Honoring Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist
HONORING CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST -- (Senate - September 07, 2005)
Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I come to the floor this afternoon to speak for three very important reasons. Of course, first is to recognize our Chief Justice who has just passed, William Rehnquist.
Today the Senate paid its respects to the late Justice Rehnquist, filing through the halls of the Supreme Court where he served this Nation with distinction for more than 33 years.
I could not help but remember a conversation I had with Chief Justice Rehnquist a couple of years ago. I was walking to work and happened to run into him on one of his legendary strolls around the Court. We talked a bit about what was happening in the judicial nomination process in the Senate. But the specifics of that conversation are probably less important than the style of the conversation. He was informal, approachable, genteel, but certainly direct. And regardless of his physical frailty, he had lost none of his interest or his ability to give a shrewd analysis of the events of the day. If you spent any time at all with this very important man, you would feel the force of his great personality.
Much has already been written about the legal legacy of Justice Rehnquist because he was one of the most influential jurists of our time. He anchored and presided over a shift to conservative principles, underscoring in particular the importance of federalism and limitations on Government. I know some in the conservative community were disappointed that the Supreme Court, on his watch, did not reverse more prior left-leaning precedents, but his strong hand was certainly obvious in a long series of history-making decisions. William Rehnquist's impact on jurisprudence was profound and will be felt for many years to come.
In his personal life, I know this engaging man had many friends, and to all of them, as well as his family, I extend my deepest condolences. The Court has lost a brilliant and fair leader. America has lost a great public servant. I consider myself fortunate to have had the chance to know and be inspired by William Rehnquist.
I thank the leader for this opportunity to add one more voice to the chorus of tributes from a grateful Nation.
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