In a rare public appeal directed at the White House, the Judicial Conference is asking President Barack Obama to be a forceful voice in favor of increased funding for the judicial branch in impending budget battles.
"The judiciary will not have a seat at the table during these budget discussions," wrote Judge John Bates, secretary of the conference, in a letter to the White House dated September 10 and made public on September 12. "It is essential that someone speak for the judiciary, and I respectfully ask that the administration help make the case for an increase in funding above the FY 2013 post-sequestration level for the judiciary."
