Biden Blocks Bipartisan Bill to Expand Federal Judiciary

In a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, President Joe Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding the federal judiciary by 66 judgeships over the next decade. This decision comes at a critical juncture, with the nation poised to address significant judicial backlogs.

The JUDGES Act proposed:

• Incremental Addition of Judgeships: Introducing new judgeships in phases through 2035 to manage increasing caseloads.

• Broad Bipartisan Support: Passed unanimously in the Senate and with a significant majority in the House.

• Alleviating Judicial Strain: Addressing a more than 30% increase in federal caseloads since 1990.

Despite these provisions, President Biden cited concerns over the bill's expedited passage and unresolved questions regarding the allocation of new judgeships. He stated, "The House of Representatives' hurried action fails to resolve key questions in the legislation, especially regarding how the new judgeships are allocated."

Critics argue that the veto is politically motivated, aiming to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from appointing a substantial number of judges, thereby influencing the judiciary's future composition. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a co-sponsor of the bill, labeled the veto as "partisan politics at its worst."

The federal judiciary has not seen a significant expansion since 1990, despite a substantial increase in caseloads. The vetoed bill sought to distribute the appointment of new judgeships over three presidential terms, ensuring a balanced approach to judicial appointments.

With the veto in place, the challenges facing the federal judiciary remain unaddressed. The growing backlog of cases continues to impede timely access to justice for Americans nationwide.

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