Sen. Ted Cruz Revives Amendment to Preserve Supreme Court’s Composition Amid Expansion Debates

Sen. Ted Cruz Revives Amendment to Preserve Supreme Court’s Composition Amid Expansion Debates

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, is reintroducing a constitutional amendment aimed at capping the number of Supreme Court Justices at nine. This move comes in response to ongoing discussions about the potential expansion of the Court.

Cruz’s initiative is supported by 15 cosponsors, including notable Republican senators such as Bill Cassidy (LA), Chuck Grassley (IA), Mike Crapo (ID), Thom Tillis (NC), and John Cornyn (TX). He had previously introduced similar amendments in 2021 and again in 2023.

In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Cruz expressed concern about what he perceives as Democratic efforts to manipulate the Court for political advancement. He stated, “Democrats are seeking to use the Court to advance policy goals they can’t accomplish electorally.”

Defending Constitutional Integrity

“Such a move would be a direct assault on the design of our Constitution, which is intended to ensure the Supreme Court remains a non-partisan guardian of the rule of law,” Cruz added. He firmly believes that this amendment is necessary to protect the integrity of the Court.

Senator Grassley echoed Cruz’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Court’s independence from political influences. He warned, “Democrats’ radical court packing scheme would erase the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and destroy historic precedent.” Their proposal, he argues, could undermine the very foundation of a balanced government.

The Current Composition of the Court

The nine-justice court currently holds a conservative majority. Recent landmark decisions, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, have intensified calls among Democratic lawmakers for significant court reform. These proposals include expanding the number of justices and creating term limits.

Political Rhetoric on Court Reform

In October, during a CNN town hall, then-Vice President Kamala Harris discussed potential court reforms. When asked about increasing the justices from nine to twelve, she acknowledged that public confidence in the Supreme Court is eroding. Harris remarked, “There is no question that the American people increasingly are losing confidence in the Supreme Court, largely due to the behavior of certain members and their contentious rulings.”

She advocated for reform, stating, “I do believe that there should be some kind of reform of the court, and we can study what that actually looks like.” Her comments represent growing frustration among Democrats regarding the Court’s decisions.

Voices in Support of Reform

Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, joined the conversation by calling for significant reform of the Supreme Court. She voiced her concerns on social media, advocating for radical changes to address what she views as a broken system.

Moreover, Democrats have consistently pushed for legislation that would expand the Supreme Court to a 13-justice bench. In May 2023, Rep. Hank Johnson from Georgia, along with several Democratic senators and representatives, reintroduced the Judiciary Act of 2023 aimed at expanding the Court.

A Call to Action

Johnson articulated the urgency of the situation, stating, “We want to prevent this kind of rot and decay from ever overtaking a Supreme Court again.” His remarks highlight the broader concern among some lawmakers regarding the Court’s current trajectory.

As debates over court expansion gain momentum, Cruz’s amendment seeks to reaffirm the original structure of the Supreme Court. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly influence the judicial landscape for years to come.