[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S9719]]
      THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSIONS ACT OF 2005

  Mr. Cornyn Mr. President, I rise today as an original co-sponsor of 
the Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005. I want to 
thank Chairman Specter, Ranking Member Leahy and the other cosponsors 
for working on this legislation in an expedited fashion to respond to 
the unprecedented challenges facing the judiciary in Louisiana and 
Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
  We have all witnessed over the past week the heart wrenching agony of 
those affected and displaced by Hurricane Katrina. An entire city has 
been devastated and will face an uphill battle to repair and replace 
the homes, buildings, and commerce that are so vital to New Orleans. 
Areas in Mississippi face similar challenges. I join all Americans in 
keeping those affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers 
during these difficult times.
  In times like these, the generosity of ordinary Americans emerges and 
shines bright. Once everyday working men and women learned of the 
plight of their Louisiana neighbors they set their lives on hold and 
committed themselves to helping those who are less fortunate. I have 
heard reports of citizens and churches from across the country 
organizing fundraising drives, collecting basic necessities for 
evacuees, and even renting U-Haul trucks to deliver those supplies to 
the needy.
  I am especially proud of my friends and fellow citizens from Texas. 
Texas has opened its arms, as my State is known to do, and has taken in 
as many evacuees as it can handle. The Astrodome has virtually become a 
satellite city of New Orleans evacuees. Additionally, Texas residents 
have opened their homes to take in evacuees to provide some semblance 
of a normal life during their displacement.
  Congress too will have responsibility. Last week the Congress passed 
an emergency relief bill to provide some immediate assistance to the 
area. And today, with this bill, the Congress continues to identify 
discreet, but critical areas, that are affected by the hurricane. And 
one of the areas that needs to be addressed is how the judiciary, from 
the prestigious Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to the Federal district 
courts, bankruptcy courts and magistrate courts will function during 
this difficult time.
  Our democracy depends on a functioning judiciary. The dedication of 
the men and women of the judiciary--from the trial courts to the 
appellate courts--who daily preside over important and difficult issues 
is essential to our democracy. Current law requires Federal courts to 
conduct business in a few select locations. This legislation makes sure 
that a Federal court, unable to hold proceedings in its normal location 
because of emergency circumstances, may hold court in another area.
  It is important that as the rebuilding begins in New Orleans and 
other affected areas that our judicial system be open to anyone who may 
need its assistance. This legislation makes sure that the doors to the 
courthouse remain open even during catastrophic events.
  I hope that the Senate and the House pass this legislation 
immediately and send it to the President as soon as possible.
  I yield the floor.

                          ____________________