Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) this morning attended a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol rotunda to witness the unveiling of a statue honoring President Gerald R. Ford.

Upton offered a concurrent resolution this past March, H.Con.Res.27, which authorized the placement of the statue of President Ford in the rotunda.  The resolution, which was cosponsored by all 14 other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, passed both legislative chambers with unanimous, bipartisan support.

“As one who has the honor and privilege of representing some of the very same people in southwest Michigan that President Ford did during his time in the House, it gives me great pleasure to witness this fitting tribute to Michigan’s native son,” said Upton.  “In addition, I had the honor to be present at the White House on President Ford’s last full day of office.  President Gerald Ford is a Michigan original and a model for all those called to public service.  A seemingly ordinary American who unexpectedly found himself in the presidency at one of our nation’s most tumultuous times, Gerald Ford led with his Midwestern values.  By standing above the political fray, President Ford allowed a wounded nation to heal.”

The statue of President Ford will be replacing a statue of Michigan politician and abolitionist Zachariah Chandler.  Under federal law, each state is eligible to display up to two statues within the Capitol at a given time.  Each statue is a gift of the home state, approved and provided for in accordance with that particular state’s legislature.  The placement of the statue is then approved by the U.S. Congress, which may also approve the replacement of a statue.  Today, the U.S. Capitol houses 100 statues contributed by the 50 states.