HONORING DAVID J. SALMONSEN

HONORING DAVID J. SALMONSEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E263] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DAVID J. SALMONSEN ______ HON. GLENN THOMPSON of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a dedicated servant to the agricultural industry, David J. Salmonsen, who is retiring after nearly three decades of dedicated service to the American Farm Bureau Federation and the American farmer and rancher. David's journey did not begin in the halls of Congress, but on the soil of his family's diversified dairy and crop farm in Manlius, New York. That upbringing instilled in him a fundamental understanding of the challenges facing our producers--an understanding he carried with him through the University at Albany and the Washington College of Law. For 29 years, David has been a steady hand and a trusted authority for the Farm Bureau. As Senior Director of Government Affairs, he became one of the Nation's preeminent experts on international trade. From the WTO Doha talks to the implementation of the USMCA and Phase One agreements with China and Japan, David was consistently at the table, ensuring that the voice of the American farmer was heard in every corner of the globe. His expertise was so highly regarded that he served as a cleared advisor for the USDA and USTR for over two decades, providing critical Counsel on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. Yet, despite his global reach--leading delegations to Geneva, Brussels, and London-- David never forgot his roots. He brought a practical, farm-grown perspective to the most complex international negotiations, never losing sight of the producers he represented. Mr. Speaker, David Salmonsen leaves behind a legacy of expanded markets, fairer trade, and a stronger future for American agriculture. We thank him for his 29 years of tireless advocacy, and we wish him and his family the very best in a well-deserved retirement. ____________________