Sen. Ron Wyden Pushes Bill To Pack The US Supreme Court

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has introduced a bill that would significantly alter the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, adding six justices over a period of 12 years. The move has sparked criticism from those who see it as a blatant attempt to tilt the Court in favor of progressive policies.

Wyden claims the bill is aimed at restoring public confidence in the Court, which has faced declining approval in the wake of several high-profile decisions. However, critics argue that the proposal is nothing more than an effort to politicize the judiciary, allowing the progressive left to gain more influence on the nation’s highest court.

The bill would not only expand the Court but also make it harder for the justices to overturn laws passed by Congress, requiring a two-thirds majority in some cases. It would also subject the justices to yearly IRS audits and expand the number of federal judicial circuits to allow for additional district and appellate judges.

Opponents, including judicial watchdogs like Carrie Severino of the Judicial Network, have warned that the bill is the most significant attack on the Court since the days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She highlighted the dangers of packing the Court, calling it a “radical” and “dangerous” piece of legislation designed to undermine the institution’s independence.

Wyden’s proposal comes just 40 days before the upcoming election, heightening tensions over the future of the judiciary. While the bill is unlikely to pass in its entirety, Democrats are hopeful that some elements, such as the audits and judicial expansions, could gain traction in Congress.

The Supreme Court’s independence has long been a cornerstone of the American system of government. Wyden’s bill, if passed, would set a precedent that critics fear could erode that independence, allowing whichever party holds power to reshape the judiciary in its favor.