U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) has expressed strong support for President Biden’s newly unveiled proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court. In his statement, Durbin commended the President for spotlighting the Court’s ongoing ethical dilemmas, which have become a significant concern for the public and lawmakers alike.
Durbin detailed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s findings, which have uncovered instances of Supreme Court justices accepting lavish trips funded by wealthy benefactors, raising questions about their ability to remain impartial. A notable example he cited was Justice Clarence Thomas, who did not recuse himself from cases linked to the January 6th insurrection, despite his spouse’s involvement with political organizations seeking to overturn the 2020 election.
Highlighting the potential conflict of interest, Durbin criticized the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity, arguing it was flawed and needs correction. He urged Chief Justice John Roberts to take proactive steps to address these ethical issues. However, Durbin also emphasized that if Roberts fails to act, Congress should use its constitutional authority to enforce necessary reforms.
Durbin reiterated his long-standing push for the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act, a bill that would enforce a binding code of conduct for justices, improve transparency, and establish mechanisms to investigate ethical violations. He announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing in September to further discuss the impact of the Supreme Court’s controversial decision on presidential immunity. Durbin’s commitment reflects his ongoing effort to ensure accountability and integrity within the nation’s highest court.
