Speech #990144319

I rise tonight to honor my respected colleague from New Jersey. the Honorable PETER RODINO. As the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Congressman RODINO has shown remarkable leadership in a number of important legislative areas. including civil rights and immigration reform. bankruptcy. commercial law. and antitrust policy. and protecting and preserving the constitutional rights of all Americans. Even before assuming the Judiciary Chair in 1973. PETER RODINO carved out a record of accomplishment in the civil rights area and was instrumental in congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As the former chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee and prime sponsor of the Refugee Act of 1980. Congressman RODINO has played an important role in shaping our immigration laws. Few members can match the tremendous record of legislative accomplishments which Congressman RODINO has achieved since he was elected to the 81st Congress in November 1948. His hardwork and leadership led to the congressional enactment of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. the Voting Rights Act Extension in 1982. and. in 1984. legislation making Martin Luther Kings Birthday a national holiday. The distinguished "Dean" of the New Jersey delegation has continued to pursue his fundamental interests in these areas in the 98th and 99th Congress. As an original sponsor of the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1985. he has been instrumental in efforts to protect the civil rights of all Americans by ensuring that the Federal Government does not support discrimination based on race. gender. age. or physical handicap. As the prime sponsor of the Immigration Con. trol and Legalization Amendments Act of 1985. Chairman RODINO has continued to provide tremendous leadership In updating our immigration laws. Mr. Speaker.