Local News

May 31, 2007

Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) have introduced identical legislation in the House and Senate, the first step to bringing a U.S. district courthouse to Vancouver.
The legislation will add Vancouver to the list of locations where court in the Western District of Washington can be held. Currently, court can only be held in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham.
"There is an overwhelming need in Southwest Washington to better accommodate the law enforcement and legal needs of our communities," said Congressman Baird, who has long championed the establishment of a federal courthouse in Vancouver. "This bill is a next step toward Vancouver acquiring a U.S. district courthouse to help the region more efficiently prosecute serious crimes and will be an integral part of our state's judicial system."
"This is a much needed step in bringing a federal law enforcement presence to the fastest growing region in our state," said Senator Murray.