[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL DROBAC

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to thank a 
departing member of my staff for his contributions to the State of 
Oregon. Michael Drobac, who currently serves as my legislative aide for 
defense, labor and judiciary issues, is a native of Eugene, Oregon. 
Michael received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford 
University and has been a highly valued aide in my office since my 
election to the United States Senate.
  In my short time in the Senate, I have grown to expect and receive 
unadorned direct advice from Michael on a variety of issues and 
projects helping Oregonians. He has worked tirelessly on drug control 
issues and judicial appointments. Michael has worked attentively with 
affected Oregon communities and the Department of the Army to resolve 
safety and economic issues surrounding the Chemical Demilitarization 
program at the Umatilla Depot in Oregon. His advice and work on defense 
related issues on both the national level and in conjunction with 
Oregon's fine National Guard has always been exemplary.
  Michael, is returning to Oregon to attend Law School at the 
University of Oregon. I wish him well and do not doubt that Michael 
will put his law degree to good work. I join my staff in thanking him 
for his time and expertise. Given his background, good character and 
passion for public service, I would not be surprised to see Michael's 
return to Washington, DC, sometime in the future, working again on 
behalf of the state of Oregon.

                          ____________________