HONORING ERIC F. MELGREN

HONORING ERIC F. MELGREN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [House] [Page H2680] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ERIC F. MELGREN (Mr. Mann of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Judge Eric F. Melgren of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas and to recognize his distinguished service on the Federal bench. Today, the district of Kansas unveiled Judge Melgren's official portrait and celebrated his lasting legacy after nearly two decades of active judicial service. As of September 1, 2025, Judge Melgren has assumed senior status, which he will continue to serve with the same dedication and commitment that have defined his entire career. Judge Melgren's story is a Kansas story. Raised on a cattle and wheat farm in southwest Kansas, he is a first-generation college graduate who went on to lead as student body president of Wichita State University and later earned his law degree from Washburn University. From private practice in Wichita to serving as United States Attorney for the district of Kansas and, ultimately, to his appointment to the Federal bench by President George W. Bush, his career reflects a life rooted in hard work, service, and leadership. Over 18 years on the bench, including his time as Chief Judge, Judge Melgren has upheld the rule of law with integrity and a deep respect for the Constitution. He has also given back to his community, leading organizations like United Way of the Plains and Leadership Wichita, and remaining closely connected to the people and institutions that helped to shape him. In the Big First District and across Kansas, we value those who serve with humility, lead with principle, and stay grounded in their roots. Judge Melgren embodies those values. I thank him for his service, congratulate him on this milestone, and wish him the very best as he continues his hard work on the bench. Honoring Michael Hinton Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a proud Kansan whose work honors the legacy of American agriculture and the generations who built it. Michael Hinton of Hutchinson has dedicated his life to preserving the history and heritage of rural America through antique tractors, but his work goes far beyond restoring old equipment. It is about telling the story of the men and women who have worked the land, provided for their families, and helped feed the world. Through his creation of Antique Tractors Preservation Day and the launch of talkingtractors.com, Michael has built a platform that brings agricultural history to life and connects generations through a shared appreciation for hard work, innovation, and community. His efforts have earned recognition across Kansas and the Nation. This year, Michael was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of some of the most influential figures in our Nation's agricultural history, from George Washington to John Deere. He is now one of only a handful of Kansans to receive this distinguished honor. In the Big First District of Kansas, agriculture is not just our way of life. It is our legacy. Leaders like Michael Hinton remind us that preserving that legacy matters while we continue to build its future. I am grateful for his work, proud to call him a fellow Kansan, and congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition. ____________________