Biden Vetoes JUDGES Act Amid GOP Focus on Immigration Crime and Judicial Appointments

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President Biden’s veto of the JUDGES Act sparks Republican focus on immigration crime and judicial appointments.

At a Glance

  • President Biden vetoed the bipartisan JUDGES Act, which aimed to add 66 new federal judgeships
  • Republicans are now prioritizing measures to address illegal immigration and related crimes
  • GOP plans to alleviate judicial burden by confirming Trump-era judicial appointees
  • The House passed the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act to increase deportation penalties
  • Over 1.4 million illegal aliens with active deportation orders remain in the U.S.

Biden’s Veto Derails Bipartisan Effort to Expand Federal Judiciary

In a surprising move, President Joe Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill that proposed adding 66 new judgeships to address the increasing caseloads in federal district courts. The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in August and cleared the House with a 236-173 vote, aimed to distribute new judgeships over more than a decade, allowing multiple administrations and Congresses to appoint judges.

The veto came after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election, with the White House citing concerns about the true motivations behind the bill. This decision has left many in the legal community frustrated, as the last authorization for new district judgeships occurred over 20 years ago, despite a significant increase in case filings.

Republican Response: Focusing on Immigration and Crime

In the wake of Biden’s veto, Republicans are doubling down on efforts to address the border crisis and the backlog of criminal cases against illegal aliens. The GOP-controlled House is advancing legislation such as the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, which aims to increase deportation penalties for illegal aliens convicted of sex offenses or domestic abuse.

“Make no mistake folks, the sudden opposition to this bill from my friends on the other side of the aisle is nothing more than childish foot-stomping.” – Rep. Troy Nehls

Additionally, the Laken Riley Act, which prioritizes the deportation of criminal illegal aliens, has passed in the House and is set for a Senate vote. These measures reflect the GOP’s commitment to addressing voter concerns over border security and immigration-related crimes.

Judicial Appointments: A Republican Strategy

To alleviate the judicial burden without new judgeships, Republicans plan to focus on confirming as many of Trump’s judicial appointees as possible. During his first term, Trump appointed 234 federal judges, and if re-elected, he could surpass the totals of recent two-term presidents.

“For the hour we’re taking for something we should have done before the mid-term elections.” – Rep. Darrell Issa

This approach not only addresses the immediate need for more judges but also allows the GOP to shape the federal judiciary for years to come. With over 1.4 million illegal aliens currently facing active deportation orders in the U.S., Republicans argue that a more conservative bench could help expedite these cases and strengthen border security measures.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Judicial Needs and Immigration Policy

As the debate over judicial expansion and immigration policy continues, both parties face challenges in addressing the growing caseloads in federal courts. The Judicial Conference of the United States has repeatedly recommended new judgeships to meet workload demands, highlighting the pressing need for reform.

“Unfortunately, we are back where we have always been every time a bill to create new judgeships comes before Congress — with one party seeking a tactical advantage over the other.” – Rep. Jerry Nadler

With Biden’s veto of the JUDGES Act, the path forward remains uncertain. Republicans will likely continue to push for stricter immigration enforcement and judicial appointments aligned with their values, while Democrats may seek alternative solutions to address the overburdened court system. As the 2024 election approaches, the intersection of judicial reform and immigration policy is poised to remain a central issue in American politics.

Sources:

  1. US judiciary’s leadership laments Biden’s veto of bill to add judges | Reuters
  2. House Republicans pass bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but White House says Biden would veto it | PBS News
  3. GOP Pushes to Hold Migrant Criminals Accountable After Biden Vetoes Bill to Add Judges