[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO KEITH COLLINS, CHIEF ECONOMIST, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 
                              AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the dedicated service of Dr. Keith Collins who has served with 
distinction as the Chief Economist for the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture for almost 14 years. At the end of this year Keith will 
retire, and he will be missed, not only by his colleagues at USDA but 
by all of us who came to respect and rely on his nonpartisan, 
thoughtful and detailed analysis of economic issues in agriculture.
  Keith began his career as an economist with USDA in 1977, and his 
tenure there has spanned four presidencies of both political parties. 
He has served under nine Secretaries of Agriculture.
  In 1994, Keith was named Chief Economist at USDA, and in that 
capacity he has been responsible for economic forecasts and projections 
and has advised the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic 
implications of alternative programs, regulations and legislative 
proposals. His advice has not been limited to the Secretary either; he 
has become a valued advisor to Members of Congress and others involved 
in agriculture policy.
  On highly charged political issues, Keith is known for his honesty, 
competency and influence. Even when facing tough questions from Members 
of Congress, nothing seems to rattle Keith's calm, rational demeanor.
  Keith has also earned the respect of his peers in the field of 
agricultural economics. Keith is a Fellow of the American Agricultural 
Economics Association, which is the highest honor the agricultural 
economics profession can bestow.
  One economist who worked with Keith over the years measured the 
potential success for newly appointed Secretaries of Agriculture using 
what he called the ``Keith Collins intelligence test.'' If the new 
Secretaries reappointed Keith as Chief Economist, they passed.
  Keith's colleagues at USDA have also recognized his outstanding 
contributions. He received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious 
Executive in 1990 and 1996 and the Presidential Rank Award for 
Distinguished Executive in 1992, the highest award a Federal executive 
can receive.
  Madam Speaker, Keith's retirement is a real loss for American 
agriculture. Through his service at USDA, he has influenced agriculture 
policy in many positive and lasting ways. His work truly has touched 
the lives of many Americans, especially our Nation's farmers and 
ranchers.
  On behalf of the House Agriculture Committee, I extend to Keith our 
deepest appreciation for his service to American agriculture and wish 
him great happiness in retirement.

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