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House Republicans Defeat Constitutional Amendment to Permanently Cap Supreme Court at Nine Justices

The U.S. House of Representatives defeated a proposed constitutional amendment to permanently cap the Supreme Court at nine justices. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., failed to reach the necessary two-thirds majority, passing with a vote of 212-206. House Republicans staged the vote to highlight the potential for Democrats to expand the court's size, which would weaken the conservative majority established by President Trump. The administration announced that the current model of nine justices has served the country for many years and does not need to change. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., argued that the amendment was necessary to protect the Court's independence from political pressure and government overreach. Democrats opposed the measure, with some members advocating for an expansion to 13 justices. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., noted that the amendment would take away a power intended for Congress and did nothing to address the affordability crisis under the administration. The vote serves as a messaging bill to shore up support ahead of the November midterm elections.

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