Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced legislation that would add Mount Vernon as a place of holding court in the Western District of Washington, which would reduce travel distances for many Skagit, Island and Snohomish County residents who currently drive as far as Bellingham for federal court appearances.

“This is commonsense legislation that already has the support of numerous judges and attorneys throughout Western Washington. Adding a federal court in Mount Vernon would create a closer and more convenient location for defendants, lawyers, and witnesses throughout Skagit County. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to pass this important legislation for our region,” said DelBene.

“Changing the location of the Western District of Washington Central Violations Bureau monthly proceedings from Bellingham to Mount Vernon gives residents of Skagit, Island and Snohomish Counties a better chance at appearing in court without disruption to their work, education and family lives. Since the majority of defendants, attorneys and witnesses who attend these proceedings come from outside of Whatcom County, Mount Vernon is a much more sensible location,” said Larsen.

This proposal has the support of the judges of the Western District of Washington, the United States Attorney for Western Washington, the Federal Public Defender for Western Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, federal law enforcement agents who come to court, the Skagit County Bar Association, and the Whatcom County Bar Association.

The bill’s text can be read here.

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