[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JUDGE GEORGE CROCKETT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Bonior] is 
recognized during morning hour debates until 9:50 a.m.
  Mr. BONIOR. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I learned on 
Sunday of the death of our former colleague, Judge George Crockett. 
Martin Weil in his obituary today in the Washington Post I think 
captured it very well. This is one of the more remarkable men to have 
lived in this century.
  Judge Crockett was a man who represented Detroit's inner city in 
Congress for 10 years after compiling a long and often controversial 
record as a defender of civil rights and unpopular causes. He was 
described as a kind of folk hero to his constituents of Michigan's 13th 
District.
  Milestones in his career included his service as the defense attorney 
in the celebrated conspiracy trial of 11 Communist leaders in New York 
almost 50 years ago. Judge Crockett was cited by the trial judge for 
contempt of court and served a prison term.
  On Capitol Hill he was known for demonstrating the same willingness 
to stand up for cherished beliefs in the face of withering criticism 
that had characterized his long career as a lawyer and a judge. In the 
words of the 1986 edition of the Almanac of American Politics it said, 
Judge Crockett was a man of steely self-assurance and has done what he 
considers his duty in much less friendly environments than the House of 
Representatives.
  While in the Congress, he was one of the first Members arrested at 
the South African embassy and protested against the white minority 
government. He was an enormously powerful man who had an incredible 
record in law and in labor work and as a judge. He raised a beautiful 
family.
  My condolences go out to his wife and his children and his 
grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. He was a man who had a great 
impact on this country, and I extend the condolences of Members of this 
body to his family.

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