Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, has reintroduced a constitutional amendment aimed at capping the number of Supreme Court Justices at nine, amidst growing calls to expand the court. Cruz, along with 15 cosponsors including Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy (LA), Chuck Grassley (IA), Mike Crapo (ID), Thom Tillis (NC), and John Cornyn (TX), had previously introduced the amendment in 2021 and 2023.
In a statement, Cruz expressed concerns that Democrats are attempting to utilize the Court to push through policy objectives that they cannot achieve through elections. He emphasized that the proposed amendment is crucial to safeguard the non-partisan nature of the Supreme Court and protect the rule of law.
Senator Grassley echoed Cruz's sentiments, highlighting that the amendment would help maintain the Court's independence from political influences. Grassley criticized the idea of court-packing, stating that it would undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and erode historical precedents.
The current nine-justice Supreme Court holds a conservative majority, leading to renewed discussions about court reforms among Democrats. Recent landmark decisions, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, have fueled calls for court expansion, packing, and term limits.
Notable Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Ilhan Omar, have advocated for reforms to address concerns about the Court's credibility. Harris mentioned the need for potential court reforms during a CNN town hall, citing public confidence issues and recent controversial rulings.
Democrats have consistently proposed legislation to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to 13. In May 2023, a group of Democratic lawmakers reintroduced the Judiciary Act of 2023, aiming to prevent future controversies and ensure the Court's integrity.
Rep. Hank Johnson emphasized the importance of reforming the Supreme Court to prevent further deterioration of its reputation. The ongoing debate over the Court's composition and functioning reflects broader discussions about the balance of power and independence within the judicial branch.
