Van Hollen, Norton, Introduce Bill to Reduce Vacancies in D.C. Courts

Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced the District of Columbia Courts Vacancy Reduction Act, which would allow nominees to the local District of Columbia courts to be seated after a 30-day congressional review period, unless a disapproval resolution is enacted into law during that period. Currently, nominees to the local D.C. courts cannot be seated without affirmative Senate confirmation. The bill would make the congressional review process for nominees the same as the one currently used for legislation passed by the D.C. Council. This bill is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

"The District of Columbia deserves a fully functional justice system as is afforded to each of our states. The current system has hamstrung the District's local courts - leaving the city with judicial vacancies that often take years to fill due to congressional inaction. This shortage of judges has led to slower judicial proceedings and a serious backlog of criminal and civil cases. This legislation would limit congressional interference in D.C.'s court system, helping to better ensure the District's residents have a justice system that works for them," said Senator Van Hollen.

"D.C.'s local courts have faced chronic judicial vacancies for far too long, delaying justice for residents and placing an unnecessary strain on the administration of our local court system," Congresswoman Norton said. "Unlike state and local courts elsewhere in the country, the D.C.'s courts are subject to a unique confirmation process that requires Senate action before nominees can take their seats. As a result, highly qualified nominees can languish for months or even years while the Senate prioritizes federal judicial and executive branch nominations.

"This bill would establish a commonsense process to ensure that qualified nominees are not indefinitely delayed by Senate inaction. By allowing nominees to be seated after the same 30-day congressional review period that applies to D.C. legislation, this bill would help reduce vacancies, improve the efficiency of the courts, and ensure that D.C. residents have timely access to justice."