Bipartisan bill would drop DC residency rule for two federal courts

Two senators from opposite parties have introduced legislation that would remove a residency requirement for judges serving on the Court of Federal Claims and the Federal Circuit. Under the proposal from Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware and Sen. Ashley Moody of Florida, judges would no longer need to live within 50 miles of Washington, D.C. Both courts handle cases with nationwide impact, including disputes involving federal claims, patents, trademarks, and government contracts. Supporters say the change could widen the pool of qualified judges and make it easier to recruit legal experts from across the country. Some legal scholars also say the current rule is unusual compared with other federal courts. Critics, however, may raise concerns about travel costs and whether distance could weaken daytoday coordination among judges.