Democrats Propose Legislation to Shift Control of U.S. Marshals Service Amid Rising Judicial Threats
Washington D.C. – Congressional Democrats unveiled a bill on Thursday aimed at transferring control of the U.S. Marshals Service from the executive branch to the federal judiciary, a move designed to protect judges from political interference and enhance their security. This initiative comes in response to heightened criticisms from President Trump and other officials aimed at judges who have ruled against the administration.
As it currently stands, the U.S. Marshals, responsible for the security of judges, report directly to the Attorney General, raising concerns that they could be caught in politically charged disputes, potentially compromising judicial independence. "Today, independent judges must rely on the executive branch… for personal security," said Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). He warned against allowing political pressures to influence judicial decisions, citing recent threats against judges and their families.
The proposed legislation, known as the Maintaining Authority and Restoring Security to Halt the Abuse of Law Act, seeks to create a new governance structure for the Marshals, akin to that of the U.S. Capitol Police. The bill is sponsored by prominent Democratic representatives including Swalwell, Jamie Raskin, and Hank Johnson, and has a companion version in the Senate led by Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, and others.
Although passing the bill could be challenging in a Republican-controlled Congress, proponents stress its importance in emphasizing the safety of the judiciary. Lawmakers pointed to alarming incidents such as the fatal shooting of Judge Esther Salas’s son and recent intimidation tactics against judges, indicating that the need for stronger protections is urgent.
Senator Booker highlighted the historical role of the Marshals in safeguarding judges, warning that their dual accountability could precipitate a constitutional crisis. Advocates view the bill as a crucial step in reinforcing the checks and balances that underpin the judicial system.
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