Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin pushes constitutional amendment for Supreme Court term limits

Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., and Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., have put forth a groundbreaking proposal for a constitutional amendment that would establish term limits for future Supreme Court justices. The current system allows justices to serve for life, but the proposed amendment would create 18-year terms, with new terms starting every two years.

This amendment, if ratified, would not affect current justices, who would be able to remain on the bench for as long as they wish. However, all future appointments would be subject to the new term limits. The amendment aims to address the issue of polarizing confirmation battles and political posturing that have eroded public confidence in the highest court in the land.

“The current lifetime appointment structure is broken and fuels polarizing confirmation battles and political posturing that has eroded public confidence in the highest court in our land,” said Sen. Manchin in a press release. “Our amendment maintains that there shall never be more than nine Justices and would gradually create regular vacancies on the Court, allowing the President to appoint a new Justice every two years with the advice and consent of the United States Senate.”

The proposed amendment also specifies that the Supreme Court should consist of nine justices, a number that has been fixed since the Judiciary Act of 1869. This provision is not currently enshrined in the Constitution. The aim of the term limits is to reduce political gamesmanship and ensure a more balanced and impartial judiciary.

“Taking action to restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful Court is as urgent as it is necessary. Setting term limits for Supreme Court Justices will cut down on political gamesmanship, and is commonsense reform supported by a majority of Americans,” noted Sen. Welch in the press release. “I’m proud to lead this effort with Senator Manchin that will restore Americans’ faith in our judicial system.”

The proposed amendment represents a significant step towards reforming the Supreme Court and ensuring that the judiciary remains fair and impartial. It is a crucial initiative that aims to restore public trust in the legal system and promote a more balanced and effective judiciary for the future.