Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., a 1968 alumnus of Syracuse University's College of Law, was honored by the SU Law Alumni Association (SULAA) at its 41st Annual Distinguished Service Award Dinner to be held on Nov. 7. The dinner was part of the College of Law's alumni weekend activities.
Representing the state of Delaware, Biden is the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at the age of 29, he is a player on some of the most important issues facing the United States, including national security, civil liberties, international relations and arms control.
"We are delighted to honor Senator Biden," says Peter D. Carmen '91, president of SULAA. "He is a wonderful example of the impact being made throughout the nation-and the world-by alumni of the College of Law."
Hailed by many as a leader on anti-crime and drug policy, Biden helped to craft several major pieces of crime legislation over the last decade, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The act, which is also known as the Biden Crime Law, dramatically increased funds spent on law enforcement.
In addition to being recognized as a key Democrat voice on foreign policy issues, Biden is also known for his work in environmental protection and education policy. He has supported college aid and loan programs and has undertaken initiatives in the Senate to close the "digital divide" and ensure that all students benefit from access to the Internet.
