Friday, March 16, 2012

Senator Chuck Grassley today released the following comment after Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts informed him that video coverage will not be allowed of the landmark health care case that will be heard before the Supreme Court next week.  The Chief Justice said the court will provide audio recordings and written transcripts of the oral arguments each afternoon of the proceedings.

In a letter sent in November to the Chief Justice, Grassley had recommended that audio and video coverage of the arguments be allowed.  Grassley argued that the law was so massive in size and scope and had an effect on every American. He is the author of legislation that would allow cameras in federal courts, and is the lead cosponsor of legislation to allow cameras in the Supreme Court.  The press release and letter from November can be found after Grassley's quote below.

"Every American should have the opportunity to see and hear this landmark case as it plays out, not just the select few allowed in the courtroom.  The health care reform law has ramifications for the entire country.  Video coverage would help with the public's understanding of not only the controversial new law, but also the American judicial system.  It's disappointing that the Chief Justice isn't allowing video coverage of the case, but I appreciate his willingness to provide expedited release of the audio and transcripts to the American people."

Here is the press release and letter after Grassley asked Roberts to allow for audio and video coverage of the proceedings.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Grassley Requests Audio, Video Coverage of Landmark Health Care Case in Supreme Court

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked Chief Justice John Roberts to provide audio and video coverage of the landmark Supreme Court proceedings of the federal health care reform law.  Grassley is the author of legislation that would allow cameras in federal courts.  The bipartisan legislation has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Cameras in federal courtrooms are at the very heart of an open and transparent government.  Broadcasting the health care reform law proceedings would not only contribute to the public's understanding of America's judicial system, but provide an excellent educational opportunity on a case that has the potential to have a far reaching impact on every American," Grassley said.  "This law is massive in size and scope.  Its effect is reverberating throughout America's economy.  The constitutional questions are landmark.  The public has a right to hear and see the legal arguments."

Grassley first introduced the Cameras in the Courtroom legislation in 1999.  Since then, the Chief Justice has immediately released audio of oral arguments of compelling cases.  The first release came when, at the request of Grassley and others, then Chief Justice William Rehnquist allowed for the release of audio immediately following oral arguments in the Florida election matter in 2000.  Since then, Chief Justice John Roberts has released audio recordings the same day of the oral arguments for more than 20 cases, including Grutter v. Bollinger, D.C. v. Heller, the Guantanamo Cases and the Citizens United Case.

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter.  A copy of the signed letter can be found here.

November 15, 2011

The Chief Justice

The Supreme Court of the United States

Washington, DC 20543

Dear Chief Justice Roberts:

I am writing to request that the Supreme Court exercise its discretion to permit television coverage of Supreme Court proceedings when the Court hears arguments in the case of the federal health care reform law.  It is my understanding oral arguments will take place in March of next year.

The decision in this case has the potential to reach every American.  The law is massive in size and scope.  The effect of the law, and the Court's decision, will reverberate throughout the American economy.

The constitutional questions presented in the case are momentous. The public has a right to witness the legal arguments likely to be presented in the case: (1) the constitutionality of the individual mandate; (2) the severability of the individual mandate and whether or not the remainder of the law is valid without the mandate; and (3) the authority of Congress to impose mandatory Medicaid coverage thresholds on states.  Given the nature of the topic, everyone in the country would benefit from following the proceedings in this landmark case.

Modern technology makes televising the proceedings before the Court simple and unobtrusive.  A minimal number of cameras in the courtroom, which could be placed to be barely noticeable to all participants, would provide live coverage of what may be one of the most historic and important arguments of our time.  Letting the world watch would bolster public confidence in our judicial system and in the decisions of the Court.

Providing live audio and video coverage of the oral arguments will be of great benefit to the Court and to the public.  Letting the world watch these historic and important proceedings will bolster confidence in our judicial system and the decisions of the Court.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

cc:        The Honorable Antonin Scalia

The Honorable Anthony M. Kennedy

The Honorable Clarence Thomas

The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The Honorable Stephen G. Breyer

The Honorable Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr.

The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed "Kadyn's Law" into law:

"Kadyn's Law is a fitting tribute to a young girl whose life was cut tragically short.  Toughening penalties for drivers who violate school bus safety laws will save lives and convince more drivers to drive responsibly around kids and schools.

"Seeing people from both sides of the aisle rally behind this common sense law reminds us that some things are just too important for partisan politics."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Iowa a total of $101,056 in grants under the Housing Counseling Program.  The funds will go toward counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to-moderate-income renters, and the homeless to expand homeownership and improve access to affordable housing.  Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds HUD.

"Quality, affordable housing is a necessity and any funds that can go toward expanding access to it is money well-spent," said Harkin.  "I congratulate all of these recipients on this competitive funding and look forward to the improvements it will generate."

The funding was awarded as follows:

Center for Siouxland - $25,000
Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority - $24,465
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (HOME, Inc.) - $28,014
United Neighbors, Inc. - $23,577

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**Friday, March 16, 2012**

CHICAGO - March 16, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

Bill No.: HB 1927

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

The bill clarifies the process to allow the court to release seized property - after probable cause for forfeiture is found at the preliminary hearing, but before completion of the criminal case - if a substantial hardship would result from the property being detained until the completion of the forfeiture proceeding.

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date: Immediately