Rogers, McConnell Led Federal Law for Designation

LONDON, KY (August 18, 2026)– The federal courthouse where Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. continues to serve after nearly 50 on the federal bench, now bears his name as the “Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex.” U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell championed the legislation in Congress that designated the courthouse in Judge Siler’s honor. In London today, 200 people gathered in Judge Siler’s courtroom to celebrate his ongoing legacy and dedication to justice in southeastern Kentucky. 

“I'm honored to have this building named for me. It becomes the only federal building in the state to be named for a federal judge,” said Judge Siler, Jr. “I've been blessed by my highly intelligent clerks helping me and my fellow judges who have steered me from time to time and from case to case. My former clerks who are now judges, include: the Honorable Danny Reeves, Greg Van Tatenhove - now the Dean at UK College of Law, Robert Wier on the District Court, and Magistrate Judge Hanly Ingram in the Eastern District of Kentucky, plus State Judges Dan Balou and Sarah Beth Gregory.”

“Judge Siler, like his father, has been a remarkable jurist, American patriot and servant for Eastern Kentucky and beyond. On and off the bench, Judge Siler has been a trusted advisor and loyal friend for countless individuals in our region, and it is only fitting that this hall of justice bears the Siler name,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “The first time I was sworn into office to represent Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, it was Judge Siler who issued my oath of office, during a ceremonial celebration in Somerset. Today, is a full circle moment, as we celebrate his incredible lifetime of service and commitment to uphold our constitution.” 

“For more than 50 years, Judge Eugene Siler, Jr. has served the Commonwealth of Kentucky with utmost distinction, always exercising impressive judgement when making difficult decisions and leading with a steady demeanor,” said Senator McConnell. “I was proud to support Judge Siler’s elevation to the Sixth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals, where he has served for nearly 25 years, and I’m honored to have worked with Congressman Rogers to pass legislation that renamed the U.S. Courthouse Annex in London in honor of this great Kentuckian. Judge Siler’s career of service to our country and the Commonwealth is a testament to his character, and no one is more deserving of this milestone.”

In 1970, the Honorable Eugene Siler, Junior was nominated by President Richard Nixon as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Five years later, President Gerald Ford appointed him as the U.S. District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush appointed him to preside over the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, where he continues to serve. 

“I had good judgment to know who to be friends with. One of them was Senator John Sherman Cooper, one of the finest senators from Kentucky. I made a friendship with Senator McConnell early on, and we've been friends ever since. And Congressman Hal Rogers, I swore him in the first time and we've been close friends, as he was with my father,” continued Judge Siler. “I wouldn't miss any of it for a minute. I enjoyed the ride and I'm going to enjoy some more of the ride.”

The Siler family legacy of public service is highly regarded in southern Kentucky. Eugene’s father served as a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1955 to 1965. Both men joined the military before pursuing their law degrees, bravely serving, and protecting this great nation. His father served during World War I and II, and Siler, Junior was a U.S. Navy midshipman in 1957 and served as a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve from 1958 to1983.

Congressman Rogers presented Judge Siler with a Congressional Record, commemorating the dedication of the “Eugene E. Siler, Junior United States Courthouse Annex.” 

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.