Democrats' Opposition to Nine-Justice Amendment Reveals Court-Packing Agenda
Source: Shawn Fleetwood. "Zero House Judiciary Dems Back Anti-Court-Packing Amendment." June 3, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that since no Democrats voted for an amendment to keep the Supreme Court at nine justices, this proves they plan to pack the court with more justices when they get back in power. He points to recent statements by Democratic leaders as evidence they're serious about this threat.
Conclusion
Democrats' unanimous opposition to the constitutional amendment fixing the Supreme Court at nine justices demonstrates their intention to pack the court when they regain power
Premises
- Zero House Judiciary Committee Democrats supported the amendment to cap SCOTUS at nine justices, with the measure passing 15-8 along party lines
- Democrats have renewed calls for court-packing following recent Supreme Court decisions they oppose, particularly Louisiana v. Callais
- Prominent Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have stated 'everything is on the table' regarding dealing with the current court
- Multiple high-profile Democrats including Kamala Harris, Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and Ruben Gallego have recently expressed support for court-packing
- Court-packing would create a 'destructive cycle of revenge Court packing' that undermines judicial independence
- The constitutional amendment process requires broad bipartisan support, making Democratic opposition significant
Assumptions
- Voting against the nine-justice amendment indicates support for court expansion
- Democrats will act on court-packing threats if they gain political control
- Court-packing inherently undermines judicial independence
- The current nine-justice composition represents the proper size of the Supreme Court
- Recent Democratic statements reflect genuine policy intentions rather than political posturing