[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S632-S633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ROCKEFELLER:
  S. 307. A bill to designate the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 217 West King Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 
as the ``W.

[[Page S633]]

Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse'', to 
the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I come to 
the floor today to discuss legislation that I am introducing to name 
the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Martinsburg, WV, 
in honor of a dear friend, W. Craig Broadwater.
  Judge Broadwater served at this courthouse during his tenure on the 
Federal bench, until his untimely death in 2006 after a battle with 
cancer. This legislation is a small, yet fitting tribute to his 
remarkable service to West Virginia and America.
  It is difficult to put into words how tremendous of a loss his death 
was to his family, friends, community, State, and Nation. But I think 
it becomes much clearer when one looks at his life--his contributions 
to Justice and the Defense of our Nation, his love for his family, and 
the difference he made in the lives of those who were fortunate enough 
to know him.
  Craig earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University 
in 1972 and his law degree from the West Virginia University College of 
Law in 1977. He spent the next several years in private practice in 
Wheeling, West Virginia, and also served as a hearing examiner for the 
West Virginia Worker's Compensation Fund and a special prosecuting 
attorney for Ohio County.
  His career on the bench dates back to when I was Governor of West 
Virginia and had the honor of appointing him in 1983 to be a Circuit 
Judge for Ohio, Brooke, and Hancock Counties. There, he worked to 
protect our State's most vulnerable children as Chair of the Committee 
to Develop Child Abuse and Neglect Rules. The ``Broadwater Committee'', 
as it became known, reformed our courts' response to the needs of 
children in our judicial system.
  Craig served as a state court judge until he was nominated by 
President Clinton to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District 
of West Virginia. He was confirmed by the Senate on July 12, 1996, and 
commissioned to serve on July 26, 1996.
  During his ten years on the Federal bench, Craig exhibited all of the 
characteristics that we hope for in a judge. He was intelligent, 
thoughtful, principled, and fair. Anyone who appeared before him knew 
that the case would be decided on the merits, without bias towards any 
of the claimants.
  But beyond his service on the bench, Craig was also a hero and a 
patriot who answered the call of duty time and again. He began his 
military career in 1972 with a tour in Korea as an Army Military 
Intelligence Officer. He continued his service as a member of the West 
Virginia National Guard, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier 
General. Even while serving on the Federal bench, Craig fought to 
protect our country. His service included a 2003 deployment as Deputy 
Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa at Camp 
Lemonier, Djibouti, and a 2005 deployment to Iraq as Commanding General 
of the Joint Interagency Task Force-High Value Individuals at Camp 
Victory, Iraq. His awards are too numerous to count, but among them are 
the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
  But despite all of his awards and accomplishments, the thing that 
made Craig the most proud was his family. I am privileged to know his 
wife Chong, and his children Chandra, Taeja, and Shane--and to have 
their blessing in introducing this legislation.
  As I reflect on Craig's life and career, I still remember the day he 
was confirmed by the Senate for a seat on the Federal bench. It was a 
great day for me and for all West Virginians. At the time, I came to 
the floor and said that Senator Byrd and I had recommended him for this 
position because he ``represents the very best of our State''--and how 
true that is even today.
  Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him personally describe 
him as courageous, kind, compassionate, and loving. And although his 
life was cut short, he had already achieved more than most of us could 
ever hope to accomplish in several lifetimes.
  I am very appreciative that Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito has 
agreed to join me in introducing companion legislation in the House of 
Representatives, and is going to work with me to get this bill signed 
into law. The bipartisan nature of our effort is truly a testament to 
the impact that Craig had on all of us, regardless of political 
affiliation.
  In closing, the naming of a Federal courthouse in his honor is such a 
small gesture, especially compared to what Craig did for our country.
  But it is my hope that whenever the citizens of West Virginia visit 
or pass by the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States 
Courthouse in Martinsburg, West Virginia, they will remember his life 
and be inspired, as I have been inspired, to give back to our country 
in such a meaningful way.
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