President Joe Biden has called for sweeping reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court, including 18-year term limits for justices, a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, and a binding, enforceable code of conduct for the high court. The proposals, announced during a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, mark a significant shift in Biden’s stance towards the judiciary and come amidst increasing scrutiny of the court’s recent decisions and ethical controversies.
Biden’s proposed reforms aim to restore public confidence in the Supreme Court, which has faced criticism for decisions such as overturning Roe v. Wade and granting broad immunity to former President Donald Trump. The president emphasized that no one, including Supreme Court justices and the president, should be above the law. He also highlighted the need for justices to disclose gifts, refrain from political activities, and recuse themselves from cases with conflicts of interest.
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed the proposals, stating they would help restore trust in the court and strengthen democracy. She noted the current “crisis of confidence” facing the Supreme Court due to ethics scandals and decisions overturning long-standing precedents.
However, the proposals face significant opposition, particularly from Republicans and conservatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the reforms as politically motivated and unlikely to pass in a divided Congress. Leonard Leo, a conservative legal advocate, also condemned the proposals as attempts to undermine a court that Democrats disagree with.
Despite the challenges, some progressive Democrats have expressed strong support for Biden’s initiatives. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and other liberal lawmakers argue that the reforms are necessary to ensure accountability and fairness in the Supreme Court.
The proposals come at a time when public approval of the Supreme Court is at a historic low, with recent polls indicating widespread disapproval of the court’s performance. Biden’s announcement represents a major policy push as he steps down from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Harris as his successor.
Biden’s Perspective:
Proposal Details:
Proposes term limits for Supreme Court justices:
Calls for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity
Seeks a binding code of conduct for the Supreme Court
Rationale:
Aims to restore public confidence in the Supreme Court
Believes no one, including the president and Supreme Court justices, should be above the law
Emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency
Opposition Perspective (Republicans and Conservatives)
Criticisms:
Argues that the proposals are politically motivated and aim to undermine the conservative-leaning Supreme Court
Claims that the proposed changes are dead on arrival in a divided Congress
Accuses Biden and Democrats of attempting to destroy a court they disagree with
Statements:
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed strong opposition
Leonard Leo criticized the proposals as politically motivated attacks on the court
Supportive Perspective (Progressives and Some Democrats)
Support:
Applauds the proposals as necessary to ensure the Supreme Court’s accountability and fairness
Emphasizes the need for structural changes to address recent ethics scandals and controversial decisions
Statements:
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed the proposals, highlighting the need to restore confidence in the Supreme Court
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse supported the proposals, noting the court’s inability to police itself.
Fox Broadcasting Company:
Biden, Harris call for Supreme Court term limits, code of conduct, limits on presidential immunity
Cable News Network:
Biden calls for major Supreme Court reforms, including term limits, at Civil Rights Act event Monday
Washington Post:
Biden endorses Supreme Court reforms, amendment to limit immunity