[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SECURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND COURT PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1751) to 
     amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, 
     prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members, 
     and for other purposes:

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to speak in support of the 
Secure Access to Justice and Court Protection Act, legislation which 
strengthens criminal penalties for crimes against United States judges, 
federal law enforcement officers and federally funded public safety 
officers.
  Also included in this bill is an important provision from legislation 
I authored, H.R. 3833--the National Guard Emergency Protection Act, 
which increases federal protection to our National Guardsmen.
  This measure was offered as a result of assaults against members of 
the National Guard while they were engaged in rescue and law 
enforcement operations in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. 
Unfortunately, I found that our National Guardsmen are not protected by 
federal law if they are assaulted or killed in the line of duty while 
serving States during Presidentially declared disasters and 
emergencies. My bill, now included in the Secure Access to Justice and 
Court Protection Act, extends the same penalties to those who attack 
both federal and non-federalized members of the Armed Services.
  I would like to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner and his staff for 
working with me to ensure that our National Guardsmen have the further 
support of the Federal Government.

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