[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2338]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    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:

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to make known 
my position on H.R. 1751. Although I was on the floor yesterday during 
the debate on this important legislation and intended to cast an 
affirmative vote, my vote was not recorded. The record will reflect 
that I was present for the preceding votes.
  I strongly support the Secure Access to Justice and Court Protection 
Act of 2005. This legislation was written in response to recent 
violence against judges and employees of the courts. It increases 
penalties against those who threaten, assault, or murder judges, as 
well as court and law enforcement personnel. Members of the judiciary 
and their staff are critical to ensuring that all Americans have access 
to our courts and to guaranteeing that justice and fairness remain 
essential values of our society.
  Many Democratic amendments were accepted during debate in the 
Judiciary Committee that make this a stronger bill. The changes focused 
on providing increased grants to state and local governments to prevent 
violence. This bill includes grant programs for states to assess court 
safety, to improve witness protection programs, to create databases to 
track domestic crime and terrorism and to develop programs to help 
juvenile witnesses.
  Court officials in Minnesota have stated that these dollars will be 
extremely useful in protecting witnesses who are often reluctant to 
testify for fear of their safety. The courts can use this funding for 
temporary or permanent relocation to help keep witnesses, who are vital 
to successfully prosecuting criminal cases, remain safe. In addition, 
special training for court staff, judges, and attorneys will help make 
juvenile witnesses more comfortable and able to deal with their 
important role in trial.
  Mr. Chairman, this is an important step in preventing and prosecuting 
violence against the judiciary and I am pleased that H.R. 1751 passed 
the House overwhelmingly.

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