WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Congress unanimously passed Congressman Dale Strong's bill redividing the Department of Justice's Northern District of Alabama today.
The bill, H.R. 7177, will redraw divisional boundaries and assign counties to divisions with the closest courthouse, ensuring Alabamians are assigned to the closest and most convenient courthouse.
“I will always look for ways to improve the lives of my constituents. That includes ensuring they are assigned to the federal courthouse nearest them to have their cases heard or to fulfill their civic duty and serve on a jury. I am pleased my colleagues joined me to promote the efficient administration of justice in North Alabama,” said Congressman Dale W. Strong.
The bill will consolidate the current seven divisions into five divisions. It will transfer counties currently assigned to the Middle and Jasper divisions to the Eastern and Western Divisions, since Middle and Jasper no longer have courthouses.
In addition to being supported by the Judicial Conference of the United States, this legislation is supported by the District Court in the Northern District of Alabama, the affected Defender Services and U.S. Attorney’s Offices. It was also approved by the Judicial Council of the Eleventh Circuit.
