The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO LAYNE BANGERTER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S591 on Feb. 1, 2017.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO LAYNE BANGERTER
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the outstanding work of a longtime member of my Senate staff, Layne Bangerter, who has been appointed as special assistant to President Donald Trump.
Layne has been a valued member of my staff for more than 13 years. Serving as director of agriculture and natural resources, he has provided sound counsel on critical issues for our State. For example, Layne dedicated countless hours to crafting the Owyhee Public Land Management Act and has worked to ensure sound implementation of the agreement. His well-honed ability to build relationships has been key to the success of this and many other efforts.
As a rancher and farmer, Layne has unique on-the-ground experience with how Federal policies affect land, water, and people. He also has significant understanding from his work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has used this experience to inform a number of critical agricultural and natural resources issues, including wildlife, conservation, forestry, water, and agricultural programs. He knows the right balance needs to be struck between conservation and responsible natural resources practices and that the one-size-fits-all approach never works in real America. Layne is the kind of guy that you want in your corner--he listens, uses common sense, and then works to come up with the best possible solutions.
Layne is positive, encouraging, and affable while also having a pragmatism shaped by extensive experience. His insight will no doubt be extremely valuable to the Trump administration. While I will miss having Layne as a member of my staff, I wish him all the best in this new endeavor and look forward to our continued friendship. Thank you, Layne, for your hard work on behalf of Idahoans and our country, and congratulations on this next step in your career. I wish you, Betsy, and your wonderful family continued success.
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