Legislation Expanding Supreme Court Unveiled By Democrats

WASHINGTON, DC — Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday unveiled legislation to expand the U.S. Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices, The New York Times reported. The move marks the first time in 150 years that Congress is proposing a change in the court's makeup.

The goal of the legislation is to "restore balance back to the court," according to the Times report, following the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, which solidified the court's 4-3 conservative majority.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. He is co-sponsoring the legislation with the House Judiciary Committee chairman, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, and Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Mondaire Jones of New York, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Despite the reveal, the legislation will likely face an uphill battle in both the House and Senate.

On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during a news conference that she has "no plans" to bring the legislation to the House floor.

Should the legislation pass the House, it would likely die in the Senate so long as the filibuster remains in place.

It's also unlikely to make progress before a new commission, created last week by President Joe Biden to study potential changes to the court, delivers its final report. The report is expected within six months.

Read more via The New York Times