Center for Popular Democracy Action’s Statement on New Legislation to Expand Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Thursday, April 15, 2021

CONTACT:
press@populardemocracy.org

Statement issued by Ana Maria Archila, Co-Executive Director of Center for Popular Democracy Action

“Today, we applaud Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Mondaire Jones (D-NY) for introducing historic legislation to add four associate justices to the Supreme Court. On top of the Republican’s blatant efforts to pack the courts with right-wing justices who are committed to dismantling our democracy, we know that it is impossible for this highly unrepresentative panel of jurists to represent and respond to the needs of the people — especially those in historically marginalized communities. The court’s rulings have a life-altering impact on communities of color, immigrants, LBGTQ people and low-income communities as the Court decides important questions regarding civil rights, regulating the economy, immigration and our election system. It is past time we fix this broken system to finally represent the will of the people.  

For four years, the Center for Popular Democracy Action and our allies fought back against the continued erosion of our rights, which we count on the Court to protect. We led over a month of daily protests in Washington, D.C. to stop the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, made it clear to voters that the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett was a breach of democracy, and opposed toxic Circuit Court picks like Steven Menashi. During this time, there was widespread fear that the damage done to the country’s highest court was irreparable. Yet the introduction of this bill is a crucial first step to make the sweeping changes this institution — and our judiciary as a whole —  desperately needs. We must seize this moment to transform the Supreme Court, wrest it free from right-wing extremism, and reimagine this institution as one that protects all people and communities.” 

CPD Action is holding an event at 6 p.m. tonight with Rep. Mondaire Jones and Take Back the Court Action Fund to discuss its goals for expanding the courts. Register here. 

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ABOUT CENTER FOR POPULAR DEMOCRACY ACTION
Center for Popular Democracy Action promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD Action builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda.