Biden Criticized By Both Sides For Vetoing Bill That Would Have Increased Number Of Federal Judges

Lawmakers from both parties are upset with President Joe Biden for vetoing a bill that would have created over 60 new federal judgeships to help tackle growing caseloads.

The JUDGES Act originally had support from both parties. The bill would’ve added judgeships in 13 states in two-year waves through 2035.

President-elect Donald Trump‘s victory means he could have nominated about two dozen new seats in his upcoming term.

“S. 4199 seeks to hastily add judgeships with just a few weeks left in the 118th Congress. The House of Representative’s hurried action fails to resolve key questions in the legislation,” Biden wrote.

Judge Robert Conrad, the director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, called Biden’s veto disappointing because additional judgeships are necessary to administer justice efficiently.

“The veto is a deviation from the long historical pattern of approving judgeship bills that awarded new judgeships to sitting Presidents. The President’s veto is contrary to the actions of Senator Biden who helped pass many of those bills,” Conrad stated.

Conrad’s office is supervised by the Judicial Conference, which recommended additional judgeships to Congress, prompting the introduction of the JUDGES Act.

The number of pending federal cases has risen 346 percent in the last 20 years. This month, the legislation passed 236-173, with most House Democrats voting against it.

Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, a judicial watchdog, endorsed the bill and said vetoing the bill did not help Biden’s legacy.

“President Biden’s veto of the JUDGES Act is an embarrassing end to what has otherwise been a productive four years of his reshaping of the judiciary,” said Roth.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) helped spearhead the bill and said Biden’s veto was partisan.