WASHINGTON DC -Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today congratulated Dr. Peter Longo on his appointment to the Nebraska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.  Smith nominated Longo for the appointment, which is for two years.

The Commission has advisory committees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to assist in its fact-finding function.  Committees receive reports, suggestions, and recommendations from individuals, organizations, and public officials.  Committees then forward advice and recommendations to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Dr. Longo joined the University of Nebraska-Kearney's political science department in 1988 and in May 1999 was named the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Professor for his sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service to the university and community.

"I congratulate Dr. Longo on this high honor and thank him for taking on this tremendous responsibility.  I am confident he will approach this new duty with the dedication and service he has always shown," Smith said.

Other members of the Nebraska Advisory Committee are Glenn Freeman (Omaha), Michaelle Baumert, Rebecca Murray, and Jackson Lewis (Omaha); Edmund Hamann, William Harding, Cora Micek, Jose Soto, and Kimberly Taylor-Riley (Lincoln), and Kenneth Vampola of Fremont.