[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ERIC F. MELGREN

  (Mr. Mann of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Judge Eric F. 
Melgren of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas 
and to recognize his distinguished service on the Federal bench.
  Today, the district of Kansas unveiled Judge Melgren's official 
portrait and celebrated his lasting legacy after nearly two decades of 
active judicial service. As of September 1, 2025, Judge Melgren has 
assumed senior status, which he will continue to serve with the same 
dedication and commitment that have defined his entire career.
  Judge Melgren's story is a Kansas story. Raised on a cattle and wheat 
farm in southwest Kansas, he is a first-generation college graduate who 
went on to lead as student body president of Wichita State University 
and later earned his law degree from Washburn University.
  From private practice in Wichita to serving as United States Attorney 
for the district of Kansas and, ultimately, to his appointment to the 
Federal bench by President George W. Bush, his career reflects a life 
rooted in hard work, service, and leadership.
  Over 18 years on the bench, including his time as Chief Judge, Judge 
Melgren has upheld the rule of law with integrity and a deep respect 
for the Constitution. He has also given back to his community, leading 
organizations like United Way of the Plains and Leadership Wichita, and 
remaining closely connected to the people and institutions that helped 
to shape him.
  In the Big First District and across Kansas, we value those who serve 
with humility, lead with principle, and stay grounded in their roots. 
Judge Melgren embodies those values.
  I thank him for his service, congratulate him on this milestone, and 
wish him the very best as he continues his hard work on the bench.


                        Honoring Michael Hinton

  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a proud Kansan whose 
work honors the legacy of American agriculture and the generations who 
built it.
  Michael Hinton of Hutchinson has dedicated his life to preserving the 
history and heritage of rural America through antique tractors, but his 
work goes far beyond restoring old equipment. It is about telling the 
story of the men and women who have worked the land, provided for their 
families, and helped feed the world.
  Through his creation of Antique Tractors Preservation Day and the 
launch of talkingtractors.com, Michael has built a platform that brings 
agricultural history to life and connects generations through a shared 
appreciation for hard work, innovation, and community. His efforts have 
earned recognition across Kansas and the Nation.
  This year, Michael was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall 
of Fame, joining the ranks of some of the most influential figures in 
our Nation's agricultural history, from George Washington to John 
Deere. He is now one of only a handful of Kansans to receive this 
distinguished honor.
  In the Big First District of Kansas, agriculture is not just our way 
of life. It is our legacy. Leaders like Michael Hinton remind us that 
preserving that legacy matters while we continue to build its future.
  I am grateful for his work, proud to call him a fellow Kansan, and 
congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition.

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