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The U.S. House on Thursday approved and sent to the president’s desk legislation to rename the Helena-West Helena federal building in honor of an Arkansas man who was the nation’s first Jewish federal judge.

All six members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation supported the measure to rename the building after Jacob Trieber. The Senate approved the bill last month.

“We owe this honor to Judge Trieber who was a well-respected leader in Phillips County,” Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., who introduced the legislation, said in a statement. “This is a great tribute that symbolizes the important work he did for the community and in pursuit of justice as the nation’s first Jewish federal judge.”

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, who introduced the bill in the House, said, “Driven by his unparalleled dedication to justice and equality for all people, Judge Trieber took it upon himself to fight against all types of injustices, including institutionalized racism, which he opposed six decades before finally being vindicated by the Supreme Court and the Civil Rights act of 1964. By naming Helena’s federal building in his honor, we preserve his unparalleled judicial spirit and dedication to equal opportunities for everyone.”

Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said, “I am proud that the House and Senate passed this legislation to honor America’s first Jewish federal judge and a true American pioneer. A native of Germany, Judge Trieber came with his family to the United States, settling in Helena, Arkansas, in the 1870s. As a judge, he sought equality and justice for all people, and his time on the court and the decisions he made remain important parts of Arkansas’ and our nation’s legal history.”

Trieber was appointed by President William McKinley and served from 1900-27 as the federal judge for the U.S. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Trieber’s career also included service as a member of the Helena City Council and as Phillips County treasurer. He played an influential role in saving the Old State House and establishing the Arkansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium.