Benjamin Gilman: “it is with deep regret that I rise to inform our colleagues of the unanticipated announcement by our colleague, the…”

“it is with deep regret that I rise to inform our colleagues of the unanticipated announcement by our colleague, the gentleman from New York, Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., of his intention to retire at the end of this Congress. This is an irreparable loss for our region, our State, and for the Congress. Ham Fish has been an inspiration to all of us and to the American people. His 26 years of dedicated service in this chamber is a benchmark of public service that will not soon be duplicated. His outstanding leadership, his intellect, his dedication and his sterling character will be greatly missed. Since his first election to Congress in 1968, Ham Fish impressed this Chamber and the entire Nation with his selfless devotion to public service. His brilliant legal mind was demonstrated in the spotlight of the Watergate crisis when, as a junior member of the House Judiciary Committee, we had the benefit of his dedication to upholding constitutional law and his insistence on integrity. Having since risen to the position of ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, Ham Fish led the fight to strengthen our civil rights laws and the judicial process. His crusade on behalf of a realistic and equitable immigration law is one of the many ways he was of immeasurable service to our Nation.”