The Senate confirmed John Thomas Shepherd as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas by a vote of 53-46 on Apr. 14, marking the 100th federal district court judge confirmed during Chuck Grassley’s tenure as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
This milestone highlights the ongoing influence of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which shapes constitutional protections and public safety nationwide through its legislative and oversight work, according to the official website. The committee is responsible for reviewing legislation, overseeing federal law enforcement agencies, and evaluating judicial nominations.
Grassley said, “Throughout my time leading the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’ve been committed to putting highly qualified, constitutionalist judges on the bench who strengthen the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary. I’m proud to have steered 100 district court judges to lifetime appointments in courthouses across the nation.” He also said, “A nonpartisan study shows the most productive, highest quality and least partisan judges were nominated by President Trump compared to both of his predecessors. I look forward to continuing to build on that success.”
Grassley has served on the Judiciary Committee since 1981 and holds a record for longest service among current members. He chaired from 2015 to 2019 during Congresses 114 and 115 before resuming leadership at the start of Congress in 2025. During his chairmanships, a total of 142 Article III judges have been confirmed: this includes two Supreme Court justices, two Court of International Trade judges, thirty-eight circuit court judges, and one hundred district court judges.
The committee is led by a chair who oversees meetings with senators from both major parties participating in hearings and deliberations according to its official website. It operates out of Washington D.C., exerting broad influence over federal law and judicial matters across all states according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Grassley indicated plans to continue prioritizing what he describes as high-quality judicial appointments.
