Following a string of unfavorable Supreme Court decisions, progressive Democrats are intensifying their push for President Biden to expand the court. The Congressional Progressive Caucus is advocating for term limits and the appointment of additional justices to counter the current 6-3 conservative majority. This renewed effort comes amidst claims from some Democrats, including President Biden, that question the court's legitimacy, particularly after the recent overturning of affirmative action.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, urged Congress to pass legislation to expand the Supreme Court and implement stricter ethics and recusal standards, along with increased transparency regarding lobbying and financial interests. Rep. Don Beyer echoed these concerns, citing recent decisions on reproductive and voting rights as having eroded public trust in the court, compounded by questions surrounding financial ties between justices and conservative donors.

Congressional Democrats are applying increasing pressure on President Biden to expand the Supreme Court. (Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Getty Images)

While President Biden commissioned a study on potential court reforms, the resulting report advised against expansion—a concept many Democrats prefer to call "expanding the court." Despite this, figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have indicated that the possibility remains open for discussion, emphasizing the need for term limits and ethical guidelines for justices.

Nancy Pelosi has advocated for term limits and suggested that expanding the court should remain a topic of conversation. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Biden's recent comments questioning the court's normalcy after the affirmative action ruling have drawn criticism. The President expressed strong disagreement with the decision, adding fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the court's legitimacy.

President Biden faces mounting pressure to expand the court, a move he has previously resisted. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Democratic criticism of the Supreme Court's legitimacy has been recurring since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation, escalating further after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This latest wave of calls for court expansion signifies a renewed effort to reshape the court's composition and influence.