The Senate confirmed John Thomas Shepherd as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas by a vote of 53-46 on April 14, marking the 100th federal district court judge confirmed during Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley’s leadership.
This milestone is significant because it highlights the ongoing impact of judicial appointments on the federal judiciary and underscores Senator Grassley’s influence in shaping the courts.
“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,” Grassley 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 he was first sworn into the Senate in 1981 and holds a record for committee tenure, according to his official website. He chaired this committee from 2015 through 2019 and resumed chairmanship at the start of Congress in 2025. During his leadership, a total of 142 Article III judges have been confirmed—including two Supreme Court justices and two for the Court of International Trade.
A nonpartisan study conducted by professors at New York University and University of Virginia found that judges nominated during President Trump’s administration were considered more productive, higher quality, and less partisan than those nominated under Presidents Biden or Obama.
Grassley is recognized as Iowa’s longest-serving U.S. senator with a platform focused on bipartisan collaboration in policymaking. He also actively raises corn and soybeans in Butler County, Iowa according to his official website. In addition to his work in agriculture, he assists constituents with matters involving federal agencies and whistleblowers according to his official website.
Grassley’s background includes service in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958 until 1974 as well as experience working as a sheet metal shearer and assembly line worker according to his official website. He earned degrees in political science from University of Northern Iowa according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Grassley said he intends “to continue building on that success” regarding judicial confirmations.
