Bustos, Durbin, Quigley Call on U.S. Supreme Court to Bring Live Audio to the Courtroom
Press Release
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Chief Justice John Roberts urging the Supreme Court to allow live audio in the chamber in light of the historic nature of the upcoming rulings on same-sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act.
"As a former journalist myself, I have always been a strong advocate for increased transparency in government," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "Allowing live audio coverage of the monumental rulings expected in the next few days will make it easier for Americans to follow the court's proceedings and hear first-hand the opinions that could impact families across our nation for generations."
"Over the course of the next few days, the Supreme Court will announce opinions in closely-watched cases that will impact the lives of millions of individuals and families across America, decisions that will change the course of American history," said Congressman Mike Quigley. "Allowing live audio coverage will give more Americans the ability to closely follow the proceedings as they occur. That is why, along with Senator Durbin, I am urging the Court to provide the American people the opportunity to hear in real time the arguments and opinions that will shape our society for years to come."
"Decisions made by the Supreme Court impact the lives of Americans in every corner of the country, but their proceedings often don't reach beyond the four walls of the court room," said Senator Dick Durbin. "Over the next several days, the Supreme Court will announce opinions in some of the most closely watched cases in a generation. People of reasonable minds may disagree on the proper outcome of these cases and others, but we can all agree that the American public deserves greater access to the opinions that will shape their society for years to come."
The bipartisan letter was also signed by Reps. Jackie Speier (CA-14), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jared Polis (CO-02), David Cicilline (RI-01) and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Al Franken (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
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