House Democrats just voted to keep the Supreme Court free to be expanded later. They rejected a proposal to lock the number of justices at nine. The vote failed by a narrow margin of 212 to 206. This result means the court could grow if Democrats take control. Only one Democrat, Rep. Don Davis, broke ranks to vote with Republicans. He was the sole voice for the nine-justice limit in that chamber. According to reports, this move ties the party to the DSA. The Democratic Socialists of America want to abolish the court entirely. Their goal is a judiciary that is “subordinate to Congress.” That is a radical shift from our current system.
Republicans tried to force a choice on the floor. They wanted Democrats to say they support keeping the nine justices. “Put their money where their mouth is,” House Speaker Mike Johnson informed reporters. He knew some Democrats might not agree with the DSA plan. According to reports, a few House Democrats have indicated they do not align with the Democratic Socialists of America. Just a few. But the party leadership still said no to the amendment. They did not want to lock in the current size of the court.
The nine-justice rule has stood since 1869. It was untouched for over a century before now. Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to pack the court in the 1930s. He wanted more judges to get his way. Congress has the power to expand the court through regular laws. It would need 60 votes in the Senate to pass such a bill. Many prominent Democrats have floated this idea recently. They are angry about the tilt of the court. The current bench has six conservatives and three liberals. Townhall reports that Rep. James Clyburn played the race card when asked about recent decisions. He charged Republicans with reclaiming “this country.” … referencing Justice Taney’s rulings that declared, “No Black man has any right that a white man must respect.” That is a strong charge from a senior lawmaker.
Some Democrats are meeting monthly to plan a crackdown on the court. The Washington Times says they are plotting how to police justices. They claim these judges are influenced by right-wing, dark money groups. This shows a clear desire to change the balance of power. They do not want the court to remain independent. The DSA wants a court that follows Congress, not the Constitution. This is a fundamental break from our founding principles. The amendment they rejected would have stopped this shift in its tracks.
The Left is not hiding their true goals anymore. They want to reshape the highest court in the land. Rep. Clyburn even suggested expanding the court to 13 justices. He said, “We need to revisit the point of expanding the court to 13 justices like we have 13 district courts.” Another supporter called “a baker’s dozen would be a good number to have on the court.” They argue that packing the court is necessary. But how can the Supreme Court protect Americans from government overreach if the same government can pack the court whenever it dislikes a ruling? That is the question Speaker Johnson left them with. They will get a chance to show us their plans. The DSA dream to abolish the court is still alive. Voters must watch who supports this agenda next year.
