Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 394 is intended to clarify a number of uncertainties and technical flaws in statutory provisions governing Federal court jurisdiction and venue that have come to light in recent years. The legislation addresses the inefficient rules which judges have identified. These rules have required judges to spend considerable time deliberating jurisdictional issues instead of analyzing the case's facts and applicable laws. In the 111th Congress, we passed similar legislation in the House on a bipartisan basis. Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to pass it before the end of the 111th Congress. This legislation is based on studies within the judiciary and consultation from academics and legal organizations, including the American Bar Association, Lawyers for Civil Justice, the Federal Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the Judicial Conference of the United States has endorsed this legislation. I want to thank my friend and sponsor of this bill, Chairman Lamar Smith for his continued efforts to strengthen the operations and efficiencies of our Federal judiciary. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.”