To: The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Donald Trump
60% consensus required to approve SC justice appointment
Amend the constitution to require a full 60% of the US senate to approve the appointment of a supreme court justice instead of the current 51%. It is too easy for a President to appoint a justice with more extreme values than would represent a broad portion of the population. And there is too much party polarization involved now with such appointments. Stronger checks and balances are needed to ensure that the justices are appointed without a tyranny of a simple majority. Make the filibuster permanent so that justices can be appointed based on their ability to interpret the constitution instead of their political bias.
Why is this important?
A 60% consensus of the senate will more likely ensure supreme court justices represent a broader population's values by encouraging the president to appoint a justice that will be more moderate and by encouraging the senate to vote beyond party politics. No more tyranny of the majority when appointing justices!
With the present 51% simple majority required for approval, a president who controls the senate can appoint justices with extreme political bias rather than based on their understanding of the constitution. The minority senators can filibuster, but this polarizes the senate along party lines. The American people are not served well by this.
With the present 51% simple majority required for approval, a president who controls the senate can appoint justices with extreme political bias rather than based on their understanding of the constitution. The minority senators can filibuster, but this polarizes the senate along party lines. The American people are not served well by this.