Story perspectives

House Judiciary Holds Court-Packing Hearing; Public Prefers Limits

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 21, the House Judiciary Committee held a court-packing hearing, with Republicans warning of risks and Democrats urging more seats.
The hearing referenced the Supreme Court practice of assigning justices to circuits as a model.
Polls show the public prefers ethics rules and term limits over adding Supreme Court seats.
Nine justices now cover thirteen circuits, with only Justice Neil Gorsuch west of the Mississippi, indicating reduced geographic representation.

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Story summary

On May 21, the House Judiciary Committee held a court-packing hearing, with Republicans warning of risks and Democrats urging more seats.
The hearing referenced the Supreme Court practice of assigning justices to circuits as a model.
Polls show the public prefers ethics rules and term limits over adding Supreme Court seats.
Nine justices now cover thirteen circuits, with only Justice Neil Gorsuch west of the Mississippi, indicating reduced geographic representation.