[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF CONGRESSMAN BOB KASTENMEIER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2015

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate 
the accomplishments of our friend and former colleague, Congressman Bob 
Kastenmeier, who passed away last week at the age of 91. Congressman 
Kastenmeier came to Congress in 1959 and was a loyal public servant, 
honorably representing Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District for 32 
years.
  His contribution to the House of Representatives, specifically the 
House Judiciary Committee, left a huge mark on the State of Wisconsin 
and the nation.
  Congressman Kastenmeier was a lifelong public servant. Prior to being 
elected to Congress, he served the state of Wisconsin as a Justice of 
the Peace for Jefferson and Dodge Counties. He was also a member of the 
United States Army during World War II where he rose to the rank of 
first lieutenant. However, even though he was willing to fight for the 
freedom and security of our country, Congressman Kastenmeier understood 
the horrors of war and courageously took a firm stance against the 
Vietnam War and the invasion of U.S. military troops in Iraq.
  During one of the country's darkest periods, Congressman Kastenmeier 
was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 and the 
Voting Rights Act of 1965. He fought tirelessly to ensure the equality 
of all Americans and he led by example through his ability to 
successfully work with elected officials of all races, genders and 
political persuasions.
  For twenty years, he was the lead Democrat of the Judiciary 
Committee's Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the 
Administration of Justice. He authored many important copyright law 
reforms during that time and was a key sponsor of the Copyright Act of 
1976, which remains the foundation of the nation's copyright law. He 
also led the United States into the community of nations through 
adherence to the Berne Convention. While a Member of the Judiciary 
Committee he was also involved in the impeachment hearings for Harry E. 
Claiborne, a judge for the United States District Court for Nevada, and 
President Nixon.
  Congressman Kastenmeier was a principled and progressive legislator 
who did not seek attention and was known to vote his conscience. 
However, his contributions have been recognized nationwide. The United 
States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin honored our 
great colleague by naming the courthouse the ``Robert W. Kastenmeier 
United States Courthouse.''
  Congressman Kastenmeier will be greatly missed, but he has left a 
legacy that will live forever. I am proud to have served with him and 
we are eternally grateful for his dedication, knowledge, and integrity. 
I am also proud that he was my friend.
  Our condolences go out to his family and friends around the world.

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