The House passed a bill on Thursday authorizing 63 new permanent district judgeships over the next 10 years, with 21 to be filled by President-elect Trump during his next term. The White House stated that President Biden would veto the bill if it reached his desk.
In August, the Senate approved the 'Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act' or the 'JUDGES Act of 2024.' This legislation staggers the creation of the new judgeships, with the president able to appoint 11 in 2025, 11 in 2027, 10 in 2029, 11 in 2031, 10 in 2033, and 10 in 2035. The bill aims to address the heavy caseloads burdening the courts.
However, key Democrats are now distancing themselves from the bill following Trump's election victory, criticizing the timing of the vote after Election Day. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized the importance of the JUDGES Act in ensuring timely and fair justice for the American people. He noted the initial bipartisan support the bill received when it passed the Senate unanimously in August.
Johnson expressed disappointment that Democrats, who previously backed the bill, have now turned against it. He suggested that the change in stance is due to the election outcome and accused the Biden-Harris Administration of issuing a veto threat based on partisan politics. Johnson stressed that the focus should be on meeting the needs of the American people and enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system.
