H.J.Res. 1In markupCrime & justice
Proposed amendment would fix Supreme Court at nine justices permanently
Data as of July 11, 2026
HJRES 1 would write nine Supreme Court justices into the Constitution, requiring 38 states to ratify it within seven years.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HJRES 1 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permanently set the number of Supreme Court justices at nine — one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Currently, Congress can change that number through regular legislation. Writing it into the Constitution would make nine the fixed, unchangeable number.
Who does it affect?
This bill affects all Americans, since the Supreme Court issues final rulings on major legal questions that touch everyday life. It also directly affects Congress and future presidents, who would lose the authority to add or remove justices.
Why does it matter?
Fixing the number at nine would remove Congress's and the president's ability to alter the Court's size for any reason in the future. Those who oppose the measure argue that permanently locking the number eliminates flexibility that future generations might need.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
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.
- Introduced:
- January 3, 2025
- Latest action:
- June 3, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 8.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.