[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 62 (Thursday, April 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                REMEMBERING RALPH BENNIE ``BEN'' GRAHAM

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a 
distinguished lawyer, educator, and loving husband, father, and 
grandfather, Ralph Bennie ``Ben'' Graham, Jr. Ben passed away on 
February 3, 2022. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of public service 
and dedication to Nevada's criminal justice system and legal community.
  A Washington State native, Ben moved to Las Vegas in 1977 and worked 
as a prosecutor at the Clark County District Attorney's Office. After 
31 years, Ben retired as chief deputy district attorney. Throughout 
this time, Ben also represented the Nevada District Attorneys' 
Association, the Nevada Supreme Court, and the Administrative Office of 
the Courts in the Nevada Legislature. In these roles, he lobbied to 
improve Nevada's criminal laws and the State's judicial system. Outside 
the courtroom, Ben taught courses on criminal justice at UNLV's William 
S. Boyd School of Law and the Community College of Southern Nevada, 
providing invaluable lessons for our Nation's next generation of 
lawyers.
  Throughout his career, Ben placed a great focus on the well-being of 
members of Nevada's legal community. In 1986, he cofounded Lawyers 
Concerned for Lawyers, LCL, a confidential program dedicated to helping 
members of the Nevada bar recover from substance abuse issues. In large 
part due to Ben's mentorship, countless attorneys were able to obtain 
the assistance they needed to heal and move forward in their legal 
careers. Ben received numerous awards in recognition of his service 
with the program.
  Nevada has benefited immensely from Ben's commitment to the legal 
profession and community. Earlier this year, Nevada Governor Steve 
Sisolak recognized Ben's contributions to the State by proclaiming 
February 17, 2022, as ``a day in honor of Ben Graham.'' Many in the 
Nevada Legislature remember Ben for his kindness and generosity, as 
exemplified through his famous chocolate chip cookies, which he 
annually gifted to colleagues and friends. Whether it was through his 
baking skills or charitable efforts, Ben improved the lives of those 
who knew him in the Silver State.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Ben for his significant 
impact in Nevada. I celebrate Ben's legacy, and I extend my deepest 
condolences to his wife, Elana; his children; grandchildren; and his 
family and friends during this difficult time.

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