[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22733-22734]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SAM VOLPENTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life 
and accomplishments of Sam Volpentest, who recently died after a 
lifetime of service to the citizens of Washington state.
  Although born in Seattle in 1904, Sam was best known for his work on 
behalf of the Tri-Cities in the Eastern part of our state. From the 
time he moved there in 1948, Sam was a respected member of the regional 
community, operating a variety of businesses and co-founding the Tri-
Cities Nuclear Industrial Council, now TRIDEC, to foster development in 
the Richland, Kennewick and Pasco communities. He served as president 
of the Richland Chamber of Commerce and the Richland Kiwanis, and said 
his greatest I achievement in 40 years as a registered lobbyist was 
having the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, an Energy Department 
science lab, built in the Tri-Cities.
  Sam served as a mentor to many Members of our state's Congressional 
delegation, and I will always remember the energy and commitment he 
demonstrated when I worked with him as a Member of the Armed Services 
Committee. When I first worked with Sam, I remember a man in his mid-
90s who worked

[[Page 22734]]

harder on his issues than anyone else. His enthusiasm and knowledge of 
the issues affecting the Tri-Cities provided this region with a 
respected voice advocating its interests in Congress.
  Our state's delegation will miss the insight and perspectives of this 
community leader. The Tri-Cities--and indeed all of Washington state--
will always remember the commitment and dedication of Sam Volpentest.

                          ____________________