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 nine justices.
Key claim: This joint resolution proposes amending the U.S. Constitution to permanently fix the size of the Supreme Court at nine justices, preventing any statutory expansion or reduction of the bench.
Abstract
(SJRES9 · 117th Congress) This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require that the Supreme Court consist of nine Justices. Latest action (2021-03-01): Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 8.
Why this matters
The Supreme Court decides disputes involving voting, discrimination, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and due process, making its structure relevant to people seeking enforcement of those rights. Fixing its size constitutionally would preserve the nine-seat structure while removing Congress’s ability to expand or reduce it by ordinary legislation, reflecting a debate between structural stability and flexibility. The resolution is only introduced and would require congressional supermajorities and state ratification before taking effect.