Prepared Senate Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
Marking the 200th Anniversary of the Senate Judiciary Committee
December 7, 2016
This Saturday, December 10th, marks the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. I’m very proud to be the Chairman of this Committee—the first Chairman who is not a lawyer, I might add—and will be offering a resolution, along with some other Committee members, to help commemorate this anniversary.
200 years ago, the Senate established 11 original standing committees. Today, although there are many committees, the Senate Judiciary Committee is one of only four original committees that still meet.
During the past two centuries, some of the most vital and important questions facing the nation have come before the Committee. For example, during the Civil War, the Committee ensured President Lincoln had the emergency powers he needed to pursue the Civil War effort. And in 1864, the Committee took a critical step in ending slavery in the United States when it reported the 13th Amendment of the Constitution.
The Committee has jurisdiction over issues that directly impact American lives and is on the forefront of deciding important policy issues, including immigration, civil liberties, criminal laws and protection for victims, and civil rights. And of course, the Committee examines those nominated for lifetime appointment on the federal bench.
Over the years, the Committee has reported legislation that has been vital to the safety and protection of the American people.
I don’t have time today to discuss all the Committee has accomplished over the last 200 years, but I do want to take a minute to recognize this important anniversary. I’m very proud of the Committee’s storied history. Today, I celebrate these accomplishments, I follow it up with the introduction of a resolution, and am truly humbled to be its Chairman. I yield the Floor.
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