Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
This bill, titled the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026, proposes changes to how Supreme Court justices are appointed. It would require the President to appoint one justice within the first 120 days of the first and third years of a presidential term, with the Senate's advice and consent. If a nomination is withdrawn or rejected, the President would have another 120 days to appoint a replacement. The bill also modifies how justices preside over different types of cases, with only the nine most recently appointed justices hearing appellate cases.
The bill would affect the Supreme Court itself by establishing a regular schedule for appointing justices and altering the composition of justices who hear appellate jurisdiction cases. It also defines terms such as "appellate jurisdiction cases" and "permanent vacancy." If passed, the act would take effect at the beginning of the first full presidential term after the bill is enacted.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. As it has just been introduced, it is early in the legislative process. It would need to be considered and passed by the Senate Committee, then by the full Senate, and subsequently by the House of Representatives, before being sent to the President for signature or veto.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 5076 do?
- This bill, titled the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act of 2026, proposes changes to how Supreme Court justices are appointed. It would require the President to appoint one justice within the first 120 days of the first and third years of a presidential term, with the Senate's advice and consent. If a nomination is withdrawn or rejected, the President would have another 120 days to appoint a replacement. The bill also modifies how justices preside over different types of cases, with only the nine most recently appointed justices hearing appellate cases. The bill would affect the Supreme Court itself by establishing a regular schedule for appointing justices and altering the composition of justices who hear appellate jurisdiction cases. It also defines terms such as "appellate jurisdiction cases" and "permanent vacancy." If passed, the act would take effect at the beginning of the first full presidential term after the bill is enacted. This bill was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. As it has just been introduced, it is early in the legislative process. It would need to be considered and passed by the Senate Committee, then by the full Senate, and subsequently by the House of Representatives, before being sent to the President for signature or veto.
- Has S. 5076 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5076. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5076?
- S. 5076 was sponsored by Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (D-RI), with 10 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5076?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (22 Jul 2026).
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