This Week in Washington
As Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, this week in Washington I will be making remarks at the opening of the Judicial Conference of the United States.
The Judicial Conference convenes twice a year to consider administrative and policy issues affecting the federal court system, and to make recommendations to Congress concerning legislation involving the Judicial Branch.
The Judicial Conference proceedings are closed to the public and the press, but it’s no secret that I have consistently called for and introduced legislation calling for greater transparency, accountability, and ethics in our federal courts, including expanding the Supreme Court and requiring term limits.
A courthouse is not open if its doors are closed to the public, and in 2022 public access depends on livestreamed audio and video. I have also supported making PACER free, ensuring public access to judges’ financial disclosures, and examine the money are being spent to lobby the federal judiciary.
I have also been deeply concerned about the Judiciary’s efforts to protect judges who sexually harass and discriminate employees with impunity, recent findings by the GAO of financial mismanagement at the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the judiciary’s ability to fix the data breach of its system by foreign actors that compromised national security.
I’ll also be participating this week in a Judiciary Committee hearing on protecting Americans’ right to vote, an Oversight Committee hearing on Putin’s war in Ukraine and attending a human rights advocacy event, among many other meetings and assignments.
CLEAN ENERGY TAX CREDITS
The Biden administration last week launched Cleanenergy.gov, a website that explains how consumers can take advantage of the clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The site provides information on the tax credits that are available for rooftop solar panels, heating and cooling systems, energy efficiency upgrades and electric vehicles. Consumers can also sign up to receive updates about incentives that will become available next year.
NATIONAL PREPARDNESS MONTH
September is National Preparedness Month. Every year, it serves as an opportunity to ensure all Americans have the means to protect themselves and their families. FEMA has developed resources to aid in preparedness efforts and recover from an incident. A new online form helps families create an emergency communication plan and the FEMA App is a one-stop shop to teach users how to plan, protect and recover from disasters.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Each year from September 15 to October 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate and recognize the contributions of America’s Latino communities. And nowhere is that beautiful diversity more on display than in Georgia and the Fourth Congressional District. Read my full statement HERE.
As always, I appreciate your time and feedback. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you in Congress. If you have any issues with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to call my district office at 770-987-2291.