President Biden’s veto of the JUDGES Act sparks GOP’s renewed focus on judicial reform and immigration policy.
At a Glance
- Biden vetoed the bipartisan JUDGES Act, which aimed to add 66 new federal judgeships
- GOP shifts focus to confirming Trump-appointed judges and addressing immigration issues
- Republicans advance legislation to expedite deportation of criminal illegal aliens
- Judicial backlog and border crisis remain key concerns for the Republican party
Biden’s Veto Derails Bipartisan Judicial Expansion
The House of Representatives’ efforts to bolster the federal judiciary hit a roadblock when President Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act of 2024. The bill, which passed with a 236-173 vote, aimed to add 66 new federal district judgeships over more than a decade. Despite initial bipartisan support and unanimous Senate approval in August, the White House’s opposition led to a contentious outcome.
The last authorization for new district judgeships occurred over 20 years ago, despite increasing case filings. Organizations representing judges and attorneys supported the bill, citing delays in case resolutions and compromised access to justice. The Judicial Conference of the United States had recommended new judgeships to meet growing workload demands.
Republican Response and Strategy Shift
In the wake of Biden’s veto, Republicans are pivoting their strategy to address both judicial reform and immigration policy. The GOP is now focusing on confirming as many of Trump’s judicial appointees as possible to alleviate the judicial burden. During his first term, Trump appointed 234 federal judges, and if re-elected, he could surpass the totals of recent two-term presidents.
“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 said.
Simultaneously, Republicans are advancing legislation to address the border crisis and the backlog in criminal cases against illegal aliens. The Republican-controlled House is pushing forward with the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, which aims to increase deportation penalties for illegal aliens convicted of sex offenses or domestic abuse.
Addressing Immigration and Public Safety
The GOP’s multifaceted approach includes the Laken Riley Act, which has passed in the House and is set for a Senate vote. This legislation prioritizes the deportation of criminal illegal aliens, addressing a significant concern for many conservative voters. With over 1.4 million illegal aliens currently facing active deportation orders in the U.S., Republicans argue that swift action is necessary to ensure public safety and reduce the strain on the judicial system.
The Republican strategy reflects a broader effort to link judicial reform with immigration enforcement, appealing to their base’s concerns about border security and the impact of illegal immigration on the justice system. By focusing on these interrelated issues, the GOP aims to present a unified front on law and order while criticizing the Biden administration’s approach to both judicial appointments and border control.
Looking Ahead: Judicial Appointments and Legislative Priorities
As the political landscape shifts following Biden’s veto, Republicans are preparing for potential changes in the upcoming election cycle. The party is positioning itself to take advantage of any opportunities to shape the federal judiciary, with an eye on the possibility of a Trump return to the White House. This strategic focus on judicial appointments and immigration policy is likely to remain a central theme in Republican messaging and legislative efforts in the coming months.
“For the hour we’re taking for something we should have done before the mid-term elections,” Rep. Darrell Issa remarked, highlighting the GOP’s frustration with the delayed action on judicial reform.
