[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E494-E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SANTIAGO E. CAMPOS UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure to 
rise today in support of H.R. 544, legislation I introduced to honor 
Judge Santiago Campos by naming after him the Federal courthouse in 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Judge Campos was the first Hispanic appointed to 
the Federal bench in New Mexico, and naming this building after him is 
a long overdue tribute.
  Judge Campos passed away on January 20, 2001 at the age of 75 years 
old. He was a lifelong New Mexican and graduated first in his law 
school class at the University of New Mexico. He was appointed to the 
Federal bench in 1978, serving until his death in 2001, including as 
chief judge from 1987 through 1989.
  But Judge Campos' career of public service only culminated with his 
service as a United States District Court Judge. He also served in the 
United States Navy as a seaman first class. He served as the assistant 
and first assistant attorney general of New Mexico. And before being 
named to the Federal bench, he served as a district court judge in the 
first judicial district in the State of New Mexico.
  Judge Campos served with distinction on the bench and displayed both 
firmness and

[[Page E495]]

compassion with those who entered his courtroom. He was very active 
during cases, often exercising his right to question witnesses in the 
middle of cross-examinations. Many agree that he became more involved 
in a case than other judges, but still let a lawyer try his own case. 
One of his most memorable cases ordered the Gannett Co. to return The 
New Mexican, Santa Fe's daily newspaper, to its former owner, Robert 
McKinney, due to a breach of contract.
  Naming the Federal courthouse after Judge Campos is all the more 
fitting because of his role in transforming the U.S. Courthouse into 
the beautiful active place it is today. Judge Campos had a grand vision 
for the Santa Fe courthouse that, through his hard work, was realized 
during his lifetime. He was remembered for being very hands-on during 
the remodeling process, often seen climbing through the rubble of the 
construction area with a hammer in hand, questioning the contractor, 
and pitching in with the construction workers. As Judge Campos' former 
secretary, Yolanda Salazar, put it, ``He was the moving force in 
reviving the Federal courthouse in Santa Fe and restoring it as a 
hallmark of justice with the respect it merits.''
  There are many individuals throughout New Mexico who are eager to see 
this legislation passed and the courthouse named after Judge Campos. He 
was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to countless New Mexicans 
and his spirit lives on at the U.S. Courthouse in Santa Fe. To again 
quote Yolanda Salazar, she said, ``I will forever look upon this 
courthouse as `his courthouse.' '' Passing this legislation will ensure 
that those who look upon the courthouse will remember it as Judge 
Campos' courthouse as well.

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