TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE EUGENE SILER, JR.

On 2026-08-20, Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY-5) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE EUGENE SILER, JR." in the House.

TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE EUGENE SILER, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E799] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE EUGENE SILER, JR. ______ HON. HAROLD ROGERS of kentucky in the house of representatives Thursday, August 20, 2026 Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Eugene Siler, Jr. and celebrate the designation of the federal courthouse annex in London, Kentucky as the ``Eugene E. Siler, Junior United States Courthouse Annex.'' My longtime friend and trusted adviser, the Honorable Eugene Siler, Jr. has served on the federal bench for nearly 50 years and was nominated by three U.S. Presidents. President Richard Nixon first nominated Siler as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky in 1970, followed by President Gerald Ford's appointment in 1975 as U.S. District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, and President George H.W. Bush's elevated appointment of Judge Siler to preside over the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1991. The Siler family legacy of public service is highly regarded in southern Kentucky. Eugene's father, and namesake, served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals before being elected as a Member of this House for the decade spanning 1955 to 1965. The senior Siler was known for being fiscally conservative, a man of great faith, and very generous, donating his expense allotment to build up scholarships at home in Kentucky. Likewise, his son has established a reputation as an acclaimed jurist, a compassionate community member, and a trusted source for legal advice at home and abroad. Both Silers joined the military before pursuing their law degrees, bravely serving and protecting this great Nation. Eugene Siler, Jr. was a U.S. Navy midshipman in 1957 and served as a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve from 1958 to 1983. When I was first elected to represent the people of Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, Judge Siler swore me in during a ceremonial celebration in 1981 on the courthouse square in my hometown of Somerset, Kentucky. That moment will forever be one of my favorite memories, as I first stepped into this monumental responsibility of public service, surrounded by my mentors and closest friends. Fast forward to 2026, and I am proud to say that Judge Siler and I are still showing up for the people of this region every single day. He still carries a hefty caseload, five days a week, as a Senior Judge. It was an honor to join U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell's efforts to advance this worthy courthouse designation from both chambers of Congress. Judge Siler's legacy gives us a great sense of pride in southeastern Kentucky, and it is only fitting for his home court of justice, where he has mentored aspiring legal minds, to bear his name. This designation for Judge Siler is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as we applaud his continued valiant service. ____________________