OKC Standard

Senator James Lankford expressed disappointment following the Biden Administration's threat to veto the JUDGES Act. The legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate, aims to address the urgent need for additional federal judges in Oklahoma. According to Lankford, the state requires three more judges to manage a significant case backlog resulting from the Supreme Court's McGirt decision.

Lankford stated, "I’m deeply disappointed in the Biden Administration’s threat to veto the JUDGES Act. This bill passed the Senate unanimously, reflecting broad bipartisan support for addressing an urgent issue facing our judiciary."

He emphasized that current judges are overwhelmed by criminal cases, leaving civil cases without adequate attention. Judges have been brought into Oklahoma from other states to assist, but Lankford insists it is insufficient. He remarked, "The result is that justice is delayed—and often denied—for Oklahomans."