[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 12, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEATH OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN JAMIE WHITTEN

  (Mr. BEVILL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Democratic leadership and 
the Mississippi congressional delegation, it is my sad duty to report 
the death of our former colleague, Jamie Whitten, on Saturday in 
Oxford, Mississippi.
  As you know, Jamie was the dean of the House of Representatives until 
his retirement last year, after 53 years in the House. He had the 
longest record of service of any Member in the history of our country.
  Jamie served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for 13 
years and as chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee 
for more than 40 years. He had a tremendous influence on the Nation's 
agricultural policy and was known as the Permanent Secretary of 
Agriculture.
  He was sitting in this Chamber when President Franklin D. Roosevelt 
gave his ``Day of Infamy'' speech following the bombing of Pearl Harbor 
in 1941. For more than half a century, Jamie faithfully and effectively 
served his Mississippi constituents and his country. His record was a 
remarkable achievement which will probably never be broken.
  Jamie and his wife Rebecca were totally dedicated to public service 
and especially devoted to their beloved home State of Mississippi. Our 
Nation has lost one of its most loyal and effective leaders, but 
Jamie's contributions will always be remembered.


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