Important Updates For FJA Members Re: the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act 2020

December 18, 2020

The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act 2020, S. 4711, was presented for unanimous consent to the United States Senate today by Senators Menendez and Booker. Due to the objection of one Senator, the consent was not achieved, and it will be reintroduced in January. This bill has strong bipartisan support in both Houses ( H.R. 8591) and is supported by the Judicial Conference of the United States Courts. The Administrative Office has sought its measures to meet the immediate and ongoing security needs of the federal judiciary. Our Association and the associations of the Federal Magistrate Judges and the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges have actively sought the Bills’ passage. Numerous legal groups have endorsed the Bills in the Senate and the House. Here is what happened today:

https://www.c-span.org/video/standalone/?507342-1/senate-session&noMax&clipping&start=23490

https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/kentucky-senator-blocks-federal-daniels-law/

We thank the Senators for their efforts on our behalf and offer our continued support to pass the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act 2020 into law. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts has been tireless in their advocacy for improved security measures for the federal courts, and deserves our gratitude. As Director James Duff reported today, “ It is disappointing that this critical legislation, which enjoys bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, did not obtain the unanimous consent required to pass the Senate in this busy lame duck session. Nevertheless, we are extremely grateful to those who have supported this bill and fully expect it to be taken up at the start of the next session of Congress. The nation’s judges depend on it.” See U.S. Courts News, December 17, 2020.

Our dedication to this noble and necessary cause will not wane. Our judicial colleagues that have suffered unspeakable personal losses serve as constant reminders of what measures must be achieved for adequate and appropriate security for judges. The new year will bring with it new challenges, and we will continue to meet them head on.

Respectfully,

Cynthia M. Rufe
President, Federal Judges Association