A bill to create a point of order against legislation modifying the number of Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Impact
If enacted, SB942 would establish a precedent in the Senate that effectively protects the fixed number of Justices from being altered through ordinary legislative processes. This legislative safeguard is expected to add a layer of insulation around the Supreme Court, adhering to the principle of judicial independence by making it more challenging for Congress to influence the judiciary's composition. The bill could impact how future reforms regarding the Supreme Court are discussed and pursued, thereby shaping the approach legislators take toward judicial reform.
Summary
SB942 aims to create a procedural point of order in the Senate against any legislation that proposes to modify the number of Justices on the Supreme Court of the United States. This bill reflects ongoing debates regarding the composition of the Supreme Court, particularly in the context of political pressures to alter its makeup in response to controversial rulings or shifts in the political landscape. By introducing this procedural hurdle, the bill seeks to reinforce the sanctity of the Court's current structure and prevent any attempts at court-packing through legislative action.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB942 is likely to revolve around the fundamental question of judicial independence versus legislative authority. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent partisan overreach in judicial matters, while opponents may view it as an attempt to undermine the responsiveness of the court to evolving societal values. Key points of contention may also arise concerning whether the bill restricts legitimate reforms aimed at addressing perceived imbalances or biases within the Court. Given the current context of polarized political views on judicial matters, the passage of this bill could open up significant discussions about the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of not more than 9 justices.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Justices of the Supreme Court should make themselves subject to the existing and operative ethics guidelines set out in the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, or should promulgate their own code of conduct.
Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.
Impeaching Merrick Brian Garland, Attorney General of the United States, for facilitating the weaponization and politicization of the United States justice system against the American people.