Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1380, the Due Process Protections Act. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will reinforce constitutional protections for criminal defendants. This bill amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a judge to issue a Brady order, reminding prosecutors of their obligation to disclose all evidence that is material to the case, especially exculpatory evidence. Although some judges already have a practice of issuing Brady orders, this bill will require all judges to issue it in all criminal proceedings. Our criminal justice system falls short when key evidence is withheld by prosecutors and revealed years later at a conviction. Due process is a fundamental right of all Americans; so is the right to a fair trial, protected by the Constitution and this bill helps guarantee that fundamental right. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”