What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act This bill terminates the District of Columbia (DC) Judicial Nomination Commission. Currently, the commission recommends to the President nominees for judges for DC's Superior Court and Court of Appeals, who must then be confirmed by the Senate. The commission also appoints the chief judges for these courts. The bill terminates the commission's involvement in nominations and requires the President to appoint the chief judges.
Vote Breakdown · How Congress voted on HR.5125
House
218-211
PASSED
Independents
218 yea
211 nay
⚠️ 12 members broke with party on this vote
Action Timeline
2025-09-18
Received in the Senate.
2025-09-17
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-09-17
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 211 (Roll no. 274). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4375)
2025-09-17
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 211 (Roll no. 274). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4375: 5)
2025-09-17
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4394)
2025-09-17
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 5125, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Garcia (CA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postpone
2025-09-17
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2025-09-17
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5125.
2025-09-17
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015 and H.R. 3062. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4922, H.R. 5143, H.R. 5140, H.R. 5125, H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062
2025-09-17
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 707. (consideration: CR H4375)
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.5125 pass?
HR.5125 is still alive. Current stage: PASSED_ONE. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.5125 do?
District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act This bill terminates the District of Columbia (DC) Judicial Nomination Commission. Currently, the commission recommends to the President nominees for judges for DC's Superior Court and Court of Appeals, who must then be confirmed by the Senate. The commission also appoints the chief judges for these courts. The bill terminates the commission's involvement in nominations and requires the President to appoint the chief judges.
Who sponsored HR.5125?
HR.5125 was sponsored by Pete Sessions (R-Texas).
Who voted against HR.5125?
12 members broke with their party on this vote.
Full Bill Text
119 HR 5125 EH: District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 5125 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to terminate the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025 . 2. Termination of District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission (a) Termination The District of Columbia Home Rule Act is amended by striking section 434 (sec. 1–204.34, D.C. Official Code). (b) Conforming amendments relating to appointment of judges (1) Designation of chief judges by President Section 431(b) of such Act (sec. 1–204.31(b), D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking the District of Columbia Judicial Nominating Commission established by section 434 and inserting the President . (2) Appointment by President Section 433(a) of such Act (sec. 1–204.33(a), D.C. Official Code) is amended by striking Except as provided in section 434(d)(1), the President shall nominate, from the list of persons recommended to him by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission established under section 434, and inserting The President shall nominate, . (3) Qualifications of judges Section 433(b) of such Act (sec. 1–204.33(b), D.C. Official Code) is amended— (A) by adding and at the end of paragraph (3); (B) by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and (C) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking or of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission . (c) Other conforming amendment Section 11–1528(a)(2), District of Columbia Official Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (C). (d) Clerical amendment The table of contents of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act is amended by striking the item relating to section 434. (e) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to appointments made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives September 17, 2025. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
Loading intelligence layer…