WASHINGTON (AP) — Three federal judges are asking Congress not to break up the vast, San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a longtime target of Republicans and a recent foe of President Donald Trump.

The 9th Circuit in February refused to immediately reinstate Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, prompting the administration to release a new, narrower ban. On Wednesday, Trump renewed his criticism of the court, saying at a Nashville event that "people are screaming" to break up the 9th, which encompasses nine Western states.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., led a hearing on the issue Thursday. Three judges from the 9th circuit testified, and all asked Congress to leave the court alone.