East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has cast his vote in favor of the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024, also known as the JUDGES Act. This legislation aims to address the issue of understaffed and backlogged federal courts by adding new judgeships, including an additional federal district judge for Idaho.

"With Idaho’s population growth comes increased pressure on our courts," stated Rep. Simpson, who is an original cosponsor of the bill. "Adding a third district judgeship will help reduce delays and ensure Idahoans receive justice promptly. I have long advocated for Idaho to have a third district judge, and I am pleased to see this bipartisan legislation bring us one step closer to meeting the needs of Idahoans and strengthening our judicial system."

The JUDGES Act proposes the creation of 63 permanent judgeships over six phases from 2025 to 2035. This move comes as many federal district courts across the United States face overwhelming caseloads and significant backlogs. The last time Congress authorized a second federal judgeship for Idaho was in 1954.

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Rep. Simpson has been a proponent of improving court efficiency in Idaho. He recently co-led H.R.7205, which seeks to add a new federal district judgeship in Idaho along with two additional judgeships in Colorado. Furthermore, he introduced H.R.270 - the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act, and H.R.269 - aimed at authorizing another district judgeship for Idaho alongside Rep. Fulcher.

The Senate version of the JUDGES Act (S. 4199), introduced by Senators Young from Indiana and Coons from Delaware, successfully passed the Senate on August 1, 2024.