Honoring and Recognizing the Distinquished Service, Career, and Achievements of Chief Justice William Hubbs Rehnquist Upon his Death
HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, CAREER, AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM HUBBS REHNQUIST UPON HIS DEATH -- (House of Representatives - September 07, 2005)
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Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most influential jurists of the 20th Century, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, the 16th Chief Justice of the United States upon his passing on the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2005.
First appointed to the Supreme Court as an Associate Justice by President Richard Nixon in 1972, Rehnquist would go on to serve for 33 years, the final 19 of which as Chief Justice. During his time on the Court, Rehnquist earned the reputation as a conservative intellectual who would challenge the status quo in the name of judicial restraint and federalism principles. He respected the Court's role as an independent body whose role was not to legislate subjectively on the issues of the day; but rather, to serve as the objective arbiter of the rule of law.
Notwithstanding the politically charged nature of the Court during the latter half of the 20th Century, Rehnquist was very well liked and respected by all his colleagues, even those with whom he frequently disagreed. In fact, Justice John Paul Stevens, the Justice with whom Rehnquist most frequently disagreed, commented on ``the efficiency, good humor and absolute impartiality that [Rehnquist had] consistently displayed when presiding at [Supreme Court] Conferences.'' This ability to work closely with all of his colleagues was a testament to Chief Justice Rehnquist's affability, professionalism and evenhandedness.
Not only will Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist be missed as a jurist, he will also be missed as a loving family man. Though his wife preceded him in death, he is survived by three wonderful children to whom he no doubt passed his strong work ethic, patriotism, and deep and abiding respect for our American institutions.
In closing Mr. Speaker, please let me extend my condolences to Chief Justice Rehnquist's family and friends on their loss. He was a great American and will be missed by us all.
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