U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act. The bill increases the maximum term of imprisonment for those who attempt to intimidate and influence the decision-making process of a judge.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The integrity of our judicial system is dependent on justices being able to interpret the law freely and impartially. I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act to ensure that those who attempt to coerce or intimidate Supreme Court justices face penalties for interfering in the administration of justice. No member of the Court should fear for their or their family’s safety while carrying out their constitutional duty.”
Sen. Blackburn said, “Supreme Court Justices must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation, harm, or violence against them or their families. The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a clear message that anyone who attempts to harm them will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sen. Lee said, “Supreme Court Justices have faced a disturbing number of threats seeking to change the outcomes of cases for political ends. This assault on the rule of law and an independent judiciary cannot stand. Congress must be crystal clear: attempting to intimidate justices and their families will land you in prison for a long time.”
Sen. Hyde-Smith said, “It is essential that the judicial branch be able to perform its duties free from threats, fear, intimidation, or coercion. Threats and protests against Supreme Court justices and federal judges are blatant attempts to undermine their independence. I’m proud to once again support this legislation that sends a crystal clear message that these actions will not be tolerated and those responsible will face serious legal consequences.”
Sen. Cotton said, “Supreme Court Justices continue to be a target of politically motivated violence and threats of violence. This bill makes clear that anyone who engages in this unlawful activity will face the full extent of the law.”
Read the bill text here.
