Bob Goodlatte: “Constitutional rights are priceless, but attorney's fees have to be set by the court. Who else is going to set them in…”

“Constitutional rights are priceless, but attorney's fees have to be set by the court. Who else is going to set them in those cases? I want to correct the gentleman, again, on this point about section 1983 cases because this bill says very clearly: unless otherwise specified by Federal statute. So this bill is not affected by the very example that he cites because that is something that is otherwise specified by Federal statute. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this needless and harmful amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”