US Congress rejects constitutional amendment to restrict Supreme Court size
The US House of Representatives failed to pass a constitutional amendment that would have capped the Supreme Court at nine justices. The vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority, with most Democrats opposing the Republican-led measure.
Why it matters
The vote serves as a political messaging exercise ahead of midterm elections, highlighting deep partisan divisions over the structure of the judiciary.
Republican Mike Johnson slams Democrats for voting against ‘defending the integrity’ of the court.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info The United States Supreme Court is currently composed of nine justices [File: Cheney Orr/Reuters] By Evan Semones Published On 3 Sep 2026 3 Sep 2026 A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution has fallen short, after Republicans attempted to cap the number of seats on the nation’s Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives failed to advance a joint resolution championed by Republicans that would have permanently limited the court to its current number of justices: nine.
The amendment’s final vote, which was mostly along party lines, was 212 in favour and 206 opposed.
A simple majority is needed to pass most legislation in the House, but constitutional amendments require two-thirds support.
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