Biden Weighs Major Supreme Court Reforms: Term Limits and Ethics Code
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is considering significant reforms to the Supreme Court, including term limits for justices and a binding code of ethics. Sources familiar with the plans revealed that Biden informed some Democratic lawmakers about his intentions last weekend.
Proposed Reforms
Biden’s proposals under consideration involve:
- Term Limits: Introducing legislation to establish term limits for Supreme Court justices.
- Ethics Code: Implementing an updated, enforceable code of ethics for the justices.
These changes would require congressional approval, a challenging prospect given the current political landscape.
Consultations and Discussions
During a virtual meeting with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Biden shared that he has been consulting constitutional scholars on these reforms for over a month. He emphasized the need for collaboration with lawmakers, stating, “I’m going to need your help and advice on how we should be doing what I’m going to be doing there.”
Political Implications
While Biden has long been cautious about restructuring the Supreme Court, recent events and decisions have increased calls for reform. The current conservative majority on the court and controversial rulings, such as the elimination of federal abortion rights, have spurred Democratic efforts for change.
Legislative Efforts
- House Proposals: Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) have introduced legislation for 18-year term limits for future justices. This would ensure regular vacancies and reduce partisan retirements.
- Senate Challenges: Senate Democrats recently attempted to pass Supreme Court ethics legislation but faced Republican opposition.
Looking Ahead
If Democrats succeed in future elections, they might have a better chance of passing these reforms. For now, Biden’s proposals serve as a rallying point for Democratic voters and a potential campaign issue.
Khanna commended Biden’s shift towards supporting term limits, stating, “It is a big step for him to now call for commonsense term limits for the court and a judicial code of ethics.”
President Biden’s potential endorsement of Supreme Court reforms, including term limits and a binding code of ethics, marks a significant shift in his approach to the judiciary. As the political landscape evolves, these proposals could play a crucial role in future legislative and electoral battles