South OC Times

WASHINGTON – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, introduced the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act). This legislation aims to address the critical shortage of federal judgeships that has led to backlogged courts.

“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,” said Rep. Issa. “The JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again.”

The JUDGES Act proposes several measures:

- Creation of 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035.

- Addition of three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma.

- Tasking GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs.

- Requiring the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology.

- Authorizing additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California to improve access for larger districts.

This legislation is co-led by Representatives Nehls, Nadler, and Johnson. Additional original cosponsors include Representatives Lee (FL), Bacon, Van Drew, Valadao, Maloy, Hinson, Kim (CA), LaLota, Owens, Weber, Green (TX), Castor, Bentz, Bice, De La Cruz, Ciscomani, Simpson, Hunt, and Obernolte.

“To ensure the orderly administration of justice, Congress must pass the bipartisan JUDGES Act,” said Congressman Nehls. “Our federal district courts are experiencing severe judicial shortages... As of March 2023... The bipartisan JUDGES Act would authorize additional federal courtroom locations and judgeships in several states across the country.”

“Our federal courts... are understaffed and overwhelmed,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Johnson. “Massive backlogs... can be ended by Congress today.”

“The overwhelming backlog of cases facing federal district courts across our country is paralyzing our justice system,” said Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the JUDGES Act...”

“Our federal courts have an unsustainable... backlog because of judicial staffing shortages,” said Congressman Valadao. “The JUDGES Act would add desperately needed judgeships to California’s Eastern District Court...”

“Our federal district courts are burdened by overwhelming caseloads so we must add new judges to fix it,” said Rep. Bacon.

“Utahns raised concerns with me about the distance they have to travel...” said Rep. Maloy.

“Delays in court cases due to understaffing have led to serious public concerns...” said Rep. Kim.

“Iowans and all Americans have a fundamental right to swift and efficient court proceedings...” said Rep. Hinson.

The Judges Act follows legislation Rep. Issa introduced in March – The Federal Judgeship Act of 2024 – adopting recommendations from the Judicial Conference’s 2023 Report.

The Senate companion of the JUDGES Act (S. 4199), introduced by Senators Young and Coons passed on August 1.

A one-pager of the bill is available here.

Read the text of the bill here.

###