East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has cosponsored the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act). This legislation aims to address understaffed and backlogged courts by adding critically needed federal judgeships, including an additional federal district judgeship in Idaho.

“As Idaho's population grows, so does the number of court cases,” said Rep. Simpson. “Adding a third district judgeship will reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans have their cases addressed in a reasonable and timely manner. It is long overdue for Idaho to have a third district judge to meet these needs, and I look forward to seeing this critical legislation get across the finish line.”

Federal district courts nationwide face staggering caseloads and multi-year backlogs. The JUDGES Act proposes creating 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035. Congress last authorized a second federal judgeship for Idaho in 1954.

Rep. Simpson has consistently advocated for a more efficient court system in Idaho during his tenure in Congress. Recently, he co-led H.R.7205, which seeks to add a new federal district judgeship in Idaho and two additional judgeships in Colorado. He also introduced H.R.270 - the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act, and H.R.269 - to authorize an additional district judgeship for the District of Idaho with Rep. Fulcher.

The Senate companion of the JUDGES Act (S. 4199), introduced by Senators Young and Coons, passed the Senate on August 1, 2024.

The full text of the bill is available here.