S2420-118

What This Bill Does

This bill streamlines the process for appointing judges to District of Columbia courts by eliminating the requirement for Senate confirmation. Under current law, the President nominates DC judges who must then be confirmed by the Senate. This bill changes that so the President directly appoints judges from a list provided by the DC Judicial Nomination Commission, with the appointment taking effect automatically unless Congress acts to block it.

Who Benefits and How

The District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission gains more influence in the process, as their recommended candidates can become judges without needing to navigate Senate politics.

The President benefits from a faster, more streamlined appointment process that removes the hurdle of Senate confirmation.

DC residents and the DC court system benefit from potentially faster filling of judicial vacancies, as nominations will no longer languish waiting for Senate action.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Senate loses its traditional advice-and-consent role over DC judicial appointments. While Congress retains the ability to disapprove appointments through a joint resolution within 60 days, this is a higher bar than simply declining to confirm a nominee.

Key Provisions

• Converts the judicial selection process from "nominate and confirm" to "appoint with disapproval window" - judges are appointed directly by the President from the Nomination Commission's list
• Establishes a 60-day window during which Congress can block an appointment by passing a joint resolution of disapproval
• Applies expedited legislative procedures (from existing DC Council oversight rules) to these disapproval resolutions
• Makes the new rules apply to pending nominations at the time of enactment, with those nominees deemed appointed as of the bill's enactment date
• Requires the President or the Nomination Commission to notify both chambers of Congress when an appointment is made