Court Security Enhancement Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2661, the ``Court Security Enhancement Act of 2009.'' I would like to thank my colleague Representative Louie Gohmert for introducing this important piece of legislation, as well as the cosponsors.

I stand in support of this legislation because it adds a simple amendment to title 18 of the United States Code, which will make a huge impact on the protection and safety of individuals performing certain official duties in the courts. This amendment will prohibit the public disclosure of certain personal information of federal judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, witnesses, or family members of these individuals. The bill will also clarify and eliminate an inconsistency that was unintentionally created by the Court Security Improvement Act, which pertained to the requirements for a Senior District Court Judge's participation in court governance. But most importantly this amendment will increase the penalty for those who violate Section 119(a) of title 18, from a maximum of five years to a maximum of ten years.

As a lawyer and a former county Magistrate Judge, as well as a Georgia State Court Judge, I hold this bill very dear to my heart. There is no time more important than the present, especially considering the recent hate crimes, like the shooting at the Holocaust Museum, that have occurred throughout the country. The United States Judiciary System stands to seek justice for all, so those who are opposed to equality for all Americans usually take their anger and hate out on innocent people. Therefore, it is only fair that there be maximum protection yielded to those who devote their careers to preserving and enforcing the founding principles of our forefathers.

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