Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026

This bill would change how justices are appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The President would appoint one justice, with Senate approval, within the first 120 days of the first and third years of each presidential term. Only the 9 most recently appointed justices who are available would hear appeals cases, while all justices would hear cases that start in the Supreme Court and could keep other official duties. If a death, resignation, retirement, or removal left fewer than 9 justices, the President would appoint enough justices to bring the total back to 9. The changes would start with the first full presidential term that begins after the bill becomes law.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Sheldon Whitehouse Democrat sponsor
• 10 cosponsors