[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14512]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHRIS AHMUTY

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Chris Ahmuty as he 
retires from the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin after 24 
years of advocacy and leadership. Since 1992, Chris has dedicated his 
professional and personal life to creating a stronger and more equal 
Wisconsin.
  Chris was born in New York City and spent his childhood and 
adolescent years in Derby, NY. Growing up, Chris's grandfather, 
Frederic P. Lee, played a significant role in shaping his future. Based 
in Washington, Frederic was an active contributor to the political 
reform movement in Montgomery County, MD, throughout the 1940s and 
1950s. Frederic's commitment to public service and family values had a 
tremendous impact on Chris, eventually leading him into a career in 
advocacy.
  Chris's career with the ACLU did not begin with a full time job, but 
rather a volunteer position. After moving to Milwaukee to attend 
graduate school, Chris held a variety of jobs, including a position at 
the Milwaukee County Historical Society. However, following in his 
grandfather's political footsteps, he began to spend his free time 
volunteering for the ACLU. Soon after, in 1982, he became the executive 
assistant to the ACLU Wisconsin executive director, Eunice Edgar.
  Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union continues its 
mission to preserve individual rights and liberties. Since becoming 
executive director of the Wisconsin chapter in 1992, Chris has 
personally embodied this mission both in his work and in the community.
  Over the course of his tenure, the Wisconsin chapter has grown from 4 
full-time employees to 12, including 2 full-time staff attorneys. 
According to those who work most closely with him, Chris's leadership 
style is rooted in his familial values and strong belief in the 
importance of civil liberties. He recognizes that change will not occur 
over a single day or week, but over a long period of time with the help 
of perseverance, patience, and a strong will. Chris is a staunch 
advocate who has fought to end racial segregation in schools, uphold a 
woman's right to choose, and preserve every individual's First 
Amendment rights. Under his leadership, ACLU Wisconsin also fought hard 
to challenge the State's voter ID laws, which threaten to 
disenfranchise or discourage Wisconsin voters. Chris has spent his 
career giving a voice to those who might otherwise not be heard.
  Chris's commitment to the people of Wisconsin goes beyond the impact 
he has had at the ACLU. He has served on advisory committees for the 
Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance and on the Legal and Policy 
Committee of the Wisconsin Relay of Electronic Data, helping develop 
privacy standards for Wisconsin healthcare. Lastly, Chris has served on 
the board of the Milwaukee Turners for over 10 years as a way of 
honoring his German heritage and helping mold the next generation of 
leaders.
  For the many years I have known Chris, he has been a respected 
leader, a passionate advocate, and a cherished friend. His patience, 
character, and drive make him a wonderful ally and a fearless protector 
of the rights of all Wisconsin residents. Although he is retiring from 
the ACLU, I know he will continue to spend his days fighting for 
equality.
  I am so pleased to join with others in expressing gratitude for his 
leadership and recognizing his accomplishments. I wish him and his 
partner, Bob, all the best in the next chapter of their lives together.

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