Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

1/29/2025, 8:28 PM
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill 119 hjres 28 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices. Currently, there is no specific number of justices mandated by the Constitution, and the number has varied throughout history.

The bill aims to establish a fixed number of justices on the Supreme Court in order to prevent any potential attempts to expand or reduce the number for political purposes. This would ensure that the Court remains stable and consistent in its composition, regardless of changes in the political landscape.

Supporters of the bill argue that a fixed number of justices would help maintain the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, as well as provide stability and predictability in the judicial system. They believe that having a set number of justices would prevent any one political party from gaining an unfair advantage by manipulating the size of the Court. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that setting a fixed number of justices could limit the flexibility of the Court to adapt to changing circumstances and could potentially hinder its ability to effectively interpret and apply the law. They also argue that the Constitution should not be amended lightly and that the current system of allowing Congress to determine the number of justices is sufficient. Overall, Bill 119 hjres 28 raises important questions about the structure and independence of the Supreme Court and the role of the Constitution in shaping the judiciary. It will be interesting to see how this proposal is debated and whether it gains enough support to move forward in the legislative process.
Congress
119

Number
HJRES - 28

Introduced on
2025-01-22

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/22/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill 119 hjres 28 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices. Currently, there is no specific number of justices mandated by the Constitution, and the number has varied throughout history.

The bill aims to establish a fixed number of justices on the Supreme Court in order to prevent any potential attempts to expand or reduce the number for political purposes. This would ensure that the Court remains stable and consistent in its composition, regardless of changes in the political landscape.

Supporters of the bill argue that a fixed number of justices would help maintain the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, as well as provide stability and predictability in the judicial system. They believe that having a set number of justices would prevent any one political party from gaining an unfair advantage by manipulating the size of the Court. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that setting a fixed number of justices could limit the flexibility of the Court to adapt to changing circumstances and could potentially hinder its ability to effectively interpret and apply the law. They also argue that the Constitution should not be amended lightly and that the current system of allowing Congress to determine the number of justices is sufficient. Overall, Bill 119 hjres 28 raises important questions about the structure and independence of the Supreme Court and the role of the Constitution in shaping the judiciary. It will be interesting to see how this proposal is debated and whether it gains enough support to move forward in the legislative process.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedProposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Policy Areas
Law

Comments

APPROVED
ZW
Zechariah West
@pumpkin_rutabaga_beet17982
This bill limiting SCOTUS justices is bad for democracy and our rights.

APPROVED
GW
Gloria Williams
@ambassador_banana_squash_aubergine44938
I don't like this bill. It might mess things up.

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/22/2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.