January 29, 2019: American Bar Association Adopts Resolution Advanced by NYSBA Condemning Federal Government Shutdown

January 29, 2019: American Bar Association Adopts Resolution Advanced by NYSBA Condemning Federal Government Shutdown

1.29.2019

By Communications Department

The American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates Monday unanimously approved a resolution advanced by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) condemning federal government shutdowns.

The resolution, made amidst a temporary settlement to the recent five-week shutdown, calls upon the President of the United States and Congress to refrain from allowing the federal budget process to “injuriously impact the proper functioning of the federal judiciary and the rule of law.”

Prior to the temporary settlement, NYSBA had approved a similar resolution calling for an end to the shutdown at its 278-member House of Delegates meeting in New York City Jan. 18, as part of the association’s Annual Meeting.

“The cost to the economy, the threat to our security and the suffering and anxiety for countless Americans cannot be overstated,” said NYSBA President Michael Miller, as he presented the resolution to the ABA. “The government shutdown was also a constitutional crisis, as federal courts across the country were forced to cut back operations severely and, in some cases, shut down entirely.

“It is truly a gross dereliction of duty to have allowed a political fight to escalate to the point that the rule of law was undermined and essential parts of our judiciary – under the Constitution, a co-equal branch of government – were unable to serve the American people,” continued Miller. “Furthermore, it is a violation of the oath of office taken by the President and members of Congress to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

The complete text of the resolution:

RESOLVED, that the American Bar Association condemns the federal government shutdowns, which impair our legal system and undermine the rule of law.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Bar Association calls upon the President of the United States and Congress to refrain, now and in the future, from allowing the federal budget process to injuriously impact the proper functioning of the federal judiciary and the rule of law.

About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, the Association has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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Contact: Christian Nolan
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