U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) is among a group of Congressional leaders that has introduced the Judiciary Act of 2023, which would expand the United States Supreme Court by four seats to 13 justices.

“For far too long, Republicans have stacked the Supreme Court with ultra conservative justices in order to repeal reproductive freedom, constrain voting rights and weaken clean air rules,” Schiff said. “Our nation’s highest court should not be used as a political tool for partisan purposes. That’s why we need to expand the Supreme Court to begin to restore trust, balance and integrity in our nation’s highest court.”

Schiff was joined in introducing the legislation by Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and U.S. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Cori Bush (D-Miss.).

“Republicans have hijacked the confirmation process and stolen the Supreme Court majority – all to appeal to far-right judicial activists who for years have wanted to wield the gavel to roll back fundamental rights,” said Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.). “Each scandal uncovered, each norm broken, each precedent-shattering ruling delivered is a reminder that we must restore justice and balance to the rogue, radical Supreme Court. It is time we expand the Court.”

Since the Judiciary Act was first introduced in 2021, the movement to expand the court has gained the support of dozens of the nation’s leading civil liberties, education, reproductive health, climate and labor organizations. A new coalition called Just Majority, with nearly 40 partner organizations, is supporting an expansion of the court.

“Our freedom to make decisions about our lives, bodies and futures is at stake. Everything is on the line: abortion rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, our democratic institutions and our bodily autonomy,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Our courts should function as the backstop to protecting and advancing our rights but have instead been misused by people pushing deeply unpopular agendas to implement their dangerous endgame. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is proud to endorse this legislation and we are committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners to achieve bold changes to our courts, and fight for real justice for all people.”

For information, visit schiff.house.gov.