Thomas E. Petri: “Madam Speaker, we are about to complete final passage of a splendid tribute to one of this country's most distinguished…”

“Madam Speaker, we are about to complete final passage of a splendid tribute to one of this country's most distinguished judges, John Minor Wisdom, who will celebrate the beginning of his 90th year next Tuesday, May 17. The designation of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans as the ``John Minor Wisdom United States Court of Appeals Building'' will serve as a continuing reminder of the extraordinary contribution John Minor Wisdom has made to this court and the U.S. legal system in his 65 years as lawyer and judge. We noted on initial passage of this legislation the great debt that we owe to Judge Wisdom for his 37 years of service on the fifth circuit. Our legal system has been enriched by his participation in the judicial process. Through his love of liberty and his country, he has demonstrated a high morality to his fellow citizens. Judge Wisdom has helped set a remarkable standard for the American judiciary that will be an inspiration for the generations ahead.”