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Senate passes resolution urging Congress to 'keep nine' on Supreme Court
Summary
The Utah Senate approved a joint resolution urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to fix the U.S. Supreme Court at nine justices; floor debate framed the measure as protecting judicial independence and drew one recorded nay vote.
The Utah State Senate on day 7 passed Senate Joint Resolution 2, a measure urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to fix the United States Supreme Court at nine justices.
Sponsor Senator Wilson argued the resolution would protect judicial independence and guard against partisan attempts to change the Court’s size. "An independent Supreme Court of nine justices has protected our constitutional rights," Wilson said, urging legislators to signal support for a congressional amendment.
Senator Weiler spoke in favor as well, warning of partisan flip‑flops and arguing the change should be codified. The resolution drew one recorded nay vote on final passage; the tally on final reading was 27 yeas, 1 nay and 1 absent.
The resolution is symbolic — a state legislative expression of position — and does not itself change federal law. Sponsors said the measure is intended to press Congress to act and to build grassroots momentum at the state level; Wilson cited other state chambers and public polling as evidence of growing support.
Senator Wilson said the aim is to "signal to Congress that we are prepared to ratify this amendment" and to encourage a national conversation. Opponents did not offer extended floor debate during the recorded proceedings, and Senate passage indicates the chamber’s majority support of the position.
The resolution passed on final reading and will be transmitted according to legislative practice.
