A growing storm brews within the U.S. federal judiciary after President Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the rising strain on overburdened federal courts. Judiciary leaders called the decision “extremely disappointing,” warning it would exacerbate case backlogs and erode public trust in the justice system.
The proposed legislation sought to add 66 judges to district courts across 13 states, with phased appointments running through 2035. This effort came in response to a 30% increase in caseloads since the last major judiciary expansion in 1990. Judges from both parties championed the bill, describing it as essential to maintaining the courts’ ability to function effectively.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, whose Texas district faces “crushing caseloads,” lamented the veto, likening it to a denial of justice for countless Americans. “This decision delays access to justice for ordinary people seeking their day in court,” he said.
Despite unanimous Senate approval in August, the legislation faced hurdles in the House. A contentious vote followed Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, sparking accusations of political gamesmanship. Biden’s veto fulfilled a prior warning, though critics urged him to reconsider.
While rejecting the JUDGES Act, Biden did approve a separate measure to solidify 10 temporary judgeships as permanent—a move that some judiciary advocates viewed as insufficient to address the larger crisis.
As federal courts brace for mounting caseloads, judiciary leaders remain hopeful that the incoming administration will prioritize swift reintroduction of this critical legislation.
