PEKIN, Ill. – The legacy of a Pekin-native who helped pass some of the most notable pieces of legislation in United States history was celebrated at the place that bears his name.
Leaders across central Illinois marked the 50th anniversary of the Dirksen Congressional Center Tuesday night, named after Republican Congressman and Senator Everett Dirksen.
Some of the most notable pieces of legislation Dirksen helped pass include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The center’s Executive Director Tiffany White says his legacy is one of how he treated people from both sides of the aisle.
“He worked well with his political opponents, and he understood that friendship was the basis for progress, and it’s the reason why he was able to lead our nation,” White said.
Former Republican Congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, echoed those sentiments, saying Dirksen’s ability to work both sides of the aisle is a lesson that can be learned in the current year.
“We can learn a lot of lessons from people who work in a bipartisan way,” LaHood said. “Big issues and big problems only get solved when people are involved and there’s consensus and there’s compromise and, in the end, all of the opinions are heard.”
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