Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-23

HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE

TaxesHousingVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-23, Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered housing, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E153] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE _____ HON. GREG STANTON of arizona in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Judge Kevin Kane upon his retirement after more than four decades of distinguished service to the courts and to the people of Arizona. Over his 44-year legal career, Judge Kane earned a reputation as a fair, thoughtful, and compassionate jurist who understood that the justice system works best when it is both principled and humane. Judge Kane has a deep commitment to public service and to improving how courts serve their communities. His career spanned roles as a state supreme court law clerk, public defender, and municipal judge, including service on the bench in Utah, Phoenix, and Tempe. He was appointed to the Phoenix Municipal Court in 2006 and became the first openly gay judge to serve on that bench, following more than a decade of prior service as a staff attorney for the court. In 2016, he was appointed Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal Court, a role he has carried out with distinction for the past decade. Under Judge Kane's leadership, the Tempe Municipal Court became more efficient and accessible. He made it easier for people to navigate the legal system, including expanding remote court access and creating partnerships to connect individuals with vital city services. Judge Kane continued to carry a full judicial caseload while making these reforms, demonstrating his commitment to both effective leadership and fair administration of justice. Judge Kane is especially recognized for his work advancing ideas that help people solve problems instead of getting stuck in the justice system. He served as Presiding Judge of the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court and currently chairs the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court, which brings together legal and treatment professionals to support veterans facing challenges such as post-traumatic stress. He also presided over Tempe's Mental Health Court, which helps individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities receive the care and support they need. Judge Kane's impact on Arizona's justice system is lasting. He leaves behind stronger institutions and countless lives positively affected through his commitment to service with compassion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Judge Kevin Kane on his retirement and in thanking him for a lifetime of service to Arizona and to the rule of law. ____________________

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HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E153] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JUDGE KEVIN KANE _____ HON. GREG STANTON of arizona in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Judge Kevin Kane upon his retirement after more than four decades of distinguished service to the courts and to the people of Arizona. Over his 44-year legal career, Judge Kane earned a reputation as a fair, thoughtful, and compassionate jurist who understood that the justice system works best when it is both principled and humane. Judge Kane has a deep commitment to public service and to improving how courts serve their communities. His career spanned roles as a state supreme court law clerk, public defender, and municipal judge, including service on the bench in Utah, Phoenix, and Tempe. He was appointed to the Phoenix Municipal Court in 2006 and became the first openly gay judge to serve on that bench, following more than a decade of prior service as a staff attorney for the court. In 2016, he was appointed Presiding Judge of the Tempe Municipal Court, a role he has carried out with distinction for the past decade. Under Judge Kane's leadership, the Tempe Municipal Court became more efficient and accessible. He made it easier for people to navigate the legal system, including expanding remote court access and creating partnerships to connect individuals with vital city services. Judge Kane continued to carry a full judicial caseload while making these reforms, demonstrating his commitment to both effective leadership and fair administration of justice. Judge Kane is especially recognized for his work advancing ideas that help people solve problems instead of getting stuck in the justice system. He served as Presiding Judge of the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court and currently chairs the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court, which brings together legal and treatment professionals to support veterans facing challenges such as post-traumatic stress. He also presided over Tempe's Mental Health Court, which helps individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities receive the care and support they need. Judge Kane's impact on Arizona's justice system is lasting. He leaves behind stronger institutions and countless lives positively affected through his commitment to service with compassion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Judge Kevin Kane on his retirement and in thanking him for a lifetime of service to Arizona and to the rule of law. ____________________