WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2025 (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. This legislation is sponsored by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA).

“With Idaho's growing population comes greater pressure on our courts and an increase in cases,” said Rep. Simpson. “Adding a third district judgeship will help reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans receive timely justice. This solution will strengthen our judicial system and better serve the people of Idaho. I have long advocated for this much-needed addition, and I look forward to seeing this critical legislation get across the finish line once and for all.”

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. Last year, Rep. Simpson voted in favor of the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act). President Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act in December 2024 despite this bicameral and bipartisan legislation having broad support and passing the House and Senate.

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 the Rocky Mountain Judgeship Act, which would add a new federal district judgeship in Idaho and an additional two judgeships in Colorado. Rep Simpson also introduced H.R. 634 - the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act, and H.R. 319 - to authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Idaho with Rep. Fulcher. 

The full text of the bill is available here.