Senate Approves Renaming Helena-West Helena Federal Building in Honor of First Jewish Federal Judge

WASHINGTON – August 7, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to call up and pass S.1707, legislation to rename the Helena-West Helena Federal building in honor of Judge Jacob Trieber, the nation’s first Jewish Federal Judge, and a long-time resident and community leader of Phillips County. The Senate unanimously approved the bill.

“The Honorable Jacob Trieber paved the way for diversity on the federal bench as the first Jewish federal judge. His work on the bench helped fight injustice and laid the foundation for equality with a lasting civic legacy that continues to impact our country,” Boozman said in his speech. “Judge Trieber’s name will appropriately mark this building and stand as a symbol of his significant work for not only the people of Arkansas, but for the entire United States.”

This legislation was cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Chris Coons (D-DE). Arkansas’s members of the House of Representatives introduced companion legislation in July.

Judge Jacob Trieber served as the first Jewish federal judge. He was appointed by President William McKinley and served from 1900-1927 as the federal judge for the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas where he built a reputation as a jurist who sought equal justice for all people. Judge Trieber had astounding foresight, and many rulings he made that were of significant importance regarding civil rights and wildlife conservation still affect us today. His commitment to the community also included time as an elected official on the Helena City Council and the Phillips County treasurer. Judge Trieber played an influential role in saving the Old State House and establishing the Arkansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium.