[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 143 (Thursday, November 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO BILL BARRETT OF NEBRASKA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAVID MINGE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2000

  Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my comments to the many voices 
honoring Bill Barrett, the honorable gentleman from Nebraska, who is 
retiring from a long career of public service at the end of this 
Congress.
  Congressman Bill Barrett has been a valuable and influential voice in 
agriculture. He has served his constituents well, and has been an able 
leader in the House of Representatives. Congressman Barrett came to the 
House with a background in community service in local government, a 
member of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, and with business 
experience in a 3-generation firm specializing in insurance and real 
estate. This foundation of government and business has served him well 
in his ten years in the House of Representatives. During his years of 
service he has gained the respect and admiration of members on both 
sides of the aisle.
  Mr. Speaker, I have served with Congressman Barrett on the 
Agriculture Committee and have come to appreciate his leadership as 
Vice-Chairman as well as his role as Chairman of the General Farm 
Commodities, Resource Conservation and Credit Subcommittee. His close 
and frequent contact with his constituents, combined with his seniority 
has made him an effective leader in Congress. As we have faced 
difficult decisions he has always worked hard on behalf of his 
constituents, and with respect for his fellow Members. I share his 
concern for balancing the federal budget and for wise and disciplined 
use of taxpayers money.
  As Chairman of the General Farm Commodities Subcommittee, he has 
extended his courtesy to me as we brought an oversight field hearing in 
Minnesota, lending his influence to issues of conservation and 
preservation of the environment in Minnesota.
  I am especially proud to have worked with Congressman Barrett as we 
served as two of the four co-chairs of the Alcohol Fuels Caucus. During 
our work to promote ethanol, I have found Congressman Barrett to be 
innovative and enthusiastic in his advocacy on behalf of all corn 
growers. Through co-authorship of bills supporting the usage of 
renewable resources in the production of energy, he has helped to 
provide economic opportunity for agricultural producers, a self-
sustaining energy program, and a cleaner environment for the nation.
  This legislative body will miss the wise and thoughtful influence of 
one of its leaders. I will miss a good friend and colleague.

                          ____________________