October 30, 1979
Page 30141
JUANITA KREPS, SECRETARY OF COMMERCE: JANUARY 1977 — NOVEMBER 1979
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Juanita M. Kreps, the 25th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Mrs. Kreps has an excellent record of service as a member of the Cabinet, an educator, economist, and as a board member of some of the Nation's largest corporations.
As the first woman to be Secretary of Commerce, she has distinguished herself as an imaginative and innovative administrator.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Kreps. Her efforts to strengthen and expand the Economic Development Administration and the implementation of the coastal zone management program have been of tremendous value to my State of Maine. In particular, her efforts to promote a unique fish pier development program for Maine, combining the expertise of EDA, NOAA, and the Maritime Administration, will reap economic benefits for the State for many years to come. Maine citizens are especially appreciative of her efforts.
However, Mrs. Kreps will probably be best remembered for her tireless work to increase trade with Japan and the People's Republic of China.
Her negotiations with officials of the People's Republic of China will result in a substantial increase of American exports to the People's Republic of China within the next few years.
I regret that Mrs. Kreps will be leaving the Federal Government this week. She certainly will be missed. Yet, she leaves knowing that she has made a sizable contribution toward improving the well being of our country.
I particularly appreciate her efforts for Maine and the country and I wish her every success in her future challenges.