Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment to H.R. 368, ``The Removal Clarification Act of 2011.'' ``The Removal Clarification Act of 2011'' clarifies when a case involving a federal official can be removed from a state court into a federal court. It states that a federal official can remove cases to federal court in accordance with the spirit and intent of the federal officer removal statute. It is also makes clear that the federal officer removal statute applies to all federal officials, including officials of the legislative and executive branch of the Federal government. The purpose of the law is to take from state courts the indefeasible power to hold a federal officer or agent criminally or civilly liable for an act allegedly performed in the execution of their federal duties. This does not mean federal officers can break the law; it just means that these cases are transferred to U.S. district court for consideration. Federal officers or agents, including congressmen, should not be forced to answer for conduct asserted within their federal duties in a state forum that invites local interests or prejudice to color outcomes. In the absence of this constitutional protection, federal officers, including congressmen and women, would be subject to political harassment and federal operations generally would be needlessly hampered. H.R. 368, introduced by my colleague Rep.…”