Bob Franks: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 158, as amended, designates the United States Courthouse, located in Billings, Montana, as the James…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 158, as amended, designates the United States Courthouse, located in Billings, Montana, as the James F. Battin United States Courthouse. Judge Battin dedicated his life to public service. He was a Federal District Judge for the United States District Court of Montana, and also a former Member of Congress, having served in the House of Representatives from the 87th through the 91st Congress. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and ably served for 3 years in the Pacific. After returning from military service, Judge Battin attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana. He relocated to Washington, D.C. and was graduated from George Washington University Law School. He was later admitted to the D.C. Bar. Judge Battin returned to Montana in the mid 1950s and accepted county and municipal attorney posts. He was elected to the Montana State House of Representatives and served in the State House until his election to the United States House of Representatives in the 87th Congress. He went on to serve four succeeding terms. During his tenure in Congress he served on the Committee on Committees, the Executive Committee, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Ways and Means. In 1969 President Nixon appointed Judge Battin to the United States District Court for the District of Montana.”