(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a bombshell proposal that will enrage conservatives, outgoing Democrat Senator Joe Manchin has proposed 18-year term limits on Supreme Court justices, an idea that could reshape America’s judicial system.
See the tweet below!
While positioned as a move toward judicious accountability, opponents might see it as an encroachment on a time-tested tradition.
Senators Joe Manchin and Peter Welch have proposed a constitutional amendment introducing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices.
Despite current justices serving for life, this approach would instigate regular openings for new judicial appointees every two years.
Manchin, a centrist turned independent, emphasizes the current system’s brokenness—fostering polarizing confirmation battles that undermine public confidence.
Critical of the lifetime tenure, the amendment suggests a rotation of justices, aligned with contemporary societal values.
The Judiciary Act of 1869 set the number of justices at nine, a figure the proposal maintains, ensuring the President appoints a new justice biennially with Senate consent.
The judiciary has faced increased scrutiny, with confirmation battles like Justice Neil M. Gorsuch’s controversial appointment heightening partisan tensions.
The GOP’s 2017 Senate maneuver to eliminate the 60-vote threshold further illustrates these political skirmishes.
Democrats continue to echo dissatisfaction over the rejected nomination of Merrick Garland, labeling it a “stolen” seat.
The amendment aspires to restore public faith, showcasing bipartisan support.
Manchin and Welch advocate for term limits as a means to curtail political maneuvering.
They argue that these modifications respond to public sentiment, manifested in a startling 22-point drop in supreme court confidence from 2019 to 2022.
“I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Welch that would establish 18-year term limits for Justices of the United States Supreme Court. 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,” Manchin declared, cited by Fox News.
Welch affirms that the initiative reflects a sensible reform, rallying for judicial system transparency.
Their shared purpose to “reduce political gamesmanship” and refocus the judiciary on impartiality reflects a comprehensive strategy to recalibrate the Supreme Court’s role and perception.
Article III of the U.S. Constitution currently secures lifetime roles for Supreme Court justices, subject to impeachment.
“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. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join our legislation to help restore faith in our judicial system,” Manchin explained.
I’m proud to introduce legislation with @SenPeterWelch that would establish 18-year term limits for Justices of the United States Supreme Court. MORE: https://t.co/fSzh606l4a
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) December 9, 2024
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