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  • Press Release
    July 26, 2002

    News Release July 2002: Ballman, Bar Commend Congressman Sensenbrenner

    For Immediate Release
      CONTACT: Jason Westphal
    State Bar of Wisconsin
    (800) 444-9404, ext. 6077
    jwestphal@wisbar.org
    *

    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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