Us Congress House Bill HJR1

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/25
• Refer: 1/3/25

Caption

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Impact

If ratified, HJR1 would impact the governance of the Supreme Court by embedding this specific structure into the Constitution, thus providing a level of protection against potential changes driven by political shifts or external pressures. Supporters argue that this amendment is necessary to uphold the tradition and stability of the judiciary, while opponents may voice concerns about entrenching a specific composition that could inhibit needed reforms within the judicial system.

Summary

HJR1, introduced in the 119th Congress, proposes a constitutional amendment to establish that the Supreme Court of the United States shall consist of nine justices, including one chief justice and eight associate justices. This resolution aims to solidify the composition of the Supreme Court by explicitly stating the number of justices in the Constitution, thereby limiting future legislative or executive actions that may attempt to change this structure. The bill reflects ongoing discussions about the integrity and balance of the judiciary in the United States.

Contention

The resolution is situated within a larger debate concerning judicial reform and oversight. Critics may assert that mandating a fixed number of justices could restrict the ability to adapt the court to changing societal needs and circumstances. Discussions around this bill may involve debates about judicial independence, the politicization of the court, and the role of government in judicial appointments and compositions, highlighting the balance between historical precedent and contemporary governance.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-1

Policy_area

Law

Introduced_date

2025-01-03