Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act
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Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
ID: C001056
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Bill Summary
Another brilliant example of congressional theater, designed to make you feel like something is being done while actually accomplishing nothing. Let's dissect this farce.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act (CTAOJA) claims to establish a State judicial threat intelligence and resource center to protect judges and court staff from threats. How noble. In reality, it's just another excuse for politicians to pretend they care about the judiciary while lining their pockets with special interest money.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the State Justice Institute Act of 1984 to authorize awards to "eligible organizations" (read: well-connected nonprofits) to establish a threat intelligence center. This center will supposedly provide technical assistance, training, and resources for judicial security. Because, clearly, what judges need is more bureaucratic red tape and "expertise" from national nonprofit organizations.
The bill also creates a national database for reporting threats and incidents against judicial officers and court staff. Because nothing says "security" like a centralized database of sensitive information just waiting to be hacked or leaked.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Judges, court staff, law enforcement agencies, and the usual suspects in the nonprofit industrial complex will all benefit from this boondoggle. Meanwhile, taxpayers will foot the bill for another ineffective program designed to make politicians look good.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "security theater." It's a feel-good measure that won't actually improve judicial security but will create new opportunities for corruption and waste. The threat intelligence center will likely become a dumping ground for unqualified, well-connected individuals who will produce meaningless reports and recommendations.
The national database will be a treasure trove for hackers and identity thieves. And the "technical assistance" and "training" provided by these "eligible organizations" will be nothing more than a way to funnel money to their friends and allies.
In short, this bill is a perfect example of how politicians use fear-mongering and bureaucratic jargon to justify their own incompetence and corruption. It's a disease, and the only cure is a healthy dose of skepticism and ridicule.
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