1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

This proposal to eliminate federal courts is an alarming attack on the independence of the judiciary and a fundamental threat to our system of checks and balances. Congress does not have unfettered authority to abolish courts that issue rulings its members disagree with politically. Such an action would grievously undermine the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Our federal courts exist precisely to serve as a check on the other branches of government and to protect individual rights from being trampled by the tyranny of the majority. Allowing Congress to retaliate against judges for unpopular decisions would make a mockery of judicial independence and the rule of law. It is critical that you forcefully reject this dangerous authoritarian ploy to kneecap the judiciary when its rulings are inconvenient. Our constitutional system depends on maintaining three separate but equal branches that can check and balance each other's power. Eliminating courts for partisan purposes is a bridge too far that cannot be allowed to stand. I urge you to take a strong principled stance in defense of our democratic institutions and the vital role of an independent judiciary in preserving our liberties.