[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        WALTER S. SMITH, JR., CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Chief 
Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr., of the Western District of Texas. Judge 
Smith has dedicated his life to public service and justice, and I am 
pleased to commend him on his 20th anniversary on the Federal bench.
  Judge Smith was born on October 25, 1940, to Dr. Walter S. Smith and 
Mary Elizabeth Smith. He grew up in the central Texas town of Marlin. 
He attended Baylor University where he received his bachelor of arts 
and his juris doctorate. While in law school, Judge Smith was editor of 
the law review and served as president of the Phi Delta Phi law 
fraternity.
  Judge Smith began his legal career in private practice in Waco, TX. 
In 1979, he was appointed by Gov. Bill Clements to the 54th Judicial 
District Court of McLennan County. Shortly thereafter, Judge Smith was 
appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Texas.
  In 1984, Senator John Tower recommended Judge Smith for an 
appointment to the Federal bench. President Ronald Reagan nominated him 
for the position and he received a unanimous Senate confirmation on 
October 4, 1984. Judge Smith was sworn into office on October 6, 1984, 
and has served since then as the first and only resident United States 
District Judge in the Waco Division. Judge Smith was elevated to the 
position of chief Judge of the Western District of Texas on June 1, 
2003, a position he continues to hold.
  During his legal career, Judge Smith has remained a member of the 
Texas Bar Association, the Texas Bar Foundation, the McLennan County 
Bar Association, and the American Judicature Society.
  In addition to being admitted to practice in the State of Texas, 
Judge Smith was also admitted to practice in Federal district courts 
for the Western District of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, 
and the United States Supreme Court. Judge Smith is particularly proud 
of his participation in the formation of the Abner V. McCall American 
Inns of Court, for which he served as the first president.
  During his years on the Federal bench, Judge Smith has traveled 
throughout the Western and other Districts of Texas. In addition to 
Waco, he has held court in Austin, San Antonio, Pecos, El Paso, 
Midland, Laredo, Corpus Christi and Forth Worth.
  Judge Smith is married to the former Brenda Derting. They have two 
daughters, five granddaughters, and two grandsons. He is an ordained 
elder in the First Presbyterian Church and has been actively involved 
in church activities and community service.
  During his career, Judge Smith has demonstrated the dedication and 
patience we seek on our judges. He is respected for his fairness and 
commitment to justice. Judge Smith has been asked to make rulings on 
many difficult cases throughout the years and has risen to the many 
challenges with poise and dignity. His knowledge of the law and 
experience make him a great judge. His dedication to his community and 
to the rule of law make him a remarkable public servant. I thank him 
for his 20 years on the Federal bench in the Western District of 
Texas.

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