[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PETER RODINO

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to mourn the passing of 
former Congressman Peter Rodino and also to celebrate his life.
  The son of hard-working Italian immigrants, Peter Rodino grew up on 
the streets of Newark, NJ, and rose to become a prominent and respected 
figure during a defining moment in our Nation's history.
  Serving as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Rodino 
was charged with managing the impeachment hearings of President Richard 
Nixon. He had chaired the committee for less than a year when the 
hearings began, and those who did not know him wondered how he would 
respond to such a monumental challenge.
  He soon put all doubts to rest. He conducted the hearings patiently, 
thoroughly, and fairly, and in doing so he helped guide our Nation 
through a difficult test of our Constitution.
  By the time the committee had heard all of the evidence about the 
Watergate break-in and coverup, its members approved several articles 
of impeachment by overwhelming bipartisan margins. By this action, they 
proved that our system of government is greater than any one person or 
political party.
  Most of the Nation got to know Congressman Rodino during the 
Watergate hearings, but I had known him for years through his tireless 
work on behalf of the people of his district and New Jersey. He loved 
the city of Newark and the people of Newark, and he always had their 
interests at heart.
  Whether he was helping to pass the 1966 civil rights bill, extending 
the Voting Rights Act, or leading the effort to make Martin Luther 
King's birthday a national holiday, Peter Rodino worked tirelessly to 
make this Nation as great as it can possibly be.
  After I came to the Senate, I had the privilege of working with him 
to help the people of New Jersey. We served together for 6 years, and I 
was always amazed by the energy and determination he brought to his 
job.
  He had tackled every challenge with that same energy and 
determination, from his service in World War II with the 1st Armored 
Division to his work at Seton Hall law school, where he shared his love 
of the law with students.
  Every now and then, someone comes along who is an inspiration for us 
all, regardless of political party, religious faith, or ethnic 
background. Peter Rodino was just such a fellow. While I will miss him 
very much, I will always treasure his friendship with me and remember 
all the good he did for New Jersey and its people.

                          ____________________