[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO HOWARD C. ``CHIP'' CONLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to 
honor Chip Conley's service to his country, to this House, and to our 
Nation's farmers and ranchers. Chip will retire from the staff of the 
House Agriculture Committee at the end of this Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, Chip was hired as the Agriculture Committee's economist 
by Chairman E. (Kika) de la Garza in 1985. By all accounts, from the 
moment he got there, Chip was the go-to guy on nearly every bit of work 
in the Committee's jurisdiction. This was so much the case that on his 
birthday one year, Chairman de la Garza handed out buttons printed with 
the commonly uttered phrase: ``Where's Chips?''
  Mr. Speaker, the Agriculture Committee's big task that comes along 
periodically is the writing of a Farm Bill. Chip played an integral 
role in four farm bills--each one of which proved to be a more 
monumental undertaking than the last. In addition to casting policy for 
the production of food and fiber, the Farm Bill also includes 
provisions to update the food stamp program and other programs that are 
so important to the daily needs of our most vulnerable citizens. In 
addition to the tremendous expertise Chip displayed regarding the 
economics of these programs, he always demonstrated a thorough command 
of programmatic details. His diligence and abundant creativity through 
many sleepless nights have had an enormous impact, and he will be 
sorely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, you don't have to work with Chip for too long to realize 
that his efforts are inspired by an enduring, true desire to improve 
the lives of others. Before he began his professional career, Chip 
served in India as a Peace Corps volunteer. He spent 2 years in Hissar 
from 1970-1972, providing extension services to dairy farmers.
  Mr. Speaker, I should also express the gratitude of the House to 
Chip's wife--Jan Rovecamp. Jan herself served as a staff member and was 
working for the House when she and Chip met and they discovered their 
mutual interests in hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Jan also aided 
the Committee by her constant support of Chip and her tolerance for his 
long hours. They both have hearts of gold, and for nearly 15 years they 
have volunteered their time to Food and Friends. Each Friday, they 
spend the middle of their day delivering food and providing 
companionship to people living with life-challenging illnesses.
  Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to see Chip go. Through his work on 
legislation, he has touched the lives of many Americans. In the city of 
Washington, he has gained the respect and admiration of countless 
colleagues from all philosophical backgrounds. To the Members and staff 
of the Committee, he is a true friend.
  On behalf of the Agriculture Committee, I extend to Chip and Jan my 
deepest appreciation for their service, and wish them much happiness in 
retirement.




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