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Rep. John Barrow

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the lifelong public service of my fellow Georgian, former Congressman Ed Jenkins. Congressman Jenkins was born in Young Harris, Georgia. He was a veteran of the Coast Guard and a graduate of Young Harris College and the University of Georgia Law School.

Congressman Jenkins represented north Georgia in Congress for 16 years, serving on the Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. His service and his approach to service are a good example for all of us today. Those who knew him and served with him remember him as a levelheaded workhorse and a zealous advocate for the interests of his district, especially the textile and poultry industries. More importantly, he was willing to work in a bipartisan way to do what he thought was best for his constituents and his country.

After Congress, Ed Jenkins served as a member and as chairman of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. Congressman Jenkins passed away on New Year's Day, but he is survived by a wife of 51 years, two daughters, two grandchildren, and thousands of friends and admirers. We've missed him a lot these last few years, and now we'll miss him even more.