U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Ted Cruz have taken the lead in a bipartisan effort to ensure access to the federal courts for millions of Americans. The initiative involves transitioning 10 temporary federal judgeships, including one in Hawaii, to permanent status. Senator Hirono expressed the importance of the legislation, stating, “By making several long-standing temporary judgeships permanent, this bill will help provide certainty and stability to federal courts in Hawaii and other states across the country.” Senator Cruz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to maintain access to the justice system for individuals nationwide.
The Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act aims to grant permanent status to all 10 currently-existing temporary federal district court judgeships. These judgeships are spread across various federal district courts, including Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and North Carolina. The bipartisan nature of the bill is evident in its support from members of both the Senate and the House Judiciary Committees.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham, along with a host of other senators, have cosponsored the legislation. The extensive support for the bill underscores its significance in ensuring continued access to justice for individuals in various states. The full text of the legislation is available for further review.
This bipartisan effort led by Senators Hirono and Cruz demonstrates a commitment to upholding the integrity and accessibility of the federal court system.