Political Quotes

“I spoke yesterday about the terrible courthouse shooting that took place in Reno on Monday, and what we can do in the Senate to help prevent such incidents. In order to move that process forward, I will offer the text of Court Security Improvement Act of 2005 as an amendment to the Defense authorization bill. First, however, I would like to take a moment to update everyone on Judge Chuck Weller's condition. Judge Weller, if you remember, was hit by a sniper's bullet while standing in the window of his Reno office. According to the latest reports, the judge is in ``good spirits'' and ``out of the woods.'' The bullet seems to have missed his vital organs, and for that, we all thank God. Now that Judge Weller seems to be stabilizing, it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever it takes to prevent similar violence--whether in Reno or any other city. Judges like Chuck Weller, their clerks and jurors must be free to serve without threats to their lives. The amendment I will offer would improve protections for both Federal and State judges. I want to thank Senators Specter and Leahy for all the work they have done in putting this legislation together, and for cosponsoring it today. On the Federal level, the amendment allows for better cooperation between the judiciary and the U.S. Marshal Service. It also puts in place strong measures to protect the personal information of those who sit on the Federal bench.…”