Mineral News and Tribune
WASHINGTON, DC — Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have introduced a joint resolution seeking to amend the U.S. Constitution to establish 18-year term limits for Supreme Court Justices. The proposal aims to restore public confidence in the Court and curb political tensions surrounding the nomination process.
“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 said. “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.”
Welch echoed the call for reform, emphasizing its importance. “Taking action to restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful Court is as urgent as it is necessary,” he said. “Setting term limits for Supreme Court Justices will cut down on political gamesmanship, and is commonsense reform supported by a majority of Americans. I’m proud to lead this effort with Senator Manchin that will restore Americans’ faith in our judicial system.”