[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 111 (Thursday, August 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO REPRESENTATIVE BOB MICHEL

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 11, 1994

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to House minority 
leader Bob Michel who was awarded the highest honor that can be given 
to an American civilian, the Medal of Freedom. Since arriving in 
Congress in January 1993. I've grown to admire this gentleman who has 
given great service to his constituents, this institution, and our 
nation.
  Bob Michel has lived the American dream. He was born and raised in 
Peoria, IL, the son of a French immigrant. During the early years of 
his life, Bob Michel attended public schools and worked in a factory, 
as well as on a farm. He left his hometown to serve as a combat 
infantryman during World War II, earning two Bronze Stars, the Purple 
Heart, and four battle stars as he fought across France, Belgium, and 
Germany. After being wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, he returned to 
Peoria to earn a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Bradley 
University and marry his wife, Corinne.
  Bob Michel first arrived in Washington, DC to work as an 
administrative assistant for his predecessor. In 1956, his constituents 
elected him their representative of Illinois' 18th Congressional 
District. He has served his constituents and his country with 
distinction in that position since that time. Bob Michel was first 
elected to a leadership position as chairman of the Republican 
Congressional Campaign Committee in 1972, chosen as Republican Whip in 
1974, and minority leader in 1981, a position he has won seven 
consecutive times. In addition, he has served as Permanent chairman of 
the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Republican National Conventions.
  During his many years of congressional service, Bob Michel has earned 
a reputation as an outstanding leader on national security, 
agriculture, and economic issues. The dignity and intellectual prowess 
he has brought to House debate on these and other matters have allowed 
him to win the respect and affection of Representatives on both sides 
of the aisle. Regardless of how partisan Congress has at times become, 
Bob Michel consistently has risen above the fray as a voice of 
moderation and reason.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Michel has been described as ``a man of old-
fashioned personal decency'' by ``the Almanac of American Politics,'' 
and I agree. From Peoria to Washington the basic American values he has 
brought to his job will sorely be missed when he retires at the end of 
the 103d Congress. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bob 
Michel for earning the Medal of Freedom and thank him for his 
distinguished service to our Nation and for being an extraordinary role 
model for all Members of Congress, past, present, and future.

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