[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 92 (Monday, July 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURT OF APPEALS CHIEF JUDGE ANNICE 
                                 WAGNER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, because of my personal admiration and 
friendship, I am particularly pleased to rise today to introduce a 
resolution that gives me personal pleasure even beyond the pleasure I 
would normally have in commemorating the service of District of 
Columbia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Annice Wagner. Judge Wagner's 
distinguished service for almost 30 years to the courts and to the 
people of the District of Columbia is documented in this resolution, 
also introduced in the Senate by Governmental Affairs Chair, Susan 
Collins, I am pleased to ask the House as well to express its gratitude 
to Chief Judge Wagner.
  Judge Wagner was first nominated as an Associate Judge by President 
Jimmy Carter in 1977, re-nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 
1990, and appointed Chief Judge in 1994 By President Bill Clinton. 
Under Judge Wagner's leadership, the Court has benefited in many ways 
while growing in respect by the profession, the bar and the Congress. 
Recently, along with other officials, I helped Judge Wagner break 
ground on the renovation of the historic Old District of Columbia 
Courthouse (Old City Hall), a project she has long championed as the 
new home of our highest court, which Chief Judge Wagner has so 
successfully led. The Chief Judge led the court through a historic 
transition after the federal government for the first time assumed 
financial responsibility for the D.C. courts. Although the President 
always has appointed the judges of the D.C. courts, the District of 
Columbia alone was responsible for the costs until passage of the 
District of Columbia Revitalization Act of 1997. Joining the financial 
responsibility with the appointing power helped the District emerge 
from its worst financial crisis in a century. However, the transition 
required changes in many details of operations, and the leadership of 
Chief Judge Wagner was critical to the success of this important 
transition.
  When Judge Wagner was Annice Robinson and I was Eleanor Holmes, we 
were close friends and classmates at Dunbar High School. Annice was 
known then for her top academic achievements, her leadership skills, 
and her ability to bring people together. No one who knew Annice 
Robinson would be surprised that she would become Chief Judge of the 
highest court in her hometown or that she would leave her signature on 
the Court and on our city.
  We are fortunate indeed that Chief Judge Wagner will assume senior 
status enabling the courts to continue to tap her years of experience 
and dedication. The Bar of the city, our elected officials, and our 
residents have been the direct beneficiaries of Judge Wagner's 
extraordinary service. Because of the role of the federal government in 
our local government, Congress shares in the pride and gratitude of the 
city and the profession for Chief Judge Wagner's service. I ask the 
House to join me in endorsing this resolution of appreciation and 
commendation for the service of Chief Judge Annice Wagner.

                          ____________________