[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S7099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DIANNE NELLOR

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dianne Nellor, 
who is retiring after serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee 
for nearly 22 years and who has left her fingerprints on so much of the 
crucial legislation to support our farmers, strengthen our food supply, 
and keep our families healthy.
  Dianne Nellor first joined the Senate Appropriations Committee in 
2003 under Chair Stevens, on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. In 
2018, Dianne was named clerk of the subcommittee. She has served as 
clerk of the subcommittee under Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and 
Heinrich--and we all can attest that she has been an invaluable member 
of the team.
  At a time of immense global change and in an era where climate change 
has put intense focus on issues like food supply chains, crop 
resilience, keeping small farms afloat, and putting food on the table, 
the investments we make in our agriculture and in our families have 
huge implications for our Nation's future. Dianne has worked tirelessly 
to help the Senate solve problems, address these challenges, and ensure 
Congress makes critical strategic investments in FDA, our farmers, and 
our families.
  Among her many accomplishments, Dianne helped negotiate 18 annual 
appropriations bills and 3 full-year continuing resolutions, drafted at 
least 17 supplemental bills, and has remained a tireless advocate for 
international food aid and child nutrition programs. The progress we 
made on these issues is part of an incredible legacy she has written 
into our Nation's laws through her work. Dianne has also been a mentor 
to staff and an advocate for many issues that are important to Senators 
and their communities back home.
  We all owe Dianne a debt of gratitude for working through many long 
nights and completing many hard negotiations in service of our Nation. 
As chair of the Appropriations Committee, I have leaned on Dianne's 
wisdom and counsel, and it is clear to all that her expertise, 
dedication, and ability to work across the aisle to make progress have 
made our country stronger. She will be deeply missed.
  On behalf of all the past committee leadership--and all the Senators 
and staff--who have worked with Dianne over the years and who know 
firsthand just how impactful her counsel has been, I would like to 
thank you, Dianne, for your service. You will be missed, and we wish 
you all the best for what lies ahead. Thank you.

                          ____________________