[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. ____________________