What does Preamble of District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The proposed amendment concerns the appointment of judges to the District of Columbia courts. The bill aims to provide for the automatic appointment of these judges, eliminating the need for Senate advice and consent.

What does SHORT TITLE. of District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act do?

This bill is formally titled the District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act.

What does AUTOMATIC APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS. of District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act do?

This section amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act regarding the appointment of judges to District of Columbia courts. The President is required to appoint judges from a list of persons recommended by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. Several conforming amendments are made to Section 433 of the Act, including changes to headings and subsections. The process for reappointment of candidates is modified, with the President now able to reappoint candidates instead of nominating them. The language related to 'nomination' is replaced with 'appointment' throughout the relevant sections of the Act.

What does AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PREVENT APPOINTMENT THROUGH RESOLUTION of District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act do?

This section amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to authorize Congress to prevent the appointment of a judge through a resolution of disapproval. Notice of a judicial appointment must be transmitted to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate. An appointment takes effect 30 calendar days after notice is transmitted unless Congress enacts a joint resolution disapproving the appointment. The 30-day period excludes Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and days when Congress is adjourned. Expedited procedures for considering resolutions disapproving District of Columbia Council acts (section 604) will apply to resolutions disapproving judicial appointments. The resolution of disapproval must specify the House of Congress, the individual appointed, and the District of Columbia court.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act do?

This Act's amendments apply to appointments of judges of the District of Columbia courts made on or after the date of enactment. Section 434A of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act applies to individuals whose nominations for District of Columbia courts are pending on the enactment date. For individuals nominated by the President under section 433 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the President is deemed to have transmitted notice of appointment on the enactment date. For individuals nominated by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission under section 434 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the Commission is deemed to have transmitted notice of appointment on the enactment date.

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District of Columbia Courts Judicial Vacancy Reduction Act

Last updated: 6/18/2026 · Introduced: 6/18/2026

Author: Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to require the President to appoint judges from a list recommended by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission, streamlining the judicial appointment process.
Congress is authorized to prevent a judicial appointment through a joint resolution of disapproval within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of the appointment.
The changes introduced by this Act apply to judicial appointments made on or after the date of enactment, and address pending nominations.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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