[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 101 (Thursday, June 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING ROBERT ALLEN KATZMANN

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, late last night, a giant of the legal 
world, Judge Robert Katzmann, passed away at the age of 68. He was the 
former chief judge of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, 
one of the Nation's foremost jurists, and a kind, humble, compassionate 
human being, who was deeply admired by everyone who knew him.
  The son of immigrants--his father was a refugee from Nazi Germany--
Robert Katzmann was an amazing intellect, attending our Nation's top 
schools. He went on to work for his professor and eventual mentor, 
Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whetting his chops in working on the 
confirmation of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court. For the rest 
of his life, he was maybe the most important writer on the topic of 
legislative-judicial relations.
  Later in his life, even when he had attained one of the highest 
judgeships in the country, Judge Katzmann never lost his passion for 
helping those who were just starting their careers. He taught at NYU 
and Georgetown and ran an acclaimed civic education course even while 
he was the chief judge on the court of appeals. He also lectured widely 
for the cause of proper legal representation for the poor, especially 
the immigrant poor.
  It just so happens that yesterday morning, I was able to introduce a 
nominee to the Second Circuit, Judge Katzmann's circuit, who dedicated 
her career to providing top-notch legal counsel to those who couldn't 
afford it: Ms. Eunice Lee, a former Federal defender. It is a fitting 
reminder that Judge Katzmann's legacy lives on through the principles 
he advanced.
  We send our deepest condolences to his wife, his brothers and sister, 
and to the innumerable number of students and colleagues whom Judge 
Katzmann inspired over the course of his life.

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