[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO REV. 
                       THEODORE HESBURGH, C.S.C.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 1999

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
award a Congressional Gold Medal to Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C. I 
introduce this bill with Representatives Peter King, John Lewis, Pete 
Visclosky, Mark Souder, Anne Northup and 85 original cosponsors in the 
U.S. House of Representatives. It is my understanding that a companion 
bill will be introduced in the U.S. Senate later today.
  This bipartisan legislation recognizes Father Hesburgh for his many 
outstanding contributions to the United States and the global 
community. The bill authorizes the President to award a gold medal to 
Father Hesburgh on behalf of the United States Congress. It also 
authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike and sell duplicates to the public.
  The public service career of Father Hesburgh, president emeritus of 
the University of Notre Dame, is as distinguished as his many 
educational contributions. Over the years, he has held 15 Presidential 
appointments and he has remained a national leader in the fields of 
education, civil rights and the development of the Third World. 
Highlighting a lengthy list of awards to Father Hesburgh is the Medal 
of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian honor, bestowed on him by 
President Johnson in 1964.
  Mr. Speaker, justice has been the primary focus of Father Hesburgh's 
pursuits throughout his life. He was a charter member of the U.S. 
Commission on Civil Rights, created by Congress in 1957 as a compromise 
to end a filibuster in the U.S. Senate to prevent passage of any and 
all legislation concerning civil rights in general and voting rights in 
particular. Father Hesburgh chaired the commission from 1969 to 1972, 
until President Nixon replaced him as chairman because of his criticism 
of the Administration's civil rights record.
  Father Hesburgh stepped down as head of the University of Notre Dame 
in 1987, ending the longest tenure among active presidents of American 
institutions of higher learning. He continues in retirement much as he 
did as the Nation's senior university chief executive officer--as a 
leading educator and humanitarian inspiring generations of students and 
citizens, and generously sharing his wisdom in the struggle for the 
rights of man.
  I am personally grateful to Father Hesburgh for his friendship and 
guidance during my years as a student at the University of Notre Dame. 
My family shares my gratitude. My grandfather, William Roemer, was a 
professor of philosophy during the early years of Father Hesburgh's 
presidency, and my parents, Jim and Mary Ann Roemer, also worked during 
his tenure at the University.
  Mr. Speaker, I once asked Father Hesburgh for advice about how to 
raise a happy and healthy family with children. His reply was helpful, 
insightful and advice I continue to follow today: ``Love their 
mother.'' I strongly believe Father Hesburgh's response here was just 
one of many shining examples illustrating that his contributions to 
family values in American society are as numerous and meaningful as his 
devoted contributions to human rights, education, the Catholic Church 
and the global community.
  Mr. Speaker, today is Father Hesburgh's 82nd birthday, and I believe 
that this is the most appropriate time for Congress and the entire 
Nation to join me in recognizing this remarkable man and living legend 
of freedom in America. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support 
this bipartisan legislation and urge the House of Representatives to 
pass this important measure.

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