President Biden has announced the need for Supreme Court reform following several controversial decisions and scandals involving its recent rulings.
As he departed for a speech in Austin, Texas, Biden emphasized the necessity of these reforms in an opinion piece for the Washington Post, stressing that "no one is above the law."
The President's call for change comes after the 2022 repeal of the nationwide right to abortion and other significant rulings that have undermined public confidence in the Court.
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Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden's sentiments, urging Congress to pass the proposed reforms to restore faith in the judiciary and strengthen democracy.
However, with a deeply divided Congress, the chances of these reforms passing are slim. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled Biden's proposal as "dead on arrival," arguing it would disrupt the balance of power and erode trust in the justice system.
Legal expert Steven Schwinn noted that Biden's plan has a "close to zero" chance of passing but suggested the President's efforts are to raise public awareness and make Supreme Court reform a key issue for the 2024 election.
The Court's 6-3 conservative majority, solidified by three appointments during Trump's presidency, has played a pivotal role in shaping American lives, from reproductive rights to environmental policies.
Biden's shift towards advocating for court reform follows several judicial setbacks to his policies, including overturning Roe v. Wade, limiting federal agency powers, and blocking his student debt forgiveness plan.
Ethics scandals have plagued the Court, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito facing scrutiny over undisclosed luxury vacations and conflicts of interest related to Trump.
As Biden aims to address these issues, his proposals highlight a critical moment for the Supreme Court's role in American democracy, setting the stage for potential electoral motivations ahead of the November 2024 elections.
