Congressman Harris Delivers Floor Remarks in Support of Constitutional Amendment to Keep Nine Supreme Court Justices

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of H.J. Res. 1, legislation which proposes an amendment of the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices. 
 

Rep. Harris’s remarks as delivered:

“I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 1, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution that would require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices. 

“This action will uphold the Court’s legitimacy, protect the checks and balances that defend our fundamental freedoms, and ensure that every American’s rights remain protected—regardless of who holds political power.

“For decades, we have heard calls from those unhappy with the ideological balance of the Supreme Court to ‘pack the Court.’ The alarming rise of such calls should worry all of us because their objective is not to uphold ethical principles or protect individual rights, but rather to consolidate power and intimidate the Court.

“Our founders understood that liberty cannot survive when power goes unchecked. They therefore built a system of checks and balances, with an independent Supreme Court serving as a critical safeguard for the rights and freedoms of every American. The Court’s role is not to advance a party’s political agenda but to uphold the Constitution and protect liberty—even when doing so means standing apart from the passions of the moment. 

“At a time when the Supreme Court is under ongoing and escalating attacks, Congress can and must act to defend it. I am proud to support this proposed amendment, and I urge all my colleagues to support maintaining the integrity of the Supreme Court.”

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