José E. Serrano

The Federal judiciary as a third branch is an integral part of our constitutional democracy, but it cannot properly function without the support of this committee.

the specter of sequestration that is once again looming over us.

These are American citizens living under the American flag with a Federal courthouse.

I remain troubled that this project has gotten so off track.

We are concerned that what is happening with the FBI building, which is not described in detail in the budget request, and the concern is that it will diminish oversight of this project by this committee.

No matter how much people tell us they treat them equally, the territories are treated differently.

the American dream is to own, not to rent, so why would government be any different.

Actually, Representative Serrano, I think it would be even worse than I just told you because I think what I just gave you were the hard freeze figures, not the sequestration figures.

I am a strong believer in the procedural guarantees that our Constitution provides: access to a fair and speedy trial and the availability of counsel in criminal cases for those unable to afford it.

But let's be thankful that we live in a democracy where I can legislate and then the courts can decide whether it is right or wrong.

I would also be interested in discussing with you the ongoing problems that the Puerto Rico Federal Courthouse project in San Juan has been experiencing with their renovation project.

The President will not accept a budget that locks in sequestration going forward.

the folks on the other side believe that the best way to save money is by cutting the budget. I disagree. I think it is also by growing the budget to investments.

the President will not accept a budget that reverses our progress by locking in sequestration.

I can tell you, as a strong supporter of net neutrality, that it may be playing at a court near you pretty soon.

In fiscal year 2015, the omnibus incorporated report language directed funds be made available for additional permanent staff within the Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator.

If Members of Congress truly support construction jobs and seek economic benefits from Federal projects, then they need to look no further than GSA.

It is in the best interest of the Federal court system, the American public, and our constitutional protections that we avoid repeating the damaging impact it had.

I have a feeling that people who have English as a second language, as I do, pay more attention to every word than native speakers.

I don't think we, as Members of Congress, should legislate with any concern about how much litigation may cost.

How did that mind set come into being? When did this start that we should be leasing rather than purchasing?

Let me briefly, just because my time is going to run out--on the public defenders, one of my favorite folks that I talk about, how much did the 2015 budget make up some of the pain they have suffered before?

For over 50 years we have had this policy on Cuba which seems to be thawing now, and I certainly have been on the side of ending it totally.

OMB did take a big hit--8 furlough days, more than anyone else.

We have all seen the problems that sequestration caused for our Federal court system, our pretrial and post-release probationary services, and for our Federal defenders, among others.