Bill Pascrell: “on Saturday, May 7, I lost a friend, a constituent, and an inspiration. Many of you in this Chamber knew and worked with…”

“on Saturday, May 7, I lost a friend, a constituent, and an inspiration. Many of you in this Chamber knew and worked with Peter Rodino, a former Congressman from Newark, New Jersey. For those who did not know him, you undoubtedly recall his service or have read about his life and illustrious career in public service. Congressman Rodino is most well-known for the role he played in the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon. He demonstrated a dignified image of Congress at a time when cynicism characterized the public's view of our government. He upheld the integrity of this institution. He was himself a person of character. Despite the important role that he played in the glamorous hearings, Congressman Rodino's real legacy is in the work that he did to further civil rights for all Americans. As the son of an Italian immigrant who grew up on the ethnically diverse streets of Newark, Congressman Rodino understood the importance of building bridges to unite ethnic communities. He was determined to see women and Americans of all races and religions receive equal civil rights. In his role on the House Committee on the Judiciary, Congressman Rodino was instrumental in managing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on the House floor, where it passed and was eventually signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. Congressman Rodino authored the Fair Employment Practices Amendment within the historic civil rights bill.…”