# What This Senate Resolution Actually Says

This is a resolution expressing the Senate's opinion that the Supreme Court should keep nine justices—the number it's had since 1869. It's important to understand what this does and doesn't do: it's not a law, and it doesn't prevent anything from happening. It's basically the Senate saying "we think the Court should stay at nine justices," similar to passing a formal statement of support or opposition.

Why does this matter? For years, there's been debate about whether Congress should change the number of Supreme Court justices. Some people have proposed adding more justices (a practice called "court packing"), while others want to keep the current nine. This resolution takes a side in that debate by officially stating that the Senate believes nine is the right number. It's a way for senators to go on record about where they stand on this issue.

The practical impact is limited because resolutions don't have the force of law—they can't actually stop anyone from proposing to change the Court's size. However, it does signal what at least some senators think should happen, which could influence future legislative efforts. If someone tried to pass an actual law adding justices to the Supreme Court, this resolution would show that there's Senate opposition to the idea. It's a political statement wrapped in official procedure, meant to shape the conversation about the Court's future.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the number of justices of the Supreme Court of the United States should remain at 9.

Daines, Steve

 <p>This resolution opposes any attempt to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court.</p>