Debbie Dingell: “I rise today to honor to pay tribute to former judiciary chairman Peter Rodino, he was a champion of civil rights and a…”

“I rise today to honor to pay tribute to former judiciary chairman Peter Rodino, he was a champion of civil rights and a beacon of justice during his 40 year tenure in Congress and his 16 years as a Seton Hall Professor of Law. Mr. Rodino was most famous for his handling of the Watergate crisis. All sides--including Democrats, Republicans, and even the national press--hailed Rodino for the fair and just hand he used to guide the impeachment hearings. During this period of crisis, his courage and wisdom provided the foundation of strong leadership that gave Members the confidence to do what was right, even if it meant crossing party lines. The issue became one of preserving the sanctity of the system, rather than preserving the reputation of an individual. Throughout the process, Rodino's commitment to the system never wavered. The son of Italian immigrants, Peter Rodino came of age in Newark, New Jersey. After leaving high school, Congressman Rodino endured 10 years of menial jobs while studying late into the night for a law degree at New Jersey Law School. In 1938 his patience and dedication was rewarded when he joined a local law firm. He put his newly found career on hiatus when he chose to defend his Nation against injustice in World War II. Mr. Rodino's strong character and determination earned him not only a Bronze star, but also a Knight of Order of Crown from Italy--a token of national gratitude for a soldier's accomplishments.…”