[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E20]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE GERALD W. HEANEY FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES 
                     COURTHOUSE AND CUSTOMHOUSE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of a bill to name the 
Federal building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse in 
Duluth, Minnesota, in honor of Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Judge Heaney was 
appointed Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th 
Circuit on November 3, 1966. After 40 years of distinguished judicial 
service, Judge Heaney retired on August 31, 2006.
  Judge Heaney was born on January 29, 1918, in Goodhue, a rural 
community in the southeastern part of Minnesota. As a child growing up 
in a farming community, Judge Heaney learned the value of a close 
family, honesty, and hard work. These qualities have marked not only 
his personal life but also his life as a public servant. He was 
educated at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and 
received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1941.
  Gerry Heaney is a decorated World War II veteran. He was a member of 
the distinguished Army Ranger Battalion and participated in the 
historic D-Day landing at Normandy. He was awarded the Silver Star for 
extraordinary bravery in the battle of La Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, 
France. He also received a Bronze Star and five battle stars.
  At the end of the war, Judge Heaney returned home and entered private 
practice in Duluth. During that time he was instrumental in improving 
the state education system, and served on the Board of Regents of the 
University of Minnesota. He was instrumental in helping the Duluth 
school system develop a payroll system that equalized the pay for both 
men and women.
  In 1966, President Johnson appointed Judge Heaney to the 8th Circuit 
Court of Appeals. In that capacity, Judge Heaney has been a champion of 
protecting the rights of the disadvantaged. He is devoted to making 
sure that every person has an equal opportunity for an education, a 
job, and a home. He firmly believes the poor, the less educated, and 
less advantaged deserve the protections provided by the United States 
Constitution.
  As a hard working, well-prepared, and fair-minded jurist, Judge 
Heaney left his legal imprimatur on school desegregation cases, 
bankruptcy law, prisoner treatment, and social security law.
  His public service is discerned by industry, brilliance, and 
scholarly excellence. His compassion and dedication to our most 
disadvantaged are unparalleled.
  It is fitting and proper for Congress to designate the Duluth, 
Minnesota Federal Building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse 
in honor of Judge Gerald W. Heaney.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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