Byron Dorgan: “I am especially proud that the bill names the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Grand Forks, ND after…”

“I am especially proud that the bill names the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Grand Forks, ND after Judge Ronald N. Davies. The late Judge Davies is one of North Dakota's proudest sons. While he grew up in Grand Forks, he is also claimed by Fargo. It was while serving as a judge in Fargo that President Eisenhower appointed him to the Federal bench in 1955. While not a household name, Judge Davies has gone down in history as the judge who ordered Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus to integrate the Little Rock public schools 43 years ago this month. It is only fitting that the Federal building in his hometown-- constructed the year he was born--bear his name. Some of my colleagues may have had the opportunity to visit the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in downtown Washington. Among the many examples of Americana is the famous Rockwell painting of a little African-American girl, hair in pigtails, head held high, being escorted to school by U.S. Marshals. The painting puts a human face on an important turning point in our Nation's history. It was the result of the ruling by this modest and unassuming son of North Dakota that our Nation took one more step toward expanding the American dream to all Americans.”