[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 109 (Thursday, July 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DELBERT ``DEL'' LATTA

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2016

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate my former 
colleague, retired Congressman Delbert ``Del'' Latta, who passed away 
this past May in Bowling Green, Ohio.
  Congressman Latta honorably served the people of Ohio's 5th 
Congressional district for thirty years, and was a pillar of the 
Republican Party, while making friends on both sides of the aisle. He 
served as close friend and advisor to Presidents Nixon and Reagan. Del 
was a man of strong convictions, helping him to quietly and steadily 
serve as a leader of his party for nearly three decades.
  Before winning his seat in the House of Representatives, Del served 
as a member of the Ohio Senate for five years. During his early tenure 
in the U.S. House he served on the Rules Committee, but after 16 years 
his sterling reputation for honesty and integrity earned him a spot on 
the Judiciary Committee in 1974.
  His time on the Judiciary Committee coincided with the Watergate 
hearings, perhaps the most challenging constitutional period of recent 
history. Del Latta was steadfast and resolute during this trying time, 
serving as a loyal defender of a President under siege. For those of us 
who have been through similar periods of history in this chamber, a 
President truly values Members of Congress who serve as loyal defenders 
in public, and honest brokers in private. Del Latta was both a loyal 
defender, and an honest broker.
  Del was eminently likeable, even if you disagreed with him on policy. 
He possessed a truly collaborative nature, enabling him to work with 
other Members to achieve landmark legislation that would shape the 
party's platform. In 1981 Mr. Latta shepherded passage of an economic 
package in the House for a new President, Ronald Reagan. He led with 
his amiable charm, keen wit, and resilience, all characteristics that I 
also see in his son, our colleague, Congressman Bob Latta.
  In 1988 the Congressman chose to end his congressional career on his 
own terms. At the time, he served as Dean of the Ohio Congressional 
delegation. Flash forward twenty years and Del's son Bob sought the 
same seat, Ohio's Fifth Congressional district.
  Congressman Latta's passion and commitment to his country and his 
government deserve recognition and the utmost respect. Del was a man 
who served faithfully with a humble spirit that embodies the Midwest. 
It was my privilege to have served with him in the U.S. House at a time 
when there were but a handful of veteran Members. He was always 
respectful and of good humor.
  Over the past several weeks I have thought about those weekly trips 
from Washington to Ohio that I would often share with Del Latta, and 
how often he spoke fondly about his wife Rose Mary, and his daughter 
Rose Ellen, and our colleague Bob. How proud he would be today of his 
five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
  We offer them our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the 
wonderful memories of our dear colleague and fellow Ohioan, Del Latta.

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