Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) stated on Wednesday that, in his view, Republicans "stole" two Supreme Court seats during the 2016 and 2020 election cycles, leading him to advocate for an enlargement of the high court.
During an interview on MS NOW, Markey addressed inquiries regarding potential Supreme Court expansion and whether such a measure was under consideration by Democrats.
He affirmed his role as the primary sponsor of legislation aimed at expanding the judiciary. "Yes, I am the author of the court expansion bill," Markey stated. "The Republicans stole two Supreme Court seats in 2016 and 2020. That's what's giving them their supermajority." He elaborated on his proposed solution: "The only way to solve this problem in a very short period of time is expand the Supreme Court by four seats up to 13. That would then restore the seven-to-six majority, which should be in place right now."
The senator's remarks followed a series of significant rulings delivered by the Supreme Court earlier in the week.
Markey emphasized the feasibility of this change, noting, "And we have to fight for that, and we can do that statutorily. It does not require a constitutional amendment. That has to be at the top of the agenda. And that's what I'm talking to my colleagues about right now."
Recent Supreme Court Rulings
Among the high-profile decisions, the Supreme Court rejected former President Donald Trump's attempt to terminate birthright citizenship, with the justices voting 6-3 against the measure.
Additionally, the court upheld legislative measures in Idaho and West Virginia that prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports categories.
The justices further invalidated federal regulations that imposed limits on the amount a political party could contribute to a candidate seeking federal office.
Broader Calls for Judicial Reform
Discussions surrounding Supreme Court restructuring, often termed "court packing," have frequently emerged from liberal circles, particularly following rulings that are met with dissent.
In April, Democratic political strategist James Carville suggested a forceful strategy for the party should it secure control of both houses of Congress in the upcoming November elections.
Carville asserted, "If the Democrats win the presidency and both houses of Congress, I think on day one, they should make Puerto Rico [and] D.C. a state, and they should expand the Supreme Court to 13. F--- it. Eat our dust."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also indicated in April that all options remained open concerning the Supreme Court's future.
Speaking to MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas, Jeffries stated, "We're going to have to do something about this Supreme Court. And let me be very clear: Everything is on the table."
He further elaborated, "Everything to deal with this corrupt MAGA majority that is issuing political opinions that are designed to bolster the prospects of the Republican Party, and we will not allow them to succeed."
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) has similarly voiced support for judicial reform through her social media platforms.
