[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 35 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA
Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, with the passing of Supreme Court Justice
Antonin Scalia, our Nation has lost an exceptional jurist and
unshakable defender of the U.S. Constitution.
Justice Scalia will be remembered for using his substantial intellect
to affect how the American public views the Constitution and the role
of the courts in interpreting the law. His thoughtful opinions over
nearly 30 years on the Court shaped modern jurisprudence and helped
facilitate a larger discussion on the role of the Constitution in
contemporary terms and application.
Justice Scalia had an accomplished career as an attorney, law
professor, general counsel for the Office of Telecommunications Policy,
chairman of the Administrative Conference, Assistant Attorney General
for the Office of Legal Counsel for the Department of Justice, and as a
judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit. It was an honor for me to support his confirmation as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court following his nomination by
President Reagan in 1986.
Justice Scalia, who had a great love for the arts, education, and
hunting, developed an affinity for the State of Mississippi and made
many friends during his visits to my State. Many Mississippians shared
Justice Scalia's interest in hunting deer, duck, quail, and turkey, but
his most important influence on Mississippi may result from the
generous time he invested speaking to young scholars during his visits
to university campuses in my State.
We mark Justice Scalia's passing by rightfully acknowledging his many
years of public service, his defense of the founding principles of our
Nation, and his steadfast adherence to a conservative view of our
Constitution. I am proud to have known and supported him.
I extend to his family sincere condolences and the thanks of a
grateful Nation for Justice Scalia's distinguished contributions and
service to our Nation.
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