For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Jason Westphal
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6077
jwestphal@wisbar.org |
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Ballman, Bar Commend Congressman Sensenbrenner
MADISON, July 26, 2002 - State Bar President
Patricia Ballman recently had the honor of presenting U.S.
Representative F. James Sensenbrenner with a resolution (attached)
during a ceremony held at the Germantown Village Hall. The resolution,
approved by the Bar's Board of Governors, thanked the Congressman for
his involvement with Wisconsin's Federal Nominating Commission and
recognized his achievements as chairman of the House Judiciary
Committee.
The following is a transcript of Atty. Ballman's remarks:
"On behalf of the State Bar of Wisconsin, I am happy to present you
with this resolution in commendation of your work toward ensuring that
the people of Wisconsin have access to justice and an efficient delivery
of that justice.
One of the legal and legislative bright spots for Wisconsin this year
was the creation of a federal judgeship in the northeastern part of the
state - something I know you've played an integral role in securing.
Both the State Bar and I personally thank you for your efforts.
However, I would be remiss if I also didn't take time to recognize
your work as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee - a committee
with jurisdiction over many issues of interest to the State Bar. We are
grateful for the valuable legal perspective and insight you take with
you to Washington on these issues.
As Wisconsin's only Congressional committee chairman, you have won
strong praise from both Republicans and Democrats as a firm but fair
chairman, presiding over what can be one of the most contentious
committees in Congress.
Furthermore, your tenure as Chairman has been quite notable. You have
achieved a remarkable degree of bipartisan cooperation; surprising both
liberals and conservatives alike with your ability to craft landmark
legislation, like the USA Patriot Act, in such a way as to be able to
bring a version out of committee on a unanimous vote. While a forceful
advocate for overhauling the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS), you have also served as a strong defender of civil liberties at a
time when many Americans have been hesitant to question the sweeping
grants of domestic surveillance authority sought by the FBI and the
Attorney General.
Congressman Sensenbrenner, I look forward to working with you in the
future, and I know the State Bar stands ready to continue a
collaborative relationship with you on issues of importance to the legal
profession and the public we both serve. I hope you will feel free to
call upon the collective expertise of the Bar whenever you think we can
be of assistance."
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association,
created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a law
license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000 members, the State Bar aids
the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members, and assists Wisconsin
lawyers in carrying out initiatives to educate the public about the
legal system.
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