D.C.'s judicial nomination process would shift from a bipartisan local commission to direct presidential appointment. Currently, a seven-member Judicial Nomination Commission — made up of local lawyers and residents — screens candidates and sends a shortlist to the President. This bill would eliminate that commission entirely, giving the President sole authority to nominate D.C. judges (with Senate confirmation). It also lets the President directly designate chief judges. For D.C. residents, this removes the one piece of local input in selecting the judges who handle their cases.
Congressional Summary
District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform ActThis bill terminates the District of Columbia (DC) Judicial Nomination Commission. Currently, the commission recommends to the President nominees for judges for DC's Superior Court and Court of Appeals, who must then be confirmed by the Senate. The commission also appoints the chief judges for these courts. The bill terminates the commission's involvement in nominations and requires the President to appoint the chief judges.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2025-09-18
- Date Added
- 2026-04-14