[what's up]

but won't be able to pack the DC circuit because the house is in no friggn' mood to increase their budget to expand the number of judges.

I don't think expansion is the issue. I believe there are 3 openings currently. If this is true, it is Obama's intention to fill those 3 and tilt the court left.

[chiller]

I haven't seen or heard of any vacancies on the DC court. WaPO says:

"Republicans argue that the D.C. Circuit doesn’t need any more judges. The current court has eight sitting judges divided evenly between Democratic and Republican appointees. There are also six senior judges, including five GOP appointees, who help decide some cases.