Introduction of The Gerald W. Ehaney Federal Building And United States Courthouse And Customhouse Act

INTRODUCTION OF THE GERALD W. HEANEY FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND CUSTOMHOUSE ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 05, 2007)

* Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of a bill to name the Federal building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse in Duluth, Minnesota, in honor of Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Judge Heaney was appointed Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on November 3, 1966. After 40 years of distinguished judicial service, Judge Heaney retired on August 31, 2006.

* Judge Heaney was born on January 29, 1918, in Goodhue, a rural community in the southeastern part of Minnesota. As a child growing up in a farming community, Judge Heaney learned the value of a close family, honesty, and hard work. These qualities have marked not only his personal life but also his life as a public servant. He was educated at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1941.

* Gerry Heaney is a decorated World War II veteran. He was a member of the distinguished Army Ranger Battalion and participated in the historic D-Day landing at Normandy. He was awarded the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery in the battle of La Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France. He also received a Bronze Star and five battle stars.

* At the end of the war, Judge Heaney returned home and entered private practice in Duluth. During that time he was instrumental in improving the state education system, and served on the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. He was instrumental in helping the Duluth school system develop a payroll system that equalized the pay for both men and women.

* In 1966, President Johnson appointed Judge Heaney to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. In that capacity, Judge Heaney has been a champion of protecting the rights of the disadvantaged. He is devoted to making sure that every person has an equal opportunity for an education, a job, and a home. He firmly believes the poor, the less educated, and less advantaged deserve the protections provided by the United States Constitution.

* As a hard working, well-prepared, and fair-minded jurist, Judge Heaney left his legal imprimatur on school desegregation cases, bankruptcy law, prisoner treatment, and social security law.

* His public service is discerned by industry, brilliance, and scholarly excellence. His compassion and dedication to our most disadvantaged are unparalleled.

* It is fitting and proper for Congress to designate the Duluth, Minnesota Federal Building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse in honor of Judge Gerald W. Heaney.

* I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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