[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 20 (Friday, March 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO DAN NAATZ

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I rise today to say goodbye to a good 
friend of mine, someone who has worked by my side for the last 13 
years.
  Dan Naatz has been my chief of staff for the last 2 years, but his 
commitment to me and Wyoming has lasted much longer then that.
  I first met Dan back in 1989 when he joined my office in the U.S. 
House of Representatives. He was one of the first staff members I hired 
after being elected that year in a special election to fill the seat 
left open by Dick Cheney who was nominated to be our Secretary of 
Defense.
  After several years, Dan made the decision to return to school and 
earn a master's degree from the University of Virginia.
  I was disappointed to see him go then, but after he earned that 
degree I was fortunate enough to convince him to come back and serve as 
my legislative director.
  Dan was with me when I was honored to win a seat in the U.S. Senate 
in 1994 as well. Our history together goes way back.
  It is never easy to lose someone like Dan, who has been with me since 
the beginning. He has held nearly every position in my office and did 
them all very well. None better than the job he did of leading my staff 
and our legislative agenda for Wyoming.
  It was inevitable though that Dan would be recognized outside of this 
body though for his expertise in crafting successful legislation and 
public policy.
  Over the years, he has been a key advisor and good friend.
  Particularly, Dan played a significant role in our efforts to reform 
and strengthen the National Park System.
  As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, he and I 
spent many hours together, first writing and developing changes that 
would improve the system for visitors and the valuable resources, and 
then, as the engine that helped see it through to public law.
  I was proud of all the work he did, and he should be proud of the 
changes he helped make, because they will make a difference for future 
generations who will visit and experience our parks.
  Dan has joined CHEP USA. I wish him and his wife Cindy and their 
family the best of luck, and I know the Senate body does as well.

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