REPORT: Outgoing senator pushes constitutional amendment for Supreme Court term limits

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From Fox News: Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., and Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., are proposing a constitutional amendment that would institute a term limit system for future Supreme Court justices.

Currently, high court justices do not face constraints on the length of their service. They ” … shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour …” the U.S. Constitution states.

The proposed amendment would create 18-year terms, with new terms beginning every two years. But the term limits would only impact justices appointed after ratification — all current justices would still be able to remain on the bench as long as they wish.

“The proposed amendment would not adjust the tenure of sitting Justices, but rather institute a transition period to maintain regular vacancies as current Justices retire,” a Manchin press release explains. “During that period, 18-year terms will begin every two years, regardless of when a current Justice leaves the bench. Once a current Justice retires, the newly appointed Justice will serve out the remainder of the next open 18-year term. The amendment would not change the overall number of Justices on the Court.”

Manchin announced in May that he was leaving the Democrat Party and becoming an Independent. He did not run for re-election this year, and will retire when his term ends the first of January.

“I’m proud to introduce legislation with @SenPeterWelch that would establish 18-year term limits for Justices of the United States Supreme Court,” Manchin announced Monday.

“The current lifetime Supreme Court appointment structure is broken and fuels polarizing confirmation battles and political posturing that has eroded public confidence in the highest court in our land.

“Our amendment maintains that there shall never be more than nine Justices and would gradually create regular vacancies on the Court, allowing the President to appoint a new Justice every two years with the advice and consent of the United States Senate,” he wrote.

CLICK HERE to read his entire press release.

Manchin’s proposal is getting considerable pushback on social media.

“Start with limits for Congress,” declared Michelle Maxwell.

Another X user suggested, “I would be open to an 18 year term limit on Justices if we get a 2 term limit on Congress in return. I think that would be fair. What say you?”

“Now do one for your job, the real problem. Show us you’re serious,” another suggested.

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