First New US Judgeships in Decades Gain Momentum in Congress

Legislation to add judges to understaffed federal district courts is gaining momentum in Congress, as lawmakers face a narrow political window to expand trial courts before the November election.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to consider bipartisan legislation next month that would authorize more than 60 new judgeships at trial courts across the US over several years. The House panel is expected to consider a similar version in late summer or early fall. Judiciary leaders in both parties and in both chambers support the effort.

The anticipated movement on the bills signifies a renewed urgency on an issue that ...