[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 14, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF FRANK MITCHELL

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
trailblazer and Springfield, Illinois, native, Frank Mitchell, who on 
Christmas Day at age 70, unfortunately passed away after a fight with 
lung cancer.
  In the spring of 1965 Frank made history right here in the House of 
Representatives when he became the first African American page since 
Reconstruction. Nominated by the late Congressman Paul Findley, who 
represented what makes up much of the 18th Congressional District 
today, Frank was appointed by then-House Republican leader and future 
President, Gerald Ford.
  As a page, Frank answered calls in the Republican Cloakroom, worked 
on the House floor, and witnessed many historic events, including the 
civil rights movement and the debate on the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  Frank's historic appointment was long overdue, and he blazed a path 
for those who followed him with his work ethic and compassion for 
everyone he encountered. Frank often said that he couldn't fail because 
the door of opportunity had to remain open. Frank succeeded in every 
respect, keeping that door of opportunity open for generations to come.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mitchell family, and may Frank 
rest in peace.

                          ____________________