The United States District Court announces that the Honorable Thomas O. Rice will assume the role of Chief United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, effective Tuesday, January 27, 2016, immediately upon the conclusion of the five year term held by the current Chief Judge, the Honorable Rosanna Malouf Peterson.   

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 45, 136, 154, and 258, a chief judge presides in every federal court that has more than one judge, and in Article III courts, the active judge who is most senior in commission serves as the chief judge of his or her court so long as the judge meets certain age and service requirements.

The appointment to serve as Chief Judge for the Eastern District of Washington is governed by General Order No. 94 of this Court, which limits the term of service to five years.