[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 125 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H5944-H5948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H5944]]
LEE H. HAMILTON FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 1583) to designate the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, as
the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse.''
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 1583
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.
The Federal building and United States courthouse located
at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, shall be
known and designated as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal
Building and United States Courthouse''.
SEC. 2. REFERENCES.
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper,
or other record of the United States to the Federal building
and United States courthouse referred to in section 1 shall
be deemed to be a reference to the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal
Building and United States Courthouse''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Kerns) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Kerns).
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1583 designates the Federal building and United
States Courthouse at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana as
the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse.''
I would first like to note that this legislation has the strong
bipartisan support of the entire Indiana delegation. I am very pleased
to be a cosponsor of this important legislation.
Lee Hamilton is an extraordinary individual who represented the Ninth
Congressional District in Indiana for 34 years. Congressman Hamilton
was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and moved to Evansville, Indiana in
1944 where he attended public schools. Of course, we in Indiana love
our basketball; and as a high school athlete, Lee Hamilton led the
Evansville Central Golden Bears to the Indiana High School State
Championship basketball game. Many believe that if the future
congressman had not been injured during the game, the Golden Bears
would have won.
Lee went on to graduate from DePauw University in Greencastle,
Indiana and then graduated from Indiana University School of Law in
1956. Congressman Hamilton was admitted to the State bar in 1957.
He entered private law practice in Chicago, but returned shortly
thereafter to Columbus, Indiana where he continued private law practice
until seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1964. He
was first elected to serve in the 89th Congress and was reelected to 16
consecutive terms.
While in the House, Congressman Hamilton was a leader with an
excellent appreciation for working with both sides of the aisle. He
served as chairman of the House Committee on Intelligence from 1985
until 1987, and as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee in 1989 and
1990, and as the chairman of the Committee on International Relations
from 1993 until 1995.
Congressman Hamilton was always a strong advocate for diplomatic
international solutions. In the post-Cold War, he believed weapons
proliferation was a major international concern. He also believed that
protecting the environment and the fight against disease and hunger
were important major foreign policy goals. Upon his retirement from
Congress, Mr. Hamilton continues to serve the public to bridge that
important gap between academia and foreign policy.
Today, I serve on the House Committee on International Relations; and
during this most difficult time, I draw on the example he set
throughout his career. Although he is no longer a member of this
legislative body, I know its Members respect his opinion and seek his
input on the challenges this crisis presents.
On a more personal note, Congressman Hamilton served with my father-
in-law, John Myers, for 30 years in Congress; and, although they are
different political parties, they would find common ground and work
together on issues to benefit the people in Indiana and of our Nation.
As a fellow Hoosier, I take great pride in Congressman Hamilton's
accomplishments and service to Indiana and the Nation. This naming bill
is a fitting tribute to a distinguished former member of the House. I
support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in my support.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1583 is a bill to designate the Federal building in
New Albany, Indiana as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and
United States Courthouse.'' Lee Hamilton is a former colleague who
represented the ninth district of Indiana for 34 years. The gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Hill) currently holds that seat and is the sponsor of
this legislation.
Lee Hamilton graduated from Central High School in Evansville,
Indiana. He then attended DePauw University and graduated from Indiana
University Law School in 1956. While in high school and college,
Hamilton was an outstanding basketball player and was inducted into the
Indiana basketball Hall of Fame.
During his 34-year tenure in Congress, Lee Hamilton made his mark in
foreign affairs and domestic economic policy. He served on the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the
Iran Contra Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. He had a front
row seat for many historic events, including the fall of the Berlin
Wall and the Gulf War. As a follower of economic issues, Lee Hamilton
was a champion of global market competition and encouraged economic
development.
During his government service, Lee Hamilton received numerous awards
and honors. These include the Knight Commander Cross of the Order of
Merit from the Government of Germany, the Paul Nitze Award for
Distinguished Authority On National Security Affairs in 1999, and the
Edmund Muskie Award for outstanding public service in 1997.
Congressman Hamilton, although a recognized and powerful figure in
Washington, D.C., did not lose his sense of humility. He has retained
his sense of humor, his grass roots ``Hoosier'' values, and remained a
source of advice and counsel even today to his colleagues. Lee Hamilton
is currently the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center
for Scholars here in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 1583, and I urge my colleagues
to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), who is the ranking
member of the Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, let me simply say that I have had the privilege for most
of the years of my service here to serve with the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Hamilton); and, in my view, he is one of the most
distinguished persons ever to occupy this body. He has a solid
understanding of the economy. He served this House for years on the
Joint Economic Committee and served as chair of that committee.
He is without question, in my view, the wisest member of this body in
dealing with foreign affairs of any Member I have ever served with.
Whether he was talking about Central America or the Middle East or the
Soviet Union or its successor states, Lee Hamilton at all times came to
his positions on the basis of facts, not on the basis of ideology. In
the process, he served this country incredibly well.
He continues to serve this country well today in this time of crisis
as the Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center at the Smithsonian. He has
served the people of Indiana with incredible distinction, and he has
done great honor to the people of the United States in the manner of
his service in this institution. I am pleased today to see that he is
getting at least some of the recognition that all of us who know him
understand that he deserves.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
[[Page H5945]]
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill).
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time.
Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to rise today in support of H.R.
1583, a bill to name the Federal Building and United States Courthouse
in New Albany, Indiana after my friend and mentor and colleague and the
former Congressman of southern Indiana's ninth district, Lee Hamilton.
I would like to thank all of my colleagues in the Indiana
congressional delegation for supporting this bill: the gentlewoman from
Indiana (Ms. Carson), and the gentlemen from Indiana (Mr. Burton), (Mr.
Buyer), (Mr. Hostettler), (Mr. Kerns), (Mr. Pence), (Mr. Roemer), (Mr.
Souder), and (Mr. Visclosky). I would also like to thank Senators Evan
Bayh and Dick Lugar for their invaluable help in sponsoring a companion
bill in the Senate, and I would also like to thank Indiana State
Representatives Bill Cochran and Jim Bottorff for urging Congress to
designate this building in honor of Lee.
Lee Hamilton served the people of southern Indiana with distinction
for 34 years in the United States House of Representatives.
{time} 1515
He established himself as a leader in international affairs, serving
as the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Iran-Contra
Investigation Committee.
Lee was an honorable, forthright, and trustworthy Member of Congress
who always provided a voice of reason when our Nation dealt with
foreign policy issues throughout the Cold War. We still count on Lee
today. It is no surprise to me, nor to any of Lee's former colleagues,
to see the media and other scholars turn to Lee for his expertise in
the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11.
In troubled times like these, our Nation needs statesmen and our
country demands leadership. Throughout his public life, Lee has always
fulfilled those needs and met those demands.
Lee was my Congressman from the time I was 12 years old until he
retired in 1998. His commonsense leadership in Congress helped make
southern Indiana a better place for Hoosier families to live and work.
When Lee retired from Congress in 1998, Washington Post columnist
David Broder wrote: ``Hamilton is a throwback to the old days of the
House, and not just because he still has the crew cut he wore when he
came to Washington as a small town Hoosier in the Democratic landslide
of 1964. He is an exemplar of common sense and an instinctively
moderate model of legislator that used to be common in Congress but is
increasingly rare today.''
Lee now serves as the director of the Woodrow Wilson International
Center for Scholars and the director of the Center on Congress at
Indiana University. His distinguished service as a Congressman and
scholar has won him numerous public service awards and honorary
degrees, far too many to list here today.
One thing is certain, though: throughout all Lee's professional
successes, he never forgot the people of southern Indiana. To his
neighbors and constituents, he was never ``Congressman Hamilton,'' nor
was he ``Chairman Hamilton,'' he was just ``Lee.''
Even when he was being considered as a Vice-Presidential nominee or
Secretary of State, or weighing a possible Senate campaign, Lee was
never untouchable. He has always been down to earth and accessible and
continues to embody the values and ideals of the people of southern
Indiana.
It is fitting we designate this Federal building and the U.S.
courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building to pay tribute to
his limitless dedication and service to the people of southern Indiana.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill) for his
leadership in this. I know that I speak for all of our colleagues when
I thank him for his leadership on this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Roemer).
Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr.
Kerns) for bringing this good bill to the floor, and I thank my good
neighbor from the State of Illinois (Mr. Costello) for his hard work. I
certainly recognize the insight my good friend and fellow Hoosier, the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill), had in putting this bill together
and guiding it to the completion we are about to see today.
I think the people of New Albany are particularly proud today. I
think the people of Indiana are particularly proud today. I know the
people in the United States are particularly proud today of honoring
our home State leader, Lee Hamilton, and his wife, Nancy, and his
family for the 34 years that they gave to this country with his
insight, his common sense, his civility, and his fortitude and courage.
It is altogether fitting and appropriate that a U.S. courthouse and a
Federal building be named after Lee Hamilton, a U.S. courthouse in that
Lee Hamilton guided this Nation during the Iran-Contra hearings and
provided a very, very tight grasp of the law and applied that law
firmly and fairly and helped us get through some difficult moments and
times.
Senator Sam Irvin, during the Watergate hearings, was seen as a
leader of common sense and a brilliant mind with the law. I think Lee
Hamilton was our House counterpart during those days.
Secondly, for the Federal building, Lee has always had an intimate
sense of not only fairness but bipartisanship, always looking at the
principle and the facts of the law and then trying to build coalitions
of people together to put forward good foreign policy.
So the people who walk into that Federal building, whether they be in
the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage, and
House division; the FBI office, no matter what line of Federal service
or civil service they serve in, I think they will look up with pride
when they see Lee Hamilton's name on that building.
Lastly, I think Lee is remembered for helping through the 1960s and
the 1970s and the 1980s and the 1990s guide our institutions through
some very difficult times and difficult days. We face those same
difficulties, given the events of September 11, today.
I can only imagine how many times Lee Hamilton's phone rang in the
ensuing days from people looking for advice, trying to glean some
counsel from Lee Hamilton. He will continue to provide that advice and
that counsel and that common sense in the many days and months and
years ahead with his leadership at the Woodrow Wilson Center for
Scholars.
So I thank my colleagues for bringing this honor to Lee and Nancy and
their children and family, to Indiana, and we are very proud of him in
our home State for all he has brought forward.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Pence).
Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, I would especially associate myself with the
complimentary remarks made about the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill),
my colleague and friend to the south, for his great leadership on this
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlemen from Indiana, Mr. Hill and Mr.
Roemer, and the other prominent Members around here from Indiana today,
for producing this legislation and permitting me to be part of it. I
would also like to thank Senators Bayh and Lugar for introducing the
bill in the Senate.
Mr. Speaker, as a boy growing up in Columbus, Indiana, when I was the
age of the little boy sitting on my office floor right now, my
Congressman was Lee Hamilton; and that famous crew cut, that confident
stride of a basketball player, was a frequent image on the streets of
Columbus, Indiana.
I had the honor of following his career and unsuccessfully applying
for a job in his office at one point in my early career. For 34 years,
I watched as he served both my hometown and all of Indiana with
humility and distinction. Upon his retirement from the House of
Representatives in 1998, Congressman Hamilton left a blueprint in
public service here in the halls of the Capitol. His approach to issues
and accessibility to his constituents, already commented on eloquently
today, is an inspiration for his role.
[[Page H5946]]
Congressman Hamilton was most respected and best known for his role
as chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. His broad
knowledge of foreign policy recently earned him the honor of serving as
the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Congressman Hamilton's influence is ongoing in the world of foreign
affairs, as most Americans know, in the wake of the tragic events of 2
weeks ago. The President recently established in this very hall the
Office of Homeland Security. What they may not know is that that was a
direct result of the vision and the purpose and the leadership which
Indiana's own Lee Hamilton provided as a member of the now-famous
Commission on Terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, as I travel to Europe to participate in a
conference on terrorism, I will carry with me many things. I will carry
with me notes to study on the issues about which I will comment; but I
will, more than anything else, carry the image of Lee Hamilton, who
presented not only the image of a gentleman Hoosier into the foreign
scene, but also what it truly is to be an American of principle in the
world.
I join my fellow Hoosier delegates in designating the building at 121
West Spring Street as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal building and U.S.
courthouse. It is an honor worthy of one of our Nation's foremost
experts in foreign policy and one of Indiana's proudest public
servants.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and
colleague, the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).
Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding, and I thank the other members of the Indiana delegation who
are gathered here in one place and in one accord in support of naming a
Federal building in honor of the Honorable Lee Hamilton.
I had the benefit of having two Congresspeople. I worked at Cummings
Engine Company, headquartered in Indiana, for over 10 years. While I
was at work during the day, Mr. Hamilton was my Congressman. When I
would travel back to Indianapolis, Indiana, Andy Jacobs was my
Congressman. So I had the benefit of having a dual congressional honor,
if you will: two very famous men in the halls of Congress. We have
named a post office after the Honorable Andy Jacobs; and now today,
with the help of the two distinguished Senators from Indiana, we will
do the same for Mr. Hamilton.
Let me put a different spin on this, however. We know what a
brilliant mind Lee Hamilton has now. We understand he was a basketball
star, and even won the prestigious award for his basketball expertise,
called the Trester Award.
But Mr. Speaker, on today's schedule, the resolution immediately
preceding the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and the United States
Courthouse Designation Act, was a resolution expressing the sense of
Congress regarding the establishment of a National Character Counts
Week.
We hear a lot of diatribe at these microphones about family values
and condemning people's behavior and all that, but Lee Hamilton has an
unblemished, uncompromising solid moral character. He is a man who has
had the joy of being married to Nancy for countless years, has a
beautiful family. So he is the type of individual who does not extol
big messages about family values. But he characterized family values in
a very positive way.
It is for that reason, and many others, that I am very proud to join
my colleagues in support of this resolution naming the post office for
Lee Hamilton in New Albany, Indiana.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before saying a word about my friend, Lee
Hamilton, let me say something about Nancy Hamilton, who, throughout a
remarkable and distinguished public career, has given Lee the support,
the encouragement, the inspiration which is so exemplary and so rare
these days.
Lee Hamilton symbolizes the quintessential public servant. His
integrity was unquestioned. His character was an inspiration to all of
us. He was the most hardworking Member of this body.
I had the pleasure and the privilege of sitting next to him in
countless committee hearings; and every single time Lee was fully
prepared, thoroughly briefed, widely read on any subject that came
before the Committee on International Relations.
His bipartisanship was legendary. He could not care whether it was a
Democratic proposal or a Republican proposal. He was looking for the
merits and for the flaws of the proposal and then made up his mind and
voted.
When Lee left this House, he left an enormous void. We are very
fortunate that his work on behalf of our Nation continues in his
present distinguished position. But this House will long remember and
cherish and value the incredible contributions of this great son of
Indiana who made this body a proud, productive, distinguished group
through his presence.
Lee Hamilton will be a tower of strength for all young people from
Indiana who aspire for public service, and it is an honor to join my
colleagues in recommending an affirmative vote on this important
legislation.
{time} 1530
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, as the House considers H.R.
1583, I would like to rise in recognition of Representative Lee
Hamilton for whom H.R. 1583 names the Federal building and United
States courthouse in New Albany, Indiana after.
Over the years, I have had the honor and privilege of forming a
relationship and friendship with Lee. He is a man for whom I hold in
the highest regard and am proud to call him a friend.
As a United States representative from January 1965 until his
retirement in 1999, Lee served his constituents of the Ninth District
of Indiana with the same honor, integrity, dignity with which he has
lived his entire life.
Lee has received many awards throughout his distinguished career,
including the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the
Federal Republic of Germany, the Paul H. Nitze Award for Distinguished
Authority on National Security Affairs, and the Department of Defense
Medal for Distinguished Public Service, and the Central Intelligence
Agency Medallion, just to name a few.
Lee Hamilton recently served on a national commission dealing with
terrorism and related subjects. A week ago I attended a congressional
briefing by Lee Hamilton on terrorism, and as usual, he came forward
with significant insights on this very timely topic.
On a personal note, he served with my uncle, Congressman Morris Udall
of Arizona, and Mo always used to tell me, listen to Lee Hamilton, he
is one of the wisest Members of Congress.
Mr. Speaker, during his 34 years as a Member of Congress, Lee
Hamilton was an exceptional legislator who forged partnerships on both
sides of the aisle in order to get the American people's business done.
Over the last couple of weeks, we as a Congress have had the
opportunity to follow Lee's example.
Today, we continue to follow that example by honoring him and the
city of New Albany, Indiana, by designating the Federal building and
United States courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and
United States Courthouse.
I encourage all my colleagues to support H.R. 1583.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in
designating the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States
Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
I had the pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives for
over twenty-two years with Lee Hamilton.
Lee's lifetime commitment to public service, under the
administrations of seven Presidents from both parties, never faltered.
His enormous achievements are a testament to a remarkable life of
selfless duty and an unstinting commitment to the peace and prosperity
of the people of Indiana, our Nation and to peoples living in every
corner of the world.
Lee Hamilton was known in this House for his unimpeachable integrity,
his gentle voice of reason, and professionalism; all for which I had
the great fortune from which to benefit.
Lee Hamilton arrived in Washington to begin his long tenure in the
House during the Lyndon Johnson administration. As those times
[[Page H5947]]
demanded, he was present for the creation of such landmark legislation
as the Elementary and Secondary and Higher Education Acts, helping
assure an educated citizenry so that the socio-economic needs of this
country might be met. He also presided over the enactment of
legislation to assist those living at or below poverty--especially the
childlren--as Johnson's War on Poverty began, and the President's Great
Society began to take shape.
There was much going on in this House when Lee Hamilton arrived from
Jeffersonville, Indiana to begin his service as the representative of
the Ninth District of that great state, and aside from domestic issues,
Lee was soon to become deeply involved in international issues as well.
As Lee Hamilton's distinguished service grew and flourished on behalf
of those who needed federal support in order to obtain an education,
food, shelter and health care, he quietly became our most able leader
in International affairs. As he chaired and served as ranking member of
the International Relations Committee for many years Lee devoted
himself to leading this country through the cold war, helping bring
about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the former
Soviet Union; and then seeking to strengthen the development of new
democracies.
Over the years I was able to look to him for assistance with concerns
I have had over events in the Middle East, and especially in the land
of my grandfathers, Lebanon. His deep understanding of the culture,
history and traditions of the Middle Eastern countries is enormous. I
know there were many times over the years when, at my request and no
matter how busy he was, he took the time to share with me and my
colleagues his remarkable insight into how best to address events in a
troubled area in times of great distress.
Lee Hamilton continued his distinguished career in foreign relations
when he left the House of Representatives to become Director of the
Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars and Director of the Center on
Congress at Indiana University. His unmatched experience in both of
these realms continues a distinguished career in advancing America's
leadership on the world stage.
During this tragic time for the United States we need the steadying
hand and influence of such honorable leaders as Lee Hamilton to guide
our nation in her fight against terrorism. I can think of none better
to contribute than this most accomplished statesman.
And so it is with warmest personal regard, highest esteem and deepest
appreciation that I join my colleagues in designating the Lee Hamilton
Federal Building and United States Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of
H.R. 1583, a bill designating the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
in New Albany, Indiana, as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and
United States Courthouse.''
Our colleague, former Congressman Lee Hamilton possessed all
attributes that a very distinguished public servant should possess--
sound and well-reasoned judgment, unswerving integrity, unfailing
courtesy, and intellect. Throughout his 34-year congressional career,
while a strong legislative leader, he also consistently sought
constructive ways to forge a bipartisan consensus where possible. Also,
he certainly knew and represented his Indiana constituents very well.
The people of Indiana's 9th Congressional District were exceedingly
well-served by Representative Lee Hamilton during his service not only
by his close attention to domestic issues and District concerns, but as
Americans through his vast and respected foreign policy expertise and
his leadership by his service as Chairman of the House Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, and as Chairman and later as Ranking
Minority Member of the House International Relations Committee. Indeed,
Lee represented all Americans by rationally and insistently approaching
foreign policy with U.S. national interests in mind, not simply those
of special interest groups. Additionally, people world-wide have
benefitted from his dedication to food aid projects, to democracy-
building projects in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and to many
other international projects too numerous to mention.
Mr. Speaker, this Member served with Lee on the House International
Relations Committee from 1983 through 1996 and remains particularly
grateful for the informed, insightful assistance and counsel that Lee
provided when this Member was a junior member of the Committee's
minority. Regrettably, this Member did not have the opportunity to
serve with Lee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
but, as current Vice-Chairman of the Committee and having served
earlier for six years, this Member certainly does appreciate
Representative Hamilton's contributions to the Intelligence Committee.
We would all be well-advised to follow his example of setting aside
emotion and irrationality from intricate, complex challenges and
inserting common sense and careful analysis.
Mr. Sepaker, this Member has served in this body for 23 years and
without any hyperbole would say that Lee Hamilton is one of the three
or four most distinguished legislators with whom this Member has had
the privilege to serve. Naming the New Albany, Indiana, Federal
Building and U.S. Courthouse after Representative Hamilton is an
appropriate tribute to a man who served Indiana and his country so
extraordinarily well. This Member urges his colleagues to vote in favor
of H.R. 1583.
Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of
H.R. 1583, which designates the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, as
the ``Lee Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse''.
Lee Hamilton and I were members of the same freshman class in
Congress--we both began our service in the 89th Congress in 1965. I was
sorry when my friend and valued colleague decided to retire at the end
of the 105th Congress in 1998 after 17 terms in the House of
Representatives. Lee currently serves as director of the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars and the Center for Congress at
Indiana University.
Lee Hamilton is remembered by his colleagues for his skilled and
principled service as chair and ranking member on the House Committee
on International Affairs. His achievements and deep knowledge of
foreign affairs and national security issues have been recognized by
numerous awards, including the 1999 Paul H. Nitze Award for
Distinguished Authority on National Security Affairs, the Philip C.
Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service, the Indiana Humanities
Council Lifetime Achievement Award, and the U.S. Association of Former
Members of Congress Statesmanship Award.
It is indeed fitting that the people of Indiana have a federal
building and courthouse named after Lee Hamilton. His vast knowledge,
keen intellect, and deeply held principles have been of great service
to the people of Indiana and of the United States.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R.
1583, a bill designating the federal building and courthouse in Albany,
Indiana after my good friend Lee Hamilton. I am proud to stand before
this body to honor my friend Lee Hamilton for this hard work and
dedication to the people of this country.
Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1931, Lee Hamilton is first and
foremost an American. He is a Floridan as well, having left a great
impression upon the people of Daytona Beach and throughout Florida.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to stand before you today to recognize
a man that I admire professionally and consider a close and genuine
friend. Having followed his career success and admired his
accomplishments of becoming one of the most honored members of
Congress, I had the pleasure of following in Lee's footsteps on serving
on both the House Committee on International Relations and later on
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence upon which he was
distinguished the Chair.
What stands out about Lee and compels me to rise before you today, is
not merely his accomplishments and political gains, but the fact that
he distinguished himself over 34 years in Congress as a dedicated
public servant and continue to embrace that integrity at the highest
levels.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute my close friend, Lee Hamilton for
his significant contributions, hard work and dedication to promoting
democracy. I urge my colleagues to support of H.R.1583 designating the
federal building and courthouse in Indiana after my praiseworthy friend
Lee Hamilton.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I
rise today in full support of H.R. 1583, a bill designating the Federal
building and United States courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street
in New Albany, Indiana as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and
United States Courthouse.''
Lee Hamilton is a proud ``Hoosier'' through and through, and to this
day he continues to work for the people of Indiana. Lee was the star of
his basketball teams in high school and college, and earned induction
into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Lee attended Evansville
Central High School, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the
basketball court. As a senior, he led his team to the final game of the
Indiana state basketball tournament, and received the prestigious
Trester award for scholarship and athletics. After graduation, Lee
attended Depauw University where he studied history. Lee graduated with
honors in 1952 and was awarded the Walker Cup, given to the most
outstanding member of the senior class. He went on to study for a year
in post-war Germany at Goethe University before returning to law school
at Indiana University, from which he graduated in 1956.
[[Page H5948]]
While representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District in the U.S.
House of Representatives, Lee Hamilton earned a reputation as a leader
in international affairs, serving as Chairman of the House Foreign
Relations Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Iran-
Contra Investigation Committee. During his tenure in Congress, Lee
Hamilton established a broad record of expertise and influence in
foreign affairs. He focused substantial attention on promoting
democracy and market reforms in the former Soviet Union and Eastern
Europe; advancing peace and stability in the Middle East; expanding
U.S. markets overseas; and overhauling U.S. foreign aid.
In addition to his impressive record on foreign affairs, Congressman
Hamilton also played an important role in reforming the institution of
Congress itself. He co-chaired the Joint Committee on the Organization
of Congress where he worked to develop ideas like the gift-ban
tightening lobbying restrictions, and applying workplace laws to the
United States Congress.
In 1999, after serving in the House of Representatives for 34 years,
Lee Hamilton assumed the positions of Director of the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., and the Director
of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. The non-partisan
Center on Congress at Indiana University aims to educate citizens about
the operations and importance of the U.S. Congress, and it includes a
special outreach program to the people of Indiana.
I join my colleagues in honoring Lee by designating the New Albany
Federal building and courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building
and United States Courthouse, and I wish him well in his current
endeavors.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1583,
legislation introduced by Rep. Baron Hill, to designate the Federal
building and U.S. courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New
Albany, Indiana, as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United
States Courthouse.''
Former Congressman Lee Hamilton retired in 1998 after 34 years of
service in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lee Hamilton represented
the Ohio River counties of the State of Indiana and was first elected
in 1964. Before retiring he served as the Chairman of our House
Committee on International Relations.
While Chairman, I had the pleasure of working with Lee as the Ranking
Republican Member, where I learned of his extensive knowledge and
capacity for hard work in addition to his sense of moral imperative. It
is at this time that I also learned of his willingness to bring back
the pre-World War II era of bipartisan foreign policy.
Lee Hamilton was born in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Fla. on April
20, 1931 and moved with his parents to Evansville, Ind., in 1944. He
graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1956 and was
admitted to the bar in 1957. He began the practice of law in 1958 in
Columbus, Ind. In 1968 he was first elected to the Eighty-ninth
Congress and to the sixteen succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1965
through January 3, 1999).
In addition to serving as Chairman of the House International
Relations Committee during the One Hundred Third Congress, Congressman
Hamilton served as Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence
during the Ninety-ninth Congress; the Select Committee to Investigate
Covert Arms Transactions with Iran during the One Hundredth Congress;
and the Joint Economic Committee during the One Hundred First Congress.
Accordingly, I urge all of my colleagues to fully support this
measure.
Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lend my support to H.R. 1583,
legislation to name the federal building and courthouse in New Albany,
Indiana, after a very distinguished former member of this body, Lee
Hamilton.
While a Member of the House, Lee Hamilton earned a reputation as
foreign policy expert. With the recent tragic events that have struck
our country, Lee Hamilton's advise and counsel are again being sought.
He served for 34 years in this body before retiring in 1999. While his
primary committee focus was in foreign policy, Lee also had a tenure as
the Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and on temporary panels to
address standards of conduct and Congressional operations and
organization.
Still although having a love of foreign policy, Lee Hamilton never
forgot his constituents in Indiana. He worked hard for the well-being
of his constituents and reached across the aisle on many items for the
betterment of the Hoosier State.
Finally, it must be noted here, that perhaps one of his greatest
accomplishments, came not on the House floor or in committee, but on
the basketball court. He was a star player on his high school and
college teams and has been inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of
Fame.
I support H.R. 1583 and urge its adoption.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1583,
which recognizes our former colleague from Indiana, the Honorable Lee
H. Hamilton, by naming in his honor a Federal Building and U.S.
Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
Mr. Speaker, ever since I was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1989, I
have served as a member of the House Foreign Affairs/International
Relations Committee. In that capacity, it was my distinct pleasure and
honor to serve with and get to know our distinguished colleague, the
former Chairman and Ranking Democratic Member, Lee Hamilton.
Over the decade that I worked with Mr. Hamilton, he was always looked
to by Committee members for bipartisan leadership, wise insight and
steady guidance in crafting America's foreign policy.
Mr. Hamilton's voice was one marked by moderation, thoughtfulness and
balance, and he had the vision to look beyond momentary international
crises to seek and preserve the long-term interests of our Nation.
In a distinguished career in Congress which spanned 34 years, Mr.
Hamilton, in particular, provided exceptional leadership in efforts to
promote democratic reforms in the former Soviet Union and Soviet bloc
nations, as well his strong support of balanced peace initiatives in
the Middle East. Mr. Hamilton was also a major instrumental force in
revamping our Nation's foreign aid and export policies, while
championing the expansion of overseas markets for U.S. products.
Mr. Speaker, all of us in Congress greatly miss our former colleague,
Mr. Hamilton. We note, however, that he continues his tremendous
contributions to our Nation's foreign policy by serving as the Director
of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the respected
international and world affairs think tank.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to adopt the legislation before
us, which fittingly honors and pays tribute to a great American and one
of the most respected leaders in our Nation's capital.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation. I have
no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Kerns) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 1583.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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