Wayne Gilchrest: “Mr. Speaker, S. 1931 is a bill which would designate the United States Post Office and Courthouse in Cookeville, TN as…”

“Mr. Speaker, S. 1931 is a bill which would designate the United States Post Office and Courthouse in Cookeville, TN as the L. Clure Morton United States Post Office and Courthouse. Judge Morton was appointed to the U.S. District Court by President Richard M. Nixon, on July 15, 1977. He was elevated to Chief Judge and took Senior status on July 31, 1984. As a District Judge, Judge Morton was known as exacting but fair, delivering decisions based upon the letter of the law rather than strong public sentiment. In 1971, Judge Morton rendered a decision ordering the massive crosstown busing of students in Nashville in order to desegregate the public school system. Among Judge Morton's other notable decisions were those that led to sweeping reforms in Tennessee's prison, welfare and mental health systems. Judge Morton retired from the bench this past August. He has been a dutiful public servant for over 25 years; this bill is a fitting tribute to an accomplished jurist.”