Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)Timothy Tim John Russert was born on May 7, 1950 in Buffalo, New York, to Elizabeth and Timothy Joseph Russert. (2)Tim Russert graduated from Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from John Carroll University in 1972, and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University—Marshall School of Law in 1976. (3)Tim Russert embarked on a career in public service with United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the Governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, from 1977 to 1984. (4)After his career in public service and New York politics, Tim Russert began his career in journalism when he joined NBC in 1984. (5)In 1991, Tim Russert became the host of the Sunday morning news program Meet the Press, the longest-running program in the history of television. He would go on to become the longest serving host of the show. (6)Throughout his career, Tim Russert received 48 honorary doctorates and several awards for excellence in journalism, including— (A)the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association; (B)the John Peter Zenger Freedom of the Press Award; (C)the American Legion Journalism Award; (D)the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award; (E)the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Journalism Award; (F)the Allen H. Neuharth Award for Excellence in Journalism; (G)the David Brinkley Award for Excellence in Communication; (H)the Catholic Academy for Communication’s Gabriel Award; and (I)an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (7)In 2004, Tim Russert authored the bestselling autobiography, Big Russ and Me, which chronicled his life growing up in South Buffalo and his education at Canisius High School. He is also the author of Wisdom of our Fathers. (8)Tim Russert advocated on behalf of abused children and voiced the need to protect our Nation’s young people, serving on the board of directors of the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club and America’s Promise—Alliance for Youth. (9)Tim Russert sat in the front seat of history, chronicling the political and societal events that have defined our time, and serving as a trusted source of information and analysis for millions of Americans. (10)Tim Russert was a tireless booster of Buffalo, a famous fan of his beloved Buffalo Bills, and was always proud of his South Buffalo roots, a source of civic pride in the Western New York community. (11)Tim Russert passed away on June 13, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth and their son, Luke Russert.