The U.S. federal judiciary’s leadership voiced strong criticism on Tuesday after President Joe Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act, a bill aimed at adding 66 new judges to alleviate the growing burdens on federal courts. Judge Robert Conrad, director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, described the veto as a “regrettable” move that undermines efforts to address rising caseloads and backlogs in the judiciary.
Criticism from Judiciary Leaders
Conrad argued that Biden’s veto would worsen the strain on federal courts, which have seen a 30% increase in caseloads since the last significant judicial expansion in 1990. In a statement, Conrad lamented the veto’s impact, saying it “weakens public confidence in our courts” and delays justice for countless litigants.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane, who oversees the Southern District of Texas, also expressed frustration. His district, one of the busiest in the nation, would have gained four judges under the JUDGES Act. “The veto denies ordinary people access to justice on the same day that capital murder sentences were commuted,” Crane said, referencing Biden’s decision earlier on Monday to commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates.
Controversy Surrounding the JUDGES Act
The JUDGES Act aimed to gradually increase the number of federal district court judges in 25 courts across 13 states, including California, Florida, and Texas, through six waves spanning 2025 to 2035. The bill garnered bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the Democratic-led Senate in August. However, it stalled in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives until after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in November.
House Democrats accused their Republican counterparts of breaking a bipartisan agreement to vote on the bill without knowing which administration would appoint the first batch of judges. Biden, who had threatened to veto the bill, followed through after it passed the House on December 12 in a 236-173 vote.
Calls for Reintroduction
Despite the veto, several judicial organizations, including the Federal Judges Association and Fix the Court, had urged Biden to approve the legislation. Conrad emphasized the urgency, stating that a failure to enact the bill “will likely delay the opportunity to pass a judgeship bill for many years.”
Chief Justice John Roberts and the U.S. Judicial Conference, which recommended the 66 new judgeships, also supported the JUDGES Act. Conrad called the proposed expansion “essential” to addressing the judiciary’s growing challenges.
An Alternative Signed into Law
Although Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act, he signed the Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act into law on the same day. This separate legislation converts 10 temporary district court judgeships into permanent positions. While the measure provides some relief, judiciary leaders argue it falls far short of addressing the systemic issues plaguing the courts.
As the judiciary continues to advocate for reform, the focus now shifts to the incoming Trump administration. Crane expressed hope that Trump would reintroduce the legislation swiftly, emphasizing its bipartisan foundation and the pressing need for judicial expansion.
