[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JACK KING

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Senator 
Boxer, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives, including 
Mr. Costa, Mr. Lungren, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Farr, Mr. Denham, Ms. 
Richardson, Mr. Baca, Mr. Herger, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Filner, Ms. Lofgren, 
Ms. Matsui, Mr. Nunes, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Lee, 
Ms. Loretta Sanchez, Ms. Eshoo, Ms. Chu, Ms. Speier, Ms. Linda Sanchez, 
Mr. Becerra, Ms. Hahn, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Honda, Mr. McClintock, and Mr. 
Calvert, to pay tribute to Mr. Jack King on the occasion of his 
retirement from the California Farm Bureau Federation. For more than 35 
years, Jack King has worked on behalf of our Nation's farmers and 
ranchers to ensure that they have a voice in our Nation's capital. His 
passion for agriculture has made him a strong and effective advocate 
for the American Farm Bureau Federation and the California Farm Bureau 
Federation.
  Growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin taught Jack the value of hard 
work, and the important role agriculture plays in America--specifically 
when it comes to feeding and clothing our families and supporting our 
economy. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Jack began 
his career in agriculture with the university's cooperative extension 
office. Jack then went on to work for the Wisconsin Council of 
Agricultural Cooperatives and the Wisconsin Council of Agriculture. In 
1973, Jack ventured west and joined the California Farm Bureau 
Federation as assistant manager of the information division.
  Jack expanded his work with the Farm Bureau, and in 1985, he became 
news services director for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Based 
in Illinois, Jack managed internal and external communications and 
often worked in conjunction with the Washington, D.C. office to ensure 
that legislators were connected with farmers and ranchers. In 1994, 
Jack returned to California to serve as manager of the California Farm 
Bureau Federation's National Affairs Division. He served as a direct 
link between farmers, ranchers, and Members of Congress.
  Jack's tremendous contributions and dedication can be measured in a 
number of ways. Notably, Jack made approximately 200 trips to 
Washington, D.C. His deep commitment was based in his belief that 
legislators needed to hear directly from farmers and ranchers in order 
to understand their contributions and the difficulties they face. 
Specifically, Jack has been dedicated to working on comprehensive 
immigration reform, natural resource regulations, and renewable energy.
  Of course none of these accomplishments would be possible without the 
love and support of Jack's wife, Mary Ann; their sons, Carl, David and 
Bryan; and two grandchildren.
  We ask our colleagues to join us in recognizing Jack King's 
enthusiasm and work ethic. His devotion and loyalty to our Nation's 
farmers and ranchers make him a source of pride for our community, 
State and Nation. We thank Jack for his work on behalf of farmers and 
ranchers in California and all across the country, and wish him well in 
retirement.

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