[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 140 (Friday, August 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E781-E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 22, 2025

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 
50th anniversary of the Dirksen Congressional Center. Located in Pekin, 
Illinois, the Dirksen Congressional Center has served as a national 
leader in congressional research, civic education, and the preservation 
of American political history.
  Founded in 1975, the Dirksen Congressional Center began with a 
mission to honor the legacy of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen by 
promoting a deeper understanding of Congress. Over the past five 
decades, it has expanded its reach and influence, serving tens of 
thousands of students, educators, researchers, and citizens who have 
benefited from its programs and resources.
  The Dirksen Congressional Center has distributed more than $1.4 
million in grants to fund groundbreaking research into Congress and its 
history, trained hundreds of teachers to deliver high-quality civics 
education through its Congress in the Classroom workshops and produced 
more than 20 books and monographs about Congress, its leaders, and its 
operations. Additionally, the Dirksen Congressional Center's archival 
collections now preserve the papers of nine Members of Congress, making 
primary-source documents widely accessible through projects like the 
American Congress Digital Archives Portal.
  Through its Ray and Kathy LaHood Scholarship, the Dirksen 
Congressional Center has supported Illinois college students for more 
than two decades, while the Michel-LaHood

[[Page E782]]

D.C. Summer Internship Program now offers fully funded experiential 
learning for young people pursuing careers in public service.
  From groundbreaking scholarships to hands-on education, the Dirksen 
Congressional Center continues to advance understanding of Congress 
while forging strong partnerships nationwide. Its pioneering efforts 
have made it a cornerstone institution for those who study, teach, and 
practice American democracy.
  As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, I want to recognize the 
staff, leadership, and patrons of the Dirksen Congressional Center for 
their dedication, vision, and enduring service to our Nation.
  I congratulate the Dirksen Congressional Center on 50 years of 
advancing civics, scholarship, and public service. May the next 50 
years strengthen its vital mission of connecting Americans to their 
Congress and history.

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