A sunset-washed U.S. Capitol stands witness as the Senate, in a rare show of unity, passed a groundbreaking bill to bolster the federal judiciary. The plan, set to introduce 66 new judgeships over the next decade, marks the first significant increase since 1990.
The legislation, aimed at alleviating the burdened federal courts, will see judges added to 25 district courts across 13 states, including California, Texas, and Delaware. The unanimous approval sends the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For nearly two decades, attempts to expand the federal bench have faltered amid partisan squabbles. This new effort, dubbed the JUDGES Act, strategically spaces out the creation of new seats, starting in January 2025, post the next presidential election.
Co-sponsors from both parties highlighted the urgency due to the surge in court filings since the last major judicial expansion. The judiciary currently struggles with a significant backlog, particularly in Delaware, which operates with only four active judgeships.
Currently, there are 677 authorized district court seats and 10 temporary ones that may soon become permanent. The Senate had previously passed a related bill to this effect, now awaiting the House’s nod.
The JUDGES Act’s revised version plans to add judges in phases through 2035, including three temporary positions in Oklahoma. This methodical approach aims to balance the judiciary’s needs with political realities.
Support from the Republican-led House, particularly from Representative Darrell Issa of California, boosts the bill’s prospects. Judiciary officials expressed optimism, with Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. emphasizing the careful deliberation behind the judgeship recommendations and the critical need for additional seats.
