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 JOHN CHATBURN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E179 on March 7.
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 JOHN CHATBURN
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HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON
of idaho
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Chatburn. John is retiring after nearly 30 years of public service in Idaho, but his love of our great state didn't start there. He grew up on a family ranch in Albion and was well known on the local rodeo circuit as a young man. He started his political career in 1995 as the Energy and Natural Resource Policy Advisor for Governor Phil Batt. John wore many hats, including Deputy Administrator for the Idaho Department of Agriculture.
A large part of his career was spent working for Governor C.L.
`Butch' Otter. He served as his Administrator for the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Some of his responsibilities in this capacity included being a member of the U.S. Department of Energy/State Energy Advisory Board, chairman of the Western Interstate Energy Board and co-
chairman on the Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation. There were many other energy related boards and commissions that he served on and represented Idaho's interests.
He also worked for Governor Brad Little as Administrator of the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources and was appointed by him to serve on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
I have known John for a very long time, but I had the opportunity to work closely with him on the Gateway West Project. John represented the state's interests in the plan to create a much-needed power transmission line that spanned a vast section of the state. In the end, we were successful in creating a diverse collaboration between stakeholders that included the World Center for Birds of Prey, Idaho Power Company, the Bureau of Land Management and the citizens of Idaho--something we can all be proud of.
I am not sure what John is going to do next, but it better include pampering his incredible wife Linda who's put up with him for over 40 years. I thank Mr. Chatburn for his service.
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