President Joe Biden recently consulted Vice President Kamala Harris closely before unveiling his comprehensive package of Supreme Court reforms. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed that Harris played a significant role in the decision-making process. Jean-Pierre highlighted Harris' background as a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former attorney general, emphasizing that Biden valued her expertise in this area.
While the proposed reforms face significant challenges, White House Director of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin expressed optimism about the public's influence on Congress. Benjamin acknowledged that the reforms would necessitate legislative action and refrained from commenting on the feasibility of the proposal. He noted that public sentiment, particularly among voters who feel strongly about the issue, could sway congressional representatives.
The package of reforms includes ambitious measures such as advocating for a constitutional amendment to remove presidential immunity for crimes committed while in office, implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices, and establishing a binding code of conduct for the high court. However, due to the current political landscape of a divided Congress, the likelihood of these reforms being enacted is minimal.
Despite the challenges, the proposals serve as a strategic message ahead of the upcoming elections, aiming to energize the Democratic Party's progressive base. The administration's efforts to address Supreme Court reforms underscore the importance of public engagement and legislative action in shaping the future of the judiciary system.
