[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 5, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H13951-H13954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              JAMES LAWRENCE KING FEDERAL JUSTICE BUILDING

  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 255) to designate the Federal justice building in Miami, FL, 
as the ``James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 255

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

       The Federal Justice Building located at 99 Northeast Fourth 
     Street in Miami, Florida, shall be known and designated as 
     the ``James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, 
     or other record of the United States to the Federal building 
     referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to 
     the ``James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Traficant] will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest].
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 255, a bill to 
designate the Federal justice building in Miami, FL, as the James 
Lawrence King Federal Justice Building. Judge King is an esteemed and 
respected U.S. district judge who advocated improved judicial 
administration, and devoted countless hours to the improvement of our 
justice system. Among his many accomplishments, Judge King served as 1 
of 23 members of the Judicial Conference of the United States. He was 
the Chairman of the Conferences' Implementation Committee on Admission 
of Attorneys to Federal Practice and was a member of the Judicial 
Ethics Committee. In addition to his tenure as chief judge for the U.S. 
district court of Florida, Judge King served as chief U.S. district 
judge for the Panama Canal Zone and as a judge on the U.S. Court of 
Appeals, compiling over 200 published opinions. Judge King was 
instrumental in promoting the construction of the new Federal justice 
building.
  I urge all Members to support the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar].
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join my colleagues in 
supporting this legislation and compliment the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Hastings] and the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek] for leading 
the way on this legislation to honor Judge James Lawrence King, who has 
so ably presided over the Court for the Southern District of Florida.
  Judge King was a native of Florida; graduate of the University of 
Florida; got his law degree from that institution; served in the U.S. 
Air Force; served in private law practice, and in 1964 was appointed a 
circuit judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida.
  He continued a very distinguished legal career, in 1984, becoming 
chief judge, and then took senior status in 1991. The Judge is still 
working a full caseload, as is so characteristic of most of our senior 
judges, that is those who take senior status, they continue to show up 
for work every day in their office and decide on important cases.
  In this particular instance, we are giving fitting tribute to a 
distinguished jurist who deserves this honor for his vision, for his 
stewardship, and for the lasting contribution that he has made to the 
body of law in this country, and particularly in some of the very, very 
complex cases that he handled in the 11th District.
  Mr. Speaker, I am greatly pleased to join my colleagues, Mr. Hastings 
and Mrs. Meek of Florida in supporting H.R. 255, a bill to honor Judge 
James Lawrence King of the Southern District of Florida.
  Judge King, a native Floridian, graduated from the University of 
Florida and in 1953 received his law degree from that institution. From 
1953 to 1955 he served his country with distinction as a lieutenant in 
the U.S. Air Force. After several years in private law practice, Judge 
King was appointed in 1964 Circuit Judge to the Eleventh Judicial 
Circuit of the State of Florida. He was appointed to the Federal bench 
in 1970 and continued his distinguished legal career. In 1984 he became 
the Chief Judge, and when his term expired in 1991 Judge King took 
senior status. Today, he still retains a full caseload.
  Judge James Lawrence King has exhibited outstanding leadership and 
dedication to his profession. It is fitting and proper to honor 

[[Page H 13952]]
Judge King for his vision and effective stewardship by designating the 
Federal Justice Building in Miami in his honor.
  I urge adoption of H.R. 255.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Hastings], one of the authors of this 
bill, along with the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek].
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio 
[Mr. Traficant], my good friend, and for his stewardship in allowing 
this bill to come before the House at this time. As well, I would like 
to thank the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] for the 
extraordinary work that he has put forward, and I also thank the 
gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], the ranking member of the 
committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank all of these Members and their staffs, as well 
as a staff member of mine, Ann Jacobs, who has worked very actively in 
this particular matter.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 255, 
legislation to name the Federal Justice Building in Miami, FL as the 
James Lawrence King Justice Building.
  Judge King's career as a U.S. District Judge, especially his 
effective and much praised administration as Chief Judge, is exemplary 
and worthy of honor. Among many accomplishments, Judge King served as 1 
of 23 members of the Judicial Conference of the United States and as 
the Chairman of the Conferences' Implementation Committee on Admission 
of Attorneys to Federal Practice. He was also a member of the 
Conferences' Judicial Ethics Committee.
  Judge King was a Chief U.S. District Judge for the Panama Canal Zone 
and, on numerous occasions, as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals. He 
has compiled over 200 published opinions. Judge King has been a member 
of the Judicial Council of the Eleventh Circuit Administrative 
Conference and a member of the Long Range Planning Committee for the 
Federal Judiciary.
  Of course, the main reason Judge King deserves this honor is his 
dedication to the new Federal Justice Building. While many community 
leaders contributed to its construction, no one labored more selflessly 
or provided greater leadership than Judge King. For without Judge King 
acting almost as the architect, builder, contractor, and decorator, 
this building would not be standing today.
  Because of Judge King's determination and attention to all of the 
details, his effective stewardship of the U.S. District Court of 
Florida during his tenure as Chief Justice, and his proven commitment 
to improving the administration of justice, Judge King is singularly 
worthy of having the new Federal Justice Building named in his honor.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Judge King has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, as evidenced 
by the comments of the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], the 
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest], and the gentleman from Florida 
[Mr. Hastings].
  He is right now on senior status. He is carrying a full caseload so 
he is not getting that much rest, from what I understand. Evidently as 
a graduate of the University of Florida, he is an individual supporter 
of Steve Spurrier and the Gators, hoping that they will knock off 
Nebraska.
  I do not know if he wanted that said here, but his career has been so 
outstanding that it is an honor to bring this legislation brought 
forward by a good friend and very fine Representative, the gentleman 
from Florida [Mr. Hastings], the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek], 
to our committee. With that, I would ask everybody to vote ``aye.''
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my friend, 
Congressman Alcee Hastings, for introducing the bill before us today, 
H.R. 255, which would designate the Federal building in Miami as the 
James Lawrence King Federal Building. No one deserves this honor more 
than Judge King.
  Judge James Lawrence King was born in Miami in 1927. He attended the 
University of Florida, earning both his undergraduate and law degrees. 
While in school, he first entered public life, serving as chairman of a 
campus political party and as a member of the honor court, the 
executive council, the president's cabinet, the hall of fame, and as 
president of Florida Blue Key.
  After graduation, James King started his long record of public 
service by joining the Air Force. After 2 years with the Judge Advocate 
General's Department, he returned to Miami Beach to practice law. Soon 
after that, he was appointed circuit judge for the Eleventh Judicial 
Circuit of Florida. While serving on the circuit court, he was 
temporarily assigned as a justice of the Supreme Court of Florida and 
to the Second, Third, and Fourth District Courts of Appeal of Florida. 
During this time, Judge King also served as a member of the board of 
regents of Florida.
  In 1970, James Lawrence King was appointed to be a U.S. district 
judge for the Southern District of Florida by President Nixon. Since 
then, he has been appointed by the Chief Justice to several committees 
of the Judicial Conference of the United States and was appointed by 
Chief Justice Rehnquist to be a member of the Long Range Planning 
Committee for the Federal Judiciary. On several occasions Judge King 
was specially designated to serve as a judge of the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits.
  In 1992, Judge James Lawrence King elected to take senior status. 
Remaining active, he is on the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Council and 
has recently completed a 7-year term as chief judge of the U.S. 
District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
  For his long, distinguished service to the United States and to our 
community, Judge James Lawrence King has earned our support, our 
respect, and our thanks. It would only be fitting that Miami's new 
Federal building, a building dedicated to the principles of public 
service and justice, be named for the man who best exemplifies these 
ideals, Judge James Lawrence King. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring Judge King by supporting H.R. 255.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to endorse the naming of the 
Federal Justice Building in Miami, FL in honor of Chief Judge James 
Lawrence King. The naming of such a building is not to be done lightly. 
We reserve that honor for those who have given of themselves, in an 
extraordinary manner, to the betterment of their community and the 
Nation. Judge King is such a man.
  All who have worked with Judge King have been impressed with his 
leadership and authority. My husband, Dexter Lehtinen, who was the U.S. 
attorney for south Florida, worked closely with the judge to facilitate 
the speedy administration of justice at a time when the problem of drug 
smuggling was taxing the court system to the breaking point. My husband 
was impressed with Judge King's dedication and commitment to the 
highest professional standards.
  For a turbulent quarter of century, Judge King served on the Federal 
bench, but his public service long predates his appointment as a 
Federal judge. Judge King was a member of the Judge Advocate General 
Corps of the U.S. Air Force. In addition to being a Federal judge, he 
has served at every level of the court system of Florida, from circuit 
judge to associate judge of the State district court of appeals to 
associate justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
  Judge King has won respect for his legal scholarship as well as his 
administrative leadership. He is the author of over 200 published 
opinions in Federal court and was called on by the late Chief Justice 
Warren Burger to preside over trials in eight other Federal district 
courts.
  Judge King has also lent his considerable energy to reforming both 
the judiciary and the education system. He served on the board of 
control of the State university system. He has been elected or 
appointed to various commission and panels charged with the reform of 
the Federal bench. Additionally, he was designated chief judge for the 
Panama Canal Zone.
  His vision and leadership are responsible, in large part, for this 
Federal building and, therefore, it is fitting and proper that this 
structure should carry his name. I wholeheartedly endorse this action.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I, too, urge support of the bill. I have 
no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 255.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  
[[Page H 13953]]


    BRUCE R. THOMPSON UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING

  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 395) to designate the United States courthouse and Federal 
building to be constructed at the southeastern corner of Liberty and 
South Virginia Streets in Reno, Nevada, as the ``Bruce R. Thompson 
United States Courthouse and Federal Building''.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 395

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

       The United States courthouse and Federal building to be 
     constructed at the southeastern corner of Liberty and South 
     Virginia Streets in Reno, Nevada, is designated as the 
     ``Bruce R. Thompson United States Courthouse and Federal 
     Building''.

     SEC. 2. LEGAL REFERENCES.

       Any reference in any law, regulation, document, record, 
     map, or other paper of the United States to the courthouse 
     and Federal building referred to in section 1 is deemed to be 
     a reference to the ``Bruce R. Thompson United States 
     Courthouse and Federal Building''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] and the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Traficant] 
each will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest].
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 395, a bill to 
designate the United States Courthouse and Federal Building under 
construction in Reno, NV, as the ``Bruce R. Thompson United States 
Courthouse and Federal Building.'' Judge Thompson was one of Nevada's 
most prominent and respected men in law and held a long and highly 
distinguished career. Judge Thompson was a graduate of the University 
of Nevada and received his law degree from Stanford Law School. His 
accomplishments include service as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the 
district of Nevada, special master for the U.S. district court of the 
district of Nevada, and appointment to the U.S. district court by 
President John F. Kennedy. Additionally, Judge Thompson served a term 
as president of the Ninth Circuit District judges and a term as 
president of the Nevada State Bar Association. He was also a regent and 
chairman of the State planning board. He held memberships in the 
American Bar Association, the American Law Institute, the American 
Judicature Society, the Institute of Judicial Administration, and the 
American College of Trial Lawyers. Virtually every legal organization 
in Nevada has unanimously passed a resolution in favor of naming the 
courthouse in honor of Judge Thompson. The entire Nevada congressional 
delegation supports this legislation. H.R. 395 is an appropriate 
tribute to a fine public servant and I urge my colleagues to support 
the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar], distinguished ranking 
member.
  (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the senior Democrat on the 
subcommittee, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Traficant], for the work 
that he has done on this legislation, chairman of the subcommittee, the 
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest], and our colleague, the 
gentlewoman from Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich], who has been a sponsor of 
this legislation.
  As with other bills that we are considering this afternoon, this, 
too, was reported from our committee in the last Congress, passed the 
House and languished in the other body. We are happy to have this 
opportunity to bring forward this legislation.
  It honors a very distinguished jurist who so served the State and the 
national judicial system that he has won widespread support and the 
naming has won endorsement from virtually every organization with 
interest in the law in the State of Nevada. And the Nevada State 
legislature passed a resolution endorsing the naming of the Federal 
courthouse in Reno to honor Judge Thompson.
  With that kind of support, we ought to move ahead. It is fitting. It 
is proper. It is appropriate for us to take this step.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 395, honoring Judge Bruce R. 
Thompson, who has enjoyed a full and distinguished judicial career.
  Judge Thompson graduated from the University of Nevada and received 
his law degree from Stanford Law School. He practiced law for 27 years, 
when he served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada 
from 1942 to 1952, and as special master for the U.S. District Court of 
the District of Nevada from 1952 to 1953. Judge Thompson was also 
president of the Nevada State Bar Association from 1955 to 1956. 
Following a term as regent to the State Planning Board in 1959, he 
served as its chairman from 1960 to 1961. In 1963, he was appointed 
U.S. District Judge by President John F. Kennedy, and as a jurist, has 
earned the respect of his colleagues.
  H.R. 395 has received widespread support and the endorsement of 
virtually every legal organization in the State of Nevada. The Nevada 
State legislature has passed a resolution endorsing the naming of the 
Federal courthouse in Reno in honor of Judge Thompson. It is fitting 
and proper to recognize the career of Judge Thompson in this manner.
  I join the Nevada delegation in their support of H.R. 395, and 
commend Congresswoman Vucanovich for her leadership on this bill.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich].
  Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from 
Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] and the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. 
Oberstar] and the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Shuster]. This is a 
very important bill to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 395, legislation to name 
the new Federal courthouse in Reno, NV after the late Judge Bruce R. 
Thompson.
  I cannot think of a more deserving Nevadan on which to bestow this 
honor, Mr. Speaker. Judge Thompson was one of Nevada's most prominent, 
respected and beloved men in Nevada jurisprudence and led a long and 
highly distinguished career. After graduating from the University of 
Nevada and Stanford law school, he practiced law with George 
Springmeyer and later Mead Dixon for 27 years until 1963. He served as 
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada from 1942 to 1952 
and as special master for the U.S. District Court of the District of 
Nevada from 1952 to 1953.
  Judge Thompson was also president of the Nevada State Bar Association 
from 1955 to 1956. And, following a term as regent to the State 
Planning Board in 1959, he served as its chairman from 1960 to 1961. In 
1963, he was appointed U.S. District Judge by President John Kennedy.
  Mr. Speaker, I have previously testified to Judge Thompson's 
legendary career and I will not take further time today. I will simply 
conclude by saying Judge Thompson's outstanding career, coupled by the 
immense love and respect he earned from his colleagues, makes naming 
the new courthouse in Reno a fitting tribute, worthy of his legacy.
  I want to thank Mr. Gilchrest and Mr. Shuster for their consideration 
and for their willingness to move this important legislation. Their 
assistance has been invaluable.
  I urge approval of this important legislation.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, Judge Thompson has enjoyed an outstanding career, having 
been appointed to the Federal bench by President John F. Kennedy in 
1963. He is extremely well liked by all his judicial colleagues and has 
received the endorsement of many legal organization in the State of 
Nevada, as evidenced by the statements here of Mr. Oberstar and Mr. 
Gilchrest and the gentlewoman from Nevada, Mrs. Vucanovich.
  I commend Mrs. Vucanovich for her tenacity and diligence in pursuing 
the passage of this bill. I urge all to vote for it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Gilchrest] that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 395.

[[Page H 13954]]

  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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