EXPANDING SCOTUS

On 2026-09-02, Representative Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11) delivered a floor speech titled "EXPANDING SCOTUS" in the House.

EXPANDING SCOTUS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [House] [Page H5433] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EXPANDING SCOTUS (Ms. Mejia of New Jersey was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, our forefathers showed tremendous wisdom at the founding of our Nation. They created a republic based on democratic values but remained keenly aware of the danger power, ambition, and corruption could present to future generations. Today, House Republicans are asking Congress to surrender its power, a power that rightfully belongs to the American people. Our Founding Fathers gave Congress countervailing power to the executive, which this ideologically captured Court is actively attempting to upend. That is disgraceful, and if we do not forcefully push back, it will not end. Expanding the Court is one of the clearest tools we have to restore its integrity. Ethics reforms and staggered term limits would prevent any single President from stripping the American people of our democracy. Every day we let this administration tighten its grip on our highest court of the land puts every single constitutional protection we enjoy at risk. I did not come to Congress to watch our democracy get dismantled in silence. I will not watch it happen now. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to gather the intestinal fortitude to do what is right in this moment because history and the American people are watching. recognizing niheema malloy Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of Niheema Malloy, the first woman and the first Black woman to serve as chief of police in Maplewood, New Jersey. Chief Malloy was appointed to this position with over 25 years of law enforcement experience. Under her leadership, Maplewood would have a department built on community partnership, officers trained in de- escalation, in crisis response, and in listening before a crisis ever happens. Chief Malloy is committed to putting Maplewood first by ensuring that community safety and protection go hand in hand with the well-being of our residents. New Jersey is proud of Chief Niheema Malloy. Her leadership reflects the very best of our communities, and I thank her for her remarkable service. congratulating major general christopher d. schneider Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Major General Christopher D. Schneider for his new role as the commanding general of Picatinny Arsenal in addition to serving as the portfolio acquisition executive for agile sustainment and ammunition. General Schneider brings to this role more than three decades of distinguished service to our Nation. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, he began his career as an infantry officer, serving with the 1st Infantry Division, the 18th Airborne Corps, and the 82nd Airborne Division. Also, he served with the 75th Ranger Regiment, with deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He later transitioned to the Army Acquisition Corps, where he held senior leadership positions focused on strengthening our Nation's military capabilities and advancing critical technologies. As commanding general of Picatinny Arsenal, General Schneider takes on an important responsibility for the U.S. Army and will be supported by one of the most talented and hardworking workforces in the Army right here in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. I congratulate General Schneider on his new role and look forward to working with him to support Picatinny Arsenal, its workforce, and our national security. I welcome General Schneider to Picatinny and thank him for his service to our country. ____________________