[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 226 Introduced in House (IH)]






109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 226

 Honoring the life and legacy of Robert ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette, 
                                  Sr.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 21, 2005

 Ms. Baldwin (for herself, Mr. Obey, Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr. Petri, Mr. 
 Kind, Mr. Green of Wisconsin, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, and Mr. Ryan of 
 Wisconsin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                 the Committee on House Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Honoring the life and legacy of Robert ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette, 
                                  Sr.

Whereas Robert Marion La Follette, Sr., commonly known as ``Fighting Bob'' La 
        Follette, was born on June 14, 1855, in Primrose, Wisconsin;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette served 3 terms in the United States House 
        of Representatives, 4 terms in the United States Senate, and 3 terms as 
        the Governor of Wisconsin;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette supported farmers and the working person, 
        opposed political machines and corrupt corporations, and believed that a 
        strong democracy requires a fair distribution of wealth and power;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette believed that government can bring about 
        social and political progress for the greater good;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette believed in the ``Wisconsin Idea'' (the 
        notion that the government should collaborate with the University of 
        Wisconsin to addess serious social and economic problems), and in a 
        government infused with the talent of trained professionals, guided by 
        the expertise of wise scholars, and answerable to an active and well-
        educated citizenry;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette applied the ``Wisconsin Idea'' to bring 
        about major reforms in banking and railroad regulation, the environment, 
        transportation, civil service, and taxation;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette promoted populist issues, such as public 
        disclosure of campaign contributions, equitable graduated taxes, and 
        direct primary elections, and encouraged the establishment of both the 
        Department of Labor and the Federal Trade Commission;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette sought to rid government of corruption at 
        all levels and spearheaded a major investigation into the infamous 
        Teapot Dome scandal;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette, with his wife Belle Case La Follette, whom 
        he regarded as an equal partner in life, supported women's suffrage and 
        advocated civil rights legislation for ethnic and racial minorities;
Whereas ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette, as an important leader in the Progressive 
        movement, brought about a truer democracy; and
Whereas the year 2005 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of ``Fighting 
        Bob'' La Follette: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives honors the life and 
legacy of Robert ``Fighting Bob'' La Follette, Sr.
                                 <all>