[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE PASSING OF JOHN DOAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of John Doar, who 
passed away at the age of 92, this past Tuesday, November 11th, 2014.
  A courageous advocate, a brilliant legal mind, and a remarkable 
public servant--Mr. Doar will remain an inspiration to everyone who has 
made and who will make the pursuit of justice their life's work. His 
accomplishments are such that they cannot seem but exaggerations--but 
because they are not--I feel the need to stand before you and recognize 
a colleague who did so much for so many.
  As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I was fortunate to have 
worked with Mr. Doar many times--first during his time as Assistant 
Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, 
and later when he served as Special Counsel during the investigation 
and impeachment in the House of President Nixon.
  I remember Mr. Doar as someone of fierce determination and true 
integrity. A Lincoln Republican--he served two Democratic Presidents 
and impeached a Republican one--without ever changing his party 
affiliation.
  But more than an adviser, he was an active participant in making 
history. He was a firm defender of our national ideals, and he fought 
their perversion with every tool at his disposal.
  As one of the architects of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 
Voting Rights Act of 1965, he helped ensure that every American had the 
opportunity to fully participate in our society and our democracy.
  As an attorney and advocate for the American people, he fought to 
integrate the University of Mississippi, and secured the first 
conviction of white persons for violent crimes against black persons in 
the history of Mississippi.
  As a believer in law and the power of non-violence, he stood between 
protesters and police on the edge of confrontation in the wake of 
Medgar Evers funeral.
  In every action he brought credit to his profession, to the 
government, and to the promise of our nation.
  It is has been my privilege to have worked with Mr. Doar for so many 
years, and it has been America's privilege to have had his service. His 
example will serve as a benchmark for generations of public servants to 
come.
  On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my sincere thanks and 
condolences to his family and loved ones.

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