[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I come to the floor this afternoon to speak 
for three very important reasons. Of course, first is to recognize our 
Chief Justice who has just passed, William Rehnquist.
  Today the Senate paid its respects to the late Justice Rehnquist, 
filing through the halls of the Supreme Court where he served this 
Nation with distinction for more than 33 years.
  I could not help but remember a conversation I had with Chief Justice 
Rehnquist a couple of years ago. I was walking to work and happened to 
run into him on one of his legendary strolls around the Court. We 
talked a bit about what was happening in the judicial nomination 
process in the Senate. But the specifics of that conversation are 
probably less important than the style of the conversation. He was 
informal, approachable, genteel, but certainly direct. And regardless 
of his physical frailty, he had lost none of his interest or his 
ability to give a shrewd analysis of the events of the day. If you 
spent any time at all with this very important man, you would feel the 
force of his great personality.
  Much has already been written about the legal legacy of Justice 
Rehnquist because he was one of the most influential jurists of our 
time. He anchored and presided over a shift to conservative principles, 
underscoring in particular the importance of federalism and limitations 
on Government. I know some in the conservative community were 
disappointed that the Supreme Court, on his watch, did not reverse more 
prior left-leaning precedents, but his strong hand was certainly 
obvious in a long series of history-making decisions. William 
Rehnquist's impact on jurisprudence was profound and will be felt for 
many years to come.
  In his personal life, I know this engaging man had many friends, and 
to all of them, as well as his family, I extend my deepest condolences. 
The Court has lost a brilliant and fair leader. America has lost a 
great public servant. I consider myself fortunate to have had the 
chance to know and be inspired by William Rehnquist.
  I thank the leader for this opportunity to add one more voice to the 
chorus of tributes from a grateful Nation.

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