Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-13

TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY

ClimateEnvironmentAgriculture

Context

On 2026-04-13, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY" in the Senate. The speech addressed climate policy and also covered the environment, agriculture. It referenced legislation: S1712.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1712] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my constituent Phou Vongkhamdy, my favorite Lao cowboy. Phou is the former USDA NRCS State Conservationist for Rhode Island. Since moving to Rhode Island in 2009 and joining the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Phou has become a cornerstone of the northeast agricultural community. His journey, from his beginnings as a student intern to over 15 years leading the State's conservation efforts, is a testament to his dedication to the land and the people who steward it. His leadership and knowledge have led the service to bring exemplary conservation practices to many farmers, forest landowners, cities and towns across the State. A respected leader, Phou has aggressively worked to maximize the effectiveness of the service and, in doing so, has always given 110 percent to everything he works on. While others would often say something could not be done, Phou always strove to find a way to say yes. He made NRCS in Rhode Island the little engine that could. His commitment is defined by his inclusive approach to conservation, ensuring that the benefits of soil health, water quality, and sustainable forestry are accessible to all. A tenacious public servant, he has actively built the capacity of the conservation districts by developing cooperative agreements with associations. His signature hands-on approach ensured swift and effective collaboration. Under his leadership, the service has seen a substantial increase in utilization of its most popular programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These programs are particularly useful for specialty crop growers and forest land managers, who represent the vast majority of Rhode Island agriculture. Phou has also been an indispensable partner in our mission to protect Rhode Island's natural beauty and strengthen our communities against the growing threats of climate change. Together, we secured critical investments for our State, most notably the landmark $48.5 million Federal project to prevent flooding along the Pocasset River, a transformation that will protect families in Cranston and Johnston for generations to come. From our early days restoring migratory fish passages on the Pawtuxet River to his steady leadership in the wake of the historic 2010 floods, Phou has consistently turned Federal resources into real-world results. His dedication as State conservationist preserved thousands of acres of our farmland and wetlands and ensured that the Ocean State remains resilient and vibrant for all who call it home. I thank and applaud Phou for his work, his devotion, and his friendship. Under his guidance, Rhode Island has seen transformative growth in climate-smart agriculture and farmland protection, securing a more resilient future for the Ocean State. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1712] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO PHOU VONGKHAMDY Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my constituent Phou Vongkhamdy, my favorite Lao cowboy. Phou is the former USDA NRCS State Conservationist for Rhode Island. Since moving to Rhode Island in 2009 and joining the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Phou has become a cornerstone of the northeast agricultural community. His journey, from his beginnings as a student intern to over 15 years leading the State's conservation efforts, is a testament to his dedication to the land and the people who steward it. His leadership and knowledge have led the service to bring exemplary conservation practices to many farmers, forest landowners, cities and towns across the State. A respected leader, Phou has aggressively worked to maximize the effectiveness of the service and, in doing so, has always given 110 percent to everything he works on. While others would often say something could not be done, Phou always strove to find a way to say yes. He made NRCS in Rhode Island the little engine that could. His commitment is defined by his inclusive approach to conservation, ensuring that the benefits of soil health, water quality, and sustainable forestry are accessible to all. A tenacious public servant, he has actively built the capacity of the conservation districts by developing cooperative agreements with associations. His signature hands-on approach ensured swift and effective collaboration. Under his leadership, the service has seen a substantial increase in utilization of its most popular programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These programs are particularly useful for specialty crop growers and forest land managers, who represent the vast majority of Rhode Island agriculture. Phou has also been an indispensable partner in our mission to protect Rhode Island's natural beauty and strengthen our communities against the growing threats of climate change. Together, we secured critical investments for our State, most notably the landmark $48.5 million Federal project to prevent flooding along the Pocasset River, a transformation that will protect families in Cranston and Johnston for generations to come. From our early days restoring migratory fish passages on the Pawtuxet River to his steady leadership in the wake of the historic 2010 floods, Phou has consistently turned Federal resources into real-world results. His dedication as State conservationist preserved thousands of acres of our farmland and wetlands and ensured that the Ocean State remains resilient and vibrant for all who call it home. I thank and applaud Phou for his work, his devotion, and his friendship. Under his guidance, Rhode Island has seen transformative growth in climate-smart agriculture and farmland protection, securing a more resilient future for the Ocean State. ____________________