[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E710-E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING GROWMARK'S CHUCK SPENCER ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2026

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Chuck Spencer on 
the occasion of his retirement following more than 40 years of 
distinguished service to Illinois agriculture through the Illinois Farm 
Bureau and the GROWMARK Cooperative System.
  During his tenure with the Illinois Farm Bureau, Chuck served as 
Associate Director of State Legislation, where he contributed to the 
successful passage of the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act. 
He later served as Director of National Legislation and Policy 
Development, where he led negotiations supporting passage of the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005 and the implementation of the Renewable Fuel 
Standard.
  At GROWMARK, Chuck continued his tireless advocacy on behalf of 
agricultural cooperatives and farmer-owners. He worked with a team that 
successfully made Section 199A of the federal tax code permanent, 
protecting the ability of cooperatives to return patronage benefits to 
farmer-owners without facing an unfair tax increase.
  Chuck also served on the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives 
Government Affairs Committee, including as its chairman. Additionally, 
he contributed to legislative committees for the American Seed Trade 
Association,

[[Page E711]]

CropLife America, the Agricultural Retailers Association, The 
Fertilizer Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and the Ontario Agri Business 
Association.
  Chuck's leadership, policy expertise, and commitment to agriculture 
have made a lasting impact on farmers, cooperatives, and rural 
communities throughout Illinois and across the country. I congratulate 
Chuck on his well-earned retirement and wish him and his family all the 
best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________