He said the Judiciary must remain neutral and should not be pulled into a political fight merely because its funds are in the same bill as the census appropriations. An impending crisis threatens the entire criminal justice system, Heyburn said. The crisis is caused by the inordinately low hourly rate currently paid private panel attorneys in non-capital cases. We believe that the time has come to raise rates to at least a minimally acceptable level. Providing an adequate level of security to all citizens entering our federal courthouses remains an ongoing concern of the Judicial Con-ference, Heyburn said.
Federal courts are among the most vulnerable security risks of any facilities in the nation.
A four percent increase in juror days is expected in FY 2000. Heyburn also told the subcommittee about the numerous steps the Judiciary is taking to economize while increasing efficiency. Knowing the problem Congress faces in balancing the budget, the Judiciary is doing everything possible to contain costs, he said. The ability of the courts to handle an ever-growing workload with no additional staff in either fiscal year 1999 or 2000 is dependent upon the potential savings and productivity improvements associated with these initiatives. Finally, Heyburn asked the sub-committee to provide fair and adequate compensation to top government officials in all three branches of the federal government.