[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Remembering Clint Roberts

  Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
legacy of Clint Roberts, who passed away in the early morning hours of 
February 13 at the age of 82.
  Clint is a former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 
South Dakota State Senate, and a former South Dakota secretary of 
agriculture. He helped give birth to the Conservation Reserve and the 
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which have been extremely 
beneficial to farmers, ranchers, and landowners, not only in South 
Dakota but across the country. These programs helped increase farm and 
ranch family incomes at a time of great economic turmoil.
  But more importantly, Clint was a mentor and a hero to me and to many 
others and, I am proud to say, a lifelong friend to me and Jean. I have 
always looked up to Clint and sought him out for advice.
  I first met Clint when I was an intern in the South Dakota State 
Senate in 1976. He was serving in a leadership position. He taught me 
many valuable lessons over the years about politics, policy, family, 
and public service, just to name a few. He also is credited with 
introducing me to that exquisite combination of water and Scotch over 
40 years ago at the Kings Inn in Pierre.
  Clint grew up on a ranch near Presho, SD, in Lyman County, and never 
let go of his cowboy roots, his hat, or his boots. He was an iconic 
symbol of a cowboy and of the Wild West, so much so that he was one of 
the finalists to be the ``Marlboro Man'' in the mid-1970s. He also 
appeared in minor roles in films and even in a Super Bowl commercial.
  But even off camera, he was a cowboy through and through. He was down 
to earth, a straight shooter, and a practical conservative who believed 
in freedom and helping those in need. He was also a problem-solver who 
fixed what was wrong instead of just talking about it.
  He was one of the true conservationists in South Dakota, promoting 
wildlife and conservation on his operating farm and ranch. He taught 
many the importance of the CRP, or the Conservation Reserve Program, 
and preserving our natural resources. During pheasant hunting season, 
he always opened his ranch to hunters, and loved making his secret 
recipe for chili for all to enjoy. But most of all, he understood the 
importance of family. He was a great husband to Bev, a father, 
grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he was a great friend to all 
who knew him. He had a tremendously positive impact on the many 
thousands of people whom he met and touched with his kindness, 
selflessness, and generosity. South Dakota is truly a better State, and 
we are a better people because of his hard work and dedication to 
making things better.
  With this, I welcome the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the 
life of this public servant and my friend, Clint Roberts. We will 
treasure his legacy for years to come.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I have the 
opportunity to speak as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be able to 
express my entire remarks during this period of time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.