Tony Thurmond: “I rise today to commend Mr. Thomas B. Griffith, who, on April 18, 1999, resigned from the position of Senate Legal…”

“I rise today to commend Mr. Thomas B. Griffith, who, on April 18, 1999, resigned from the position of Senate Legal Counsel to return to the private practice of law. Mr. Griffith served in that office for the past four years. Mr. President, as President pro tempore of the Senate, it was my pleasure to oversee the work of the Office of Legal Counsel during Mr. Griffith's tenure. I appreciated the great dedication and professionalism he displayed in his capacity as Legal Counsel. The Office of Senate Legal Counsel plays an important role for the United States Senate. It is responsible for providing legal defense to the Senate, its committees, Members, officers, and employees when authorized to do so. The Legal Counsel represents Senate committees in proceedings to obtain evidence for Senate investigations. As directed, it intervenes or appears as amicus curiae in the name of the Senate and Senate committees. It also represents the interests of the Senate as intervenor or amicus curiae in various other court cases. On an ongoing basis, the Senate Legal Counsel Office provides legal advice to Members, committees, and officers of the Senate. Among the highlights of Mr. Griffith's career in the Senate would undoubtably be the impeachment trial of the President of the United States. During those proceedings, Mr. Griffith provided the Senate with professional and nonpartisan advice on a range of issues related to the impeachment process.”