President Biden unveiled sweeping changes for the Supreme Court, including term limits, a code of conduct, and limits on presidential immunity, sparking both support and opposition from lawmakers.
President Biden's bold proposals for reforming the Supreme Court have ignited a fierce debate, with supporters hailing them as essential to restoring trust in the court, while critics dismiss them as radical and impractical.
Speaking at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, Biden outlined his vision for a Supreme Court with stricter rules and accountability measures. The centerpiece of his plan is an 18-year term limit for justices, which would allow presidents to appoint new justices every two years.
Biden's Radical SCOTUS Overhaul Proposals Draw Mixed Reactions
Biden also called for a comprehensive code of conduct for justices, requiring them to disclose gifts, avoid political activities, and recuse themselves from cases with conflicts of interest. Additionally, he proposed eliminating presidential immunity for crimes committed while in office.
The President's speech was greeted with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also a candidate for president, endorsed the proposals, stating that "the Supreme Court is facing a clear crisis of confidence."
Biden's Radical SCOTUS Overhaul Proposals Draw Mixed Reactions
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) dismissed the changes as "dead on arrival" in the House, while it is unclear if Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) would support them.
Biden's shift towards a more aggressive approach to the Supreme Court represents a departure from his previous stance. He has previously resisted calls to expand the number of justices on the court, calling it a "bonehead" idea.
Biden's Radical SCOTUS Overhaul Proposals Draw Mixed Reactions
However, the court's recent rulings, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the expansion of presidential immunity, appear to have prompted a change in Biden's thinking. He now argues that his proposals are necessary to restore balance and accountability to the judicial branch.
The controversy over Biden's proposals highlights the deep divisions over the role and legitimacy of the Supreme Court in American society. Some argue that the court has become too partisan and has overstepped its authority, while others defend its independence and its ability to make unpopular but necessary decisions.
Biden's Radical SCOTUS Overhaul Proposals Draw Mixed Reactions
The debate over Biden's proposals is likely to continue in the months ahead, as lawmakers consider their feasibility and potential impact on the nation's highest court.
