House Democrats Reportedly Prep Bill To Limit U.S. Supreme Court Justice Terms To 18 Years

Topline

Democrats in the House of Representatives will reportedly introduce a bill next week to limit the tenure of U.S. Supreme Court justices to 18 years as Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death puts a spotlight on the partisan fight over vacancies.

Key Facts

Key Background

With the president and the Senate majority Republicans intent on rushing to confirm a replacement for Ginsburg with the election looming and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden leading in the polls, there has been speculation that if the Democrats win the White House and take control of the Senate, they could retaliate by expanding the court and packing it with liberal justices. 

Tangent

A 77% majority of Americans favor restrictions on the tenure of Supreme Court justices while 23% are against it, according to a recent PBS survey commissioned by Fix the Court. The survey found that 70% of Republicans, 72% of Democrats and 68% of Independents found the statement, “No one with a position as powerful as Supreme Court justice should serve for life,” either “somewhat” or “very” persuasive. It also found that 70% of Republicans, 73% of Democrats and 68% of Independents were somewhat or very persuaded by the argument that, “Vacancies on the Supreme Court often occur unexpectedly and sporadically; term limits will make it so that vacancies are routine, which will reduce the political gamesmanship around them.”

Further Reading

Democrats prepare bill limiting U.S. Supreme Court justice terms to 18 years (Reuters)