[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17694-17698]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 17694]]

     LEE H. HAMILTON FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE

  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 1583) to designate the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, as 
the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1583

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION.

       The Federal building and United States courthouse located 
     at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, shall be 
     known and designated as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal 
     Building and United States Courthouse''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, 
     or other record of the United States to the Federal building 
     and United States courthouse referred to in section 1 shall 
     be deemed to be a reference to the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal 
     Building and United States Courthouse''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Kerns) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Kerns).
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1583 designates the Federal building and United 
States Courthouse at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana as 
the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse.'' 
I would first like to note that this legislation has the strong 
bipartisan support of the entire Indiana delegation. I am very pleased 
to be a cosponsor of this important legislation.
  Lee Hamilton is an extraordinary individual who represented the Ninth 
Congressional District in Indiana for 34 years. Congressman Hamilton 
was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and moved to Evansville, Indiana in 
1944 where he attended public schools. Of course, we in Indiana love 
our basketball; and as a high school athlete, Lee Hamilton led the 
Evansville Central Golden Bears to the Indiana High School State 
Championship basketball game. Many believe that if the future 
congressman had not been injured during the game, the Golden Bears 
would have won.
  Lee went on to graduate from DePauw University in Greencastle, 
Indiana and then graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 
1956. Congressman Hamilton was admitted to the State bar in 1957.
  He entered private law practice in Chicago, but returned shortly 
thereafter to Columbus, Indiana where he continued private law practice 
until seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1964. He 
was first elected to serve in the 89th Congress and was reelected to 16 
consecutive terms.
  While in the House, Congressman Hamilton was a leader with an 
excellent appreciation for working with both sides of the aisle. He 
served as chairman of the House Committee on Intelligence from 1985 
until 1987, and as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee in 1989 and 
1990, and as the chairman of the Committee on International Relations 
from 1993 until 1995.
  Congressman Hamilton was always a strong advocate for diplomatic 
international solutions. In the post-Cold War, he believed weapons 
proliferation was a major international concern. He also believed that 
protecting the environment and the fight against disease and hunger 
were important major foreign policy goals. Upon his retirement from 
Congress, Mr. Hamilton continues to serve the public to bridge that 
important gap between academia and foreign policy.
  Today, I serve on the House Committee on International Relations; and 
during this most difficult time, I draw on the example he set 
throughout his career. Although he is no longer a member of this 
legislative body, I know its Members respect his opinion and seek his 
input on the challenges this crisis presents.
  On a more personal note, Congressman Hamilton served with my father-
in-law, John Myers, for 30 years in Congress; and, although they are 
different political parties, they would find common ground and work 
together on issues to benefit the people in Indiana and of our Nation.
  As a fellow Hoosier, I take great pride in Congressman Hamilton's 
accomplishments and service to Indiana and the Nation. This naming bill 
is a fitting tribute to a distinguished former member of the House. I 
support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to join me in my support.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1583 is a bill to designate the Federal building in 
New Albany, Indiana as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and 
United States Courthouse.'' Lee Hamilton is a former colleague who 
represented the ninth district of Indiana for 34 years. The gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Hill) currently holds that seat and is the sponsor of 
this legislation.
  Lee Hamilton graduated from Central High School in Evansville, 
Indiana. He then attended DePauw University and graduated from Indiana 
University Law School in 1956. While in high school and college, 
Hamilton was an outstanding basketball player and was inducted into the 
Indiana basketball Hall of Fame.
  During his 34-year tenure in Congress, Lee Hamilton made his mark in 
foreign affairs and domestic economic policy. He served on the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the 
Iran Contra Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. He had a front 
row seat for many historic events, including the fall of the Berlin 
Wall and the Gulf War. As a follower of economic issues, Lee Hamilton 
was a champion of global market competition and encouraged economic 
development.
  During his government service, Lee Hamilton received numerous awards 
and honors. These include the Knight Commander Cross of the Order of 
Merit from the Government of Germany, the Paul Nitze Award for 
Distinguished Authority On National Security Affairs in 1999, and the 
Edmund Muskie Award for outstanding public service in 1997.
  Congressman Hamilton, although a recognized and powerful figure in 
Washington, D.C., did not lose his sense of humility. He has retained 
his sense of humor, his grass roots ``Hoosier'' values, and remained a 
source of advice and counsel even today to his colleagues. Lee Hamilton 
is currently the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center 
for Scholars here in Washington, D.C.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 1583, and I urge my colleagues 
to support this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), who is the ranking 
member of the Committee on Appropriations.
  Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, let me simply say that I have had the privilege for most 
of the years of my service here to serve with the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Hamilton); and, in my view, he is one of the most 
distinguished persons ever to occupy this body. He has a solid 
understanding of the economy. He served this House for years on the 
Joint Economic Committee and served as chair of that committee.
  He is without question, in my view, the wisest member of this body in 
dealing with foreign affairs of any Member I have ever served with. 
Whether he was talking about Central America or the Middle East or the 
Soviet Union or its successor states, Lee Hamilton at all times came to 
his positions on the basis of facts, not on the basis of ideology. In 
the process, he served this country incredibly well.
  He continues to serve this country well today in this time of crisis 
as the Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center at the Smithsonian. He has 
served the people of Indiana with incredible distinction, and he has 
done great honor to the people of the United States in

[[Page 17695]]

the manner of his service in this institution. I am pleased today to 
see that he is getting at least some of the recognition that all of us 
who know him understand that he deserves.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill).
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to rise today in support of H.R. 
1583, a bill to name the Federal Building and United States Courthouse 
in New Albany, Indiana after my friend and mentor and colleague and the 
former Congressman of southern Indiana's ninth district, Lee Hamilton.
  I would like to thank all of my colleagues in the Indiana 
congressional delegation for supporting this bill: the gentlewoman from 
Indiana (Ms. Carson), and the gentlemen from Indiana (Mr. Burton), (Mr. 
Buyer), (Mr. Hostettler), (Mr. Kerns), (Mr. Pence), (Mr. Roemer), (Mr. 
Souder), and (Mr. Visclosky). I would also like to thank Senators Evan 
Bayh and Dick Lugar for their invaluable help in sponsoring a companion 
bill in the Senate, and I would also like to thank Indiana State 
Representatives Bill Cochran and Jim Bottorff for urging Congress to 
designate this building in honor of Lee.
  Lee Hamilton served the people of southern Indiana with distinction 
for 34 years in the United States House of Representatives.

                              {time}  1515

  He established himself as a leader in international affairs, serving 
as the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Iran-Contra 
Investigation Committee.
  Lee was an honorable, forthright, and trustworthy Member of Congress 
who always provided a voice of reason when our Nation dealt with 
foreign policy issues throughout the Cold War. We still count on Lee 
today. It is no surprise to me, nor to any of Lee's former colleagues, 
to see the media and other scholars turn to Lee for his expertise in 
the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11.
  In troubled times like these, our Nation needs statesmen and our 
country demands leadership. Throughout his public life, Lee has always 
fulfilled those needs and met those demands.
  Lee was my Congressman from the time I was 12 years old until he 
retired in 1998. His commonsense leadership in Congress helped make 
southern Indiana a better place for Hoosier families to live and work.
  When Lee retired from Congress in 1998, Washington Post columnist 
David Broder wrote: ``Hamilton is a throwback to the old days of the 
House, and not just because he still has the crew cut he wore when he 
came to Washington as a small town Hoosier in the Democratic landslide 
of 1964. He is an exemplar of common sense and an instinctively 
moderate model of legislator that used to be common in Congress but is 
increasingly rare today.''
  Lee now serves as the director of the Woodrow Wilson International 
Center for Scholars and the director of the Center on Congress at 
Indiana University. His distinguished service as a Congressman and 
scholar has won him numerous public service awards and honorary 
degrees, far too many to list here today.
  One thing is certain, though: throughout all Lee's professional 
successes, he never forgot the people of southern Indiana. To his 
neighbors and constituents, he was never ``Congressman Hamilton,'' nor 
was he ``Chairman Hamilton,'' he was just ``Lee.''
  Even when he was being considered as a Vice-Presidential nominee or 
Secretary of State, or weighing a possible Senate campaign, Lee was 
never untouchable. He has always been down to earth and accessible and 
continues to embody the values and ideals of the people of southern 
Indiana.
  It is fitting we designate this Federal building and the U.S. 
courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building to pay tribute to 
his limitless dedication and service to the people of southern Indiana.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill) for his 
leadership in this. I know that I speak for all of our colleagues when 
I thank him for his leadership on this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Roemer).
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Kerns) for bringing this good bill to the floor, and I thank my good 
neighbor from the State of Illinois (Mr. Costello) for his hard work. I 
certainly recognize the insight my good friend and fellow Hoosier, the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill), had in putting this bill together 
and guiding it to the completion we are about to see today.
  I think the people of New Albany are particularly proud today. I 
think the people of Indiana are particularly proud today. I know the 
people in the United States are particularly proud today of honoring 
our home State leader, Lee Hamilton, and his wife, Nancy, and his 
family for the 34 years that they gave to this country with his 
insight, his common sense, his civility, and his fortitude and courage.
  It is altogether fitting and appropriate that a U.S. courthouse and a 
Federal building be named after Lee Hamilton, a U.S. courthouse in that 
Lee Hamilton guided this Nation during the Iran-Contra hearings and 
provided a very, very tight grasp of the law and applied that law 
firmly and fairly and helped us get through some difficult moments and 
times.
  Senator Sam Irvin, during the Watergate hearings, was seen as a 
leader of common sense and a brilliant mind with the law. I think Lee 
Hamilton was our House counterpart during those days.
  Secondly, for the Federal building, Lee has always had an intimate 
sense of not only fairness but bipartisanship, always looking at the 
principle and the facts of the law and then trying to build coalitions 
of people together to put forward good foreign policy.
  So the people who walk into that Federal building, whether they be in 
the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage, and 
House division; the FBI office, no matter what line of Federal service 
or civil service they serve in, I think they will look up with pride 
when they see Lee Hamilton's name on that building.
  Lastly, I think Lee is remembered for helping through the 1960s and 
the 1970s and the 1980s and the 1990s guide our institutions through 
some very difficult times and difficult days. We face those same 
difficulties, given the events of September 11, today.
  I can only imagine how many times Lee Hamilton's phone rang in the 
ensuing days from people looking for advice, trying to glean some 
counsel from Lee Hamilton. He will continue to provide that advice and 
that counsel and that common sense in the many days and months and 
years ahead with his leadership at the Woodrow Wilson Center for 
Scholars.
  So I thank my colleagues for bringing this honor to Lee and Nancy and 
their children and family, to Indiana, and we are very proud of him in 
our home State for all he has brought forward.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence).
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I would especially associate myself with the 
complimentary remarks made about the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill), 
my colleague and friend to the south, for his great leadership on this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlemen from Indiana, Mr. Hill and Mr. 
Roemer, and the other prominent Members around here from Indiana today, 
for producing this legislation and permitting me to be part of it. I 
would also like to thank Senators Bayh and Lugar for introducing the 
bill in the Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, as a boy growing up in Columbus, Indiana, when I was the 
age of the little boy sitting on my office floor right now, my 
Congressman was Lee Hamilton; and that famous crew cut, that confident 
stride of a basketball player, was a frequent image on the streets of 
Columbus, Indiana.

[[Page 17696]]

  I had the honor of following his career and unsuccessfully applying 
for a job in his office at one point in my early career. For 34 years, 
I watched as he served both my hometown and all of Indiana with 
humility and distinction. Upon his retirement from the House of 
Representatives in 1998, Congressman Hamilton left a blueprint in 
public service here in the halls of the Capitol. His approach to issues 
and accessibility to his constituents, already commented on eloquently 
today, is an inspiration for his role.
  Congressman Hamilton was most respected and best known for his role 
as chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. His broad 
knowledge of foreign policy recently earned him the honor of serving as 
the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
  Congressman Hamilton's influence is ongoing in the world of foreign 
affairs, as most Americans know, in the wake of the tragic events of 2 
weeks ago. The President recently established in this very hall the 
Office of Homeland Security. What they may not know is that that was a 
direct result of the vision and the purpose and the leadership which 
Indiana's own Lee Hamilton provided as a member of the now-famous 
Commission on Terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, as I travel to Europe to participate in a 
conference on terrorism, I will carry with me many things. I will carry 
with me notes to study on the issues about which I will comment; but I 
will, more than anything else, carry the image of Lee Hamilton, who 
presented not only the image of a gentleman Hoosier into the foreign 
scene, but also what it truly is to be an American of principle in the 
world.
  I join my fellow Hoosier delegates in designating the building at 121 
West Spring Street as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal building and U.S. 
courthouse. It is an honor worthy of one of our Nation's foremost 
experts in foreign policy and one of Indiana's proudest public 
servants.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and 
colleague, the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding, and I thank the other members of the Indiana delegation who 
are gathered here in one place and in one accord in support of naming a 
Federal building in honor of the Honorable Lee Hamilton.
  I had the benefit of having two Congresspeople. I worked at Cummings 
Engine Company, headquartered in Indiana, for over 10 years. While I 
was at work during the day, Mr. Hamilton was my Congressman. When I 
would travel back to Indianapolis, Indiana, Andy Jacobs was my 
Congressman. So I had the benefit of having a dual congressional honor, 
if you will: two very famous men in the halls of Congress. We have 
named a post office after the Honorable Andy Jacobs; and now today, 
with the help of the two distinguished Senators from Indiana, we will 
do the same for Mr. Hamilton.
  Let me put a different spin on this, however. We know what a 
brilliant mind Lee Hamilton has now. We understand he was a basketball 
star, and even won the prestigious award for his basketball expertise, 
called the Trester Award.
  But Mr. Speaker, on today's schedule, the resolution immediately 
preceding the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and the United States 
Courthouse Designation Act, was a resolution expressing the sense of 
Congress regarding the establishment of a National Character Counts 
Week.
  We hear a lot of diatribe at these microphones about family values 
and condemning people's behavior and all that, but Lee Hamilton has an 
unblemished, uncompromising solid moral character. He is a man who has 
had the joy of being married to Nancy for countless years, has a 
beautiful family. So he is the type of individual who does not extol 
big messages about family values. But he characterized family values in 
a very positive way.
  It is for that reason, and many others, that I am very proud to join 
my colleagues in support of this resolution naming the post office for 
Lee Hamilton in New Albany, Indiana.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, before saying a word about my friend, Lee 
Hamilton, let me say something about Nancy Hamilton, who, throughout a 
remarkable and distinguished public career, has given Lee the support, 
the encouragement, the inspiration which is so exemplary and so rare 
these days.
  Lee Hamilton symbolizes the quintessential public servant. His 
integrity was unquestioned. His character was an inspiration to all of 
us. He was the most hardworking Member of this body.
  I had the pleasure and the privilege of sitting next to him in 
countless committee hearings; and every single time Lee was fully 
prepared, thoroughly briefed, widely read on any subject that came 
before the Committee on International Relations.
  His bipartisanship was legendary. He could not care whether it was a 
Democratic proposal or a Republican proposal. He was looking for the 
merits and for the flaws of the proposal and then made up his mind and 
voted.
  When Lee left this House, he left an enormous void. We are very 
fortunate that his work on behalf of our Nation continues in his 
present distinguished position. But this House will long remember and 
cherish and value the incredible contributions of this great son of 
Indiana who made this body a proud, productive, distinguished group 
through his presence.
  Lee Hamilton will be a tower of strength for all young people from 
Indiana who aspire for public service, and it is an honor to join my 
colleagues in recommending an affirmative vote on this important 
legislation.

                              {time}  1530

  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Mexico (Mr. Udall).
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, as the House considers H.R. 
1583, I would like to rise in recognition of Representative Lee 
Hamilton for whom H.R. 1583 names the Federal building and United 
States courthouse in New Albany, Indiana after.
  Over the years, I have had the honor and privilege of forming a 
relationship and friendship with Lee. He is a man for whom I hold in 
the highest regard and am proud to call him a friend.
  As a United States representative from January 1965 until his 
retirement in 1999, Lee served his constituents of the Ninth District 
of Indiana with the same honor, integrity, dignity with which he has 
lived his entire life.
  Lee has received many awards throughout his distinguished career, 
including the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the 
Federal Republic of Germany, the Paul H. Nitze Award for Distinguished 
Authority on National Security Affairs, and the Department of Defense 
Medal for Distinguished Public Service, and the Central Intelligence 
Agency Medallion, just to name a few.
  Lee Hamilton recently served on a national commission dealing with 
terrorism and related subjects. A week ago I attended a congressional 
briefing by Lee Hamilton on terrorism, and as usual, he came forward 
with significant insights on this very timely topic.
  On a personal note, he served with my uncle, Congressman Morris Udall 
of Arizona, and Mo always used to tell me, listen to Lee Hamilton, he 
is one of the wisest Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, during his 34 years as a Member of Congress, Lee 
Hamilton was an exceptional legislator who forged partnerships on both 
sides of the aisle in order to get the American people's business done. 
Over the last couple of weeks, we as a Congress have had the 
opportunity to follow Lee's example.
  Today, we continue to follow that example by honoring him and the 
city of New Albany, Indiana, by designating the Federal building and 
United States courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and 
United States Courthouse.
  I encourage all my colleagues to support H.R. 1583.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page 17697]]


  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in 
designating the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United States 
Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
  I had the pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives for 
over twenty-two years with Lee Hamilton.
  Lee's lifetime commitment to public service, under the 
administrations of seven Presidents from both parties, never faltered. 
His enormous achievements are a testament to a remarkable life of 
selfless duty and an unstinting commitment to the peace and prosperity 
of the people of Indiana, our Nation and to peoples living in every 
corner of the world.
  Lee Hamilton was known in this House for his unimpeachable integrity, 
his gentle voice of reason, and professionalism; all for which I had 
the great fortune from which to benefit.
  Lee Hamilton arrived in Washington to begin his long tenure in the 
House during the Lyndon Johnson administration. As those times 
demanded, he was present for the creation of such landmark legislation 
as the Elementary and Secondary and Higher Education Acts, helping 
assure an educated citizenry so that the socio-economic needs of this 
country might be met. He also presided over the enactment of 
legislation to assist those living at or below poverty--especially the 
childlren--as Johnson's War on Poverty began, and the President's Great 
Society began to take shape.
  There was much going on in this House when Lee Hamilton arrived from 
Jeffersonville, Indiana to begin his service as the representative of 
the Ninth District of that great state, and aside from domestic issues, 
Lee was soon to become deeply involved in international issues as well.
  As Lee Hamilton's distinguished service grew and flourished on behalf 
of those who needed federal support in order to obtain an education, 
food, shelter and health care, he quietly became our most able leader 
in International affairs. As he chaired and served as ranking member of 
the International Relations Committee for many years Lee devoted 
himself to leading this country through the cold war, helping bring 
about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the former 
Soviet Union; and then seeking to strengthen the development of new 
democracies.
  Over the years I was able to look to him for assistance with concerns 
I have had over events in the Middle East, and especially in the land 
of my grandfathers, Lebanon. His deep understanding of the culture, 
history and traditions of the Middle Eastern countries is enormous. I 
know there were many times over the years when, at my request and no 
matter how busy he was, he took the time to share with me and my 
colleagues his remarkable insight into how best to address events in a 
troubled area in times of great distress.
  Lee Hamilton continued his distinguished career in foreign relations 
when he left the House of Representatives to become Director of the 
Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars and Director of the Center on 
Congress at Indiana University. His unmatched experience in both of 
these realms continues a distinguished career in advancing America's 
leadership on the world stage.
  During this tragic time for the United States we need the steadying 
hand and influence of such honorable leaders as Lee Hamilton to guide 
our nation in her fight against terrorism. I can think of none better 
to contribute than this most accomplished statesman.
  And so it is with warmest personal regard, highest esteem and deepest 
appreciation that I join my colleagues in designating the Lee Hamilton 
Federal Building and United States Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises in strong support of 
H.R. 1583, a bill designating the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse 
in New Albany, Indiana, as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and 
United States Courthouse.''
  Our colleague, former Congressman Lee Hamilton possessed all 
attributes that a very distinguished public servant should possess--
sound and well-reasoned judgment, unswerving integrity, unfailing 
courtesy, and intellect. Throughout his 34-year congressional career, 
while a strong legislative leader, he also consistently sought 
constructive ways to forge a bipartisan consensus where possible. Also, 
he certainly knew and represented his Indiana constituents very well.
  The people of Indiana's 9th Congressional District were exceedingly 
well-served by Representative Lee Hamilton during his service not only 
by his close attention to domestic issues and District concerns, but as 
Americans through his vast and respected foreign policy expertise and 
his leadership by his service as Chairman of the House Permanent Select 
Committee on Intelligence, and as Chairman and later as Ranking 
Minority Member of the House International Relations Committee. Indeed, 
Lee represented all Americans by rationally and insistently approaching 
foreign policy with U.S. national interests in mind, not simply those 
of special interest groups. Additionally, people world-wide have 
benefitted from his dedication to food aid projects, to democracy-
building projects in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and to many 
other international projects too numerous to mention.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member served with Lee on the House International 
Relations Committee from 1983 through 1996 and remains particularly 
grateful for the informed, insightful assistance and counsel that Lee 
provided when this Member was a junior member of the Committee's 
minority. Regrettably, this Member did not have the opportunity to 
serve with Lee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence 
but, as current Vice-Chairman of the Committee and having served 
earlier for six years, this Member certainly does appreciate 
Representative Hamilton's contributions to the Intelligence Committee. 
We would all be well-advised to follow his example of setting aside 
emotion and irrationality from intricate, complex challenges and 
inserting common sense and careful analysis.
  Mr. Sepaker, this Member has served in this body for 23 years and 
without any hyperbole would say that Lee Hamilton is one of the three 
or four most distinguished legislators with whom this Member has had 
the privilege to serve. Naming the New Albany, Indiana, Federal 
Building and U.S. Courthouse after Representative Hamilton is an 
appropriate tribute to a man who served Indiana and his country so 
extraordinarily well. This Member urges his colleagues to vote in favor 
of H.R. 1583.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of 
H.R. 1583, which designates the Federal building and United States 
courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana, as 
the ``Lee Hamilton Federal Building and United States Courthouse''.
  Lee Hamilton and I were members of the same freshman class in 
Congress--we both began our service in the 89th Congress in 1965. I was 
sorry when my friend and valued colleague decided to retire at the end 
of the 105th Congress in 1998 after 17 terms in the House of 
Representatives. Lee currently serves as director of the Woodrow Wilson 
International Center for Scholars and the Center for Congress at 
Indiana University.
  Lee Hamilton is remembered by his colleagues for his skilled and 
principled service as chair and ranking member on the House Committee 
on International Affairs. His achievements and deep knowledge of 
foreign affairs and national security issues have been recognized by 
numerous awards, including the 1999 Paul H. Nitze Award for 
Distinguished Authority on National Security Affairs, the Philip C. 
Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service, the Indiana Humanities 
Council Lifetime Achievement Award, and the U.S. Association of Former 
Members of Congress Statesmanship Award.
  It is indeed fitting that the people of Indiana have a federal 
building and courthouse named after Lee Hamilton. His vast knowledge, 
keen intellect, and deeply held principles have been of great service 
to the people of Indiana and of the United States.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
1583, a bill designating the federal building and courthouse in Albany, 
Indiana after my good friend Lee Hamilton. I am proud to stand before 
this body to honor my friend Lee Hamilton for this hard work and 
dedication to the people of this country.
  Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1931, Lee Hamilton is first and 
foremost an American. He is a Floridan as well, having left a great 
impression upon the people of Daytona Beach and throughout Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to stand before you today to recognize 
a man that I admire professionally and consider a close and genuine 
friend. Having followed his career success and admired his 
accomplishments of becoming one of the most honored members of 
Congress, I had the pleasure of following in Lee's footsteps on serving 
on both the House Committee on International Relations and later on 
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence upon which he was 
distinguished the Chair.
  What stands out about Lee and compels me to rise before you today, is 
not merely his accomplishments and political gains, but the fact that 
he distinguished himself over 34 years in Congress as a dedicated 
public servant and continue to embrace that integrity at the highest 
levels.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute my close friend, Lee Hamilton for 
his significant contributions, hard work and dedication to promoting 
democracy. I urge my colleagues to support of H.R.1583 designating the 
federal building and courthouse in Indiana after my praiseworthy friend 
Lee Hamilton.

[[Page 17698]]


  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise today in full support of H.R. 1583, a bill designating the Federal 
building and United States courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street 
in New Albany, Indiana as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and 
United States Courthouse.''
  Lee Hamilton is a proud ``Hoosier'' through and through, and to this 
day he continues to work for the people of Indiana. Lee was the star of 
his basketball teams in high school and college, and earned induction 
into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Lee attended Evansville 
Central High School, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the 
basketball court. As a senior, he led his team to the final game of the 
Indiana state basketball tournament, and received the prestigious 
Trester award for scholarship and athletics. After graduation, Lee 
attended Depauw University where he studied history. Lee graduated with 
honors in 1952 and was awarded the Walker Cup, given to the most 
outstanding member of the senior class. He went on to study for a year 
in post-war Germany at Goethe University before returning to law school 
at Indiana University, from which he graduated in 1956.
  While representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, Lee Hamilton earned a reputation as a leader 
in international affairs, serving as Chairman of the House Foreign 
Relations Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Iran-
Contra Investigation Committee. During his tenure in Congress, Lee 
Hamilton established a broad record of expertise and influence in 
foreign affairs. He focused substantial attention on promoting 
democracy and market reforms in the former Soviet Union and Eastern 
Europe; advancing peace and stability in the Middle East; expanding 
U.S. markets overseas; and overhauling U.S. foreign aid.
  In addition to his impressive record on foreign affairs, Congressman 
Hamilton also played an important role in reforming the institution of 
Congress itself. He co-chaired the Joint Committee on the Organization 
of Congress where he worked to develop ideas like the gift-ban 
tightening lobbying restrictions, and applying workplace laws to the 
United States Congress.
  In 1999, after serving in the House of Representatives for 34 years, 
Lee Hamilton assumed the positions of Director of the Woodrow Wilson 
International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., and the Director 
of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. The non-partisan 
Center on Congress at Indiana University aims to educate citizens about 
the operations and importance of the U.S. Congress, and it includes a 
special outreach program to the people of Indiana.
  I join my colleagues in honoring Lee by designating the New Albany 
Federal building and courthouse as the Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building 
and United States Courthouse, and I wish him well in his current 
endeavors.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1583, 
legislation introduced by Rep. Baron Hill, to designate the Federal 
building and U.S. courthouse located at 121 West Spring Street in New 
Albany, Indiana, as the ``Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building and United 
States Courthouse.''
  Former Congressman Lee Hamilton retired in 1998 after 34 years of 
service in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lee Hamilton represented 
the Ohio River counties of the State of Indiana and was first elected 
in 1964. Before retiring he served as the Chairman of our House 
Committee on International Relations.
  While Chairman, I had the pleasure of working with Lee as the Ranking 
Republican Member, where I learned of his extensive knowledge and 
capacity for hard work in addition to his sense of moral imperative. It 
is at this time that I also learned of his willingness to bring back 
the pre-World War II era of bipartisan foreign policy.
  Lee Hamilton was born in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Fla. on April 
20, 1931 and moved with his parents to Evansville, Ind., in 1944. He 
graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1956 and was 
admitted to the bar in 1957. He began the practice of law in 1958 in 
Columbus, Ind. In 1968 he was first elected to the Eighty-ninth 
Congress and to the sixteen succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1965 
through January 3, 1999).
  In addition to serving as Chairman of the House International 
Relations Committee during the One Hundred Third Congress, Congressman 
Hamilton served as Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence 
during the Ninety-ninth Congress; the Select Committee to Investigate 
Covert Arms Transactions with Iran during the One Hundredth Congress; 
and the Joint Economic Committee during the One Hundred First Congress.
  Accordingly, I urge all of my colleagues to fully support this 
measure.
  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lend my support to H.R. 1583, 
legislation to name the federal building and courthouse in New Albany, 
Indiana, after a very distinguished former member of this body, Lee 
Hamilton.
  While a Member of the House, Lee Hamilton earned a reputation as 
foreign policy expert. With the recent tragic events that have struck 
our country, Lee Hamilton's advise and counsel are again being sought. 
He served for 34 years in this body before retiring in 1999. While his 
primary committee focus was in foreign policy, Lee also had a tenure as 
the Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and on temporary panels to 
address standards of conduct and Congressional operations and 
organization.
  Still although having a love of foreign policy, Lee Hamilton never 
forgot his constituents in Indiana. He worked hard for the well-being 
of his constituents and reached across the aisle on many items for the 
betterment of the Hoosier State.
  Finally, it must be noted here, that perhaps one of his greatest 
accomplishments, came not on the House floor or in committee, but on 
the basketball court. He was a star player on his high school and 
college teams and has been inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of 
Fame.
  I support H.R. 1583 and urge its adoption.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1583, 
which recognizes our former colleague from Indiana, the Honorable Lee 
H. Hamilton, by naming in his honor a Federal Building and U.S. 
Courthouse in New Albany, Indiana.
  Mr. Speaker, ever since I was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1989, I 
have served as a member of the House Foreign Affairs/International 
Relations Committee. In that capacity, it was my distinct pleasure and 
honor to serve with and get to know our distinguished colleague, the 
former Chairman and Ranking Democratic Member, Lee Hamilton.
  Over the decade that I worked with Mr. Hamilton, he was always looked 
to by Committee members for bipartisan leadership, wise insight and 
steady guidance in crafting America's foreign policy.
  Mr. Hamilton's voice was one marked by moderation, thoughtfulness and 
balance, and he had the vision to look beyond momentary international 
crises to seek and preserve the long-term interests of our Nation.
  In a distinguished career in Congress which spanned 34 years, Mr. 
Hamilton, in particular, provided exceptional leadership in efforts to 
promote democratic reforms in the former Soviet Union and Soviet bloc 
nations, as well his strong support of balanced peace initiatives in 
the Middle East. Mr. Hamilton was also a major instrumental force in 
revamping our Nation's foreign aid and export policies, while 
championing the expansion of overseas markets for U.S. products.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us in Congress greatly miss our former colleague, 
Mr. Hamilton. We note, however, that he continues his tremendous 
contributions to our Nation's foreign policy by serving as the Director 
of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the respected 
international and world affairs think tank.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to adopt the legislation before 
us, which fittingly honors and pays tribute to a great American and one 
of the most respected leaders in our Nation's capital.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation. I have 
no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KERNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Kerns) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 1583.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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