To designate the United States courthouse located at 100 North Church Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the "Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse".

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking Subcommittee Chairman Denham and Ranking Member Holmes Norton, Committee Chairman Mica and Ranking Member Rahall for moving H.R. 3742.

I rise today in strong support of this bill.

This bill is very simple. It would name the United States courthouse located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse.

Governor Mechem was a community leader who dedicated his life to public service. He was a four-term Governor of New Mexico and the first Governor born in New Mexico post-statehood. Governor Mechem also served New Mexico as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, in the United States Senate, and as a United States district judge for the district of New Mexico. He presided as United States district judge from 1970 until his death in 2002.

Governor Mechem was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico, shortly after New Mexico gained statehood. He attended what later became New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. And following graduation from the University of Arkansas School of Law, he returned to New Mexico to practice law.

Despite having a successful law practice, Governor Mechem answered America's call and joined the FBI during World War II. After the Allied victory, Governor Mechem returned to his practice, but then ran for a seat in the house of representatives, for which he was elected. He served two terms in the State house, then made a successful bid for Governor of the State of New Mexico. He went on to become the only four-term Governor of New Mexico. Governor Mechem then served 2 years as a United States Senator.

On October 8, 1970, Governor Mechem took the next step of his life in service when he was confirmed by the United States Senate as United States district judge for the district of New Mexico. He dutifully served in that position until his death in 2002.

In a letter to my office, his wife Josephine Mechem wrote:

He loved this State from one end to the other, and

vacations were rarely taken outside of New Mexico. All his

life, the thing he loved most was to spend his free time

driving the back roads, checking the water situation, and

seeing that all was well with our crops, our businesses, and

our communities.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of New Mexico's statehood, and July 2, 2012, was Governor Mechem's 100th birthday. Naming this courthouse the Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse during 2012 is an honor befitting his life of service; and, as such, I ask my colleagues in the House to vote in favor of H.R. 3742. I would also strongly encourage quick action and passage by our friends in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3742) to designate the United States courthouse located at 100 North Church Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the ``Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3742.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 3742 would designate the United States courthouse in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse.

I want to thank the gentleman from New Mexico, Representative Pearce, for his work on this legislation.

Judge Mechem served more than 30 years as a U.S. district judge for the district of New Mexico until his death in 2002. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Mechem served as Governor of New Mexico for four terms. He also served as a U.S. Senator as well as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Earlier in his career, he worked as a special agent for the FBI.

Judge Mechem dedicated his life to public service. I believe it is fitting to name this courthouse after him. I support passage of this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).

I have no further requests for time.

Mr. Speaker, I, again, rise in support of H.R. 3742 and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 3742. It was introduced by the gentleman from New Mexico, and it would designate the United States courthouse located at 100 North Church Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse.

Judge Edwin L. Mechem spent a lifetime in public service. Early in his career, he was a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation during World War II and, later, a land surveyor for the U.S. Reclamation Service.

In 1947, Judge Mechem was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives and went on to become a four-term Republican Governor of the State of New Mexico. Later, he was appointed to the United States Senate to represent the State of New Mexico.

In 1970, President Nixon appointed Judge Mechem as a Federal judge on the U.S. district court for the district of New Mexico, where he served for 32 years before he passed away in 2002.

Judge Mechem will be remembered for his commitment to public service and his distinguished service as a Federal judge.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3742, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would ask my friend from Indiana if he has additional requests for time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.