House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has expressed his support for H.R. 5125, known as the D.C. Judicial Nominations Reform Act. The legislation was introduced by Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas) to change the way judges are appointed in Washington, D.C., aligning it with the process used for federal judiciary appointments.
In prepared remarks, Comer stated, "I support H.R. 5125, the D.C. Judicial Nominations Reform Act." He added, "This legislation aligns the appointment of D.C. judges with the Constitutional process for appointing members of the federal judiciary."
Comer explained that under this bill, the President would maintain authority to nominate individuals to sit on the D.C. Court, with Senate advice and consent. He said, "This bill preserves the President’s authority to nominate, with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate, anyone deemed appropriate to sit on the D.C. Court."
He criticized the current system: "The current system—where the President is restricted to nominating only those candidates put forward by the D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission—inappropriately limits the President’s authority."
Comer concluded by acknowledging Rep. Sessions' role in advancing this legislation: "I thank Representative Sessions for his leadership on this legislation and I urge my colleagues to support this effort."
James Comer has served as a member of Congress representing Kentucky’s 1st district since 2016, following his tenure in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012.
