[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE GERALD R. FORD FEDERAL BUILDING 
                             AND COURTHOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER MEIJER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. MEIJER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary 
of Grand Rapids' own Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and United States 
Courthouse, which for 50 years has been emblematic to the people of 
West Michigan as a stronghold of service, integrity, and trust.
  Originally opened to the public in September of 1972, the Grand 
Rapids Federal Building carried no name. At that time, the possibility 
of a federal building being named after our then-5th District 
Representative Ford crossed the minds of few, let alone the future 38th 
President of the United States. It wasn't until 1975, under H.R. 11897, 
that a bipartisan effort spearheaded by the 93rd Congress to rename the 
building after him was presented to President Ford himself.
  Displaying the humility that his legacy reflects time and time again, 
especially today, President Ford vetoed H.R. 11897, citing that it 
would be ``improper'' to approve legislation that places his name on a 
federal building. ``This,'' he argued, ``is a precedent I do not wish 
to establish.'' President Ford continued in his memorandum that 
``office buildings which house the functions of Government should not 
be used as monuments to Federal officials, but rather as workshops for 
the people's business.''
  Not long after Ford's brief--but impactful--time in office came to a 
close, President Jimmy Carter signed into law Senate Resolution 385, 
which officially named the office and courthouse in honor of his 
predecessor. President Ford built a towering legacy of devoting his 
will to the people who offered him and his wife, Betty, their trust 
after a difficult period in our history where uncertainty and deception 
nearly redefined our national identity.
  Over the past 50 years, the office has been home to many tenants 
belonging to all branches of government. I am proud to share this space 
with my colleague in the U.S. Senate, Senator Gary Peters, with 
distinguished jurists, and with the many honest and endearing employees 
who have devoted their careers to ensuring that the office can 
successfully serve as a welcoming place of leadership and order. I am 
grateful to the law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their time 
to protect the federal business which is necessary to the success of 
our community.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor not only to have been a tenant 
of the space, but to take this time to recognize the history and all-
around good work of those who are instrumental in leading our Nation 
from the local level on up.

                          ____________________