South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) has joined forces with Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the bipartisan Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act, aimed at addressing judicial shortages in California and nationwide.

The JUDGES Act proposes the creation of 63 permanent district court judgeships over the next decade, including nine in the Central District of California. Additionally, it mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) evaluate and provide recommendations on the efficiency and effectiveness of federal court activities and assess federal agencies' need for detention space and any challenges related to acquiring sufficient detention space. The bill also requires the Judicial Conference of the United States to make its biennial judicial seat recommendations publicly available.

"Delays in court cases due to understaffing have led to serious public concerns and distrust of our justice system," said Rep. Kim. "I’m proud to join Rep. Issa to introduce the JUDGES Act to add more judges, avoid delays, and ensure a transparent, effective U.S. justice system that works as intended."

Rep. Issa echoed these sentiments, stating, "A severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts – and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied. The JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again."

A bipartisan companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Young (R-IN) and Coons (D-DE) and passed by unanimous consent.