[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE JOE KNOLLENBERG ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
           RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of the Honorable Joe Knollenberg for his service to the people 
of Michigan and the United States House of Representatives. Congressman 
Knollenberg has represented the Ninth Congressional District of the 
State of Michigan for the past 16 years.
  Born and raised in Mattoon, Illinois, Joe is a graduate of East 
Illinois University. After serving in the Army for 2 years, he moved to 
the Detroit area in 1959 to work as an Allstate Insurance agent and 
eventually opened his own branch office.
  Joe quickly became a familiar face in his community serving as PTA 
president, homeowner association president and parish leader. He also 
chaired the Oakland County GOP organization and directed the campaign 
of Republican Representative William S. Broomfield in 1992.
  Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, Joe has served 
as chairman of three House Appropriations subcommittees during his 
tenure. He currently serves as the ranking member of the Appropriations 
Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development.
  An ardent supporter of auto manufacturers, an integral part of 
Michigan's economy, Joe authored legislation that cracked down on 
counterfeiters who make fraudulent automotive parts that cost Americans 
thousands of jobs in the automotive industry.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a 
dedicated leader and friend to many in this body. I know his family, 
his wife of 45 years, Sandie; his two sons, Marty and Steve; and his 
many friends and colleagues join me in honoring his accomplishments and 
extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the State 
of Michigan and the United States of America.
  Joe will surely enjoy the well deserved time he now has to spend with 
his family and loved ones. I wish him the best of luck in all his 
future endeavors.

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