IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1470 

Recognizing and honoring the achievements and legacy of former Representative John F. Seiberling, and expressing deep condolences to the Seiberling 

family for their loss. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 

Mr. RYAN of Ohio (for himself, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. REGULA, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. 

OBEY, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. CONYERS, and Mr. UDALL of Colorado) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 

House Administration 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing and honoring the achievements and legacy of 

former Representative John F. Seiberling, and expressing 

deep condolences to the Seiberling family for their loss. 

Whereas John F. Seiberling was a native of Akron, Ohio, and 

a grandson of the founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company; 

Whereas, in 1941, John F. Seiberling graduated from Harvard University; 

Whereas, from 1942 to 1946, John F. Seiberling served in 

the United States Navy, attained the rank of major, and 

earned the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and three 

Battle Stars; 


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•HRES 1470 IH 

Whereas, in 1949, John F. Seiberling earned a law degree 

from Columbia University; 

Whereas, in 1970, inspired by the public outcry over the 

shootings at Kent State University and his own opposition to the Vietnam War, John F. Seiberling ran for a 

seat in the United States House of Representatives and, 

in 1971, won, defeating a 10-term incumbent; 

Whereas, from 1971 to 1986, John F. Seiberling represented 

the 14th Congressional District of Ohio to the resounding 

approval of his constituents, and, until his retirement, repeatedly won reelection with approximately 70 percent of 

the vote; 

Whereas John F. Seiberling was referred to as ‘‘the original 

environmentalist’’ and was well known for his wit, integrity, and idealistic nature; 

Whereas, in 1971, John F. Seiberling introduced legislation 

to preserve the Cuyahoga Valley, a process which resulted 

in the creation of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 

1974; 

Whereas, throughout his political career, John F. Seiberling 

fought for the preservation of 69,000,000 acres of wilderness, and the establishment of 59,000,000 acres of Federal parks, forests, and preserves, in order to create a future in which every American would have access to green 

spaces; 

Whereas John F. Seiberling worked tirelessly with Representative Morris K. Udall to develop and pass the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which was signed 

into law in 1980 and was an important environmental 

achievement; 


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•HRES 1470 IH 

Whereas, in March 1985, John F. Seiberling strenuously advocated the passage of the Olmsted Heritage Landscapes 

Act to study and restore the works and artistic legacy of 

famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, including designs for the Capitol Grounds in Washington, 

District of Columbia, and Central Park in New York, 

New York; 

Whereas, after his retirement in 1986, John F. Seiberling returned to Akron, Ohio, to teach at the University of 

Akron School of Law, and served as head of the Center 

for Peace Studies at the University; 

Whereas John F. Seiberling served on the boards of many 

national organizations, including the National Trust for 

Historic Preservation and the Wilderness Society; 

Whereas, in 2001, John F. Seiberling received the prestigious 

Presidential Citizens Medal from President William J. 

Clinton for his vigorous advocacy on behalf of the environment and dedication to the preservation of green 

spaces for generations to come; and 

Whereas, on August 2, 2008, John F. Seiberling died in 

Akron, Ohio: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) recognizes and honors the achievements and 

3 legacy of former Representative John F. Seiberling, 

4 particularly his numerous contributions to environ5 mental causes and his unfailing dedication to his 

6 constituents; and 


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•HRES 1470 IH 

1 (2) expresses deep condolences to the Seiberling 

2 family for their loss. 

Æ 


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