On the recordJuly 23, 2012
I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5958 was introduced by our colleague from New York (Mr. Turner) to honor Senator James L. Buckley for his many contributions to America and to the State of New York. The bill recognizes, in particular, his role in establishing the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and the Gateway National Recreation Area. Senator Buckley was the sponsor of the legislation that created the park and, obviously, participated in the floor debate in the Senate. Even before his historic election to the Senate as the candidate of the New York Conservative Party, Senator Buckley spoke out in favor of protecting this natural area in the shadow of New York City and from its use as an airport extension. Senator Buckley is one of the few Americans to have served in the top levels of all three branches of the U.S. Government. In addition to his election to the Senate seat once held by Robert Kennedy, Buckley served as Under Secretary of State, President of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, and judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, generally held to be the second-highest court in our judicial system. {time} 1550 Naming the visitors' center and the wildlife refuge after Senator Buckley is a particularly fitting tribute, and he is a lifelong naturalist and birder. This is good legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.
