Congressional
Caucus on the Judicial Branch is Created
Two members of Congress have formed a caucus dedicated
to improving the relationship between the legislative and judicial
branches.
The bipartisan Congressional Caucus on the Judicial Branch was created
by Reps. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, and Judy Biggert, a
Republican from Illinois.
In a letter to colleagues, the caucus co-chairs said their efforts
will focus on "working with the judicial branch on issues that come
before Congress that directly impact the Judiciary, including addressing
the need for additional judgeships, responding to judicial vacancies,
working cooperatively on any sentencing guideline reforms, assisting
with judicial salary issues, and securing funding for additional courthouses
and other priority projects."
Their letter referred to Chief Justice William Rehnquist's 2003
Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary, in which he discussed communication
problems between the two branches.
"While the two branches certainly have distinct roles, we agree with
Chief Justice Rehnquist that consultation with the Judiciary will improve
both the process and product, given that each branch also possesses unique
perspectives." |