Mark Udall: “I will vote against this amendment because I am concerned that whatever benefits it might have are outweighed by the…”

“I will vote against this amendment because I am concerned that whatever benefits it might have are outweighed by the costs to the taxpayers that it would entail. The current jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit is certainly extensive--from Alaska to Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and including California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The populations of several of these states have increased considerably in recent years, and it can be anticipated that the caseloads of the Ninth Circuit will continue to increase accordingly. So, there might be something to be said for realigning the judicial districts now included in the Ninth Circuit. However, I do not think that it is appropriate for the House of Representatives to make such an important decision on the basis of the very brief consideration that we are being permitted today. And I certainly think that before making such a serious decision, we should consider how it would affect the ability of the federal courts to do their job.”