[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 146 (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING PAULETTE PYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2015

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my very good 
friend, Paulette Pyle, for her many years advocating for Oregon's 
farmers, ranchers and foresters. Paulette is retiring from Oregonians 
for Food and Shelter where she delivered 35 years of historic service 
as their Director of Grassroots, and is one of the most respected and 
expert advocates in the country in her field. Since many of my 
colleagues call Paulette a dear friend, I'd like to pay tribute to her 
numerous contributions to Oregon and its natural resource industries.
  Born in Sioux City, Iowa and raised on a wheat and dairy operation 
near Cottonwood, Idaho, agriculture has always been close to Paulette's 
heart. As she has worked on behalf of Oregon's farmers for over three 
decades, Paulette became well known statewide for the passion for and 
commitment to the farm, ranch and timber families she worked for.
  In 1972, after nearly a decade working in health care, Paulette made 
her first professional foray into politics, serving as district staff 
for Senator Steve Symms of Idaho during his time in the U.S. House. She 
campaigned her way from Idaho to Oregon. A tenacious and well-liked go-
getter from the start, she was known to go door to door on campaigns 
with her twin baby girls--one on each hip.
  Paulette took her grassroots experience to the newly formed 
Oregonians for Food and Shelter in 1980. Over the next 35 years, she 
became a beloved and relied upon household name for Oregon's farmers, 
ranchers and foresters as well as a highly regarded advocate around the 
state capitol and in the halls of Congress.
  In that role, Paulette became an integral part of Oregon's natural 
resources community, tying together sometimes differing groups towards 
a common goal. If there was an issue heating up that affected the 
industry, you knew you'd find Paulette leading the charge to ensure 
progress.
  Guided by what she knew was right and in the best interest of Oregon, 
Paulette knew how to get things done. At times when others may have 
been turned off by a defeat, Paulette just got creative. And this 
approach often led to success.
  One example of Paulette's creative, can-do disposition is the time 
Paulette worked tirelessly to move a pesticide bill through the 
legislature, only to have the Governor veto it. Unwilling to give up on 
the effort, Paulette went to work again, getting the language attached 
to a bill referring a decision on a light rail project to the voters--a 
legislative vehicle that the Governor was eager to see approved. Left 
with a choice between letting the bill move forward with Paulette's 
language included, or vetoing his own legislative priority, the 
Governor signed the bill into law. Paulette scored a win on behalf of 
family farmers, and voters went on to vote down the Governor's project.
  This tenacity and skill served Paulette well at the federal level 
too. Her grassroots efforts were integral as we worked to turn the heat 
up on the Senate and push the last major federal forest policy reform 
to become law, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, across the finish 
line.
  State legislators and members of Congress weren't the only ones 
leaning on Paulette for advice and assistance. President George W. Bush 
became fast friends with Paulette, and made sure she was included in 
any ranching, farming or forestry discussion affecting Oregon and the 
Pacific Northwest. The president's team would call me before one of his 
many visits to Oregon during his presidency to confirm that I had not 
forgotten to make sure Paulette would be available to join ``43'' when 
he visited our family farmers, ranchers and foresters. The Bush White 
House team soon learned that I did not need a reminder to include 
Paulette as I'd tell them she was always first on my call list.
  In addition to Paulette's significant professional achievements, it 
is important to note that an even higher priority for her is her 
cherished family and the faith that guides her daily. Paulette and her 
husband Ken raised six outstanding children, who in turn are raising 
their 16 grandchildren. Paulette has led her family by love and 
Christian example, and this is very clear to all who know her.
  Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, please join me in recognizing and 
thanking my good friend, Paulette Pyle, for her years of leadership and 
tremendous dedication on behalf of the natural resource industry. 
Oregon's farmers, ranchers and foresters have benefited in countless 
ways over the past three and a half decades thanks to Paulette. I wish 
Paulette and Ken the best for many years of good health and happiness 
in retirement and the years ahead. She will forever remain a very 
special friend.

                          ____________________