Two U.S. lawmakers from Texas said Monday they want to name the federal courthouse in Laredo after a local, longstanding judge. 

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that they intend to introduce legislation to rename the Laredo Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse the “George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse.”

Kazen has been a U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Texas for more than 30 years. 

“It is my honor to be able to recognize a great man and a great jurist such as Judge Kazen,” Cornyn said.

“Judge Kazen represents the best of our legal system, and his name on the courthouse will be an excellent reminder of our country’s commitment to fairness and justice.”

Cuellar added: “During his tenure serving as a (judge), George P. Kazen was among the most respected judges in the state, and consistently ruled with class and fairness, all while still making time to serve numerous civic organizations throughout South Texas.

I look forward to driving past the courthouse in Laredo with the new ‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse’ name — a reminder to us all of the great man of character that continues to serve our community.”

After finishing his service in the U.S. Air Force, Kazen returned to his hometown of Laredo to practice law.

He earned a nomination from President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to be a U.S. district judge.

Outside of the courtroom, Kazen is a stalwart of his community serving numerous civic organizations in South Texas.

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