[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15559] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]COMMENDING DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURT OF APPEALS CHIEF JUDGE ANNICE WAGNER ______ HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of the district of columbia in the house of representatives Monday, July 11, 2005 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, because of my personal admiration and friendship, I am particularly pleased to rise today to introduce a resolution that gives me personal pleasure even beyond the pleasure I would normally have in commemorating the service of District of Columbia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Annice Wagner. Judge Wagner's distinguished service for almost 30 years to the courts and to the people of the District of Columbia is documented in this resolution, also introduced in the Senate by Governmental Affairs Chair, Susan Collins, I am pleased to ask the House as well to express its gratitude to Chief Judge Wagner. Judge Wagner was first nominated as an Associate Judge by President Jimmy Carter in 1977, re-nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, and appointed Chief Judge in 1994 By President Bill Clinton. Under Judge Wagner's leadership, the Court has benefited in many ways while growing in respect by the profession, the bar and the Congress. Recently, along with other officials, I helped Judge Wagner break ground on the renovation of the historic Old District of Columbia Courthouse (Old City Hall), a project she has long championed as the new home of our highest court, which Chief Judge Wagner has so successfully led. The Chief Judge led the court through a historic transition after the federal government for the first time assumed financial responsibility for the D.C. courts. Although the President always has appointed the judges of the D.C. courts, the District of Columbia alone was responsible for the costs until passage of the District of Columbia Revitalization Act of 1997. Joining the financial responsibility with the appointing power helped the District emerge from its worst financial crisis in a century. However, the transition required changes in many details of operations, and the leadership of Chief Judge Wagner was critical to the success of this important transition. When Judge Wagner was Annice Robinson and I was Eleanor Holmes, we were close friends and classmates at Dunbar High School. Annice was known then for her top academic achievements, her leadership skills, and her ability to bring people together. No one who knew Annice Robinson would be surprised that she would become Chief Judge of the highest court in her hometown or that she would leave her signature on the Court and on our city. We are fortunate indeed that Chief Judge Wagner will assume senior status enabling the courts to continue to tap her years of experience and dedication. The Bar of the city, our elected officials, and our residents have been the direct beneficiaries of Judge Wagner's extraordinary service. Because of the role of the federal government in our local government, Congress shares in the pride and gratitude of the city and the profession for Chief Judge Wagner's service. I ask the House to join me in endorsing this resolution of appreciation and commendation for the service of Chief Judge Annice Wagner. ____________________