D.C. Courts: Changing How Judges are Picked
Also known as: District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025
Legislative Progress
218–211
Key Points
- This bill would get rid of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Right now, this group screens candidates and gives the President a list of recommended people to pick from when there is an opening for a judge in D.C. local courts.
- Under this new plan, the President would no longer have to wait for a list of names from the local commission. Instead, the President could nominate anyone who meets the basic requirements to serve as a judge in the District's local courts.
- This change affects the courts that handle daily life in Washington, D.C., like the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals. These judges make decisions on local matters like family disputes, property issues, and criminal trials for people living in the city.
- The bill changes how D.C. is governed by giving the federal government more direct control over the local legal system. By removing the local commission, the President has more power to choose who sits on the bench without local input.
- These new rules would take effect for any judge appointed after the bill is signed into law. It does not change the status or jobs of judges who are already serving on the bench.
Milestones
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 211 (Roll no. 274). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4375)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 211 (Roll no. 274). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4375: 5)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4394)
Vote Results
1 voteOn Passage
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Data Sources
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