Sen. Ron Wyden introduces Supreme Court reform bill amid legitimacy crisis

In the United States, Senator Ron Wyden introduced the "Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act" aimed at reforming the Supreme Court amid concerns over its legitimacy. The proposed legislation seeks to expand the number of justices from nine to fifteen over a twelve-year period and mandates public disclosure of justices' tax returns, with the IRS required to audit them. Wyden argues that these reforms are necessary to restore public trust and enhance accountability within the judiciary, particularly in light of recent controversies involving justices. The bill also includes provisions to split the 9th Circuit Court and increase the number of judgeships to improve access to justice. Critics, including some Republicans, have labeled the proposal as radical, claiming it undermines the integrity of the judiciary and could weaken the Court's role as a check on legislative power. The push for reform reflects a growing sentiment among Democrats regarding the conservative majority on the Court, which they believe threatens the balance of power and judicial independence.