These two well-respected groups found that the current salaries of Federal judges have reached such a level of inadequacy and quality that the independence of the third branch of our Federal Government is threatened. I agree with these findings. Yes, the salaries of Federal judges are higher than the average salary in many occupations. But, yes, the salaries that our Federal judges could earn in the private sector could be exponentially higher than what they earn as judges. No individual agrees to serve in the Federal judiciary because of the pay.
Individuals seek and accept nominations to the bench because they want to serve their country.
But this does not mean that they should forego fair compensation for their critical work. It should be Congress' goal to ensure that the judges can afford to commit to public service and make certain that the judiciary is not open only to those with the financial means to do so. Absent a change in the way we compensate these judges, I fear that the superior quality of our Federal judicial system may deteriorate over time. This is why I am introducing the Federal Judiciary Fairness Act. My bill also fixes the annual pay adjustment problems for Federal judges.