[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1601-E1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




H.R. 6340, ``CHARLES L. BRIEANT, JR. FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES 
                              COURTHOUSE''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6340, a 
bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse in 
White Plains, New York, as the ``Charles L. Brieant, Jr. Federal 
Building and United States Courthouse''. I commend the gentlewoman from 
New York, Ms. Lowey, for her steadfast actions to ensure that this 
bipartisan bill received timely consideration.
  Judge Brieant was an eminent jurist who recently died at the age of 
85. He maintained a full docket until he moved to senior status in 
2007. Judge Charles Brieant, Jr. was born in 1923 in Ossining, New 
York, and served in his hometown during his entire professional career. 
He graduated from Columbia University and Columbia Law School.
  He began his public service practicing in White Plains, New York, 
while serving as water commissioner for the town of Ossining, New York. 
Judge Brieant was elected Ossining town justice in 1952 before serving 
as village attorney for Briarcliff Manor, New York.
  From 1960 through 1963, he served as town supervisor for Ossining. He 
also served in the New York legislature in 1970 and 1971. In 1971, 
President Richard M. Nixon nominated Judge Brieant to serve on the 
District Court for the Southern District of New York. He served as 
Chief Judge for the Southern District of New York from 1986 to 1993. 
Last year, Judge Brieant took senior status.

[[Page E1602]]

  During his distinguished career, Judge Brieant received many awards 
and honors including the Servant of Justice Award from the Guild of St. 
Ives in 1998 and the Edward Weinfeld Award for Distinguished 
Contributions to the Administration of Justice in 2006.
  During his lengthy career, Judge Brieant rendered many important 
decisions, including the Texaco bankruptcy case, and the decision to 
overturn New York's primary system, declaring it ``unconstitutionally 
discriminating'' by diluting the voting strength of minority voters. He 
was known as a strong independent thinker, a true gentleman, and a 
mentor to young lawyers.
  It is both fitting and proper to honor Judge Brieant's distinguished 
public career with this designation. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting H.R. 6340.

                          ____________________