[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23710]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF JERRY KLECZKA

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I would like to honor and thank 
U.S. Representative Jerry Kleczka for his outstanding service to the 
people of Milwaukee as he retires from Congress.
  For nearly 20 years, Jerry has served tirelessly representing 
Wisconsin's 4th district. The native of Milwaukee's south side got an 
early start in Wisconsin politics. He was elected to the State 
legislature in 1969 when he was just 24 years old. He served in the 
State assembly for 5 years before moving to the State senate in 1975. 
During his time there, Jerry served with distinction as chairman of the 
powerful Joint Finance Committee and as assistant majority leader.
  In 1984, Jerry was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where 
he would go on to serve 10 terms. During his tenure, Jerry successfully 
passed legislation banning ``drive-thru'' baby deliveries and worked 
hard to protect seniors living in public housing from physical harm. 
Thanks to his hard work, Milwaukee became the first city in the Nation 
to provide elderly-only public housing. Jerry leaves the House as a 
member of the influential Committee on Ways and Means, where he fought 
for Social Security and affordable health care.
  Jerry has embodied Wisconsin's progressive tradition during his 35 
years of public service. The son of a factory worker, Jerry always 
stayed true to the hardworking Wisconsin families who counted on him to 
fight for them in Congress. He developed a trusting and open 
relationship with his Milwaukee constituency and is widely known for 
his superior constituent services. Jerry's unquestionable dedication 
and hard work will be truly missed. Not only am I thankful for the time 
we have served together in the U.S. Congress, but I am grateful for our 
friendship that goes back to our days spent together in the Wisconsin 
Legislature. Wisconsin will forever appreciate Jerry's 35 years of 
public service. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future 
pursuits.

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