Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse

Floor Speech

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Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. I thank my good friend for yielding me time. I want to thank him as well for his support for this legislation in committee and here today on the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1690, legislation to designate the Federal courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse.

I have the honor and privilege of representing the city of Pittsburgh in the House of Representatives. Joseph F. Weis, Jr., was a well known and respected individual in western Pennsylvania who served his country both as a soldier and as a judge.

Naming the Federal courthouse in Pittsburgh would be fitting recognition for an individual with such a long and distinguished record of service to his country.

Joe Weis left college and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Later in life, he described that decision simply as ``the thing to do. The country was at war, and I felt I should be out there doing my share.'' And he clearly did. He was wounded twice fighting in France with the 4th Armored Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster for his action in combat.

After the war, Joe Weis completed his undergraduate degree at Duquesne University and then pursued a legal career, joining his father's practice after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1950. After a number of years in private practice, he was elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1968 as the first choice on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. As a judge, he rapidly earned a reputation for dedication, integrity, and hard work. Two years later, Judge Weis was appointed to the Federal bench, and in 1973, he was appointed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, one step below the Supreme Court.

He served on that court for 40 years, retiring just 2 years ago when he was 90 years old.

He worked tirelessly to improve the judicial system, advocating for innovative courtroom technologies and enforcement of judicial ethics. He was recognized for his outstanding service on the bench with the Devitt Award, the highest honor given to Federal judges.

Amidst this impressive list of accomplishments, he was known most of all for the strength of his character. Joe Weis was beloved by his colleagues and his law clerks, who to this day call themselves ``Weis guys.''

Joseph F. Weis, Jr.'s life is a model all public servants should aspire to emulate. Naming this Federal courthouse in his honor is a fitting way to honor this long, faithful, and capable service to our country and to hold him up as an example of a true public servant.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to name the Federal courthouse in Pittsburgh in his honor.

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