House Democrats block constitutional amendment to lock Supreme Court at 9 justices - NBC News
House Democrats blocked a Republican-led constitutional amendment that would have permanently capped the Supreme Court at nine justices. The vote reflects growing Democratic interest in potentially expanding the court in response to recent conservative rulings.
Why it matters
The debate over the size of the Supreme Court is a central point of contention in American constitutional politics and judicial reform.
WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday voted down a proposed constitutional amendment to keep the Supreme Court at nine seats, with the measure falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. The vote was 212-206. All but one Democrat voted against it, as openness within the party to expand the high court by four seats grows. The joint resolution, offered by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., calls for amending the Constitution to say: “The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices consisting of one chief justice and eight associate justices.” The office of House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., encouraged lawmakers to vote “no,” saying the amendment would take away a power intended for Congress and do nothing to address the “affordability crisis” under President Donald Trump.
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