[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2613-E2614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN APPRECIATION OF DANIEL V. KISH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2007

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel V. 
Kish and the 28 years of service he has provided to the State of Alaska 
and the Nation.
  In the summer of 1978, a young long-haired college student dressed in 
muddy work boots wandered into my office looking for an internship. Why 
he chose my office in particular, I do not know, though I suspect it 
had something to do with an attractive young lady working at the front 
desk, but he appeared willing and eager to work. Thus, after telling 
him to get a haircut and a pair of loafers, I put him to work.
  My staff and I were immediately impressed by Dan's strong work ethic, 
his innate understanding of even the most complex issues, and his 
natural ability to communicate to my constituents--both in writing and 
in spoken word--the practical impacts of the various legislative 
proposals before the Congress.
  In fact, when Dan returned to Indiana's Wabash College at the end of 
that summer to finish his studies, he left our office with an 
unexpected void to fill. The following year Dan had completed his 
undergraduate degree, and we had an open position to fill. Thanks to 
the good judgment and recommendation of the young woman who drew Dan 
into our office the previous summer, I tracked him down and asked him 
to come to work for me full-time. In the years since then, Dan has 
earned himself a well-deserved reputation as one of the most talented, 
dedicated, and knowledgeable staffers on the Hill.
  Dan has stuck with me through thick and thin. He has always kept my 
best interests, and the best interests of the State of Alaska, at 
heart. His devotion to me, the State of Alaska, and the Nation has been 
unparalleled. Dan's unwavering commitment to and understanding of 
strong Republican ideals, free market policies, and responsible 
development of our Nation's resources have been an inspiration to 
hundreds of Hill staffers and Members alike, and he has served as the 
moral compass by which the Resources Committee has sailed throughout 
his tenure.
  Dan's writing throughout the years has been equally inspiring. He is 
by far the single most impressive writer I've come across in 35 years. 
His talent and ability to get to the root of an issue in two or three 
eloquent sentences is unmatched. While Dan's use of words has always 
been powerful, it has often been humorous as well. A strong supporter 
of a free market economy, Dan once wrote a letter to the Secretary of 
the Treasury recommending that the $1 coin bear the likeness of Dolly 
Arthur--the owner of a historic bordello in Ketchikan, Alaska--
suggesting that unlike Susan B. Anthony, she ``was truly a woman who 
knew the value of a dollar.'' This unique sense of humor has brought 
smiles to my face and many others for nearly three decades.

  But most of all, Dan Kish will be remembered for the genuine respect 
and appreciation he has always had for what he called ``the Working 
Man.'' Although his mind was often occupied in debates over esoteric 
federal policies, his heart has always belonged to the

[[Page E2614]]

fight for the working men and women of America who get dirt under their 
fingernails rather than paper cuts on their pinkies. Dan tirelessly 
reminded us that American prosperity, national defense, and world 
leadership depend on the working men and women who operate the drill 
rigs, mine metals and minerals, harvest trees and crops, raise 
livestock, and pull the levers and press the buttons that control the 
dams responsible for irrigating the land and powering our communities.
  God has blessed our country with a bounty of resources, and Dan was 
always ready with a sermon to remind us that His gifts are there for us 
to use wisely. Dan's wise words will not be forgotten.
  While hiring Dan was one of the best decisions I've made in my 35 
years in Washington, I think Dan would agree that coming to work for me 
was the most important decision of his life. After all, it's where he 
met his beautiful wife, Pam, the young lady who lured the long-haired 
college student into my office 29 years ago. I would be remiss if I did 
not also thank Pam Kish for everything she has done over the years, not 
only as a former staffer, but as a loving wife.
  The State of Alaska and the Nation as a whole owe a debt of gratitude 
to Dan Kish for his 29 years of service, and this House is a better 
place because of his good work. Ronald Reagan once wrote, ``Some people 
work an entire lifetime and wonder if they've ever made a difference.'' 
I know I speak for many in this body when I say there is no question 
that Dan Kish has made a tremendous difference during his tenure and 
will be sorely missed.
  While Dan is moving on, his impact on and contribution to our work in 
Congress is timeless. I can think of no one who is more widely 
respected and admired for his intrinsic understanding of and devotion 
to the things that make this Nation so great.
  I am forever grateful that Dan's path crossed with mine that day, 29 
years ago so, while I stand here today honoring Daniel V. Kish for his 
years of service, his departure is bittersweet. Words cannot express my 
personal gratitude to Dan for his work, his counsel, and most 
importantly, his friendship. Thank you, Dan. I wish you and Pam the 
best in the next chapter of your life together.

                          ____________________