Howard Berman: “I support this measure to give Federal Judges a cost-of-living adjustment. Just today, the Washington Post reported the…”

“I support this measure to give Federal Judges a cost-of-living adjustment. Just today, the Washington Post reported the findings of a non-partisan National Commission on the Public Service, led by former Federal Reserve chairman Paul A. Volker. One of the first steps the Commission recommends is to give federal judges an 'immediate and significant' increase in pay. As it is, judges make far less than they could earn in private firms, and there is certainly no monetary incentive for top lawyers to accept nomination to the Federal judiciary. Though there is prestige in serving as a Federal judge, many of this country's best lawyers simply cannot justify leaving private practice during their prime earning years to serve on the bench. In the long run, this phenomenon will affect the quality of people we can attract to serve as federal judges. It doesn't mean that we ought to be matching partner bonuses dollar-for-dollar, but it does mean that we have to consider what the private sector offers if we want to ask our best and brightest to become public servants. Though a 3.1 percent COLA may not be all that 'significant,' it is a small step toward creating enough incentive for Judges to remain on the Bench. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.”