Democratic lawmakers are intensifying efforts to impose term limits on U.S. Supreme Court justices , citing a 2024 Fox News poll that shows 78% of voters favor an 18‑year limit. the push comes amid a conservative‑leaning 6‑3 majority and record‑low public confidence, but faces entrenched Republican control of Congress and constitutional hurdles.

78% Voters Back 18‑Year Term Limits

According to a 2024 Fox News poll cited by the report, three‑quarters of Americans support capping Supreme Court service at 18 years. This broad public backing fuels Democratic lawmakers’ claim that the Court has lost moral authority and needs structural reform to regain legitimacy.

Rep. Ro Khanna’s Floor Vote Push

Representative Ro Khanna, who introduced term‑limit legislation last year, is now urging a floor vote, arguing that “the public wants this reform and the Court has lost moral authority.” Khanna’s strategy pairs a legislative proposal with a parallel constitutional amendment effort, hoping to keep the issue alive despite slim chances of immediate success.

Hank Johnson’s 74‑Cosponsor Bill for Active‑Term Limits

Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia has reintroduced a bill that would set 18‑year active terms for justices, after which they would shift to senior status and remain eligible to fill vacancies if the active roster falls below nine. The measure now carries 74 cosponsors, with 17 added since April,signaling growing intra‑party momentum.

Conservative Critique Calls Reform an Abuse of Power

Conservative opponents have labeled the term‑limit push a “naked abuse of power” that threatens judicial independence. They argue that lifetime tenure, protected by the Constitution for over 230 years, shields the Court from political pressure and preserves its role as an impartial arbiter.

Can Congress Override Lifetime Tenure Without a Constitutional Amendment?

Legal scholars remain divided on whether Congress can impose term limits through ordinary legislation. The report notes that even with bipartisan public support,the path forward is blocked by the need for either a constitutional amendment or a clear judicial ruling that Congress has the authority to set such limits.

Chief Justice Roberts Defends Lifetime Tenure

In his 2025 annual report, Chief Justice John Roberts defended the existing system, emphasizing that lifetime tenure and salary protection are essential safeguards for judicial independence. Roberts warned that altering this framework could undermine the Court’s ability to function free from external influence.