A new legislative proposal aims to dramatically reshape the United States Supreme Court, potentially altering its composition and decision-making processes.

According to Salon, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, has introduced a bill that would expand the Supreme Court from nine to fifteen justices. The proposed legislation comes in response to recent controversies surrounding the court and aims to restore public trust in the institution.

Wyden's plan includes several significant changes to the current structure and operation of the Supreme Court. In addition to increasing the number of justices, the bill proposes a new appointment process, enhanced transparency measures, and modifications to the court's ability to overturn federal legislation.

Proposed Changes To Court Composition

The most notable aspect of Senator Wyden's bill is the expansion of the Supreme Court to fifteen justices. Under the proposed plan, future presidents would be limited to appointing two justices per term, with one appointment in their first year and another in their third year.

This gradual expansion would take place over three successive presidential terms, potentially reducing the impact of any single administration on the court's ideological balance.

The bill also addresses the composition of lower courts. It suggests increasing the number of circuit courts from thirteen to fifteen and adding hundreds of judges to district and appeals courts. These changes aim to address concerns about the judiciary's workload and representation.

Enhancing Transparency And Accountability

Senator Wyden's proposal includes measures to increase transparency and accountability within the Supreme Court. The bill would permit financial audits of justices, a move that comes in the wake of recent controversies involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

These justices have faced scrutiny over alleged undisclosed gifts and payments, leading to calls for stricter ethical oversight of the court.

Additionally, the proposed legislation would require greater transparency regarding recusal motions. This provision aims to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ensure that justices are held to high ethical standards in their decision-making processes.

Modifying Court's Decision-Making Power

Another significant aspect of Wyden's bill is its attempt to modify the Supreme Court's ability to overturn federal legislation. The proposal would require court supermajorities to strike down laws passed by Congress.

This change could potentially limit the court's power to invalidate legislation, addressing concerns about judicial overreach and the balance of power between the judicial and legislative branches.

Senator Wyden explained the rationale behind his proposal:

The Supreme Court is in crisis and bold solutions are necessary to restore the public trust. More transparency, more accountability and more checks on a power hungry Supreme Court are just what the American people are asking for.

Context And Reactions To The Proposal

Recent years have seen a string of controversial rulings on issues such as abortion rights and presidential immunity. These decisions, coupled with ethical concerns surrounding some justices, have led to a significant decline in public confidence in the court.

The proposal also follows President Joe Biden's own suggestions for Supreme Court reform. While Biden's plan stopped short of court expansion, it did endorse term limits for justices. The president has previously expressed reservations about expanding the court, citing concerns about politicization.

Challenges And Potential Impact

Any attempt to expand or significantly alter the Supreme Court would likely face strong opposition from those who view such changes as an attack on the court's independence.

Critics may argue that court expansion is a form of "court packing" designed to achieve specific political outcomes.

However, supporters of reform argue that changes are necessary to restore balance and public trust in the institution. They point to the court's recent controversial decisions and ethical concerns as evidence of the need for structural changes.

Conclusion

Senator Ron Wyden's proposed bill to expand and reform the Supreme Court represents a bold attempt to address perceived issues within the institution. The plan calls for increasing the number of justices to fifteen, implementing new appointment procedures, and enhancing transparency and accountability measures. While the proposal faces significant challenges, it highlights ongoing concerns about the Supreme Court's role and structure in American democracy.