National Day of the Cowboy: A Fitting Tribute to Sen. Thomas (Sen. Mike Crapo)

The loss we all have felt at Senator Thomas’ passing has been tempered by the happy memories we have of working with him on so many issues of mutual interest.  His efforts and his leadership on the panels on which we served together – the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee — will remain foremost in my memory.  I particularly admired his staunch advocacy for the needs of rural communities and farmers.  Craig brought a special passion and expertise to issues affecting ranching families.  His focus on their unique needs spanned the trade, economic, environmental, and public lands management issues of rural communities.

As a man who represented a small state in population, Craig towered large over the landscape of thoughtful conservative Members of Congress.  I think a fitting tribute and legacy to our late friend comes with the adoption of his resolution making July 28 “National Day of the Cowboy.