Sherrod Brown: “I rise in support of this crucial legislation. I want to read into the record a statement from the Bush administration…”

“I rise in support of this crucial legislation. I want to read into the record a statement from the Bush administration in support of the bill. It is from the Executive Office of the President, Statement of Administration Policy: The Administration supports Senate passage of S. 378 to strengthen judicial security. The legislation would enhance the ability of the Federal government to prosecute individuals who attack or threaten participants in the Nation's judicial system, including judges, lawyers, witnesses, and law enforcement officers. A Nation founded on the rule of law must protect the integrity of its judicial system, which must apply the law without fear or favor. The Administration also supports the provision to prohibit the filing of false liens against judges, prosecutors, and other government officials to retaliate against them for the performance of their official duties. Another of the most important provisions of this bill was brought to our attention by Judge Carr of the Northern District Court in Toledo, OH. Judge Carr pointed out the importance of section 101 that "enhances the ability of the Judicial Conference of the United States to participate in determining the security needs of the judicial branch by requiring the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service . . . to consult with the Judicial Conference on an ongoing basis regarding the security requirements of the judicial branch." This legislation makes sense for a variety of reasons.…”