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House Democrats block constitutional amendment on Supreme Court size
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- The House voted 212-206 against a proposed constitutional amendment to fix the Supreme Court at nine justices, failing to reach the two-thirds majority needed for passage, with all but one Democrat opposing it.
- The resolution, introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), aimed to constitutionally mandate a nine-justice Supreme Court, a number historically set by Congress and currently established since 1869.
- Many Democrats are increasingly open to expanding the Court beyond nine seats, driven by frustration with the current 6-3 conservative majority's rulings on key issues like abortion and voting rights.
- Prominent Democrats, including Rep. Jim Clyburn and 2024 presidential nominee Kamala Harris, have voiced support for increasing the number of justices to as many as 13 to restore balance.
- Republicans view the amendment vote as a messaging tool ahead of the 2026 midterms, with House Speaker Mike Johnson warning against Democratic efforts to alter the Court’s composition.
