Civil-rights attorney urges Congress to remove barriers to suing federal officers

Antonio Romanucci, a national civil-rights attorney representing families who say they were harmed, urged Congress to address legal barriers that prevent victims from pursuing jury trials or suits against federal officers.

Romanucci said current law often requires asking permission of the federal government and can deny jury trials, and he called for reasonable updates to section 1983 and the Federal Tort Claims Act so victims can seek full accountability. "Federal officers should not receive a special pass on accountability, and there should be a bridge to justice for all victims," he told the committee.

He framed the recommendations as consistent with protecting public safety and restoring trust in law enforcement, and he asked lawmakers to consider statutory fixes to ensure victims have access to remedies.