[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 140 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               AMERICA WILL MISS CONGRESSMAN SIDNEY YATES

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 2000

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened to learn of the 
passing of Illinois Congressman Sidney Yates. I appreciate this 
opportunity to join his colleagues in honoring his memory and his 
legacy of service.
  Congressman Sidney Yates served the people of Illinois and the 
American people with distinction. He actively and assertively 
championed the cause of cultural development, as one of the Congress' 
leading advocates of the National Endowment for the Arts. He reminded 
us that continued public sponsorship of artistic expression is 
essential to nourish America's creative spirit, and the Chicago Tribune 
called him the ``greatest friend'' of the arts. As an active member of 
the Appropriations Committee and as Chairman and Ranking Member of its 
Interior Subcommittee, Sidney Yates also championed the cause of 
America's outdoors. Due in large part to his devoted stewardship, the 
National Park System grew as visitorship increased from 29 million in 
1948 to almost 280 million in 1998.
  This natural leadership should have come as no surprise. Sidney Yates 
was clearly an exemplary American. He excelled at the University of 
Chicago. There, he developed both the keen intellect that served him 
and his constituents so well in Congress and a real devotion to the 
outdoors, as a star basketball center and an exceptional amateur 
golfer. When the shadow of the Second World War brought darkness to our 
shores, Sidney Yates served in the United States Navy, earning the rank 
of Lieutenant. The young veteran again answered the call of duty in 
1948, winning a seat in Congress that he eventually held for almost a 
half-century. Over the years, his steadfast dedication to the interests 
of his constituents won the support of the political machine that 
dominated Chicago politics during his first few terms, as well as the 
backing of Chicago's reform advocates. Sidney Yates retired last year 
as the longest-serving member in the history of the United States 
Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I will recall Sidney Yates with fondness. In honoring 
his memory, I honor the example of a life given in selfless service to 
our nation, and I can say with confidence that America will miss 
Congressman Sidney Yates.

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