Democrats propose Supreme Court reforms including term limits and expansion

Democrats are advancing several proposals to overhaul the Supreme Court amid growing frustration with the institution's recent conservative rulings. Key legislative ideas include increasing the number of justices from nine to 13, implementing 18-year term limits to replace lifetime appointments, and establishing an enforceable ethics code.

Additional reform efforts aim to bring transparency to the court’s “shadow docket.” Proponents of these changes, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, cite concerns regarding the court’s record and perceived ideological bias following decisions that impacted the Voting Rights Act and campaign finance regulations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that various reform options remain under consideration.

Conversely, conservatives have dismissed these proposals, characterizing them as attempts by liberals to undermine the court due to dissatisfaction with its legal outcomes.