[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 107 (Monday, June 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN WHITNEY

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary career and well-earned retirement of John Whitney, my 
senior adviser for Public Lands and Tribal Affairs and regional 
director for the Western Slope.
  John spent two decades serving in the U.S. Congress, including the 
last 14 years in my office and previously in the office of Congressman 
John Salazar. Throughout his career, John has been one of the most 
effective advocates for rural communities and conservation efforts in 
Colorado and the American West.
  There is no corner of the Western Slope that John doesn't know--and 
very few people west of the Continental Divide who don't know John. He 
built deep, lasting relationships with local elected leaders, State and 
Federal agencies, Tribal governments, and community members--regardless 
of party or background.
  John never hesitated to jump in with both feet. Whether advancing 
landmark legislation or organizing a community meeting in a remote 
town, he always brought his full self to the work. He organized 
countless trips for me across our State, from camping on Kebler Pass, 
to rafting the Dolores River, to hiking the high country of the San 
Juans.
  Over the years, John helped shape and deliver some of the most 
consequential conservation accomplishments in Colorado's recent 
history. He played a central role in establishing three National 
Monuments in Colorado: Chimney Rock, Brown's Canyon, and Camp Hale-
Continental Divide. He led our work to pass the Hermosa Creek Watershed 
Protection Act and secure a 20-year mineral withdrawal to protect the 
Thompson Divide. John also helped establish the Camp Amache National 
Historic Site and expand Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde 
National Park, and Yucca House National Monument.
  John was also instrumental in developing the Colorado Outdoor 
Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, the Gunnison Outdoor Resources 
Protection (GORP) Act, and the Dolores National Conservation Area and 
Special Management Area Act. Additionally, he led efforts to help 
Western Slope communities through the SHRED Act, the Flexible 
Partnerships Act, the Gold King Mine Compensation Act, and efforts to 
expand Tribal access to clean water.
  But John's legacy is not just the legislation he shaped, it is the 
coalitions he built and the way he encouraged people across the State 
to find common ground. His work is a model for what is possible when 
democracy works as it should, when people listen to one another, stay 
at the table, and pursue progress without sacrificing principle.
  John has also been a mentor, a counselor, and a constant source of 
good humor to our staff. He helped train a new generation of Western 
Slope leaders and public lands advocates. His influence will echo 
through their work, through our office, and throughout the State for 
years to come. I also want to thank John's family; his achievements 
would not have been possible without their support, generosity, and 
sacrifice.
  As John sets off toward new horizons, he leaves behind a legacy that 
will stand the test of time. Colorado's lands, communities, and civic 
institutions are stronger because of his service. On behalf of a 
grateful State and an appreciative team: Thank you, John. You will be 
deeply missed--and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you 
next.

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