[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11484-S11485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING SENATOR TOM DASCHLE

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to submit the 
text of the attached resolution by the South Dakota Farmers Union 
commemorating 26 years of service by United States Senator Thomas A. 
Daschle.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

A Resolution Commemorating 26 Years of Service by United States Senator 
                           Thomas A. Daschle

       Whereas, Senator Tom Daschle has distinguished himself as 
     more than a reliable friend to South Dakota Farmers Union and 
     the cause of family-based agriculture, but more so as a true 
     hero to our cause; and,
       Whereas, Senator Daschle performed his duties faithfully to 
     better the lives and opportunities of all South Dakotans, and 
     conducted exemplary public service to South Dakotans with the 
     assistance of his highly resourceful, talented and dedicated 
     staff in his offices in Washington, D.C., Sioux Falls, Rapid 
     City and Aberdeen; and,
       Whereas, Senator Daschle championed the cause of ethanol 
     since his first campaign for the U.S. Congress, and is 
     chiefly responsible for its emergence as America's answer to 
     energy independence because of his relentless pursuit of 
     government support for its production and marketing; and
       Whereas, Senator Daschle earned his reputation as America's 
     most important Member of Congress for the advancement of 
     legislation important to South Dakota Farmers Union, the 
     National Farmers Union and family-based agriculture because 
     of his sincere interest in promoting America's rural economy 
     and because of his generous nature and approachability to all 
     citizens seeking his assistance in Washington, D.C.; and
       Whereas, Senator Daschle wisely used his influence and 
     leadership powers to the benefit of South Dakota, resulting 
     in unprecedented cooperation from urban states to help

[[Page S11485]]

     advance the causes and unique, critical needs of rural states 
     and agriculture in the form of federal funds and programs for 
     agriculture, disaster aid, health care, education, energy 
     needs, air transportation, highway maintenance, railways and 
     water development; and
       Whereas, Senator Daschle's powerful resources and status as 
     Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader gave South 
     Dakota unprecedented influence to pass legislation which was 
     of the greatest benefit to all South Dakotans, especially to 
     rural communities, farms and ranches; and,
       Whereas, Senator Daschle was responsible for the allocation 
     of unprecedented federal funds to South Dakota throughout his 
     tenure in the United States Congress, and that Senator 
     Daschle's last term ended with victories for South Dakota, 
     including his quest to produce $2.9 billion in disaster 
     assistance for farmers and ranchers, against the longstanding 
     resistance and indifference of the majority party in Congress 
     and the White House; and,
       Whereas, Senator Daschle's great influence and power on 
     behalf of South Dakota and rural America will be missed in 
     the unfinished battles for a Renewable Fuels Standard, a 
     mandatory Country of Origin Labeling law, fair trade policies 
     which are not predatory to South Dakota agriculture, 
     sufficient drought relief, rural water development and a 
     progressive agricultural agenda which supports a strong rural 
     economy, as well as the fights to preserve social security 
     and Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, and make health 
     care coverage affordable and available to all Americans;
       Now, therefore, we resolve that the Delegates of the 89th 
     Convention of South Dakota Farmers Union commends and highly 
     appreciates the lifetime dedication and service of Senator 
     Thomas A. Daschle to improve the economy and the quality of 
     life in South Dakota and throughout the United States.

                          ____________________