[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13703]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHARLES GIPP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
servant to the people of Iowa--Charles ``Chuck'' Gipp. Chuck, who has 
served the people of Iowa in the state legislature for the past 18 
years, is retiring from that body this year.
  Chuck was born and raised in Winneshiek County in Iowa--the same 
county that he and his wife Ranae raised their two children, Alison and 
Barrett, and where they still reside today.
  Chuck has spent his legislative career as a true leader throughout. 
After serving 12 years in the Iowa Legislature, Chuck was unanimously 
chosen to serve as the Majority Leader of the Iowa House in 2002. From 
1992-1993, he served as a House Assistant Majority Leader. In 1994, the 
position of House Majority Whip was created, where Chuck served until 
1999. Chuck was then selected by House leadership in 2000 to Chair the 
Transportation, Capitals and Infrastructure Committee. In 2001, Chuck 
was selected once again to serve as a House Assistant Majority Leader 
while continuing to serve as Chair of the Transportation, Capitals and 
Infrastructure Committee.
  Long before I was elected to serve in Iowa's Fourth Congressional 
District in 2002, I knew Chuck and of his reputation as a leader who 
was highly respected by the people he was elected to serve as well as 
his colleagues in Des Moines. Chuck has been a valuable advisor and 
resource to me on the many issues and concerns important to our shared 
constituents in Iowa's 16th District.
  Chuck has often said that he never thought about pursuing a career in 
the politics when he was growing up on the family farm or even during 
his days at Luther College in Decorah. Chuck got involved in the 
political process for the same reasons any true dedicated servant of 
the people does--because of the circumstances that directly impacted 
his family and neighbors. Chuck Gipp wanted to make a difference in the 
lives of Iowans, and he has accomplished that goal and made a positive 
difference in the lives of countless people throughout the years.
  President Abraham Lincoln said it best when I think about what Chuck 
Gipp has done for Iowa. He said, ``Whatever you are, be a good one.'' 
And, while during his younger days Chuck may not have envisioned one 
day becoming a legislator, he did. And he was more than a good one--he 
was a great servant of the people.
  I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in 
congratulating Chuck Gipp on a remarkable career in the Iowa 
Legislature and wishing him and Ranae all the best throughout their 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________