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 JANE WITTMEYER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S5357 on Sept. 9, 2019.
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 JANE WITTMEYER
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I congratulate Jane Wittmeyer, who is retiring after a more than 40-year career in Federal, State, agricultural, and natural resources policy work.
Jane has provided knowledgeable, helpful, and insightful counsel to many throughout her decades of dedicated service. Jane managed my Washington, DC, office, for 4 years during my time serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. She brought with her the experience she gained working previously for two former U.S. Senators for Idaho, Senators Steve Symms and James McClure, and serving in positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA. Her work at USDA included serving as Deputy Manager for USDA's Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Jane was invaluable in helping me get started in Congress. She came aboard to run my DC office at the beginning of my tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her knowledge and understanding of the procedures, policies, and politics in Congress were useful, as I, as a freshman in the minority, worked to best represent Idaho. She had a deep understanding of Idaho through her previous work for Senators McClure and Symms, and I always knew I could count on her advice and opinions to help me make good decisions on legislation and other matters. Jane left my office to return to Idaho and join the Intermountain Forest Association.
Most recently, for the past 15 years, Jane has operated her own government affairs firm, Wittmeyer and Associates, assisting many in the timber, agricultural, and other related industries. Jane is direct and personable. She recognizes the great value in and makes use of bringing multiple perspectives to the table to advance a common cause. She has lent her energy and expertise into getting countless things done for Idahoans and others. I have been one of the lucky people to benefit greatly from having Jane on my team. Her thoughtful guidance is a true asset.
I understand that in retirement, Jane plans to find something she can do to help people in addition to traveling and spending time with family and friends. That does not surprise me. Jane has dedicated much of her time to helping others, through identifying solutions, providing experienced advocacy on their behalf, assisting with navigating State and Federal policies, and more. Thank you, Jane, for your outstanding work and friendship all these years. Congratulations on an exemplary career. I wish you all the best for a retirement filled with great happiness you so deeply deserve.
____________________
