[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E92-E93]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE CAREER OF ALLEN D. FREEMYER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES V. HANSEN

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Mr. Chairman to honor and 
celebrate the career of one of my longtime staff members, Allen D. 
Freemyer. For nine years, Allen has faithfully served me, the people of 
Utah and our country as senior staff on the U.S. House of 
Representatives Committee on Resources.
  It is rare that a Member of Congress finds an aide with the 
combination of intellect, talent and commitment that Allen offers.
  Allen served six years as staff director for the Parks and Public 
Lands Subcommittee--the largest and most active Resources subcommittee. 
During those years, he shepherded more than 500 bills through the 
subcommittee, the full committee and the House. Most are now law. In 
the 106th Congress alone, more than 100 Parks and Public Lands bills 
became law. His track record in the 104th and 105th Congresses was 
equally as impressive. With Allen's assistance, Congress enacted 
legislation that protects, preserves and enhances millions of acres of 
public land throughout our beautiful country. He accomplished this 
while simultaneously defending the rights and interests of landowners 
and local communities, recreationists and sportsmen. Many a battle has 
been waged in the Resources Committee in recent years. With Allen's 
guidance and political instinct we have been able to protect our 
cherished way of life in the West.
  This past year, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Committee on 
Resources. He organized the Full Committee into the same legislative 
workhorse the subcommittee had been. Under Allen's guidance, the House 
Resources Committee reported 61 bills, more than almost any other House 
committee.
  With Allen's help, we were able to pass the mammoth 1996 Parks 
Omnibus Bill, which created the Presidio Trust, an entirely new concept 
in parks management; the Concessions Policy Act of 1998 and The 
Securing America's Future Energy Act of 2001. Each of these bills has a 
profound and positive impact on the management of our nation's parks, 
public lands and resources. The energy bill, which codified President 
Bush's energy policy, sailed through the House on a strong bipartisan 
vote despite the long odds and predictions of its demise that persisted 
through the eleventh hour. Allen's veteran legislative skills deserve 
considerable credit for this victory.
  His service has been unfaltering. His knowledge, expertise and manner 
has been exemplary. This year, Allen and I are both moving on to new 
challenges. Allen's service and talents have been very beneficial to 
me, the Resources Committee and the United States Congress.
  I will miss Allen's wise counsel, legislative skill and political 
savvy. I wish Allen much success and happiness as he pursues new 
challenges. I am confident, the talent and tenacity he has shown for 
his work for nearly a decade here on Capitol Hill, will assure his 
continued success.
  Allen good luck and God bless.

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