Speech #990144336

For more than 37 years. the House of Representatives has been graced by the extraordinary skill. the quiet determination. and the superlative sense of justice of PETER RODINO. A glance at his legislative accomplishments looks like a list of Congress proudest moments. He managed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. and played a vital role in its extension in the 98th Congress. he guided House consideration of the Immigration reform law in 1965. which eliminated the discriminatory national origin quotas that had formed the basis of 40 years of immigration policy. he was floor manager of the open housing bill of 1966. and he was a key player in establish. ing Martin Luther Kings birthday as a national holiday. Chairman RODINO is also well remem. bered for his masterful leadership during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon in 1974. which took place only shortly after he had assumed the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee. His patience. wisdom. and fairmindedness helped reassure our country. in that troubled time. that justice was in good hands in Congress.