Speech #990072061

Mr. Speaker. on July 21 the New York Times carried an editorial entitled "Peter Rodino Rides to the Rescue" commending Chairman PETER RODINO of the House Judiciary Committee as a champion of immigration reform. PETE has championed many causes in the past. and oftentimes. his efforts and his support have meant the difference between success and failure. His steadfastness and dedication to fairness during the impeachment hearings demonstrated boundless proof of his skill and concern for our great Nation and its people. As the Congressman for the 10th District of New Jersey. and a veteran of 36 years of service in the House of Representatives. he has distinguished himself time and againas chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. as a delegate to the North Atlantic Assembly. as an assistant to the majority whip and a member of the House steering committee. and as a former chairman of the Immigration and Nationality Subcommittee as well as chairman of the Monopolies and Commercial Law Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. In every endeavor. he has labored diligently and with devotion to the highest standards of excellence. PETE Was instrumental in insuring the beginning of a totally new and more democratic concept in American immigration policy because it was largely through his leadership that the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 became law and did away with the national origins quota system which discriminated against every nationality and ethnic group. Subsequently. PETE was instrumental in securing passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1976 which effected further reforms in our immigration laws. Based on his past record of achievement with immigration reform legislation. the New York Times states that "there could be no more welcome or fitting sponsor than PETER RODINO" and I concur in this assessment. The text of the editorial from the New York Times follows: [From the New York Times. July 21. 19851