United StatesProposed amendment would set Supreme Court at nine justices
The proposed amendment would set the Supreme Court at nine justices, but it could take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures approve it within seven years.
What it does
The proposed amendment would require a nine-member Supreme Court, but it would take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures ratified it within seven years after submission.
Argument forA fixed nine-seat rule could give the Court a set size, making clear how many justices serve on it.
Argument againstThe rule might not take effect if three-fourths of state legislatures do not approve it within seven years.
More detail
The proposed amendment would require the Supreme Court to have nine justices: one chief justice and eight associate justices. The rule applies to the U.S. Supreme Court. It would become part of the Constitution only if the legislatures of three-fourths of the states ratified it. State legislatures would have seven years from the date the amendment is submitted for ratification to approve it.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 2Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.Latest
- Vote recorded On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass. Result: Failed.House
- Sep 2Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5443-5451; text: CR H5443)
- Sep 2DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 1.
- Sep 2At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Sep 2Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5459-5460)
- Sep 2Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 - 206 (Roll no. 293).Passed House
- Sep 2On motion to suspend the rules and pass Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 - 206 (Roll no. 293).
- Jul 6Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-732.
- Jul 6Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 84.
- Jun 3Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jun 3Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 8.
- Sep 2Mr. Biggs (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.Latest
- 2025
- Jan 3Introduced in House
- Jan 3Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
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