July 17, 2024
In a bold move, President Joe Biden is poised to introduce sweeping reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court, aiming to impose term limits on justices and establish a binding code of ethics.
This proposal comes amid increasing scrutiny of the court’s conservative majority and recent controversial rulings.
Biden, who has traditionally resisted calls for such reforms, previewed this significant initiative during a call with progressive lawmakers last week, promising a “major overhaul” of the court.
An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposed reforms would require congressional approval, necessitating 60 votes in the Senate, a steep challenge even if Democrats retain control of both chambers.
Additionally, Biden is considering a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, a direct response to a recent Supreme Court decision protecting presidents from criminal prosecution for certain acts.
These proposals mark a stark shift for Biden, who, during his 2020 campaign, rejected the idea of expanding the court and instead formed a commission to study possible changes.
However, recent decisions by the court’s conservative majority—with pro-life rulings, blocking gun control measures, and eliminating affirmative action—have prompted Biden to adopt a more aggressive stance.
The push for reform reflects Biden’s response to mounting pressure from within his party, especially from progressive Democrats who doubt his re-election viability after a shaky debate performance.
As this initiative unfolds, the nation will watch closely to see if these significant reforms can navigate the legislative hurdles ahead and bring lasting change to the Supreme Court.
