In response to last year's ProPublica report revealing undisclosed gifts provided by oil magnate and political donor, Harlan Crow, to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, the Senate committee launched an investigation. New information has come to light as a result of negotiations between the Senate and Crow's attorneys, suggesting there may be more revelations in the future.

The investigation, led by the committee's chair, Senator Dick Durbin, revealed that Crow had provided numerous gifts to Thomas, including private school tuition for a relative and luxury vacations spanning over two decades. Democrats on the committee had authorized a subpoena for information from Crow last November, but it was not issued.

The newly revealed information, covering the past seven years, highlights Thomas' frequent use of Crow's private jet for personal travel, indicating a lavish lifestyle reminiscent of the ultra-wealthy. Crow owns a high-end Bombardier Global 5000 jet, which can cost over $10,000 per flight hour to charter.

The relationship between Crow and Thomas began in 1996 when Crow offered to fly the justice to Dallas for a speech. Since then, Crow has flown Thomas to various destinations around the world. The purpose of these trips remains unclear, as the released details only include flight dates and locations.

Notably, on May 2017, Thomas flew from St. Louis to Kalispell, Montana, and then to Dallas two days later. Thomas was originally scheduled for a speech at a local bar association in St. Louis during that time. Other instances include a one-day round trip from the East Coast to San Jose, California, on June 29, 2021, and a round-trip flight from Washington, D.C., to Savannah, Georgia, on March 23, 2019.

ProPublica was unable to find evidence of public appearances by Thomas in Montana, Georgia, or California on the respective dates.

The Senate committee plans to release a report in the summer detailing the full findings of the investigation. Senator Durbin emphasized the need for an enforceable code of conduct for the Supreme Court, indicating that the newly discovered gifts highlight significant ethical lapses.

Crow's office stated that he provided information covering the past seven years and that the committee has agreed to end its probe regarding Crow. On the other hand, Justice Thomas has not yet responded to the recent revelations.

The committee had also authorized a subpoena for conservative legal activist Leonard Leo, who joined Thomas on at least one trip with Crow and assisted in organizing a luxury fishing vacation for Justice Samuel Alito. Leo has publicly stated that he will not comply with the subpoena.

The Senate's investigation into the undisclosed gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas has ignited a debate surrounding ethics in the highest court and underscores the need for a clear and enforceable code of conduct for Supreme Court justices.