Senate Majority Leader Schumer Outlines Ambitious Plans to Reform Supreme Court and Federal Judiciary if Democrats Win 2024 Elections

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
01/08/2024 22h41

In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer revealed his extensive plans to bring about significant reforms to the Supreme Court and federal judiciary if Democrats secure victory in the 2024 elections. Schumer emphasized the urgency of these reforms, stating that they are crucial for the well-being of the republic.

According to Schumer, Republicans have executed a "brilliant but destructive" strategy to tilt the courts towards a far-right agenda that lacks public support. He claimed that Republicans have succeeded in their three-decade-long endeavor to control the courts, prompting Democrats to take action.

Among the proposed reforms is the implementation of a binding code of ethics for justices, aimed at ensuring transparency and impartiality. This was prompted by a report from ProPublica, revealing undisclosed gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas from a wealthy GOP donor. Additionally, Schumer suggested the enactment of 18-year term limits for justices to prevent their lifetime appointments.

Another crucial aspect of the proposed reforms aims to address the issue of "forum shopping," where litigants strategically choose specific divisions and judges with favorable leanings. Schumer aims to put an end to this practice, enabling fair and unbiased adjudication.

Notably, Schumer unveiled the "No Kings Act," which seeks to overturn the Supreme Court's ruling regarding presidential immunity. This ruling maintains that presidents are immune from prosecution for certain "official acts." Schumer also intends to rein in the court's ability to determine how criminal laws are applied.

Furthermore, the "Women's Health Protection Act" would restore federal abortion rights, effectively reversing the Supreme Court's recent decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. These proposals showcase the Democrats' determination to protect reproductive rights.

Schumer acknowledged that the potential for implementing these reforms hinges on Democrats winning control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in 2024. He stated that if this occurs, a broad range of ideas will be considered to rectify the ethical and substantive challenges that currently plague the Supreme Court.

The Senate Majority Leader expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Justice John Roberts, accusing him of neglecting his responsibilities to enforce ethical standards within the court. To make these reforms possible, Schumer would need to navigate around the 60-vote rule in the Senate and potentially seek to overcome the filibuster.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the de facto Democratic presidential nominee, has endorsed the proposed term limits and ethics rules. She raised concerns about the credibility of the Supreme Court and its numerous ethics scandals, as well as the decisions overturning long-standing precedent.

Before the end of this year, Schumer's immediate priority is to confirm more judges, with a goal of surpassing the number confirmed during former President Donald Trump's tenure. So far, President Joe Biden's administration has successfully confirmed 205 judges, but Schumer hopes to surpass Trump's total.

While Republican opposition to these reforms remains strong, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declaring them "dead on arrival," Schumer believes that the issue transcends ideological disputes. The Senate Majority Leader's determination to bring about change in the courts reflects the Democrats' commitment to ensuring a fair and balanced judiciary system for the American people.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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