[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROBERT A. HOOVER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. HELEN CHENOWETH-HAGE

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE. Mr. Speaker, last month the security of the 
United States Congress' legislative web site, Thomas, was breached by 
individuals commonly known as computer ``hackers.'' Although little 
harm was done, the cyberattack illustrates the vulnerability of our 
nation's computer systems.
  The simple fact is, computer viruses have attacked business and 
government information systems, as well as personal home computers. To 
complicate matters even further, innocent individuals continue to be 
exploited when their web-based credit card and account information are 
used for illegal purposes.
  To combat cyberattacks, the Republican-led Congress is working 
diligently to explore ways to enhance computer security. Additionally, 
the Clinton administration has created a panel to review American 
cyberspace security.
  In fact, one of the experts selected to serve on the panel as an 
advisor to President Clinton is Dr. Bob Hoover, President of the 
University of Idaho. Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor to congratulate 
Bob today on such a well-deserved accomplishment. I must say, Bob is 
well qualified for this position, and I know he will represent the 
State of Idaho, and the nation very, very well.
  When Bob became the 15th president of the University of Idaho in July 
1996, he brought with him 25 years of experience as teacher, researcher 
and administrator in higher education. His nearly four years of 
experience at the University of Idaho have seen a period of 
unparalleled accomplishment.
  Perhaps his greatest successes, however, have been in the areas of 
collaboration with various colleges and universities and with the 
private sector. In northern Idaho, for instance, Bob has been 
instrumental in the formation of the North Idaho Center for Higher 
Education, a partnership between the University of Idaho, North Idaho 
College, Lewis Clark State College, and Idaho State University. 
Additionally, he is working with the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho 
State University and Boise State University to expand and strengthen 
higher education. Even further, in southwestern Idaho he has worked 
with the University of Idaho Foundation to purchase land in Boise for 
the construction of a major facility that will allow the university to 
expand its efforts with Boise State University and Idaho State 
University.
  In addition to these efforts, Bob has developed and implemented the 
University of Idaho Strategic Plan to help guide the school in meeting 
new goals in teaching, research and outreach. Also, he has been 
instrumental in the creation of the Inland Northwest Research Alliance, 
which is now a partner with Bechtel B&W Idaho in the management of the 
Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.
  Without a doubt, Bob's efforts to develop research strength at the 
University of Idaho has elevated the institution to one of the leading 
centers of teaching and research, especially in the critical area of 
computer network security. In fact, in recognition of University of 
Idaho's expertise in this field, the National Security Agency has 
designated it as one of the seven national centers of excellence in 
information security.
  Just as important, though, I'm pleased to call Bob a friend, and I 
look forward to working with him in the future to enhance the quality 
of life in Idaho. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in 
honoring Dr. Bob Hoover for his long-standing commitment to the State 
of Idaho and the Nation.

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