[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4761]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KIM KRUEGER

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I wish to honor Kim Short Krueger, a 
dedicated public servant for the U.S. Congress and the people of the 
State of Montana for over 39 years.
  On behalf of all Montanans and all Americans, I stand to say ``thank 
you'' to Kim for her service to our State and Nation.
  It is my honor to share the story of Kim's public service and 
commitment to her country.
  Kim grew up in the small railroad town of Three Forks, MT. Kim was 
only 21 when she packed her bags and moved to Washington, DC. She began 
her congressional career as a receptionist for Montana Congressman Dick 
Shoup, back when Montana still had two congressional districts.
  Always proud of her small town roots, Kim went to work for Nevada's 
only Congressman, Jim Santini, in the mid 1970s. Kim wore many hats, 
serving as both the personal secretary and the scheduler, and 
eventually became office manager.
  Ever dedicated to putting Montana constituents first, Kim once gave a 
young Montana law student her personal ticket for Nelson Rockefeller's 
swearing-in as Vice-President of the United States. As fate would have 
it, Kim later married this same young law student and he became a 
district court judge in Butte, MT.
  In 1983 it was time for Kim to head home to Montana. Kim went to work 
for Senator Max Baucus as field director of the Butte District office 
for southwestern Montana.
  Along the way, Kim built up an impressive record of accomplishments 
while always meeting the day-to-day demands of serving constituents. 
Kim consistently demonstrated her skill and grace in handling the needs 
of Butte and southwest Montana's constituents. She worked on all sorts 
of issues--from the Butte superfund, housing, banking, taxation, 
natural resources, immigration and military academy appointments.
  In 2010, Kim was appointed State casework director.
  Kim had a strong hand in boosting Montana's economic ties. Kim ran 
three Montana economic development summits hosted by Senator Baucus in 
Butte. The summits brought in folks from all around the world, like 
investors, ambassadors, and top business leaders. Almost 3,400 folks 
attended the final summit in 2013. Thanks to Kim's tireless work on the 
summits, new businesses have moved to Montana.
  Kim also worked on superfund issues, the Beaver Dam Park, the Old 
Work Golf Course, and the Maiden Rock Bridge on the Big Hole River.
  Senator Baucus depended on Kim to run his Butte office smoothly and 
to represent him at local events. She often worked nights and weekends, 
going above and beyond her duties to meet the needs of the people of 
southwest Montana.
  In February 2014, Senator Baucus was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador 
to China and Governor Steve Bullock appointed John Walsh to serve out 
the rest of his Senate term. Senator John Walsh asked Kim to continue 
as field director of his Butte office and as the State casework 
director.
  While I could go on and on about Kim's incredible congressional 
achievements, I know she is most proud of her amazing family. Kim and 
her husband Kurt have two terrific children, Krista and Derrick. A true 
Montana native, she is very proud that her children were born and 
raised in the historic city of Butte, MT.
  Kim recently retired from my Butte District field office where she 
was working on special projects.
  During her years of service, Kim always went beyond the call of duty 
to ensure the Montana congressional offices met the needs and requests 
of the constituents of our fine State. Her professionalism and 
dedication to her jobs and Montana constituents are outstanding 
examples of how government should work. Kim's positive attitude, 
indispensable knowledge and talent for serving constituents were 
invaluable to the citizens of southwest Montana.
  Everyone who knows Kim is touched by her energy, kindness, dedication 
and positive attitude.
  I am honored to know Kim and grateful that she was able to serve on 
my Senate staff. I know her family and friends join me in thanking her 
for her commitment to others. I wish her best of luck in all of her 
endeavors and many years of success to come.

                          ____________________