BOISE, ID – U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, is again attempting to add a third Idaho federal district court judge — as part of a broader judgeship expansion bill.
In 1954, Congress approved a second federal district judgeship for Idaho, which has been one of the fastest-growing states in recent years. Since then, Idaho’s population has more than tripled to over 2 million residents.
In 2021, the Associated Press reported Idaho had the fewest federal judges of any state.
Simpson’s office announced Thursday the longtime congressman has cosponsored the JUDGES Act.
Over the next decade, the bill would create 63 permanent judgeships, including adding a new federal district judgeship in Idaho, Simpson’s office said.
“With Idaho’s growing population comes greater pressure on our courts and an increase in cases,” Simpson said in a written statement. “Adding a third district judgeship will help reduce backlogs and ensure Idahoans receive timely justice. This solution will strengthen our judicial system and better serve the people of Idaho.”
The new bill is similar to another bill Congress passed, and former President Joe Biden vetoed in December.
Simpson has attempted other legislation to add a third Idaho federal district court judge, including a bill introduced in January with U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho.
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