As United States Congressman Dan Burton(R-Ind.) announced his retirement on the Indiana House floor today, State Rep. Woody Burton congratulated his older brother for his more than 40 years of public service.
“My brother has been a true leader to his state, to this nation, and I have always been proud to call him family,” said Rep. Woody Burton. “Over the years, he has helped so many Hoosiers, with his experience and knowledge, and will be vastly missed.”
Congressman Burton didn’t elaborate on his decision during his brief address to lawmakers today, but simply said he was resigning because of family health issues.
Congressman Burton was born and raised in Indiana. He graduated from Shortridge High School and attended Indiana University and the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He also served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1962.
Before his election to Congress, he held office in the Indiana State Senate, as well as the Indiana House of Representatives.
He is currently serving his fifteenth term as a United State Representative from Indiana 5th Congressional District. The 5th District includes all of Tipton, Grant, Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Hamilton and Hancock Counties, as well as parts of Marion, Shelby, Howard and Johnson Counties.
“He has accomplished so many great things while serving Indiana,” said Rep. Burton. “For example, he was the first Hoosier Republican to Chair a full House Committee in more than 60 years when he assumed the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”
He currently serves as a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in addition to serving as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia.
“Although my brother is retiring, I am sure he won’t be able to stay completely away from public service; it’s in his blood.”
After making the announcement on the House floor, Gov. Mitch Daniels was able to briefly meet with both brothers to congratulate Congressman Burton on his years of service.
