President Joe Biden has put forth a comprehensive proposal for reforms at the U.S. Supreme Court, urging Congress to implement term limits and an ethics code for the nine justices. The plan also includes a call for a constitutional amendment to restrict presidential immunity.
The White House outlined Biden's proposal, acknowledging the challenges of gaining approval from a closely divided Congress so close to the upcoming election. Despite the potential hurdles, Democrats see this as an opportunity to engage voters and highlight the importance of the issue.
Biden's proposal aims to address concerns about the current conservative majority on the court, which has led to controversial decisions overturning long-standing precedents on issues like abortion rights and federal regulations.
The President advocates for ending lifetime appointments to the court and suggests a system where justices serve 18-year terms, with a new appointment every two years by the sitting president. This change is intended to bring more predictability and regularity to the nomination process.
In addition to term limits, Biden is pushing for a code of ethics for justices that includes disclosure of gifts, refraining from political activities, and recusal in cases involving conflicts of interest. He also seeks a constitutional amendment to reverse the recent ruling granting broad immunity to former presidents.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns about the court's integrity, with revelations about justices' conduct raising questions about impartiality. Biden emphasizes the need to restore public confidence in the court's decisions, particularly those impacting personal freedoms.
While the road to implementing these reforms may be challenging, Biden remains committed to the cause. His proposal reflects a significant shift from his earlier stance on court reform, signaling a renewed focus on upholding constitutional principles and ensuring the court's accountability.
As the debate over Supreme Court reform continues, both Democrats and Republicans are framing the issue as crucial to the future of the judiciary and the country's democratic values. The upcoming election is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the direction of the court and its role in American society.
