[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMMENDING CHAIRMAN DAVE OBEY

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 29, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
commend Chairman Dave Obey on a remarkable career and to congratulate 
him on his retirement from the U.S. Congress.
  Chairman Obey has honorably served the citizens of Wisconsin's 7th 
district since 1969. When Chairman Obey began his service in the 
Congress--succeeding Mel Laird, who was appointed Secretary of 
Defense--he was the youngest Member of Congress in the United States. 
He has an impressive record of legislative accomplishments. He is now 
the longest-serving member of either House of Congress in Wisconsin's 
history.
  His commitment to the integrity of the House has taught me a great 
deal about the legislative process. His respect for the minority, 
interest in listening to all voices and his common-sense leadership 
have been critical in ensuring civil debate and productive solutions to 
extremely difficult problems.
  Chairman Dave Obey is the only Democratic Member of the House to have 
served on the three major economic committees in the Congress: the 
Budget Committee, the Joint Economic Committee and the Committee on 
Appropriation.
  Chairman Obey has been a mentor and a friend and I will miss his 
leadership in the U.S. House. I thank him for his service to the 7th 
district of Wisconsin, the country and the world, and wish him the very 
best in his retirement.

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