1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

S. 1873 / H.R. 3607: The MARSHALS Act legislation transfers the U.S. Marshals operating in Federal courts from the executive branch to the judiciary branch. U.S. Marshals, the law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the courts, belongs under judges who understand and are affected by their security or lack of same. The continuing rise in threats to federal judges and their families and the emerging confrontation between the executive and judicial branches regarding enforcement of court orders make it necessary to give the judiciary authority over its own security. Over the past several months, the Trump administration has repeatedly defied federal court orders while expressing hostility toward judges who have ruled against it. As a consequence, security risks to federal judges have greatly intensified. A recent report highlighted a staggering 327% increase in threats against U.S. judges on social media platforms alone over the past year . Other attacks include bomb threats and swatting targeting judges and their families. At a time of heightened personal risk to judges, the MARSHALS Act would allow the judiciary to control its own security protections. The MARSHALS Act also reinforces judicial independence by giving federal courts the power to enforce their orders. As Senator Grassley noted recently, “We’ve got a system of checks and balances.” That system relies on the executive branch following court orders, a foundation of our constitutional order. Congress must pass the MARSHALS Act now to preserve and save our independent judiciary. As your constituent, I am asking you to support and promote this necessary legislation.