Mueller, She Wrote (@muellershewrote.com)
Wow. This is major news. Judges discuss moving the U.S. marshals from the executive to the judicial branch. Not only would they protect judges from trump threats, but it would also make it easier for courts to order marshals to carry out court orders. [contains quote post or other embedded content]
bsky.app
Corey Booker introducing The Maintaining Authority and Restoring Security to Halt the Abuse of Law Act (MARSHALS Act)
Actual Bill:
Booker, Schumer, Padilla, Schiff, Raskin, Swalwell, and Johnson Introduce Bicameral Bill to Move US Marshals Service to Judicial Branch | U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey
<p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. </strong>— Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation that would address the potential for weaponization of the U.S. Marshals Service (“Marshals” or “USMS”) by...
www.booker.senate.gov
Summary:
Purpose of the Bill (MARSHALS Act)
- Proposed by: Senators Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff, and Representatives Eric Swalwell, Jamie Raskin, and Hank Johnson.
- Goal: Move the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) from the executive branch to the judicial branch.
- Reason: To prevent political interference—particularly by former President Trump—and protect judicial independence.
Motivation for the Legislation
- President Trump and his administration have:
- Disregarded and defied court orders.
- Called for impeachment of judges who ruled against him.
- Suggested the executive is not bound by court rulings.
- There has been a rise in threats and intimidationagainst federal judges, including:
- Harassment like unsolicited pizza deliveries.
- Use of the name of Daniel Anderl, son of Judge Esther Salas, who was murdered.
Issues with Current Structure
- The USMS reports to the Attorney General, who answers to the President, creating a conflict of interest.
- Judges are concerned that the President could direct USMS to stop protecting them or ignore court orders.
Key Provisions of the MARSHALS Act
- Establish a U.S. Marshals Board, modeled after the U.S. Capitol Police Board.
- Chief Justice(in consultation with the Board) selects:
- USMS Director
- Marshals for each judicial district.
- Marshals maintain their law enforcement functions (e.g., pursuing fugitives, finding missing children) with judicial oversight and AG consent.
Support and Endorsements
- Backed by organizationslike:
- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
- Court Accountability
- Demand Justice
- Fix the Court
- People for the American Way
- Public Citizen
- Supporters arguethe bill:
- Strengthens checks and balances.
- Shields judges from executive retaliation.
- Protects judicial independence and the rule of law.
Notable Quotes
- Sen. Booker: "We must move the Marshals to the judiciary to avoid a constitutional crisis."
- Rep. Swalwell: "We cannot let a lawless president control the safety of judges hearing his cases."
- Rep. Raskin: "This is about protecting democracy and judicial independence."
the thing about it is he only able to do that because the Republican Party controls both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
