Sen. Ron Wyden Proposes Supreme Court Expansion Bill

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has introduced a significant bill aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court by adding six justices, expanding the court's size from nine to fifteen over a twelve-year period. The proposed Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act also seeks to create additional federal circuit courts, adding over 60 new circuit judges and 100 district court judges. Wyden argues that the Supreme Court is 'in crisis' and that these reforms are necessary to restore public trust and ensure transparency and accountability. Critics, including JCN President Carrie Severino, have labeled the bill an attack on the judiciary, reminiscent of FDR's failed court-packing attempt in 1937. The bill would also implement stricter measures for justices, including mandatory IRS audits of their tax returns, and would require a two-thirds majority for the court to overturn laws passed by Congress. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, former Attorney General John Hoffman is set to be confirmed as a new state Supreme Court justice, showcasing a separate but relevant judicial evolution.