Senator Moody—a Former Judge—Files Legislation to Scrap Swampy Outdated Restriction and Clean Up Some Federal D.C. Circuit Courts

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About All News Senator Moody—a Former Judge—Files Legislation to Scrap Swampy Outdated Restriction and Clean Up Some Federal D.C. Circuit Courts Sep 22, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. —Senator Ashley Moody, a former circuit judge, is filing legislation to clean up two federal courts in Washington, D.C. Senator Moody’s Better Bench Act would allow nominees and active judges on the Court of Federal Claims and the Federal Circuit – both courts with nationwide jurisdiction – to reside anywhere in the United States by doing away with an outdated residency requirement that limits service to those in the D.C. area. Senator Moody is joined in this bipartisan effort by Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. “For a court that covers the entire country, we should be considering nominating judges from everywhere in America based on merit—not their proximity to the D.C. bubble. My Better Bench Act removes an outdated residency requirement to expand the pool of qualified Americans who can serve and allows our courts to be a better reflection of the nation as a whole,” said Senator Ashley Moody . “Americans deserve the best, most qualified judges, especially in areas like intellectual property law where expertise is key to understanding complex cases and fairly deciding the future of many entrepreneurs’ businesses,” said Senator Chris Coons . “For too long, we have limited the pool of judges available to take on the toughest IP and federal contract cases to those willing to uproot their lives and move to Washington, D.C. No longer. This bipartisan bill ensures that courts of national jurisdiction can draw from a pool of national talent.” BACKGROUND: The Federal Circuit’s residency requirement is substantially more restrictive than those governing the regional courts of appeals. While judges on the regional circuits generally may reside anywhere within their circuits once each state is represented by at least one active judge, judges on the Federal Circuit and the Court of Federal Claims must reside within 50 miles of Washington, D.C. despite both courts having nationwide jurisdiction. Senator Moody’s Better Bench Act: Removes the current requirement that judges on the Federal Circuit and the Court of Federal Claims reside within 50 miles of the District of Columbia; Authorizes the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to ensure that judges that reside outside of the Washington D.C. area have adequate facilities in or near their home districts. For bill text, click here . # # # Join the Newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Follow Follow Follow Follow Copyright 2024 Follow Follow Follow Follow Usage Policy PDF Help Privacy Policy Senate.gov