Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as a Texas State district judge for 20 years, I am aware, very aware, of the attorney-client privilege. This is one privilege that has withstood the challenge of liberal courts and is broader than the fifth amendment's protection against self- incrimination.

In the case of Swendler versus U.S., the Supreme Court ruled that the attorney-client privilege is so important it extends beyond the grave. We all recall Vince Foster, Clinton's deputy chief of staff, who investigated Travelgate. After killing himself, the Republican special prosecutor sought records from his attorney but was not able to get them because the Courts ruled that the attorney-client privilege survives the client's death to promote a full and frank communication between client and counsel.

Similar records are now being sought from Miguel Estrada today, and he is being refused confirmation because of those records.

Mr. Speaker, what is wrong with this picture? In this judge's opinion, Miguel Estrada deserves to sit on the bench of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and should not be kept from it because he keeps sacred one of its oldest privileges.

Mr. Speaker, due to weather related factors, I was unavoidably detained and missed H. Res. 46 rollcall vote No. 33. If I were present, I would have voted in favor of H. Res. 46.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Madam Speaker, as a freshman member of the Texas delegation, I am honored to be serving alongside Congressman Sam Johnson. It was on this day 30 years ago that Sam arrived home after almost 7 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He spent his first 3\1/2\ years as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement.

Sam managed to survive these years while maintaining a strong sense of pride and an unrelenting faith in God, country and duty. Not only is Sam a Vietnam veteran, he is a testament to the greatness of American military men and women.

Upon returning with his fellow officers, his first words were, ``Lieutenant Colonel Sam Johnson reporting for duty, sir.'' Sam reported for duty, and to this day he has never left his post serving America.

I thank Sam for all the sacrifices he has made and for the example he makes for this House.