A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Billings, Montana, as the "James F. Battin United States Courthouse".

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3311) to designate the United States courthouse located at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Billings, Montana, as the ``James F. Battin 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 materials on S. 3311.

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

S. 3311 would designate the United States courthouse located at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Billings, Montana, as the James F. Battin United States Courthouse.

Judge Battin received his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1951. Prior to attending law school during World War II, Judge Battin served in the United States Navy.

Early in his career, Judge Battin practiced law in Washington, D.C., and in Billings, Montana. Later, he served in a number of public service positions, including deputy county attorney for Yellowstone County, Montana, and city attorney in Billings.

In 1958, Judge Battin served as a State representative in Montana, and in 1961 Judge Battin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served as a U.S. Representative from Montana until 1969. In 1969, Judge Battin was appointed by President Nixon to be a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. During that time, he served as chief judge from '78 to '90, when he assumed senior status.

Judge Battin's commitment to public service is clear. I believe his dedication to serving this Nation makes it 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 back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3311. It's a bill to designate the courthouse in Billings, Montana, as the

James F. Battin United States Courthouse.

As my colleague has so aptly stated, in 1969, President Nixon appointed James Battin to the Federal bench in Billings, Montana, where he continued his 40 years of public service to the citizens of that State. In 1978, Judge Battin was appointed chief judge and served in that position for 12 years. He remained active in judicial affairs until his death in September of 1996.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Battin served, as was mentioned, in the House of Representatives, representing eastern Montana from 1960 to 1969, when he resigned to receive his judicial appointment. While in this Congress, Judge Battin served on the Judiciary Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.

Judge Battin was also a World War II Navy veteran, a member of the Montana State Legislature, and also Billings city attorney and general counsel for the Billings planning board.

It is fitting to honor the contributions Judge Battin, a great hero to Montana, has made to public service with the designation of the U.S. courthouse in Billings, Montana, as the James F. Battin United States Courthouse.

I urge support of S. 3311 and urge my colleagues to also support the bill.

I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 444, S. 3311.

Mr. President, I further ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements related to the measure be printed in the Record.