[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E585-E586] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO SENATOR HOWELL HEFLIN ______ HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. of alabama in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, with profound sadness, I rise today to honor the life of former U.S. Senator Howell Heflin. Senator Heflin served in the U.S. Senate on behalf of the State of Alabama for 18 years. He was a nationally known and popular Senator, who fought tirelessly for the people of Alabama. He passed away on March 31, 2005 at the age of 83. Before his election to the Senate, Senator Heflin was Chief Justice of the Alabama State Supreme Court. As Chief Justice, he was the lead author of the Alabama Judicial Code, which reformed Alabama's outdated legal system. His grass roots efforts established a model for future constitutional reform not only in Alabama but across the nation. During his time in the Senate he was known for his sharp wit and deep understanding of the issues being addressed by Congress. He had an innate ability to describe difficult and complex subjects in such a way that most anyone could understand and form an opinion on them. Senator Heflin was a strong advocate for civil rights, the Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and southern agriculture along with many others. His work helped lay the foundation for the new technological economy of North Alabama. Senator Heflin was respectably referred to by his colleagues as ``The Judge,'' because of his position as Chief Justice and his long tenure as Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee. It was said that he ruled over the [[Page E586]] Chamber with an iron fist and demanded his fellow Senators live up to higher standards. Mr. Speaker, Senator Heflin commanded respect from his colleagues, and made the least among us feel as important as anyone else. He was a friend to me during and after his time in Washington. He will be missed by all who knew him. On behalf of everyone in North Alabama, I respectively rise to honor and pay tribute to a great American leader. ____________________