Bill would add 66 new federal judges through 2035 to ease caseloads
In markupH.R. 1702Latest action
Sponsor: Darrell Issa · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: JUDGES Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 1702 phases in 66 permanent federal district judgeships plus one temporary post by 2035 to reduce court backlogs.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 1702 creates 66 new permanent federal district court judgeships, added in stages in 2025, 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035, in overloaded states like California, Texas, New York, Florida, and New Jersey. It also creates one temporary judgeship for eastern Oklahoma that won't be refilled once vacated, adds court locations in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California, and orders studies and easier online access to judgeship-need reports.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects the federal court system, people with pending federal lawsuits, immigration cases, or criminal cases in overloaded districts, and taxpayers who fund the judiciary. Future presidents and the Senate will handle nominating and confirming the new judges.
Why does it matter?
More judges could speed up case processing in overloaded districts, but the changes phase in gradually through 2035 and depend on future presidential and Senate confirmations.
What does it cost, and who pays?
The bill allocates increasing funds for new judges and staff, rising from about $13 million to over $61 million annually by 2035, adjusted for inflation.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Feb 27, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Mar 5, 2025 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 27, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 5, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 11.