Vol. 37, Number 3 —March 2005

Conference Pays Tribute to Senator Orrin Hatch

At its March 2005 meeting, the Judicial Conference recognized the leadership of Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Hatch was chair of the committee from 1995 to 2001 and from 2003 to 2005

A resolution, presented to him by the Judicial Conference at a Supreme Court reception read in part,

"Through 29 years of distinguished service in the Senate, Senator Orrin Hatch has become a respected leader of national prominence. He is widely admired for his honesty and sound judgment, unfailingly displayed with humor and civility. . . . The Judicial Conference particularly recognizes Senator Hatch's long and distinguished tenure on the Committee on the Judiciary. His record of accomplishments there bears witness to an unwavering respect for the Constitution of the United States and an abiding belief in the rule of law. Senator Hatch has been sensitive to the position of the Judicial Conference on legislation affecting the Judiciary and, on such matters, has been a source of wise counsel to judges. He has always recognized the independence of the Judicial Branch, has vigorously supported improvements in the administration of justice, has skillfully managed the judicial confirmation process, and has been a leader in efforts to provide appropriate and equitable compensation and benefits to judges and their staffs.

The legacy of the Honorable Orrin Hatch, as a Member of Congress, as a leader of the Committee on the Judiciary, and as a valued friend to the federal Judiciary, will endure for many years to come."