[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11174-S11175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE INVESTITURE OF ERIC CLAY

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to comment on an event that 
will be taking place in Detroit, MI, a little later on this morning. 
Unfortunately, because of our votes today, it was not possible for me 
to attend what will be the investiture of Eric Clay, of Michigan, to 
become a judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. I worked on 
behalf of Mr. Clay during the nomination process. It was a long and 
arduous one. Although his nomination was first sent up here in 1996, 
because of various factors we did not complete action on his nomination 
during the 104th Congress. Therefore, his

[[Page S11175]]

nomination was sent up again at the beginning of the 105th Congress. 
Happily, after another hearing and after once again being able to seek 
and receive unanimous support on the Judiciary Committee, he was 
confirmed by the full Senate in July of this year.
  Mr. Clay has been an able advocate of his profession. He has been a 
very successful attorney. He is one of the cofounders of one of the 
Nation's largest minority-run law firms, and a very successful one in 
our State. He is well respected by people throughout the legal 
community. So, for those reasons and for a variety of others, I was 
delighted to support his nomination and to work for his confirmation.
  Unhappily, as I say, I will not be able to be at the investiture 
today, but I know his many friends and colleagues are with him and will 
celebrate his official swearing in to the Sixth Circuit Court of 
Appeals. As I indicated at the hearing, in any case where people might 
not necessarily agree, as we find ourselves perhaps occasionally in 
disagreement on matters that come before the court, or before the 
Senate for that matter, I think he will bring strength and competence.
  He served at one time as a clerk to Judge Damon Keith, who is 
currently on the sixth circuit and has just recently taken senior 
status. And, although not directly filling Judge Keith's spot, he, I am 
sure, will carry on Judge Keith's legacy on the bench and I think will 
be a fine advocate for the State of Michigan on the sixth circuit, and 
also, I think, will bring to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals a great 
deal of talent and will make a valuable contribution.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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