A joint resolution 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.

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 16

119th Congress

A joint resolution 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.

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 6, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Cruz

Senator

Republican

TX

Cosponsors

21

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Law

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to consist of exactly nine Justices, enshrining the current number in the Constitution rather than leaving it to Congress to determine by legislation.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to consist of exactly nine Justices, enshrining the current number in the Constitution rather than leaving it to Congress to determine by legislation.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to consist of nine Justices. </p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Proposes constitutional amendment on Supreme Court size
Fixes number of Justices at exactly nine
Would require ratification by three-fourths of states
Prevents Congress from changing Court size by legislation
Addresses concerns about court packing

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If ratified, neither party could expand or reduce the Supreme Court for political advantage. The current nine-Justice structure would become permanent, requiring a constitutional amendment to change rather than simple legislation.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Law

Related Subjects

Constitution and constitutional amendments

Judges

Supreme Court

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

16, 119th Congress (2025). "A joint resolution 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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sjres-16