Howard Berman: “I rise to join the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary in supporting House passage of H.R. 2336, as…”

“I rise to join the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary in supporting House passage of H.R. 2336, as amended by the Senate. This bill allows a Federal judge to request redaction of her financial disclosure forms, but only if redaction is necessary to protect the judge against an identified security threat. Such authority exists under current law, but sunsets on December 31. The September 11 tragedy and events thereafter heighten the security concerns that make this legislation necessary. While I continue to believe permanent extension would be preferable, the looming December 31 sunset of the redaction authority makes it imperative that we move quickly to enact the Senate amendment. This redaction authority is appropriately limited, and, thus, does not raise concerns about undo restrictions on public access to financial disclosure reports. A judge's report may only be redacted if the Judicial Conference and the U.S. Marshals Service find that revealing personal and sensitive information could endanger that judge.”