The Biden administration has vetoed the bipartisan legislation that pushed for adding 66 more federal judgeships in ten years amid concerns over the timing and allocation of roles in courts. Both lawmakers from opposing sides of the aisle slammed the decision – even by one of Joe Biden’s closest allies Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), who revealed disappointment following years of work together with Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).
“I am disappointed by this outcome,” Coons said in a statement. “Federal judges across the country are struggling under an overwhelming caseload, and this bill would have offered much-needed relief. Unfortunately, it will not become law.”
The measure received unanimous approval in August; however, due to the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, it was not addressed until after the December 2024 election, which resulted in Donald Trump being elected president. Coons remarked that the House Republicans had politicized the process, a sentiment echoed by Democrats who contended that the timing was strategically chosen to allow President Trump to make new appointments to his administration.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., rejected this idea, accusing Biden of being partisan. “This important legislation received bipartisan support because it addresses case backlogs and judicial efficiency,” Johnson said. “The veto reflects pure partisan politics aimed at preventing progress.”
The bill added federal district court positions incrementally over the next three presidential terms in order to balance judicial needs without overwhelming a single administration. However, Biden argued that the House had hurriedly passed the bill without addressing how judges would be assigned to him, and he vetoed the bill.
This further saddles the federal judiciary. Vetoing it drives home the continued tension surrounding judicial appointment and partisan gamesmanship. So in the coming years of its tenure, the contestation over judicial reforms and nominations would be a raging matter for President-elect Trump once he assumes office.
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