[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 170 (Monday, November 18, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6606-S6607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO STACI LANCASTER

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to Staci Lancaster, an 
indispensable part of my Senate staff for more than 20 years. Staci's 
writing acumen and understanding of the policy process have proven 
invaluable assets to the Senate and work on behalf of Idaho's citizens.
  Staci Lancaster, nee Stevenson, graduated from the University of 
Washington, Seattle, with a bachelor's degree in political science and 
communications. During her senior year of college, Staci interned for 
then U.S. Representative Richard Norman ``Doc'' Hastings and was tasked 
with a unique opportunity to work on drafting a bill to enable the 
transfer of a park within Washington's fourth congressional district. 
Staci also interned with the victims assistance unit of the King County 
Prosecutor's Office.
  Although she initially had plans of attending law school, Staci's 
remarkable work for Representative Hastings earned her a full-time 
position on his staff in 1998, advising him on issues related to 
agriculture, trade, the judiciary, immigration, labor, foreign affairs, 
defense, transportation, and education. Staci joined my office in 2003 
to handle agriculture and environment issues and later served as my 
minority staff director for the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on 
Conservation, Forestry, and Rural Revitalization and, then, the Senate 
Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global 
Competitiveness. Staci's planned 1 to 2 years in Washington, DC, 
quickly turned into 12.
  Staci left Washington with her husband Arlen--whom she met in my 
office and to whom she has been married for 19 years--in August 2010. I 
have had many staff over the years, but none quite like Staci. Her 
impeccable attention to detail and writing skills are irreplaceable, so 
when she approached me about remaining on staff and working remotely as 
part of the communications staff, it was an easy decision. She has 
served as my most trusted staff writer ever since. Staci advises my 
writing on a wide range of issues from detailed policy papers for the 
Senate Finance Committee, to op-eds on veterans and rural issues, to 
highlighting encouraging and uplifting stories like adoption.
  Staci's background growing up in a farm town gave her a deep respect 
for farming and ranching and has allowed her to thrive in her work on 
agriculture and trade policy. Her passion for others stretches her work 
even further. She recalls working on the authorization and expansion of 
the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program, which provides a variety of 
free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children at eligible 
elementary schools. That work has come full circle as she now relishes 
in hearing about fresh produce at her daughter's local school, as well 
as others across the country.
  As the daughter of a Vietnam war veteran and granddaughter of World 
War II veterans, Staci's reverence and commitment to Idaho veterans 
comes naturally. She has compiled beautiful summaries of Idaho's 
veterans and their services to others and jumps at every opportunity to 
honor their heroic dedication to our Nation.
  Beyond her professional scope, Staci is a devoted mother and wife who 
enjoys walks and enriching her mind through reading. She is an active 
member of her local community and has served as president and service 
committee chairwoman for the Rotary Club of Lander, as well as a member 
of the Museum of the American West Board of Directors and Lander Valley 
Farmers Market Board of Directors.
  Staci resides in Lander, WY, with her husband Arlen, their daughter 
Gracie, and their dog, Addie.
  Staci Lancaster is a rare gem of the Senate who holds a deep 
understanding of the legislative process and the needed communication 
of important issues. She has a heart for positive stories, as well as 
for policy issues that improve the lives of so many across the country, 
and her knowledge is often reflected in thoroughly detailed 
explorations of complex issues. Staci is a go-to resource for staff at 
every level in

[[Page S6607]]

my offices, having provided counsel, friendship, and patience to all. 
She has a kindness and approachable demeanor unmatched in these halls 
of Congress.
  I am eternally grateful for Staci's dedicated service to the U.S. 
Senate and the people of Idaho and congratulate her on a job very well 
done. I look forward to her contributions in the years ahead.

                          ____________________