H.J.Res. 28In committeeCrime & justice
Proposed amendment would lock Supreme Court at nine justices
Data as of July 13, 2026
A proposed constitutional amendment would permanently set the Supreme Court's size at nine justices.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment fixing the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. Currently that number is set by federal law, which Congress can change with a simple majority; the amendment would require another constitutional amendment to change it in the future.
Who does it affect?
This affects the entire country, since it concerns the structure of the highest federal court. It is relevant amid debates over whether Congress should be able to change the Court's size, sometimes called "court packing."
Why does it matter?
Fixing the number would remove Congress's current ability to change the Court's size through ordinary legislation, limiting future options for altering the judiciary's structure without another amendment. Passing it requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers and ratification by 38 of 50 states within seven years, a far higher bar than regular legislation.
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 22, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 22, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.