September 7, 2005—Today Reps. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Deborah Pryce (R-OH), John Carter (R-TX), Joe Wilson (R- SC), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Lamar Smith (R-TX) made the following statements in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist who passed away over the weekend.   

The six members had this to say:
 
“Chief Justice Rehnquist was often found standing in the breach in defense of the Constitution, endowing this nation through the years with a noble legacy of resistance to an activist Court determined to make its own law and enact its own agenda,” said Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ).   “For his valiant defense of the Constitution time and again, this nation owes Chief Justice William Rehnquist a profound debt of gratitude for his noble life and service.”

“Chief Justice Rehnquist was a legal giant of the first order,” said Chairwoman Deborah Pryce (OH-15).  “His piercing analysis and profound understanding of the Constitution helped him make wise decisions in some of the most important cases in our nation’s history.  The eloquence of his opinions and his respect for both the law and the Court will long be remembered.”  Pryce continued, “Rehnquist’s legacy will be as enduring and powerful as any Justice since John Marshall, and with his passing the Court has lost one of its greatest assets.”

 “Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist was a solid judge who never abandoned the principles and the foundation of this nation – our Constitution,” said Congressman John R. Carter (TX-31). “As a former member of the bench, I respected and admired the professionalism and dedication of Chief Justice Rehnquist.  He will forever be ingrained in the history of this nation, as his decisions and actions will have everlasting impact.”

 
“Today, my thoughts are with the Rehnquist family and our nation," said Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC).  “With the passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, we have lost a true leader who made the most of his unique opportunity to help the American people.  He was a skilled judge and brilliant man who devoted over a third of his life to ensuring that our highest court fairly upheld our laws.  Chief Justice Rehnquist earned a valuable place in our nation's history and will be missed." 

“We are saddened by the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist. His tenure was marked by a strong allegiance to federalist principles and our country will forever be grateful for his service. It is my hope that the subsequent Chief Justice will help build a conservative consensus on the court,” said Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01).

"America has lost a valued public servant.  Chief Justice Rehnquist will be remembered and revered for his long and impeccable tenure on the bench,” said Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21).  "As the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee's Courts Subcommittee, I had the pleasure of working with him regularly to address ways to improve our judicial system.  His devotion to that goal was unparalleled, as was his leadership and guidance as Chief Justice.”