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“TRIBUTE TO KEITH COLLINS, CHIEF ECONOMIST, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2552 on Dec. 12, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO KEITH COLLINS, CHIEF ECONOMIST, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
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HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Dr. Keith Collins who has served with distinction as the Chief Economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for almost 14 years. At the end of this year Keith will retire, and he will be missed, not only by his colleagues at USDA but by all of us who came to respect and rely on his nonpartisan, thoughtful and detailed analysis of economic issues in agriculture.
Keith began his career as an economist with USDA in 1977, and his tenure there has spanned four presidencies of both political parties. He has served under nine Secretaries of Agriculture.
In 1994, Keith was named Chief Economist at USDA, and in that capacity he has been responsible for economic forecasts and projections and has advised the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic implications of alternative programs, regulations and legislative proposals. His advice has not been limited to the Secretary either; he has become a valued advisor to Members of Congress and others involved in agriculture policy.
On highly charged political issues, Keith is known for his honesty, competency and influence. Even when facing tough questions from Members of Congress, nothing seems to rattle Keith's calm, rational demeanor.
Keith has also earned the respect of his peers in the field of agricultural economics. Keith is a Fellow of the American Agricultural Economics Association, which is the highest honor the agricultural economics profession can bestow.
One economist who worked with Keith over the years measured the potential success for newly appointed Secretaries of Agriculture using what he called the ``Keith Collins intelligence test.'' If the new Secretaries reappointed Keith as Chief Economist, they passed.
Keith's colleagues at USDA have also recognized his outstanding contributions. He received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive in 1990 and 1996 and the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive in 1992, the highest award a Federal executive can receive.
Madam Speaker, Keith's retirement is a real loss for American agriculture. Through his service at USDA, he has influenced agriculture policy in many positive and lasting ways. His work truly has touched the lives of many Americans, especially our Nation's farmers and ranchers.
On behalf of the House Agriculture Committee, I extend to Keith our deepest appreciation for his service to American agriculture and wish him great happiness in retirement.
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