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.
“RECOGNIZING MARGIE TOWERY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H7831-H7832 on Sept. 5, 2018.
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:
RECOGNIZING MARGIE TOWERY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of a teacher who continues to have an indelible impact on Arkansas, Margie Towery, who is this year's Greenbrier School District Teacher of the Year.
Margie has dedicated her life to serving and educating Arkansas' youth.
This is her 26th year of teaching, including seven at the nearby University of Central Arkansas.
Margie is a big advocate for STEM education, particularly for young girls, and even takes her students to local universities to participate in their STEM activities.
She started and led the Rhetoric Society at the high school until she became a full-time sponsor of the student council.
Teachers like Margie prove that education is one of the best investments that America can make.
I am proud to represent her and all the teachers of central Arkansas who are making a difference for our youth.
Arnold Hameister Retirement
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a man who has had a major impact on conservation and preservation throughout Arkansas, Mr. Arnold Hameister.
Arnold recently retired after 37 years of service to the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
He started his career with the Forestry Commission in 1981 as a tower operator in Heber Springs, and 6 months later became a full-time ranger.
Arnold then moved his family to Conway, where he served as the county ranger until he was hired by Best Management Practices as a specialist.
He ended his decades-long career as the program coordinator for water quality.
Arnold and his family were recently honored at a celebration at the Department of Agriculture headquarters in Little Rock.
Arnold's service to the State of Arkansas and to environmental conservation will never be forgotten, and I join all Arkansans in congratulating him on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement.
Recognizing Tamika Edwards
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Tamika Edwards, who has just been named executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College.
Tamika has served her State and her country tirelessly throughout her whole career from her work as a former aide to U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, to her role as the Director of Governmental Affairs for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
A native of our hometown, Little Rock, Ms. Edwards is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a two-time alumna of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, most recently in 2012 with her law degree.
Ms. Edwards' passion for ensuring all voices are heard will serve her well as she oversees the Social Justice Institute's crucial work of educating students and the community in advocating for equal opportunity, treatment, and respect.
So, again, I would like to congratulate Ms. Edwards on her new position of leadership, and I look forward to working with her.
Recognizing Neomi Rao
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Neomi Rao, the current Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, for her important work in reducing the power of the Federal administrative state.
Beginning in 2013, I outlined how our economic recovery was subpar in comparison to post-World War II recoveries, in part due to the wet blanket of the avalanche of Federal costs imposed by the previous administration.
In Arkansas, we have seen Federal regulatory agencies have devastating economic effects on our farmers, our small business people, nonprofits, schools, colleges, and State agencies.
Then comes Neomi Rao, and in her first year as administrator of OIRA, she led the way with the delay or withdrawal of 1,579 planned regulatory actions, leading to almost $8 billion in lifetime savings for the economy and the American people.
These successes have not stopped in 2018, where she has been working with every agency to set a negative regulatory cost allocation to provide our local businesses, farmers, and schools the relief that they need.
I commend Administrator Rao for her work at OMB in cutting red tape in Washington and giving control back to our States, our local communities, and our hardworking taxpayers.
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