Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have announced that their Improving Access to Our Courts Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now headed to the President's desk for approval. The legislation aims to permit federal court proceedings at the U.S. District Court in Alpine, Texas, part of the Western District of Texas, which serves nine counties.

“The American system of checks and balances relies on the strength of our three branches of government,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this legislation to bolster the mission of our judicial branch and allow more local cases to be processed in West Texas federal courtrooms, and I urge the President to sign it into law without delay.”

Sen. Cruz added, “I am proud to have worked with my Texan colleagues to increase accessibility to our federal courts for victims, parties, counsel, and the general public. Through this needed addition, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas is now able to provide more efficient service to the people of West Texas, allowing them to seek redress without needing to drive for several hours to the nearest federal courthouse.”

The bill also has bipartisan support from Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who are cosponsors. In the House, Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led the legislative effort.

The legislation will legally clarify that federal court proceedings can be held in Alpine, Texas, for the Western District of Texas, and in Mt. Vernon, Washington, for the Western District of Washington. Currently, litigants often sign waivers for court proceedings in Alpine. This update aims to remove such bureaucratic hurdles and streamline court processes without incurring additional costs since both courthouses are already operational.