Statements & Testimony
Letter of support for the Fund for Modern Courts’ Recusal Proposal
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law wrote to the New York Court of Appeals to express support for the proposal for heightened recusal standards recently submitted by the Fund For Modern Courts.
Authored by: Adam Skaggs and Fritz Schwartz
– 10/04/10
Memo on State Interests Advanced by Fair Elections HR 1826/HR 6116
Democracy Program Director Susan Liss and Senior Counsel Monica Youn authored a memorandum detailing factual backup for the state interests advanced by the Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1826/H.R. 6116). These interests include combatting corruption and the appearance of corruption, reducing the time demands of private fundraising, and enhancing political participation.
Authored by: Susan Liss and Monica Youn
– 09/22/10
Memorandum on the Constitutionality of the Fair Election Now Act
Democracy Program Director Susan Liss and Senior Counsel Monica Youn have sent the Committee on House Administration a memorandum on the constitutionality of the Fair Election Now Act.
Authored by: Susan Liss and Monica Youn
– 09/22/10
Testimony of Mimi Marziani on the Filibuster: Legislative Proposals to Change Senate Procedure
In this testimony presented before the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Mimi Marziani gives the relevant historical background to provide context for the modern-day filibuster debate. She illustrates that ever since the Senate has perceived the filibuster as a problem, there has been robust support for the position that a majority of senators can effect rules change at the start of a new Congress.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 09/22/10
Letter to Senators Supporting Constitutionality of the DISCLOSE Act
Democracy Program Director Susan Liss and Senior Counsel Monica Youn sent a letter to the Senate supporting the constitutionality of S. 3628—The Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act. Based on years of litigation and policy experience requiring us to balance First Amendment concerns with efforts to reform our systems of political financing, the Brennan Center believes the DISCLOSE Act is constitutional both under long-standing precedent and in light of more recent trends in the campaign finance case law.
Authored by: Susan Liss and Monica Youn
– 09/16/10
Letter to Speaker Pelosi from Michael Waldman
Michael Waldman, the Executive Director of the Brennan Center, addressed a letter to Speaker Pelosi on the need for the Shareholder Protection Act (H.R. 4790).
Authored by: Michael Waldman
– 09/14/10
Testimony of Mimi Marziani and Diana Lee Examining the Filibuster
On June 23, 2010 Mimi Marziani and Diana Lee provided the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with testimony examining silent filibusters, holds and the senate confirmation process.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani and Diana Lee
– 08/10/10
Brennan Center Comments on Department of Homeland Security Language Assistance Guidelines
The Brennan Center and 13 immigrant advocacy and legal aid programs filed public comments on DHS guidelines for federally funded entities that assist and administer limited English proficient (LEP) individuals in their contact with police and motor vehicle departments, detention centers and more.
– 07/19/10
Testimony on the National Popular Vote Plan for Council of the District of Columbia
Testimony by Amanda Rolat on the National Popular Vote Plan, submitted to the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment
of the Council of the District of Columbia.
Authored by: Amanda Rolat
– 05/19/10
Testimony for the Senate Rules Committee on the Modern Filibuster
The modern filibuster devalues the Senate, disrupts Congress, and threatens to derail our government. This testimony, submitted to the Senate Rules Committee, elaborates.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani with Diana Lee
– 05/19/10