[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PETER RODINO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in paying 
tribute to a truly exceptional former member of this chamber. 
Congressman Peter Rodino was an extraordinary man in extraordinary 
times. The significance and importance of this great individual is 
immediately evidenced by the words, praises, and acclamations from his 
colleagues here today.
  I had the privilege of serving as a member of the House Judiciary 
Committee under his chairmanship for several years and then experienced 
the defining moment for his career as he led us through the 
consideration of articles of impeachment against President Richard 
Nixon. His obvious integrity and steady leadership of the Committee 
during this period were reassuring to a Nation recoiling from the 
complicity of a President in the perpetration of criminal acts.
  When the Nation needed a guiding hand in this national crisis, Peter 
Rodino steered us with diligence, respect, and thoughtfulness. He is 
best known for presiding over the impeachment trial of President Nixon. 
This was not a task that he took lightly nor pursued with great venom. 
He led the Judiciary Committee cautiously through its deliberation and 
consideration of the issue. He knew that a partisan approach would be 
divisive to the country and that Congress should act with all 
seriousness when reversing the public will. As the chairman, Mr. Rodino 
ensured that the Judiciary Committee behaved responsibly. He brought 
his personal gravitas and respect to the hearings and guaranteed that 
the proceedings were respected by all.
  When the Congress needed a leader to meet the challenge posed by the 
Civil Rights Movement, Peter Rodino in his classic style stood up and 
fought for the civil rights of all Americans. In the 1960s, when the 
country faced an energized black constituency determined to fulfill the 
promises of the Constitution, Peter Rodino stood up to defend their 
civil rights. He was one of the primary sponsors of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1964. From the Civil Rights 
Act to the Equal Rights Amendment, he supported every significant piece 
of civil rights legislation that emerged during his tenure in office. 
He was a supporter of the equality of every citizen and fought to 
ensure that justice was not denied to any group.

  Peter Rodino's life was not confined to Congress. He was a proud 
Italian-American and a dutiful public servant who repeatedly and 
selflessly gave of his time, experience, and wisdom. Prior to entering 
Congress, he fought in Italy and Africa during World War II, earning a 
Bronze Star, and later served with the Italian military, receiving a 
Knight of Order of Crown. After retiring from Congress, he taught and 
inspired future lawyers at Seton Hall University Law School. At Seton 
Hall, the Rodino Law Society continues his legacy of activism, 
responsibility, and duty and stands as a sign of his commitment to 
guiding future generations.
  I am proud to have served with Peter Rodino for 20 years in this 
chamber. He led by example and respected each member and person he met. 
He was a member who regularly engaged in both political and personal 
conversations with members on both sides of aisles. He was a product of 
his time--a time where civility and respect formed the public character 
and members regularly chatted with one another about the best interests 
of this country and their personal lives. As a congressional leader, 
Peter encouraged Republicans and Democrats alike to interact more, 
debate the issues of the day, and work towards solving the problems of 
this Nation.
  I am glad that this chamber is taking the time to recognize the 
importance of this wonderful man. I will miss Peter Rodino for all of 
these reasons and many more. He was clearly an extraordinary man who 
represented the very best of this Nation. Sometimes I wish there were 
more Rodinos in this chamber and in our public life.

                          ____________________