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.
“IN HONOR OF THOMAS G. FERN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E289 on March 6, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF THOMAS G. FERN
______
HON. KEN LUCAS
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 6, 2001
Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thomas G. Fern, immediate past State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture in Kentucky.
For more than 35 years, Mr. Fern has served the people of Kentucky thru his work at USDA/Rural Development, formerly the Farmers Home Administration. Mr. Fern served as Assistant County Director, County Director, and District Director before being appointed State Director by President Clinton in 1993. His broad experience in agriculture, housing, and community development made him a strong advocate for the people of rural Kentucky. His wealth of experience and knowledge qualified him to serve on various committees and commissions such as the Kentucky Renaissance Committee, The Kentucky Rural Water Resource Commission, and the Kentucky Appalachian Commission.
Mr. Fern administered with great professionalism the programs offered by USDA Rural Development, including Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Business Service, as well as the Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, and Champion Communities programs. Mr. Fern worked hard to help rural Kentucky reap the benefits of these programs. As a result, many community improvements were funded during Mr. Fern's time as State Director of USDA/Rural Development, and I and my fellow Kentuckians owe him a big thank-you. Projects funded under his leadership will improve the quality of life in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky for decades to come.
I rise today to commend Thomas G. Fern for his 35 years of service to the people of rural Kentucky. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him and wishing him well.
____________________
