U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, is one of the leading conservatives in the U.S. House, having already this month introduced bills making English the official language of the United States, repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, ending President Barack Obamas federal health-care law and cracking down on illegal immigration. But a leading Florida Democrat is co-sponsoring one of Kings bills.
Earlier this month, King brought out his Sunshine in the Courtroom Act which would allow television and radio broadcasts in all federal courts, including the Supreme Court.
From the founding of our nation we have opened up the machinery of government to the public, said King when he introduced the bill. The people pay for the operations of government and their lives are directly affected by the decisions made by their leaders. That is why I have reintroduced the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act which allows for the much needed transparency of the decisions made in the federal judiciary every day that affect all of our lives. My bill also allows for a stellar education process for students studying law and for the general American people.
My bill would allow presiding judges in appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, to permit electronic recording and broadcasting to the public of any court proceeding over which the judge presides, King added. However, if the judge finds that the recording would constitute a violation of the due process rights of a party, it would not be allowed. Cameras make for a more open and transparent government along with a more educated public. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this a reality for the American people.
Kings bill hasnt made much headway in the U.S. Senate so far where a similar bill has yet to emerge. Over on the House side, the bill has gained two co-sponsors: U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla.
Fix the Court, a group looking to promote more accountability and transparency for the Supreme Court cheered the news, praising King, Chaffetz and Deutch for supporting the bill. Fix the Court has taken current Supreme Court justices to task for supporting cameras in the courtroom before being nominated to their current positions.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
