Pete Sessions: “I am honored to have been here this evening to hear the remarks of Senator Specter about his friend Judge Becker. I came…”

“I am honored to have been here this evening to hear the remarks of Senator Specter about his friend Judge Becker. I came to know him and respect him greatly myself. I remember it was Judge Becker this and Judge Becker that as we wrestled with the asbestos litigation. Senator Specter, I knew, had such extraordinary respect for him. I guess it probably would be fair to say that in the last year, if there had to be a 101st Senator, he might have been the one we would name because he met time and time again with Senators and groups and interests and people to try to work out an asbestos bill that would be effective. I came around to the thinking that he was exactly correct and agreed that he and Senator Specter had the right approach to that historic piece of legislation. I am very sad we never could move it forward, but Judge Becker provided a great and extraordinary contribution to the legislation. In getting to know him, talking to him about other judges, he talked about Bill Pryor, a judge from Alabama who was recently confirmed. He knew and studied his record. I came to feel that he was a fine and decent person who loved his country and just didn't want to retire and sit around. He was right in the middle of things to his last days on this Earth. I thank Senator Specter for allowing us the opportunity to get to know him. I hope he will convey to Judge Becker's family our admiration and respect for him.”