-how than Jimmie Powell.
  I believe that Jimmie served his boss, Chairman Chafee well. I did 
not always agree with the positions that Senator Chafee took, but 
Jimmie always did an excellent job in representing his boss's 
interests. I am not sure what position Jimmie Powell will take next, 
but I am confident that he will approach any new challenge with the 
same integrity and honor he exhibited as a Senate staffer.

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