Joyce Remarks at Oversight Hearing on the Federal Judiciary

I would like to thank both Judge Saint Eve and Judge Conrad for being here today and for their service to our nation. The two of you combined represent over 60 years of federal civil service, and we are grateful for your time. A special congratulations to you, Judge Conrad, on your recent retirement from District Court work in North Carolina.  

As a former prosecutor, I know the American judicial system is the gold-standard for fair, equal, and impartial treatment under the law. It is a critical part of our democracy and has been since our nation’s founding almost 250 years ago. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that our partner branches of government have the tools they need to execute the duties of their office. 

Courthouses across the United States serve not only as a place of employment but also as a symbol of what makes our country great. But many of these courthouses are in need of repair to keep pace with modern times. At the same time, the judicial system faces the reality of modern threats to both its physical and cyber security. Protests across the country have damaged federal property, and threatened the safety and security of judges, officers, and staff who work everyday to serve the American people.

Countries like China and Russia focus their efforts on gaining access to the IT systems of the Judiciary to undermine American democracy at its core.  And now, Federal judges find their names in the news or on social media and are met with online vulgarity and in some cases physical harm to them or their loved ones. As the Judiciary’s fiscal year 2026 spending plan reveals, it takes significant resources to operate the Federal Judiciary. We need to understand their priorities and how resources are being deployed across its divisions and why. 

Judge Saint Eve and Judge Conrad, let me again commend you on your leadership during these unique and challenging times. I look forward to working with you.