Accountability for Judiciary Investigations

Floor Speech

Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, a judiciary cannot stand as a pillar of trust and independence unless it is also anchored in accountability. Yet, as it stands, Federal judges facing serious misconduct allegations can stop an investigation in its tracks by simply stepping down from the bench. This loophole not only undermines public trust but leaves serious questions unanswered about conduct unexamined.

My legislation, the TRUST Act, would fix this by requiring an investigation to continue even if the judge resigns or retires to avoid accountability. This cannot and should not be a partisan issue. Congress must act to ensure that credible allegations follow judges beyond the robe, and that retirement or resignation is not mistaken for resolution.

I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

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