WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.J.Res. 1 · 119th Congress

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Reported by committeeLaw
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Reported by committee. Latest step, Sep 2, 2026: On motion to suspend the rules and pass Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 - 206 (Roll no. 293). The House voted it down 212–206. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House.

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Supreme Court to be composed of nine Justices—one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 3, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 2, 2026Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 - 206 (Roll no. 293). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  2. Jul 6, 2026Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-732.Library of Congress
  3. Jan 3, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 15 recorded actions

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Sep 2, 2026 · HouseFailed 212–206
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn yes
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
    R 211 yes, 0 noI 0 yes, 1 noD 1 yes, 205 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Rick W. Allen R-GA-12
  • Derek Schmidt R-KS-2