TITLE: Honoring U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry E. Smith for his 25 years of service on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

SUMMARY: Honoring U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry E. Smith for his 25 years of service on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry E. Smith is observing 25 years of service with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2013; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Yale University, Judge Smith began his career in 1972 as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Halbert Woodward; he went on to work with the Houston law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski as an associate before becoming partner in 1981; and WHEREAS, Judge Smith served his fellow residents as Houston city attorney, chair of the Civil Service Commission, and director of the Harris County Housing Authority; in 1987, he was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, by President Ronald Reagan; and WHEREAS, During his quarter-century on the bench, Judge Smith has made rulings on such important issues as affirmative action admission at The University of Texas and the drilling moratorium in the Gulf following the Deepwater Horizon explosion; he has also been a strong advocate for the American system of checks and balances; and WHEREAS, Judge Smith has been supported in all of his endeavors by a loving family that includes his wife, Mary Jane, and his four children, Ruth Ann, Clark, J. J., and Brandon; and WHEREAS, Throughout his 25 years on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Smith has remained dedicated to his principles and consistent in his beliefs, and he may reflect with pride on his record of service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry E. Smith on his 25th anniversary with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Judge Smith as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bohac Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1839 was adopted by the House on May 8, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House