WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act). This legislation will add critically needed federal judgeships to resolve currently understaffed and backlogged courts—including an additional federal district judgeship in Idaho.  

“With Idaho’s population growth comes increased pressure on our courts,” said Rep. Simpson, an original cosponsor. “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.”  

Dozens of federal district courts across the country are plagued by staggering caseloads and multi-year backlogs. The Judges Act would create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035. Congress last authorized a second federal judgeship for Idaho in 1954.

Rep. Simpson has fought for a more efficient and manageable court system in Idaho throughout his time in Congress. Most recently, Rep. Simpson co-led H.R.7205, which would add a new federal district judgeship in Idaho and an additional two judgeships in Colorado. Rep Simpson 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 (R-Indiana) and Coons, (D-Delaware) passed the Senate on August 1, 2024.

The full text of the bill is available here.