[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMARKS OF FORMER SENATOR ROMAN L. HRUSKA (R-NE) AT THE DEDICATION OF 
                THE NEW FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN OMAHA, NE

 Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, last Friday a distinguished former 
Member of the United States Senate, Roman Hruska, was honored during a 
groundbreaking ceremony for a new Federal courthouse to be constructed 
in downtown Omaha. This new Federal facility will be named the Roman L. 
Hruska United States Courthouse.
  I had the honor of knowing Senator Hruska when I served as 
administrative assistant to former Congressman John Y. McCollister (R-
NE), my friend and mentor, in the 1970's. Senator Hruska served on the 
Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee as 
its ranking member. Several of my colleagues still serving today no 
doubt recall Senator Hruska and his contributions to our work here in 
the Senate. He is still going strong at 92 years of age and continues 
to stay involved in the Omaha community.
  Much of his work on the Senate Judiciary Committee remains with us 
today. Whether it was the creation of the Legal Services Corporation, 
revision of the Federal bankruptcy laws, reform of the Federal criminal 
code or amendments to the Federal antitrust laws, his imprint can be 
found. Senator Hruska always considered himself a work horse rather 
than a show horse and his numerous contributions to our Federal legal 
and justice system bear that out.
  That is why it is so fitting that the new Federal courthouse in Omaha 
has been named after him. His lifelong work as a public servant and 
lawyer was dedicated to making our system of laws fair, just, and 
workable for all citizens not just a privileged few. This is especially 
true with the Federal judiciary. Senator Hruska worked tirelessly to 
ensure that the Federal court system and the judiciary would be run by 
people of integrity, intellect, courage, and empathy for all the 
people--traits that he exhibited throughout his career.
  Mr. President, the new Hruska Courthouse is a welcome addition to 
downtown Omaha. It will meet the immediate needs of the Federal 
judiciary and other agencies that support the judicial system like the 
U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorneys Office, U.S. Probation Service, 
U.S. Pretrial Service and several other Federal agencies. The complex 
is designed to permit future expansion if needed. It will fit the 
traditional solid architecture of downtown Omaha but have new 
technology to meet the demands of the 21st century.
  Mr. President, I ask that the remarks delivered by Senator Hruska at 
the groundbreaking ceremony be printed in the Record.
  The remarks follow:

                   Remarks by Senator Roman L. Hruska

       It is with great humility that I thank my friends for their 
     many kind remarks here this afternoon. In particular, I wish 
     to single out the graciousness of my friend Jim Exon for his 
     selfless contribution to this special honor I receive today. 
     I also thank Senator Kerrey for his kind remarks.
       For me, there is no better way to join together my love for 
     Nebraska, the City of Omaha, and a commitment to our system 
     of justice and the federal judiciary than being honored by 
     having my name associated with the new federal courthouse to 
     be built on this site.
       Throughout my many years of service in Washington, DC, my 
     heart still remained in Omaha. As I addressed the business of 
     the U.S. Senate, the interests of Nebraska were always 
     foremost in my mind. Since retiring from the Senate more than 
     twenty years ago, I have tried to continue that commitment to 
     our community.
       During my years as a public servant, I tried to follow a 
     simple set of principles which I believe also represent the 
     basic beliefs and feelings of my fellow Nebraskans.
       I believed then and still believe in less government, not 
     more. I believed then and still believe that the courts 
     should defer to the legislatures in the matter of law-making. 
     I believed then and still believe that a truly independent 
     judiciary of the highest order of excellence is essential to 
     enforcement of the expressed will of the majority and the 
     protection of the fundamental rights of those in the 
     minority. I believed then and still believe that our judicial 
     system is the last bulwark against attacks on individual 
     liberty and freedom.
       Democracy and individual freedom are sometimes fragile 
     things. Fortunately, they are now on the march around the 
     world. Gratefully, they have become our birthright and will 
     be further nurtured by this new complex.
       But, the challenge remains great. Crime, breakdown of the 
     family, corruption and civil disorder are still present in 
     our society; even here in Omaha. We need to support actively 
     our police, prosecutors and judges as they carry out their 
     important responsibilities to uphold the law.
       Looking at all of you assembled here and thinking about the 
     many years I have devoted to public service, I am heartened 
     for our future. Young leaders are emerging--many gathered 
     here today--who will carry on the principles I believe in and 
     who represent the best of our nation and state.
       I am gratified and truly humbled by this occasion. Thank 
     you all for being here. Thank you all for your many 
     kindnesses and courtesies over the years. Thank you all for 
     this wonderful honor which you have bestowed upon me.
       God bless the State of Nebraska and God bless 
     America.

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