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“TRIBUTE TO U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL EDWARD LEVI” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E288 on March 13, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL EDWARD LEVI
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HON. RAY LaHOOD
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 13, 2000
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and my colleague, Robert Matsui, I would like to pay tribute today to the life of former U.S. Attorney General Edward Levi. It is with great sorrow that I acknowledge his passing, but it is with great privilege and honor that I speak about him today.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens recently said of Mr. Levi, ``Wisdom, wit, a quiet grace and tireless willingness to strive for excellence have seldom been combined in such measure in one individual.'' I could not have summed up a man who has meant so much, to so many, better myself.
Author, professor, devoted father, and husband, Edward Levi is remembered by most as the U.S. Attorney General who helped to rebuild the Justice Department after Watergate and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. But, moreover, he was a man who accomplished more in his lifetime than most people dream of.
Starting out during World War II as a special assistant in the U.S. Attorney General's office, Mr. Levi returned to his alma mater of the University of Chicago in 1945 to assume a professorship in their distinguished school of law. While at the university, Mr. Levi quickly rose through the ranks becoming the Dean of the Law School in 1950, provost in 1962, and president of the distinguished university in 1968, a position he held until 1975. He was the first member of the Jewish community to serve as a leader of a major U.S. university.
In 1975, Mr. Levi was praised for his evenhanded response to the student uprising that culminated in the takeover of the school's administration building. His unique sense and display of leadership surrounding this incident did not go unnoticed. He was quickly appointed to the position of U.S. Attorney General, a post he served from 1975-1977. Former President Ford, said, ``Ed Levi, with his outstanding academic and administrative record at the University of Chicago, was a perfect choice. * * * When I assumed the Presidency in August 1974, it was essential that a new attorney general be appointed who would restore integrity and competence to the Department of Justice.'' Mr. Levi did just that.
Mr. Speaker, words certainly cannot do justice to the life of this fine individual. He was an exemplary individual, and it goes unsaid that his unmatchable leadership will be missed. I want to express my condolences to the Levi family, particularly his wife Kate, sons John, David, and Michael, and brother Harry. Let us not forget his impressive accomplishments, but above all, let us never forget the kind-hearted man behind the distinguished titles.
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