Durbin Statement On Forced Cutbacks For Federal Judiciary Due To Trump Shutdown
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement as today marks the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts’ reported trigger date forcing curtailed operations of the federal courts due to the Trump shutdown:
“The impacts of the Trump government shutdown are now reaching our justice system. Because Republicans are choosing to put billionaire tax cuts ahead of affordable health care for all Americans, federal courts will now be forced to make hard choices as they work to fulfill their constitutional duties.
“Lapses in funding for our federal courts could soon mean justice delayed—or even justice denied. Public defenders may see even larger caseloads. Challenges to the President’s lawless orders could be delayed. Access to a fair trial could be hindered. The list goes on.
“It’s past time for Republicans to get serious about making a deal to lower health care costs and reopen the government. I will be tracking this shutdown’s impact on our justice system closely.”
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