Constitution
The Committee on the Judiciary plays an important role in protecting people's constitutional rights and-when the Constitution falls short of its promise "to form a more perfect Union"-in amending the Constitution. In the 116th Congress, the Committee passed a resolution to revoke the deadline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and held hearings on state efforts to curb people's constitutional right to an abortion, the lasting negative impact of Citizens United on our campaign finance system, the constitutional role of the pardon power, and opportunities to reform presidential clemency. The Committee also filed several lawsuits to uphold its constitutional authority to conduct oversight of the executive branch. In the 117th Congress, the Committee will continue to build on these accomplishments and further the Constitution's promise of a more perfect Union.
More on Constitution
More than 50 Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, Armed Services Committee, and the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus today wrote to Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. to urge that they not comply with any unconstitutional directive to ban transgender individuals from serving in the United States military.
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On July 24, 2017, Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Mark Sanford (R-SC), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) hosted a bipartisan forum on freedom of the press entitled, "The State of Press Freedom in 21st Century America."
Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), the ranking members of the House Committees on Education and the Workforce and the Judiciary, respectively, issued the following statement after reports surfaced that the Department of Justice plans to attack and undermine affirmative action programs in colleges and universities.
House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) today gave the following statement during the hearing of H.R. 391, the "The Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act."
H.R. 391, the "Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act," is unfortunately yet another anti-immigrant measure premised on rhetoric and misinformation.
Notwithstanding the bill's short title, H.R. 391 does nothing to reform our Nation's asylum system. In fact, it dismantles it.
House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) today gave the following statement during the hearing of H.Res. 446, a resolution of inquiry regarding Jeff Sessions' recusal and James Comey firing
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members of the Committee, House Resolution 446-offered by the Gentlewoman from Washington, Mrs. Jayapal, and the Gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Cicilline-is an important measure.
I support it, and urge my colleagues to do the same.
The Markup Will Stream Live Here
House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) today gave the following statement during the hearing of H.R. 2887, the "No Regulation Without Representation Act of 2017."
Before I begin my remarks, I'd like to take a moment to recognize Joseph Ehrenkrantz for his dedicated service to the House of Representatives. Over the past two years, he has diligently served the House Judiciary Committee as a Professional Staff Member.
On Monday, July 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m., Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Mark Sanford (R-SC), and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) will host a bipartisan forum on freedom of the press entitled, "The State of Press Freedom in 21st Century America."