Katie Porter: “while I realize that it is too late to formally remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1534, I want to indicate that I do…”

“while I realize that it is too late to formally remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1534, I want to indicate that I do not support this bill in its current form. My initial understanding of this legislation was that its central thrust was to facilitate the ability of aggrieved parties to have Federal question claims adjudicated by Federal judges. However, it is now clear that the bill would significantly alter the abstention doctrine and more importantly, would allege to alter the Supreme Court definition of ripeness. I am concerned that a legislative effort to alter such a constitutional doctrine may be unconstitutional. I support the effort of my colleague, Mr. Gallegly, to make reasonable changes to unfair impediments to the consideration of takings claims but, acknowledging the two concerns outlined above, I cannot support this legislation.”