Biden argues the Supreme Court has ‘undermined the public’s confidence’
In a significant move aimed at reforming the judicial and executive branches of the U.S. government, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are urging Congress to establish term limits and a code of conduct for the Supreme Court, while also proposing new limits on presidential immunity. A White House official confirmed these initiatives, which represent a push to enhance accountability and restore public confidence in these institutions.
Upcoming Speech and Op-Ed
President Biden plans to outline these proposed reforms during a speech on Monday at the LBJ Presidential Library, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. In anticipation of his remarks, Biden published an op-ed in the Washington Post, where he elaborated on his vision for Supreme Court reform.
“As a U.S. senator for 36 years, including serving as chairman and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, I have overseen more Supreme Court nominations than anyone living today,” Biden wrote. “I have great respect for our institutions and the separation of powers. However, what is happening now is not normal and undermines the public’s confidence in the court’s decisions, including those affecting personal freedoms. We now stand in a breach.”
Presidential Immunity and Supreme Court Term Limits
One of the key elements of Biden’s reform package is the elimination of any immunity a former president enjoys for crimes committed while in office. This move is designed to ensure that no president is above the law and can be held accountable for their actions during their tenure.
Vice President Harris, who is also a presidential candidate, has endorsed these reforms. “Today, there is a clear crisis of confidence facing the Supreme Court as its fairness has been called into question after numerous ethics scandals and decisions overturning long-standing precedent,” Harris stated.
Regarding the Supreme Court, Biden is advocating for an 18-year term limit for justices. This change would create a predictable and regular process for appointing new justices, allowing each president to appoint a new justice every two years. Such a reform aims to depoliticize the court and ensure a balance of perspectives over time.
Code of Conduct for Supreme Court Justices
Biden is also calling for a new code of conduct for Supreme Court justices. This code would require justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases where they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest. These measures are intended to address concerns about ethics and impartiality within the highest court.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris look forward to working with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent the abuse of presidential power, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy,” the White House official said.
These proposed reforms represent a bold effort by the Biden administration to address perceived weaknesses in the American democratic system, aiming to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and trust in the nation’s highest institutions. As Biden prepares to present his case to the nation, the conversation about the future of the Supreme Court and presidential accountability is set to intensify.