West Houston News

The United States House of Representatives has passed the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the backlog in federal courts by adding new judgeships. Congressman Troy E. Nehls, who played a key role in advancing the legislation, expressed his satisfaction with its passage.

"Today, I proudly voted to pass S. 4199, which would add desperately needed federal judgeships to resolve understaffed and backlogged federal courts," said Congressman Nehls. "I am pleased to have led this necessary effort in the House alongside three of my colleagues."

Nehls highlighted the impact of court backlogs on Americans seeking justice and criticized the Biden Administration's stance on the bill. "Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has threatened to veto this commonsense legislation that would address a widespread issue that affects millions of Americans across the country, including my constituents. I encourage President Biden to stop playing political games and sign this bill into law."

The JUDGES Act was introduced in September 2024 by Congressman Nehls along with Congressmen Darrell Issa, Jerrold Nadler, and Hank Johnson. The bill proposes creating 63 permanent judgeships over a decade without giving any party an appointment advantage and adding temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma.

Further provisions include requiring evaluations by the Government Accountability Office on court efficiency and detention space needs, mandating public release of judicial seat recommendations by the Judicial Conference, and authorizing additional case locations in Utah, Texas, and California.

Congress last approved new district court judgeships more than twenty years ago. If enacted into law by President Biden, this act aims to alleviate significant delays currently burdening federal courts.