Michel, << MY kuhl, >> Robert Henry (1923-2017), an Illinois Republican, served as minority leader of the United States House of Representatives from 1981 until 1995. From 1975 to 1981, he served as Republican whip (assistant leader). Michel first won election to Congress in 1956, and was reelected every second year from then through 1992. He did not seek reelection in 1994.
As a congressman, Michel maintained a conservative voting record. He supported such policies as increased military spending, reduced funds for social programs, and less government regulation of industry. Michel won respect as a political bargainer who could persuade Democrats to support many Republican programs.
Michel was born on March 2, 1923, in Peoria, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe from 1943 to 1946. He graduated from Bradley University in 1948. From 1949 to 1956, Michel was an administrative assistant to Representative Harold H. Velde, whom he succeeded in Congress. Michel died on Feb. 17, 2017.
