March 10, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E309 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF beyond his district far exceeded any projec- Bank, and he is thinking: ‘‘He is going to cut THE HONORABLE ROBERT tion of ego strength. A man of an age past, my legs off. This guy is never going to speak HENRY MICHEL, EIGHTEENTH he was a better practitioner of governance to me ever again.’’ DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS (1957–1995) than politics. It was this characteristic of The leader just nods and he says: ‘‘Well, his that ushered through a Democratic you do what you have to do. As leader, I will MINORITY LEADER OF THE House much of President Ronald Reagan’s do what I have to do.’’ That was it—no UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REP- agenda, evidence of an extraordinary ability breaking of arms, no retribution, just that. RESENTATIVES (1981–1995) to legislate within our constitutional struc- You know, years later, when I was a rab- tures. ble-rouser causing John Boehner very simi- HON. PAUL D. RYAN Be present with us this day, O God, as we lar problems, he showed the same decency to mark his life and remember his legacy. Bless me. Now I know whom I have to thank. OF WISCONSIN this gathering and comfort us as we comfort Bob Michel loved this place. Many of us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES one another in remembering a great Amer- got to know him after. We didn’t serve to- Friday, March 10, 2017 ican and a genuinely good man. gether, but we all got to know him so well Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, the Amen. after that service. He loved this place. He (The Honorable Paul D. Ryan, Speaker of loved this institution. But he really loved his Honorable Robert H. Michel, former Minority the United States House of Representatives) people. He did not just shape events; he Leader of the House of Representatives, died Speaker Ryan: Good afternoon, and wel- shaped people’s lives, how they lived, and on February 17, 2017. On that day, I issued come to the United States Capitol. how they treated others. That’s what makes the following statement: Today, we celebrate the life of the Honor- a giant a giant. it is the values that they in- ‘‘On November 29, 1994, an extraordinary able Robert H. Michel, the distinguished still in us, those moments that make you thing happened on the House floor. Outgoing leader from the State of Illinois. On the day say: ‘‘Wow, I will never forget this.’’ House Speaker Tom Foley, a Democrat from of his passing, it was my sad duty as Speaker Bob Michel had a lot of those kinds of mo- the Pacific Northwest, asked outgoing Minority to order the flags flown over the Capitol to ments in his good and long life. You wouldn’t Leader Bob Michel, a Republican from central be flown at halfstaff. know it, given how humble and how genial At this moment, I would like to ask the he was. But today, I hope that he will permit Illinois, to take the gavel and preside over the Capitol Police to present one of those flags us to speak out of order so that we can give House. More than a symbolic gesture, it was from that day to the Michel family, if you this great patriot, this man of the House, the a fitting sendoff for a happy warrior revered for will, please. due he so richly deserves. his decency and commitment to what’s right. (Presentation made.) Thank you very much for being here today. ‘‘A half-century earlier, as a combat infantry- Speaker Ryan: Bob Michel was a man of (Applause.) man, Bob Michel was in the Battle of the very simple rituals. He pressed his own (The Honorable Dick Durbin, United States Bulge. He was at Normandy too. For his serv- shirts. He whistled while he worked—no, he Senator from Illinois) ice in World War II, he received two Bronze really, actually did whistle while he worked. Mr. Durbin: If Bob Michel were here look- He had time for everyone. That is a skill I ing out at this crowd, we might have heard Stars and the Purple Heart. am really learning to appreciate, and that is some of his favorite profanities: Ye gads. ‘‘I did not have the privilege to serve with difficult to develop in this job. Doggone. By gosh, by Jiminy! Son of a buck! Leader Michel. But I do have the honor of Actually, I would say this is the kind of in- He would say: ‘‘Just look who’s here: my working every day in the office in the Capitol clusive program that the leader would enjoy: friends, my family, Republicans, Democrats, that bears his name. What a name and legacy three Republicans, two Democrats, and Ray diehard Cub fans—and the rest of the world.’’ it is. What a life well-lived by this great and LaHood. We have beautiful baseball weather out- gracious man. Today the members of the (Applause.) side, a U.S. Army band and chorus inside, House—past and present—mourn with the Speaker Ryan: That is right. Because this and we meet in the right room. If you can’t is a celebration of a great life, this being a be on the floor of the House, this is a great family and friends of our former colleague and House event, we are going to hear some real- room to honor Bob Michel. Imagine how leader.’’ ly great stories. I want to start the bidding many times he walked across this room back The House took several steps to honor Mr. with two. and forth to his office, to his beloved floor of Michel. The flags of the U.S. Capitol were low- One comes from Karen Haas, Karen, whom the House of Representatives. ered to halfstaff in honor of his passing. A we all know very, very well right here in the But best of all, we meet with the uncom- book of condolences was made available for House because she is the Clerk of the House. monly decent spirit of Bob Michel among us the remembrances of friends and colleagues. But Karen came to us as a long-time Bob again. The only thing Bob loved better than On February 27, 2017, the House adopted Michel aide. Karen tells this story of a time the people’s House, as he called it, was his she briefed the leader on a tax provision that family. House Resolution 151, honoring the life of Bill Archer was going on about. She went To Bob and Corinne’s children—Scott, former Minority Leader of the House of Rep- into all the great details. The reason she did Robin, Bruce, Laurie—grandchildren, and resentatives, Robert Henry ‘‘Bob’’ Michel. A that was so that they wouldn’t have to go great-grandchildren, we hope in this time of memorial service was held in Statuary Hall in over the whole thing all over again with Bill loss, as you look around here at the support the U.S. Capitol on March 9, 2017. The fol- Archer on the floor. and friendship, that you can replace that lowing is a transcript of those proceedings: So they get to the floor, and sure enough, loss with happy memories of a great fellow, MARCH 9, 2017 Bill Archer comes up on the floor, comes up, one loved by all. starts going into the tax policy. The leader Bob’s devotion to public service began PRELUDE—(United States Army Brass sits down, and he says: ‘‘Walk me through it when he was 19 years old. He was an Army Quintet) PRESENTATiON OF THE COLORS— from beginning to end. Tell me all about it.’’ private, off to fight with courage in some of (United States Armed Forces Color Guard) Karen starts fidgeting in her chair. He just the most important battles in human his- NATIONAL ANTHEM—(United States taps her lightly, and the leader basically is tory. it continued after he left Congress, Army Chorus) saying to her, without saying a word: ‘‘This with his extraordinary efforts to increase (The Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, S.J., is the job. A leader takes a moment; a leader America’s investments in medical research. chaplain of the United States House of Rep- listens.’’ But he left his greatest mark in public resentatives) My predecessor, John Boehner, he tells a service right here in this building. In his Reverend Conroy: God of Heaven and story of his very, very early days when he nearly 50 years in the House of Representa- Earth, the work of Your hands is made was a freshman Member. You ever hear of tives, he said that the times he was proudest known in Your bountiful creation and in the the Gang of Seven? Right. John Boehner was of were the Ronald Reagan years, starting in lives of those who faithfully live in Your a part of the Gang of Seven. They were about 1981, his first year as a minority leader, when grace. to drop something really big on the House he was able to create coalitions to help big Today we especially remember the life and Bank. That’s what made the Gang of Seven parts of President Reagan’s agenda pass. work of Bob Michel, son of the very proud famous. I was elected 2 years later, in a tumultuous city of Peoria. So John Boehner, he is a freshman, goes to election in 1982. Bob, of course, was the Re- As the long-time minority leader, he was a the leader and gives him a heads-up about publican leader at that time, and we had ad- modest man whose impact on the public weal what they are right about to do on the House joining congressional districts. Now, a lesser

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:55 Mar 11, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.001 E10MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2017 man and a different leader might have writ- thank you for honoring us with your pres- that Tom Foley saw before he left us. So, ten me off as just another freshman Demo- ence. whatever the politics were, the personal re- crat; but Bob Michel treated me as a col- Many honors are afforded members of Con- spect always prevailed. league and as a friend, and I never forgot it. gress, but to be asked to speak at a memo- Leader Michel, may I say again, had a role I used to love the stories. We would meet rial service for Leader Michel is an honor in- to play in strengthening our democracy, but just around the corner there once every deed. It is an honor to be here with speaker he also understood that we were engaged in month with an Illinois delegation for lunch. Ryan and senator Durbin, Vice President a political disagreement from time to time. it was such a treat to hear the great stories Cheney, Secretary Baker, Secretary LaHood, Leader Michel and Democrats might dis- from our delegation in those days, but espe- Secretary Jack Lew, Billy Pitts. I will talk agree on policy proposals, but we always cially the stories between Bob Michel and about the two of them later. agreed, because he led us that way, on the Dan Rostenkowski. Today we remember a beloved former col- importance of public service. He believed in Are there two more different politicians league who embodied the highest ideals of the truth and compromise and working out alive in the State of Illinois than Bob Michel our democracy: Leader Robert Henry Michel. differences to meet the needs of the Amer- of Peoria and Dan Rostenkowski of the bare- In this hallowed Hall, gathered beneath the ican people. knuckle wards of the city of Chicago? You great statue of Clio, the muse of history, It was a joy to behold Leader Michel’s de- would think it was just going to be a knock- Clio and her clock remind us that our time votion to his late wife, Corinne, and love for down-drag-out every time they got in the is short and history is watching. She reminds their children, grandchildren, and great- same room, and you couldn’t be further from us that we are part of history, that our grandchildren. I hope the grandchildren and the truth. words and our actions will face the judgment the great-grandchildren who are here under- They became such close friends that—lis- of history, that we are part of the long and stand how much their grandfather is re- ten to this—they would actually get in a sta- honorable heritage of our democracy. vered—is revered—and for a long time to tion wagon after the adjournment of the This distinguished gathering is a tribute to come. Of all of his achievements as Repub- House and take turns driving back to Illi- Leader Michel’s leadership, service, and ci- lican leader of the House, Bob Michel was nois. one would drive, the other would sleep vility, embodying everything we hope our most proud of being a husband, father, and on a mattress in the back of the station heritage would be. grandfather. wagon. That was their regular return home Bob Michel was a patriot, a proud immi- So, for many of us, it was such an honor to and back and forth. They were that close. grant’s son, a soldier, and a great American serve with him, to be his colleague in the Over the years, Corinne and LaVerne Ros- statesman—a patriot indeed. Congress. It was a privilege to serve with tenkowski and Bob and Dan were the closest In World War II, Bob served with heroism him. It was an honor to call him colleague of friends. I never shared a station wagon and honor, which earned him the first con- and a joy to call him friend. Many of us, trip with Bob—thank goodness neither of us gressional Distinguished Service Award. maybe, presuming, but he made us feel that had to do that—but what we did share was a In the Congress, Leader Michel fought for we were all his friends. commitment to our state and a reverence for the people of Peoria and his beloved Illinois. To Scott, Bruce, Laurie, and Robin, thank the House of Representatives and this great He brought the values of the heartland to you for sharing your father with all of us Nation. Washington. And he personified the highest over the years. May it be a source of comfort We were both children of immigrants, and ideals of our Nation. to you, to your whole family, the people of His valor and leadership were recognized like many first-generation Americans, we Illinois, and the people of America who loved with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, shared an awe for this great Nation. That him that so many join all of you in cele- with the high honor of France’s Knights of was the foundation of a friendship for the 12 brating the life of this extraordinary Amer- the Legion of Honor. We all benefited from years that we served together in the House of ican, mourn your loss, and are praying for his wisdom, his dignity, and his integrity. Representatives and all the years since. your family at this sad time. Thank you Bob once said: ‘‘Understanding the other The last time I saw Bob, I was telling the again for sharing this great, patriotic Amer- person’s viewpoint is the beginning of polit- family, was at a Cubs-Nats game over at the ican statesman, a person who taught us all ical wisdom. It doesn’t mean we will always stadium. And he was having the time of his so much about civility and about our coun- agree. But it does mean that when we dis- life, as usual. try—a great patriot. agree, it’s a disagreement based on fact.’’ Bob Michel taught us the importance of Thank you. listening and respecting other persons and What great guidance. MUSICAL SELECTION—(‘‘Mansions of the the other person’s views, even if you didn’t Leader Michel reminded all of us that we Lord’’ performed by the United States Army agree with them. He never mistook politics have a role to play in strengthening our de- chorus) for warfare because he had seen real war, mocracy. Let us carry forward Bob’s cour- (The Honorable Dick Cheney, 46th vice like Bob Dole. age, his conviction, and his civility. President of the United States) It is an honor that you are with us today, With his characteristic civility and grace, Vice President Cheney: Good afternoon. Senator Dole. Thank you for being here. Bob Michel held the respect of colleagues on (Applause.) both sides of the aisle. I am sure that Steny This is a sad occasion, obviously, for all of Mr. Durbin: John Warner, thank you for Hoyer will attest that Democrats in the us, but it is also an opportunity to give being here, too. House who served with him and since then thanks for the fact that we were able to And men like Danny Inouye. so many of all respected and loved Bob Michel. share time with Bob. He was a major, major the Greatest Generation. There was a quiet, His relationship with Speaker O’Neill was influence in my life. battle tested bravery about them. legendary. Tip O’Neill served as Speaker, and When I arrived here after the 1978 election, He showed us that consensus is not weak- he took the leader’s office and yielded the Bob took me under his wing, taught me a lot ness, and principled, intelligent compromise speaker’s office to Bob Michel. That office is about what he knew about the House. He did is not capitulation. it is how a democracy now named for Bob Michel. And it brings a his darndest, with some success: got me works. He once said, and I quote: ‘‘Raising joy to all of us that it is, and it brings luster elected to the leadership in my first term, the level of your voice doesn’t raise the level to that office that it bears his name. made me a member of the Intelligence Com- of discussion. . . . Peaks of uncommon They were really close friends, and they mittee—his committee assignments were progress can be reached by paths of common traveled a bit. And I am just telling you this very important—and eventually put me in courtesy.’’ One look at his historic legisla- one story about Jack Lew, who worked with charge of the Iran-Contra investigation. And tive achievements and you know that that is Tip O’Neill, and Billy Pitts, who worked I loved every one of those. I was never quite true. with Bob Michel. One time they were on a certain it was going to come out the way Bob Bob Michel often said that the real heroes trip visiting Gorbachev in Russia, the Soviet thought it was going to come out, but his of World War II never came home. At the Union at the time. And they were so close role as my mentor I will never forget. risk of correcting my old friend, I have to and interacted in such a nonpartisan, bipar- My highest aspiration was to follow in say this: Some of those heroes did come tisan way that, when Tip O’Neill’s spokes- Bob’s footsteps and hopefully some day be- home. It was our honor to know and work person was not available to lead the press come the Speaker. Speaker Ryan and I have with one of the finest. event that they would both speak at, Billy often reminisced over the fact that my desire In his great, beloved hometown of Peoria, Pitts stepped in for the Democrats. was to become Speaker of the House and his one of the tributes after his passing read: Okay, Billy? Billy and Jack, please stand was to become the Vice President. It didn’t ‘‘They certainly don’t make ’em like Bob up, because they are probably the two clos- work out quite the way we planned. Michel anymore.’’ est people to Tip and Bob Michel. But Bob was one of the finest men I have And I might add: We are all the lesser for (Applause.) ever known. There cannot be many others it. Minority Leader Pelosi: It wasn’t that long who spent so much time here yet were held Thank you. ago when we all gathered in Statuary Hall in such thoroughly high regard by everyone, (Applause.) for the service for Speaker Tom Foley. All of from beginning to end. Our leader was never (The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic us remember the beautiful, beautiful presen- known to make a disagreement personal or Leader of the United States House of Rep- tation that Bob Michel made about Tom let opposition give way to hostility, to show resentatives) Foley and about bipartisanship and working the signs of injured vanity. And forget hold- Minority Leader Pelosi: Good afternoon, together and respecting each other’s views. ing a grudge; Bob wouldn’t know how to ac- everyone. Senator Dole, Senator Warner, In fact, Bob Michel was one of the last people quire a grudge in the first place. He was a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:55 Mar 11, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.002 E10MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS March 10, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E311 straight-up guy through and through, as au- room-only crowd. And I can’t pass up the op- long, rich history of respect for others and thentic and devoid of pretense as any man portunity to recognize the Chief Justice of uncommon decency to all will endure. He could be. the Supreme Court, John Roberts. When I was a great Congressman, a great leader, and Like his counterpart, Senator Dole, Bob called the Chief Justice and invited him, I a great teacher. was a man of his generation who knew far told him what an honor it would be for the Three final thoughts: bigger tests than a tough vote or a heated family. Many of you that knew Bob knew that he floor debate. I guess when you have landed at When Bob left Congress, he went to work was the best gardener in the world. If you Normandy, led a platoon in combat, been at Hogan Hartson, which is now Hogan drive by his townhouse on A street today, wounded by machine gun fire in the Battle of Lovells, and he met one of the top partners what you will see are barrels in front of his the Bulge, you gain a perspective that there, John Roberts, and they became good house with tulips coming up, planted by doesn’t come any other way. You know what friends. So, Mr. Chief Justice, I know it is an him—the best tulips, the best flower beds. a real fight looks like, what a real loss feels honor for the family to have you here, and I And he taught all of us about flowers and like, and the dramas and reversals of politics know Bob would be so humbled to have your how to plant them and when to plant them, are all a little bit more manageable. presence here. So thank you for coming. when to pull the tulip bulbs up. He was a When we are young and we first start read- (Applause.) great gardener. We learned a lot from him. ing about politics, we picture a certain kind Mr. LaHood: Bob Michel’s life reflects the He spent more time in his garden than on of individual to serve in Congress. Maybe, in perfect definition of what Tom Brokaw any piece of legislation that he ever wrote. time, reality teaches us a little differently. called the Greatest Generation. Bob was Bob Michel loved Bradley University. We In this case, the man and the ideal were aw- raised by two loving parents with his two sis- had a wonderful memorial service at Bradley fully close. ters in Peoria, Illinois. He learned his strong a week ago to honor Bob. On that university, The gentleman from Illinois commanded Midwestern values of faith in good, hard there are a couple of buildings that are respect well beyond anything required by work and play by the rules in Peoria. He and named in his honor. That is where he met title. He was a man of courage, rectitude, Corinne raised an all-American family, obvi- the love of his life, Corinne, and that is and personal kindness, a friend we looked up ously. where he really developed his love for music. to and were lucky to have in our lives. We Bob served his country for 50 years: as a Bob was an extraordinary singer. He loved to honor Bob for all that he gave to America, decorated war hero in World War II, as an sing. I traveled with him all over the district and we are grateful for all that he meant to American hero to his constituents from the on many occasions, and he was either whis- us. 18th Congressional District, and as a teacher tling or singing. And he loved singing. He (Applause.) for those of us who had the greatest privilege would have loved what you all presented (The Honorable Jim Baker, 61st United of working for him. I consider myself, as well today; and thank you for doing that, and States Secretary of State) as many other people sprinkled throughout thank you for being here. Secretary Baker: Of course it is traditional this wonderful Statuary Hall, a graduate of (Applause.) to refer to Members of Congress as ‘‘The the Robert H. Michel School of Applied Po- Mr. LaHood: And finally, Bob Michel the Honorable.’’ In Bob Michel’s case it was par- litical Arts and Sciences. Cub fan. Many of us in this room received ticularly appropriate when people called him And if I could, just for a moment, ask all Christmas cards from Bob year in and year The Honorable Bob Michel because it was a of you that were touched by having the out, great family pictures going way, way simple fact. He was a most honorable man. privilege of serving as a Bob Michel staffer back to 1956 and 1957, when he was first elect- The words ‘‘duty,’’ ‘‘honor,’’ and ‘‘country’’ to stand up, just to say thank you to all of ed. The best Christmas card picture was this were not catchphrases for Bob Michel; they you for what you did for our leader. Please year, which is on the back cover of the pro- described a prescription for almost every- stand, all of you that were a part of it. gram. Bob stayed up until 2 o’clock in the thing he did. He was a masterful legislator, (Applause.) morning when the Chicago Cubs won the of course, and a leader of his party in the Mr. LaHood: When you worked for Bob World Series. And I called him the next day House who had enough accomplishments to Michel, you were a part of his family. He and I said: ‘‘Did you watch the game?’’ He fill the rotunda of this building where he cared as much about you as a staffer as he said: ‘‘I stayed up until 2 o’clock.’’ And he worked for so very long. did any one of his children or grandchildren. wasn’t feeling that well. But more importantly, he remained a gen- Bob’s classrooms were his office, the floor of There is nobody that was a more long-suf- erous and decent man whose ego was as hum- the House, its committee rooms, and the fering Cub fan than Bob Michel—nobody. ble as his Midwestern roots. After all, as farms and towns of the 18th District. Every- And he loved it when the Cubs won the World Senator Durbin has said, how can you not where he went he taught his staff by his ex- Series, and he never dreamed that he would like someone who cusses like a choir boy? ample what it means to be a great public live long enough for that to happen. So we While the Halls of Congress echoed with su- servant. are grateful to the Ricketts family and all of percharged expletives deleted, Bob would President John Adams once said the Con- the people that put together that great orga- simply smile and say, ‘‘geez,’’ or maybe if he stitution is the project of good heads, nization that helped a great Cub fan watch was really steamed, ‘‘dagnabbit.’’ prompted by good hearts. Bob taught us that them win the World Series. A conciliatory influence who knew how to both a good head and a good heart are nec- I am going to finish with a quote from the work with Democrats, Bob was also tough essary in order to be a good Congressman, Journal Star. We were told we were only and strong-willed, and he knew how to swing but also to be a good staffer. going to get 300 words, but when I saw the votes. Without his skill, we could never have Bob taught us by example that the 18th Speaker go over and all these other speakers, helped President Reagan achieve his 1986 in- Congressional District should offer a forum I figured I am going to, too. I want to read come tax reform, the only time our tax sys- for reasoned debate among constituents from an editorial tribute that was in the Pe- tem has been completely overhauled success- equal in dignity. Bob taught us to respect oria Journal Star. And it’s a quote from Bob. fully. With a deadline approaching, we gath- every person, no matter their opinion or po- Michel was ‘‘always proud to say he was ered in our leader’s office and began working litical persuasion. I heard him say on more from Peoria.’’ the phones to seek support from wary Mem- than one occasion: ‘‘You learn much more This is a quote from me when I was asked bers. It took a lot of calls and it took a lot from listening.’’ about this, and the reporter asked me if Bob of horse trading—Bill Pitts remembers all Bob worked every day, either in Wash- was going to be buried in Peoria. I recall my that—but we got it done. It was classic ington or in the district, for the people, not asking him: ‘‘Bob, do you want to be buried Michel: fair, but very strong. to engage in ideological melodramas or po- at Arlington Cemetery?’’ which, by all Rather than rely on bellicosity—a trait litical vendettas, and he expected and de- rights, he would be able to do. And he said: that, sadly, I am afraid to say is in vogue manded all of his staff to do the same. ‘‘No.’’ He said: ‘‘Everett Dirksen was a big today—Bob’s actions always spoke a lot Bob knew warfare firsthand—not war in a man.’’ And Everett Dirksen was Bob Michel’s louder than his words. In what now seems to Steven Spielberg movie or war fought on the mentor. He was the Congressman before Bob be a long lost approach to governance, Bob pages of a book, but real war. I guess that is was elected, and he was the Senator while preferred to reach across the aisle than bat- the reason that he never used macho phrases Bob was serving. And he said: ‘‘If Everett tle across the aisle. He could, and he did, dis- like ‘‘warfare’’ and ‘‘take no prisoners’’ when Dirksen was not too big to be buried in Peo- agree agreeably. discussing politics with his staff. To Bob, the ria, then I’m not too big to be buried in Peo- So I can just imagine the scene when Bob harsh personal rhetoric of ideological war- ria.’’ arrived at the pearly gates not very long fare had no place in his office, no place in the And the final quote in this editorial is ago. He is greeted by St. Peter, who smiles, House, and no place in American politics. He from Bob. And it begins: ‘‘You never know spreads his arms wide, and tells him: ‘‘It’s knew that the rhetoric we use often shapes for sure how you are going to be perceived in good to see you up here, Bob, but dagnabbit, the political actions we take. history. But you want to be a credit to your you really are missed back down there.’’ I never saw Bob get angry or use a swear kids and to the people that are closest Thank you. word—lots of deviations of swear words, but around you, that they will maybe take a leaf (Applause.) never a swear word. Whenever there is a de- from your book if it’s desirable, and will fill (The Honorable Ray LaHood, 16th United bate on the House floor or in the 18th Dis- the shoes that get emptied when you pass States Secretary of Transportation) trict conducted by men and women with on.’’ Mr. LaHood: Thank you all for being here. good heads and good hearts, treating each So, lastly, we remember a Bob Michel who We knew that this would be a standing- other with mutual respect, Bob Michel’s did that, who made Congress better by being

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:55 Mar 11, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR8.004 E10MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 10, 2017 here, and who brought honor to his home- abiding faith in God and our country—I feel the Court in March 1981. He has served in town of Peoria. so fortunate and blessed to have had him as that position ever since under Judges John L. Let me introduce, finally, Scott Michel. my father. He loved us and his family in Moore III, Lionel W. Noonan, and Don Davis. When the Michel family gave me the privi- every way and with all his heart. He was a lege of helping them organize the memorial one-of-a-kind role model. Early in his career, Joe oversaw and imple- service in Peoria and here, all of us, except While his accomplishments in public life mented changes to the Probate Court’s pre- for Scott, thought that a family member make us all so very proud, it is his values computerized indexing system for judicial and should say something. We persuaded Scott to and character that he instilled in each of us land records. His work focused on making be the spokesman for the family. You all that means the most to us. That will be his these systems more efficient and easier to know Bob loved every one of his children and lasting legacy. use. As technology advanced, Joe oversaw his grandchildren. So Scott really stepped up Godspeed, Dad. I love you. I miss you. I and decided that he would be the one to rep- know you are in God’s hands now. and implemented changes to the Court’s oper- resent the family. So please welcome Scott Before we close, I would like to ask that ations to utilize computer technology in all as- Michel. you all join the U.S. Army chorus in singing pects of the Court’s operations, including the (Applause.) ‘‘God Bless America,’’ which was one of my recording of documents, word processing, (Mr. Scott Michel, son of the Honorable dad’s favorite songs, especially when he websites, judicial case management, and ac- Robert H. Michel) could lead the singing, as he did on numer- counting. Mr. Michel: Thank you, Ray. ous occasions. First, let me thank all of you, on behalf of MUSICAL SELECTION—(‘‘God Bless Joe is currently the dean of the chief clerks the entire Michel family, for joining us here America,’’ performed by the United States of probate courts in the State of Alabama. He this afternoon to celebrate the life of my Army Chorus) is a founding member and past president of dad, Bob Michel. Reverend Conroy: Dear Lord, as we close the Alabama Probate Court Chief Clerks Asso- Since his passing last month in Arlington, our time together, send Your spirit of peace ciation. He served as a member of the Ala- Virginia, I have read glowing tributes, news and consolation upon us who mourn the loss articles, and obituaries capturing the high- bama Law Institute’s Probate Code Revision of the Honorable, former minority leader of lights of his illustrious career and extolling Committee and assisted the Alabama Law In- the House, Bob Michel. the virtues of his character. What I want to stitute on numerous projects involving Ala- He was a glowing example, an icon of what tell you today is that the qualities that pro- it means to be a man for others. His decades bama probate courts, probate law, and pro- pelled him to such lofty heights were made a of service to his home State of Illinois and to bate procedure. He has been asked to speak part of him by his father and mother, our great Nation will be long appreciated by and present on these topics countless times Charles and Anna Michel, back in Peoria, Il- those whose lives are forever blessed by his throughout his career. linois. His parents instilled in him values life’s work and dedication. and character that developed, matured, and When he was not working, Joe has pursued His belief in the durability and tran- later were passed on to his sons and daugh- a number of hobbies including photography, scendence of Congress as an institution, the ter, just as his parents had done for him. first branch of government, is a challenge in astronomy, birding, ham radio, and flying. He As I got older and had a son of my own, I this day of severe partisan divide and a per- is also a long time member of the First Baptist looked back and tried to replicate what I saw sistent and seeming inability to consider Church of Mobile. and learned when I was growing up. What did compromise in order to reach consensus. I see and learn? First, I saw a larger than life Joe has always been a good friend of the May some from both sides of the aisle be in- figure with a booming voice, a vivid pres- lawyers in our community, including a friend of spired to emulate such a great statesman. ence, and the bearing of a leader. He was in mine. So, on behalf of Alabama’s First Con- May Your angels, O God, come to greet our charge. And even though his work in Wash- beloved Bob Michel, and may those who gressional District, I want to wish Joe and ington meant we saw him only twice a mourn him here be consoled with the knowl- Wendy all the best upon his retirement. His month on weekends, he called us almost edge that, for those whom love You, every- dedicated service to Mobile County has not every day to check on our academic thing is turned to good. and will not go unnoticed. progress, our athletic pursuits, our musical Amen. instrument accomplishments, and our chores POSTLUDE—(United States Army Brass around the house. We all saw that he was in f Quintet) our midst even while being away, and we saw his involvement, commitment, and influ- f IN RECOGNITION OF ORELAND BOY ence, which was constant and reassuring. SCOUT TROOP 1 Second, when he was at home, we saw up HONORING JOE MCEARCHERN FOR close what he was made of, and that made a HIS CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE lasting impression on all of us. Learning his HON. PATRICK MEEHAN life lessons was simple: just watch and lis- HON. BRADLEY BYRNE OF PENNSYLVANIA ten. His lessons weren’t taught so much by conversation as by simple observation. We OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES could see how he interacted with my mother: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, March 10, 2017 how he treated her, how he respected her, Friday, March 10, 2017 how they spoke with each other. It was with Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to love, sensitivity, and without harsh or bitter Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Oreland Boy Scout Troop 1 of Mont- words. We could see how he treated each of honor Joe Deal McEarchern, Jr. for his over us, too. He was fair, evenhanded, strict when forty years of service as Chief Clerk of the gomery County, Pennsylvania as it celebrates needed, held us accountable for our actions, Mobile County Probate Court. its 100th Anniversary. The Boy Scouts of and expected no less than our best at what- Born in 1949, Joe has been a lifelong resi- America chartered the troop in 1917, and its ever we were doing, whatever tasks we were dent of Mobile County, Alabama. After Joe’s members have been active and dedicated given, or whatever our school studies de- contributors to their communities in the cen- manded. All of this reinforced his desire for father passed away when he was young, he worked in various shoe stores in the Mobile tury since. Today, Troop 1 hosts scouts from us to be responsible. Oreland, Flourtown, Erdenheim, Fort Wash- He also showed us how to be humble by area to help finance his college education. He practicing humility. Bragging was called attended public schools in Prichard, Alabama ington, Maple Glen and other neighboring out. So was self-centeredness and arrogance. and graduated from C.F. Vigor High School in communities. He showed us that working hard and doing a 1968. During his time at Vigor, Joe was Presi- The Boy Scouts are one of the largest youth good job was its own reward. He showed us dent of the National Honor Society, sports edi- development organizations in the country, and how to be honest by demanding the truth tor for the yearbook, and named ‘‘Student of I am pleased to have so many active troops from us and expecting no less when dealing in Pennsylvania’s 7th District. Oreland Boy with others. He showed us how to be gen- the Year’’ by the Civitan Club. erous and compassionate by his countless ef- Joe went on to attend the University of Scout Troop 1 is one such troop, among the forts to help assist, console, and empathize South Alabama, where he graduated in 1972 oldest in Pennsylvania, and it has trained so with those less fortunate or those who had with a bachelor’s degree in political science. many of our area’s youth to be young men of fallen on difficult times. And he showed us While in college, he married Wendy Stinson, character, service, and commitment to com- how to respect others by treating them the who also graduated from South. munity and country. way he would want to be treated. That In July of 1972, Joe was hired by Mobile Mr. Speaker, Oreland Boy Scout Troop 1 sounds like the Golden Rule. As I look back at the values and character County Judge of Probate John L. Moore to performs an invaluable service to the scouts that witnessed growing up with my father— serve as chief clerk of the Recording Division. involved and the communities it serves. I his humility, his honesty, his work ethic, his He later served as administrative assistant of thank the Troop’s scouts and leaders over the generosity, his respect for others, and his the Court before being appointed chief clerk of last century for their service and leadership.

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