On Monday afternoon, December 9, 2024, the President signed the commission of Judge Rebecca L. Pennell to serve as an Article III Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.  Judge Robert H. Whaley administered the Oath of Office to Judge Pennell in a small ceremonial session of Court on that same date.  Judge Pennell is assigned to the Spokane Division and will preside over cases throughout the Eastern District.