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 COLONEL DOUGLAS B. GUTTORMSEN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S4943 on July 18, 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 COLONEL DOUGLAS B. GUTTORMSEN
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today, I would like to recognize COL Douglas B. Guttormsen on the occasion of his retirement from the Kansas City District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has diligently served in this role for 3 years.
After earning degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the University of Missouri at Rolla, the National Defense University, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Colonel Guttormsen went on to lead engineering battalions across the United States and around the world. In addition to these assignments, he served in combat operations in Iraq and the Republic of Korea.
As commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District, Colonel Guttormsen has overseen many military and civil works projects throughout the district. From directing construction projects at the region's military installations to ensuring the levees and dams are structurally sound, Colonel Guttormsen has demonstrated able and consistent leadership.
Although his resume boasts many accomplishments, Colonel Guttormsen's work leading the emergency operations center, which plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters whenever and wherever they may occur, is most impressive.
This spring, when facing extensive rainfall and severe flooding, he and the entire Kansas City District staff worked around the clock to respond to levee breaches and assist affected communities. Colonel Guttormsen also participated in the Missouri River Flood Forum that Congressman Steve Watkins and I hosted in May, where we saw the extensive flooding at the 4-State Lookout Point in Kansas and then spoke alongside the Department of Agriculture and answered questions from community members.
Colonel Guttormsen is a true professional and has exhibited remarkable leadership during his time as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District commander. I trust my fellow members will join me in congratulating him and wishing him well in the days to come.
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