[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7784-S7785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING NEAL SMITH

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to expand on my tribute to 
former Iowa Congressman Neal Smith.
  As I said yesterday, he was a true public servant, interested in 
doing right by his State rather than seeking self-aggrandizement. He 
was a real legislator, not a would-be pundit seeking the spotlight. 
These are attributes that make him a role model, and I feel lucky to 
have been mentored by him. When I was elected, I was the only 
Republican in the Iowa delegation. He didn't care that I was of a 
different party. He knew we both had our political views, but we were 
both there to represent the state we love. I will never forget his 
kindness in taking me under wing.
  Neal Smith is a legend in Iowa, as evidenced by the fact that his 
name is attached to several Iowa institutions, including the Neal Smith 
Wildlife Refuge, which he was instrumental in establishing, the Neal 
Smith Trail, the Neal Smith Federal Building in Des Moines, which I 
helped to name after him with Senator Harkin, and the Neal and Bea 
Smith Law Center at their alma mater, Drake University.
  His legislative legacy includes a long stint as a senior member of 
the Appropriations Committee.
  Neal Smith was instrumental in creating Lake Red Rock, Saylorville 
Lake, and Lake Rathbun, which help protect Iowans from flooding, serve 
as reservoirs, and provide recreational opportunities for Iowans.
  He also authored legislation to help small businesses after a 
disaster and legislation helping small businesses with federal 
government contracts.
  Perhaps his most prominent legislative accomplishment was passing 
legislation combatting nepotism in the Federal Government.
  Neal Smith served in World War II as a bomber pilot, was shot down, 
and received a Purple Heart, as well as other medals.

[[Page S7785]]

  He and his wife Bea attended Drake University Law School together. 
When they graduated, she was offered less than him for the same job 
with the same firm despite her having had better grades, so he turned 
down the job and opened a practice with her.
  He soon entered public service locally, serving as assistant Polk 
County attorney and as chairman of the Polk County Welfare Board.
  In 1958, Neal Smith was elected to the House of Representatives, 
where he served for 36 years, longer than any other Iowan has served in 
the U.S. House.
  Even though he represented Iowa's largest metropolitan area, he came 
from a farm background like me and continued to farm near Altoona 
during his time in office.
  I remember him as a strong defender of agriculture.
  I value the friendship I had with Neal Smith starting as a freshmen 
Congressman and continuing through his time after leaving Congress.
  Again, I pay tribute to this humble public servant. Barbara and I 
will continue to remember his family in our prayers.

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