[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN PETER RODINO JR.

  Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to acknowledge 
the passing of Congressman Peter Rodino.
  We have lost a great man, a great New Jerseyan, and a great American.
  I had the most profound respect for Congressman Rodino's wisdom, 
fairness, honesty and sense of justice. He emerged a leader during one 
of the most difficult times in our Nation's history and he was more 
than equal to the task.
  Congressman Rodino was born in Newark, NJ. The son of Italian 
immigrants, he rose to prominence from humble origins, working his way 
through law school and attending classes at night to earn his degree.
  During World War II, he served his country with distinction, earning 
a Bronze Star. He returned a captain after having been promoted in the 
field.
  Upon his return, he sought public office. He was elected to the House 
of Representatives in 1948 and would serve in the House for 40 years. 
And during those years, Congressman Rodino earned the respect of his 
colleagues and the loyalty of his constituents. He sponsored the Civil 
Rights Act of 1966 and authored its fair employment practices 
amendment; he played an integral part in the drafting of numerous 
pieces of civil rights legislation. We can also thank him for 
sponsoring the bill making Columbus Day a holiday.
  Many, however, remember Congressman Rodino most for his role in 
Watergate as chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
  During Watergate, a tumultuous period for our country, we needed a 
touchstone for honesty, fairness, and bipartisanship. Congressman 
Rodino was that touchtone. Tip O'Neill said of his fellow 
representative: ``He's enhanced the stature of Congress when we were at 
a low ebb.'' He earned the trust and respect of his fellow Democrats 
and Republicans.
  He was a public servant in the truest sense of the phrase. We all can 
only hope to serve as he would and to represent our constituents with 
equal honor and grace.
  My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. We all 
mourn his passing.

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