Charles T. Canady: “Mr. Chairman, this provision of the bill which is being attacked by the current amendment is a provision that is simply…”

“Mr. Chairman, this provision of the bill which is being attacked by the current amendment is a provision that is simply designed to insure the expeditious consideration of motions for relief filed by States and local governments. What happens in many of these cases involving prison conditions is, the court, unfortunately, will not expeditiously consider such motions for relief by the States and local governments. In some cases, that can result in dangerous criminals actually being let out on the street. Now, what we have in the bill is something that is very reasonable; it gives the court adequate time to consider the motions for relief and simply provides that if the court does not act on the motion for relief filed by the State or local government within the time period specified, then there will be a stay. Now, once the court acts on the motion, the stay goes away. This is simply a mechanism to encourage the court to act swiftly, to consider these matters which are of great public importance.”