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 WILLIAM L. ``BILL'' O'DANIEL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E146-E147 on Feb. 6, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM L. ``BILL'' O'DANIEL
______
HON. JOHN SHIMKUS
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William L. ``Bill'' O'Daniel of Mt. Vernon was appointed to the Illinois Senate in 1985 and was elected by an overwhelming margin in 1986 and has served this body with distinction throughout his eighteen years as a member.
During his five terms in the Senate, Senator O'Daniel, served as chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee, as Democratic Caucus Chair, and most recently as Democratic spokesperson of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee.
Senator O'Daniel has also served on the Committees on Appropriations I, Elections and Reapportionment, Revenue, Transportation, and State Government Operations, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Illinois Forestry Development Council, the Swine Disease Control Advisory Committee, the Agricultural Export Advisory Committee, the Interagency Rail Passenger Advisory Council, and the Board of State Fair Advisors.
Senator O'Daniel has amassed numerous legislative accomplishments which have enhanced the quality of life for the people of his southern Illinois district and all of the people of the State of Illinois, including State sales tax exemptions for farm machinery and oil field equipment, creating tax increment financing and enterprise zone designations to spur job creation and economic development, promoting sustainable agriculture and ethanol as an alternative energy source, and enacting tough penalties against persons who sell drugs on or near the grounds of places of worship.
Senator O'Daniel built a solid reputation as one of Illinois' foremost authorities on agricultural issues, he was appointed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter to serve as state executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Prior to his appointment by President Carter, Senator O'Daniel served as a member of the Illinois House from 1974-77.
As a longtime farmer and businessman, a decorated World War II veteran and devoted family man, Senator O'Daniel brought to the Senate a common sense, bi-partisan approach to the business of the body that shall be remembered fondly by those who served with him.
We offer our best wishes to Senator William L. ``Bill'' O'Daniel upon his retirement from the Senate; we offer hope for a rewarding future with his wife, Norma, their five children and eight grandchildren, and one great-grand child.
____________________
