[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 127 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE DAMON J. KEITH FOR HIS PIONEERING LEGAL CAREER

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Damon J. 
Keith for his outstanding legal career. For the past fifty years, Judge 
Keith has served the United States with distinction as a member of the 
federal judiciary.
  Judge Keith began his career on the bench in 1967, when he was 
nominated by President Lyndon Johnson to the United States District 
Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. During his time with the 
Eastern District, Judge Keith distinguished himself as an ardent 
defender of the Constitution, prohibiting President Nixon's warrantless 
wiretapping initiatives and eventually being named Chief Judge of the 
District Court. As a result of his distinguished service with the 
Court, President Carter nominated Judge Keith to the United States 
Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1977, where he has served 
since his confirmation. Throughout his career, Judge Keith's decisions 
have played a critical role in shaping the legal landscape. He helped 
end the Bush administration's practice of conducting post-
9/11 deportation hearings in secret and create a more just and equal 
society by helping to desegregate public schools and combat systemic 
racism. He has also inspired a new generation of legal scholars who 
share his commitment to justice and the principles of the Constitution.
  Judge Keith has received widespread acclaim for his service in the 
federal judiciary and his civil rights record. In 1997, he was the 
recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice 
Award, the highest honor available to the federal judiciary. He has 
also received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for outstanding 
achievement, as well as over 40 honorary degrees from institutes of 
higher education. Judge Keith was known for his commitment to equality 
for all during his time in public service, and his decisions continue 
to play a major role in shaping the nation's legal discourse. His work 
has impacted countless lives, and I wish him well as he retires after 
an extraordinary and impactful career.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Damon 
J. Keith for his groundbreaking legal career. He has provided 
exceptional service to our country throughout his career as a federal 
judge.

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