    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 9, 1995]
    [Page 1335]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Jamie Whitten
    September 9, 1995

        It is with deep regret that I learned today of the death of former
    Congressman and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Jamie
    Whitten. Congressman Whitten served Mississippi and our country in
    Congress for 53 years, longer than any other person in the history of
    this Republic. He was literally an institution himself within one of the
    most important of our democratic institutions.
        Throughout his long service and especially as chairman of the House
    Appropriations Committee from the 96th Congress through the 100th
    Congress, Congressman Whitten dedicated himself to the concerns of the
    hard-working people of this country. He worked tirelessly on behalf of
    America's farmers, especially our family farmers, and he never gave up
    working to build more opportunity for all Americans willing to make the
    most of their own lives.
        The people of the United States and of Mississippi will miss Jamie
    Whitten. Hillary and I send our sympathies to his family and loved ones.