[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JAMIE WHITTEN

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to salute an 
exceptional man who has had a highly distinguished career as a 
legislator. The retirement of Congressman Jamie Whitten of Mississippi 
after 53 years in the House will mark the end of an era in politics.
  Jamie was elected to the House in 1941, and has served with 11 
Presidents in his career as a lawmaker. He is the last sitting 
legislator to have seen FDR give his famous ``Day of Infamy'' speech in 
1941. He has the longest tenure in the history of the House of 
Representatives. He has served for nearly a quarter of the entire 
history of the House.
  Nevertheless, Jamie Whitten always said, ``It is not how long you 
serve, it is how well you serve,'' and he has served his district and 
country very well. Throughout Jamie's long career, he has been deeply 
committed to serving the people of the First District of Mississippi. 
His dedication to his constituents is one of his lasting legacies.
  Another one of Jamie's lasting legacies is his commitment to 
America's farmers through his involvement in agricultural issues. Jamie 
took over the Appropriations Agricultural Subcommittee in 1949. He used 
this post to control national agricultural policy for three decades 
until he was made chairman of the committee in 1979.
  Throughout his five decades of service, Jamie has distinguished 
himself through his longevity and his leadership. During his 27 terms, 
Jamie has witnessed many major world events. From Pearl Harbor to the 
Persian Gulf war, Jamie has steadfastly served through it all.
  I have had the pleasure of serving in Congress with Jamie for the 
relatively short 16 years that I have been on Capitol Hill. I have 
worked with him on a number of projects. Now, as Jamie goes into a well 
earned retirement, I want to wish him well in his future undertakings. 
Capitol Hill will not be the same without him.

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