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President Joe Biden on Monday vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have added 66 federal district court judgeships, citing unresolved concerns about judicial allocation, caseload demands, and timing.
The decision drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups, with some calling it a missed opportunity to address delays in the federal court system.
The legislation, designed to stagger the establishment of new life-tenured judgeships over more than a decade, aimed to ensure fairness by allowing appointments across three presidential administrations and six Congresses. The Senate unanimously passed the bill in August, but the Republican-controlled House only advanced it after former President Donald Trump’s reelection in November, raising concerns about political motivations.
In his veto statement, Biden emphasized the need for further examination.
“The House of Representatives’ hurried action fails to resolve key questions in the legislation, especially regarding how the new judgeships are allocated,” Biden said. “The efficient and effective administration of justice requires that these questions about need and allocation be further studied and answered.”
Biden also criticized the bill for creating judgeships in states with existing judicial vacancies, which he argued undermines the rationale for addressing judicial economy and caseloads.
“Concerns about judicial economy and caseload are not the true motivating force behind passage of this bill now,” he added.
The veto effectively halts the bill in this Congress, as overriding it would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers—a steep challenge given the House vote margin.
Criticism and Support
Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) called the veto a “misguided decision,” accusing Biden of prioritizing personal interests over justice system improvements.
“The President is more enthusiastic about using his office to provide relief to his family members than he is about giving relief to Americans waiting years for due process,” Young said, referencing Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter.
Meanwhile, judicial advocacy groups expressed disappointment, arguing that the lack of new federal judgeships exacerbates delays and compromises access to justice.
Biden’s Judicial Legacy
Biden’s veto follows his record-breaking pace in judicial confirmations, with 235 federal judges approved since he took office—surpassing Trump’s first-term total. Biden defended his commitment to judicial fairness, stating:
“Judges matter. They shape the everyday lives of Americans… I am proud of the legacy I will leave with our nation’s judges.”
Looking Ahead
The veto reignites debate over how best to address growing caseloads in federal courts. Critics warn that delays will persist without systemic reform, leaving the future of judicial expansion uncertain.
