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 JUAN GUAIDO” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1052-H1053 on Feb. 12, 2020.
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 JUAN GUAIDO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, last week Venezuelan interim President Juan Guaido was welcomed with bipartisan support in this Chamber as President Trump's guest for the State of the Union.
For years, Venezuela's united Socialist party has pushed a once prosperous country towards desperate poverty and open tyranny.
The wrongful detention of the Citgo Six for more than 2 years demonstrates the corrupt nature in which Maduro will do anything to remain in power.
The United States and the Organization of American States should institute greater pressure and tighten sanctions against the Maduro regime and his cronies in order to support a return to a democratic Venezuela.
I stand with President Guaido and the people of Venezuela and call on Maduro to step down and release the Citgo Six and all political prisoners or face greater sanctions.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Wilmer Plate
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas's great veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Wilmer Plate, who recently passed away at the age of 99.
Will was born in 1919 and began his long career of service shortly after the start of World War II. Will led numerous missions during the war as a commander of a 10-man crew in a B-24.
Following the end of World War II, Will continued his service for more than three decades until his retirement from the Air Force as a chief warrant officer 4 and shortly after as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
Lieutenant Colonel Plate continued to provide crucial insight into World War II by publishing his memoir entitled, ``The Storm Clouds of War: Reflections of a World War II Bomber Pilot.''
Will earned numerous medals and awards for his service, including, among many others, the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Will was a true American patriot, one of which all Americans and Arkansans can admire, and I extend my deepest respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Forrest Wood
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas's great outdoorsmen, Mr. Forrest Wood, who recently passed away at the age of 87.
Born in Flippin, Arkansas, Forrest was considered a pioneer in the fishing industry and the father of the modern bass boat.
He founded Ranger Boats, a bass boat company that he designed and built principally for black bass fishing with his wife Nina. In 1968, Forrest was instrumental in the formation of the bass fishing tournament circuit.
As a long-time Arkansas game and fish commissioner, he was a strong conservationist and devoted to Arkansas, the Natural State. Forrest was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sport Fishing Association of America and the BASS Federation. Forrest was also inducted into the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Outdoor Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
Forrest was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones.
Recognizing Ron Chastain
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Ron Chastain for recently being appointed as the civilian aide to the secretary of the Army.
General Chastain was born in Paris, Arkansas, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve upon graduation from the ROTC program at Arkansas Tech University.
General Chastain's distinguished military service in the Arkansas National Guard spanned nearly four decades, including service as adjutant general and receiving Federal recognition as a major general of the line in 2005.
General Chastain spent over 30 years working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency where he was responsible for the administration of Federal farm programs at the county, district, and State level.
General Chastain has received numerous awards and decorations throughout his career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
I thank General Chastain for his decades of service to our Nation, and I wish him well in his new position with the U.S. Army.
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