Jasper Packard: “Today we will consider the Judicial Reform Act, a piece of legislation that will curb judicial activism by restraining…”

“Today we will consider the Judicial Reform Act, a piece of legislation that will curb judicial activism by restraining judges who use their authority to advance political agenda rather than uphold the laws set forth in the Constitution. As it stands now, federal, district and circuit court judges yield an enormous amount of power, and yet are accountable to no one. They are not elected, but are appointed for life. Judicial activism has taken its hold throughout the country. Recently, a federal judge in California declared State proposition 187 unconstitutional, succumbing to political pressures rather than preserving the liberties of law-abiding citizens. Now illegal immigrants will enjoy public benefits at the expense of American taxpayers. Proposition 187 was a ballot initiative that was studied and passed by voters in California. One individual had the power to overturn a statute that was agreed upon by a majority of the electorate. Mr. Speaker, this is not democratic and it is far from constitutional! The Judicial Reform Act will restrict judges who practice judicial activism, designating a panel of judges to review U.S. district court decisions when they may be perceived as unconstitutional. Establishing new rules is the only way to halt this growing problem. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a closer look at how judicial activism is negatively impacting their constituents and to support the Judicial Reform Act.”