[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       THE DEATH OF CLAUDE HARRIS

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, the State of Alabama suffered a great loss 
Sunday with the passing of Claude Harris. Known for his integrity, 
strength of character, and conviction, Claude Harris spent his entire 
life serving the people of Alabama--as a prosecutor, a judge, a 
congressman, an officer in the National Guard. Honor and integrity were 
the hallmark of his tenure in every position that he held.
  Claude Harris's dedication to public service spanned over three 
decades, from his early beginnings as an assistant district attorney 
for Tuscaloosa County to his most recent post as U.S. attorney for the 
Northern District of Alabama.
  Although only recently appointed to this position by President 
Clinton in 1993, his short tenure is no measure of the significant 
contribution he had already made to this office.
  This is no surprise to those who knew him well. Claude Harris' 
professional career was built on a strong record for effectiveness and 
hard work.
  Eight years on the circuit court for Tuscaloosa County bench earned 
him a reputation as an even-handed, fair-minded jurist. As presiding 
judge for the circuit court, he was widely recognized and respected for 
his work on the bench and it was only his election to the U.S. House of 
Representatives that cut short his contributions there.
  In 1986 he was elected to fill my former congressional seat serving 
the Seventh District of Alabama. As a congressman, Claude earned a 
reputation as a champion of the welfare of veterans, active duty 
military personnel and guard and reserve members. His support for a 
strong national defense and the well being of military personnel is 
hardly surprising given his long-standing service in the Alabama 
National Guard--rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
  Claude Harris retired from the Congress last year after three terms 
rather than run again in a significantly reconfigured congressional 
district. West Alabama was deeply saddened by his retirement, as in his 
6 years in the House, Claude served his constituents with honesty and 
diligence.
  As a fellow resident of Tuscaloosa, I shared a close personal 
relationship with Claude Harris and his wife, Barbara, a relationship 
that transcended the everyday world of politics in which we worked.
  I extend my deepest sympathies to Claude Harris' family for their 
loss. I share that loss, and mourn his friendship, but, I would also 
note how much richer the state of Alabama, it's citizens--and I am--for 
the time he was here was us.

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