Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, this week is Sunshine Week, when we
affirm the public's right to know how their government is run. Sunshine
Week, which began as Sunshine Sunday in 2002, emphasizes the importance
of transparency and accountability in a government of the people, by
the people, and for the people. In the spirit of government
transparency, we are pleased to introduce the Sunshine in the Courtroom
Act of 2015. This important piece of bipartisan legislation furthers
the public's access to court proceedings by permitting federal judges
at all federal court levels to open their courtrooms to television
cameras and radio broadcasts.

Openness in our courts improves the public's understanding of what
happens inside our courts. Our judicial system remains a mystery to too
many people across the country. That doesn't need to continue. Letting
the sun shine in on Federal courtrooms will give Americans an
opportunity to better understand the judicial process. Courts are the
bedrock of the American justice system. Granting the public greater
access to an already public proceeding will inspire greater faith in
and appreciation for our judges who pledge equal and impartial justice
for all.

For decades, States such as my home State of Iowa have allowed
cameras in their courtrooms with great results. As a matter of fact,
all 50 States and the District of Columbia now allow some news coverage
of proceedings.

The bill I am introducing today, along with Senator Schumer and a
number of cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Judiciary
Committee Ranking Member Leahy, will greatly improve public access to
federal courts by letting federal judges open their courtrooms to
television cameras and other forms of electronic media.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act is full of provisions that ensure
that the introduction of cameras and other broadcasting devices into
courtrooms goes as smoothly as it has at the state level. First, the
presence of the cameras Federal trial and appellate courts is at the
sole discretion of the judges--it is not mandatory. The bill also
provides a mechanism for Congress to study the effects of this
legislation on our judiciary before making this change permanent
through a 3-year sunset provision. The bill protects the privacy and
safety of non-party witnesses by giving them the right to have their
faces and voices obscured. The bill prohibits the televising of jurors.
Finally, it includes a provision to protect the due process rights of
each party.

We need to open the doors and let the light shine in on the Federal
Judiciary. This bill improves public access to and therefore
understanding of our Federal courts. It has safety provisions to ensure
that the cameras won't interfere with the proceedings or with the
safety or due process of anyone involved in the cases. Our States have
allowed news coverage of their courtrooms for decades. It is time we
join them.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be
printed in the Record.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source