[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 105 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9030-S9031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE WARREN BURGER

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, from the earliest days of our republic, 
the Supreme Court has always been one of the most important 
institutions in the land. Sitting at the top of the judicial branch, 
nine individuals pass judgment on cases of constitutional importance 
that are argued before them. Managing and administering this

[[Page S9031]]

process is the Chief Justice, part referee, part historian, full time 
judge. It is a demanding job that requires patience, intelligence, and 
tact. I rise today to pay tribute to a man who excelled in that 
position, Warren E. Burger, who regrettably passed away yesterday.
  Warren Burger grew up on a farm in Minnesota, the Heartland of 
America. He worked his way through college and law school, earning 
degrees from the University of Minnesota and the St. Paul College of 
Law, before beginning his career as an attorney. In 1953, President 
Dwight D. Eisenhower made Mr. Burger an Assistant U.S. Attorney 
General, beginning the Minnesotan's journey to the highest seat on the 
highest court of the land. Before joining the Supreme Court, Warren 
Burger would also serve on the Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia Circuit.
  During the 17 years that he served as Chief Justice, the Court 
decided many issues that had a tremendous impact on American society. 
The results of many of the cases reviewed by the Burger Court came to 
be known as landmark decisions, ones that are likely to be studied by 
law students, professors, and historians for decades, if not centuries 
to come. It is not exaggerating to say that the actions of Warren 
Burger and his court did much to change life in America.
  In 1986 Warren Burger resigned as Chief Justice of the Court, ending 
his two decade presence there, to chair the Committee on the 
Bicentennial of the Constitution. I served on this committee and I 
worked closely with the former Chief Justice to promote this special 
anniversary in the history of our Nation. I found Chief Justice Burger 
to be a man of integrity, ability, and dedication, whose deep interest 
in American history made him an effective and enthusiastic spokesman 
for this undertaking.
  Mr. President, the Chief Justice and I differed on some issues, but 
he was an outstanding man who served this Nation ably and selflessly. 
He was a thoughtful adjudicator of cases, a strong advocate for the 
judicial branch, and most importantly, he cared for and believed deeply 
in the Constitution. He is a man who will certainly be missed by a host 
of friends, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the members of his 
family.

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