[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      U.S. ATTORNEY CHUCK STEVENS

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a trusted colleague and dedicated public servant, Chuck Stevens. During 
his three-and-a-half-year tenure as the United States Attorney for the 
Eastern District of California, he compiled an undeniably strong 
record. However, what may be most impressive about Chuck is his self-
effacing demeanor in a position that often requires being pushed into 
the limelight.
  Chuck Stevens' career exemplifies the kind of integrity, dedication 
and skills essential for anyone who seeks to be an effective public 
servant. His success at the helm of the Eastern District in California 
so early in his career undoubtedly will be followed by great 
accomplishments in the future.
  A native of Cranford, NJ, Mr. Stevens moved to California to study 
law at the University of California, Berkeley where he graduated in 
1982. Prior to his current position, he worked as a litigator in 
complex cases in the private sector and as an Assistant United States 
Attorney.
  Mr. Stevens returned to public service when he was appointed by 
President Clinton in November 1993 to be the United States Attorney for 
the Eastern District of California. I had the honor of recommending Mr. 
Stevens to the President for appointment.
  Since then, Chuck has succeeded in prosecuting a multitude of 
crimes--from hate crimes to political corruption to halting health care 
fraud--with distinction and diligence. He was also appointed by United 
States Attorney General Reno to serve on her advisory committee 
representing United States Attorneys across the nation.
  The Sacramento-based Eastern District of California is the tenth 
largest of the Nation's 94 Federal judicial districts. It covers 34 
counties with 6 million residents scattered across 87,000 square miles 
from Oregon to Los Angeles and Nevada to the coastal range.
  Members of the legal community and Federal investigative agents give 
Mr. Stevens universally high marks for his job performance. He is 
credited with having ``no ego about himself and his work, unlike most 
lawyers,'' according to Sacramento based Federal Defender Quin Denvir. 
As anyone who has worked with Chuck knows, his work speaks for itself.
  Recently, Mr. Stevens' office has handled the weighty responsibility 
of trying the Unabomber case for incidents that occurred in California. 
Due to Mr. Stevens' leadership, Sacramento was considered as a site for 
the Federal trial against Ted Kacyzinski. It comes as no surprise that 
this case has been handled without fanfare, but with the utmost 
professionalism Mr. Stevens is known for.
  Chuck has always been ready and able to provide valuable advice on 
some of the State's most troubling problems. He is one of the most 
practical problem solvers in the criminal justice system.
  Chuck leaves the United States Attorney's office to form his own law 
firm in California's capitol with his predecessor, former United States 
Attorney George O'Connell. I am sure this formidable pair will quickly 
make its mark in the Sacramento legal community.
  Congratulations, Chuck, on the great opportunities that lie ahead and 
thank you for your outstanding public service to the people of this 
State and this Nation.

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